Chile entry requirements for United States passport holders
Verified May 14, 2026·View sources
No visa required
90 days
Max stay
90 days
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
U.S. passport holders can visit Chile for tourism or business for up to 90 days without a visa. As of 2026, you only need your passport and a few documents — no visa application or fee.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your passport needs to be valid for the entire time you plan to be in Chile. Airlines at US departure gates will check this before you board. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Chile | Immigration officers at Santiago (SCL) routinely ask for a return or onward ticket out of Chile. Have a printed or digital copy of your flight itinerary ready. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Officers may ask where you're staying, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary. Have your first night's hotel confirmation or a letter from your host ready. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself during your stay | You may be asked to show you have enough money for your trip. A credit card or a bank statement showing a few hundred dollars is usually sufficient. | Recommended |
No visa, no fee
U.S. passport holders get 90 days visa-free. No application, no payment, no arrival form. Just your passport and a return ticket.
6-month passport rule is strict
Chile enforces the 6-month validity rule from your entry date. If your passport expires sooner, renew before you go — airlines check this at check-in.
What happens at the border
1
Prepare documents before departure
Ensure your passport has 6+ months validity and at least 1 blank page. Book your return/onward ticket and first night's accommodation. Save screenshots of everything on your phone.
2
Arrive at Santiago (SCL) or other airport
At Santiago's Arturo Merino Benítez Airport, follow signs to 'Extranjería' (immigration). U.S. passport holders use the 'Todos los Pasaportes' line — not the separate line for Mercosur citizens.
3
Present documents to immigration officer
Hand over your passport and return ticket if asked. The officer will stamp your passport with a 90-day entry. No visa fee. No arrival declaration form needed.
4
Collect luggage and proceed to customs
After immigration, grab your bags and walk through customs. There's a green channel for nothing to declare and a red channel for goods over $500 or restricted items.
Download Chile Entry Checklist
PDF · United States Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 14, 2026
Overstay calculator
Enter your arrival date and we'll tell you exactly when you need to leave.
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay90 days, non-extendable
Validity90 days from issue
CostFree (not required for visa-free entry)
US citizens do not need a tourist visa for stays up to 90 days.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry, non-extendable
Validity1 year
CostFree (not required for visa-free entry)
Not applicable for visa-free travel; listed for reference.
Long-stay visa (temporary residence)
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
CostApproximately $100 USD (application fee)
Requires proof of income, clean criminal record, and purpose (e.g., work, study, retirement).
retirement visa
Temporary Residence Visa for Retirees (Pensionado)
1 year, renewable annually
Approximately $100 USD application fee
For retirees with a stable pension income (minimum ~$1,000 USD/month). Allows residency and access to healthcare. Renewable indefinitely.
digital nomad visa
Digital Nomad Visa (Visa de Residencia Temporal para Trabajadores Remotos)
1 year, renewable
Approximately $100 USD application fee
For remote workers with income from abroad (minimum ~$1,500 USD/month). Allows stay and work for foreign employers. Renewable.
work visa
Work Visa (Visa de Trabajo)
1 year, renewable
Approximately $100 USD application fee
Requires a job offer from a Chilean employer. Employer sponsors the visa. Renewable and can lead to permanent residency.
student visa
Student Visa (Visa de Estudiante)
1 year, renewable
Approximately $100 USD application fee
For enrollment in a recognized Chilean educational institution. Allows part-time work with authorization. Renewable annually.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Not applicable for visa-free travel; listed for reference. | Free (not required for visa-free entry) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Not applicable for visa-free travel; listed for reference. | Free (not required for visa-free entry) |
| Stay extension feeVisa-free stays cannot be extended; must leave and re-enter if eligible. | Free (not available for visa-free entry) |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay fines are assessed at discretion; avoid overstaying. | Approximately $100 USD per day (estimated) |
| Overstay fine maximum capOverstaying can lead to deportation and future entry bans. | No official cap; fines accumulate daily |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Overstay history20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Chile
No transit visa needed
US citizens transiting through Chile do not need a transit visa. They can stay airside for up to 24 hours without passing through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport or staying longer than 24 hours, visa-free entry rules apply (90 days).
Transit hubsArturo Merino Benítez International Airport (SCL) - Santiago · Comodoro Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport (SCL) - Santiago
Health & vaccines for Chile
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever risk (e.g., Brazil, Peru).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, influenza)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Altitude sicknessModerate risk
Common in high-altitude areas like San Pedro de Atacama and the Andes; acclimatize gradually.
Food and waterborne diseasesLow risk
Risk is low in urban areas; drink bottled water in remote regions.
Mosquito-borne diseases (dengue, chikungunya)Low risk
Risk is low overall, but present in northern regions during summer.
Malaria risk: low
Malaria risk is very low; prophylaxis not routinely recommended except for remote Amazonian areas.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Santiago
Departamento de Extranjería y Migración
Av. San Antonio 580, Santiago
Mon–Fri 08:30–14:00
Main office for visa applications and residency. Arrive early to avoid long queues.
Valparaíso
Oficina de Extranjería Valparaíso
Calle Prat 856, Valparaíso
Mon–Fri 09:00–14:00
Handles visa extensions and residency for the region.
Practical information for US travellers
Country basics
CapitalSantiago
LanguageSpanish
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS visitors can drive with a valid US license for up to 90 days.
Money
CurrencyChilean peso (CLP)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 897.17 CLP
Time zone
Local timeUTC-3
vs New York+1h
vs Los Angeles+4h
Electricity
Voltage220V / 50Hz
Plug types
C,LType C (European 2-pin) and Type L (Italian 3-pin) are common.
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Safe to drink
Tap water is generally safe to drink in urban areas.
Emergency numbers
Frequently asked questions
No, the 90-day visa-free stay cannot be extended. If you want to stay longer, you must apply for a temporary residence visa at a Chilean consulate before you travel, or leave Chile and re-enter after a short absence (though immigration may question frequent back-to-back visits).
No. As of 2026, there is no arrival declaration or online pre-registration required for U.S. passport holders. Just show up with your passport and return ticket.
You will likely be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry by Chilean immigration. Renew your passport before you travel. The 6-month rule is strictly enforced.
Yes, 1 blank page is sufficient. But if you have zero blank pages, you'll be turned away. Get a new passport if you're running low.
No. U.S. passport holders transiting through Chile (e.g., connecting flights at Santiago) do not need a visa as long as you stay airside and don't pass through immigration. If you need to leave the airport, you'll need to go through immigration and get the 90-day tourist entry.
You'll be fined approximately $100–$200 USD (paid at the immigration office) and may be banned from re-entering Chile for a period. Overstays are taken seriously. Leave before day 90.
Technically, tourism does not permit work — including remote work for a foreign employer. In practice, many digital nomads do it quietly, but it's a gray area. Chile has a specific Digital Nomad Visa (temporary visa for remote workers) if you want to stay longer and be fully legal.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 14, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.