Chile entry requirements for Zimbabwe passport holders
Checked daily · Updated June 1, 2026·View sources
Visa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Zimbabwean passport holders need a visa to enter Chile. You must apply at a Chilean embassy or consulate before you travel — there is no visa on arrival or e-visa option as of 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Visa required | You need a visa before traveling to Chile. Apply at the Chilean embassy or consulate in your country of residence — there is no eVisa option for Zimbabwe passport holders. Processing takes 10–15 business days, and you must submit your passport in person or by mail.Chile Migration Service | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your stay | Your passport must have at least 6 months of validity remaining from your date of entry into Chile. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers at Santiago (SCL) routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return flight or a ticket to your next destination ready. A bus ticket to Argentina or Peru also counts. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to carry | Officers may ask where you are staying. Have a hotel booking confirmation or a letter of invitation from a host. If staying with friends, a simple signed note with their address and phone number works. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended to carry | Chile does not publish a fixed minimum, but officers expect to see at least $50–$100 USD per day of your stay. A recent bank statement or a credit card with a sufficient limit usually satisfies them. | Recommended |
No visa on arrival — plan ahead
Chile does not offer visa on arrival or e-visa for Zimbabwean passport holders. You must get a visa from a Chilean embassy before you travel. Start the process at least 4 weeks in advance.
Nearest embassy is in South Africa
Since there is no Chilean embassy in Zimbabwe, you will likely need to apply through the embassy in Pretoria, South Africa. Some applicants use a travel agent or courier service to submit documents. Confirm jurisdiction with the embassy first.
What happens at the border
1
Contact the Chilean embassy or consulate
Find the nearest Chilean embassy or consulate in your region (e.g., South Africa, Kenya, or the UK). Check their website for specific application instructions, required documents, and fees. Some embassies require an appointment.
2
Prepare your documents
Gather your passport (valid 6+ months), completed visa application form, passport-sized photos, return flight booking, hotel confirmation, bank statements (proof of funds), and any additional documents requested by the embassy.
3
Submit your application
Submit the application in person or by mail, pay the visa fee (typically $30–$60 USD, varies by embassy), and wait for processing. Processing time is usually 10–20 business days.
4
Collect your visa
Once approved, collect your passport with the visa sticker. Double-check the validity dates and your name spelling before leaving the embassy.
5
Arrive in Chile
At Santiago's Arturo Merino Benítez Airport (SCL) or other entry points, present your passport with visa, return ticket, and accommodation proof. Immigration officers may ask about your itinerary. No arrival declaration form is required.
Download Chile Entry Checklist
PDF · Zimbabwe Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 1, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost~$60 USD
Standard tourist visa for single entry. Must apply at Chilean embassy.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity1 year from issue
Cost~$100 USD
Multiple-entry visa for frequent travelers. Requires proof of sufficient funds.
Work visa
Max stayUp to 2 years, renewable
Validity2 years
Cost~$200 USD
Requires a job offer and employer sponsorship. Allows work in Chile.
Student visa
Max stayDuration of studies
ValidityUp to 1 year, renewable
Cost~$150 USD
For enrolled students at recognized institutions. Must show proof of enrollment.
work visa
Work Visa (Visa de Trabajo)
Up to 2 years, renewable
~$200 USD
For those with a job offer in Chile. Requires employer sponsorship and a contract. Allows work and residency.
student visa
Student Visa (Visa de Estudiante)
Duration of studies, renewable annually
~$150 USD
For enrolled students at accredited institutions. Requires proof of enrollment and financial means.
retirement visa
Temporary Residence for Retirees (Residencia Temporal para Jubilados)
1 year, renewable
~$300 USD
For retirees with a stable pension. Requires proof of monthly income (approx. $1,000 USD). Allows residency.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Fee for a single-entry tourist visa for Zimbabwe passport holders. | ~$60 USD (equivalent in local currency) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Fee for a multiple-entry tourist visa, valid for up to 90 days. | ~$100 USD (equivalent in local currency) |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay fines are charged daily, with a maximum cap. Avoid overstaying. | ~$1.50 USD per day (maximum cap ~$150 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete documentation20%
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
Transit visa required
Zimbabwe passport holders need a transit visa to change planes in Chile, even if staying airside.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid US, Canada, UK, Australia, or Schengen visa may transit without a visa for up to 24 hours.
Transit hubsArturo Merino Benítez International Airport (SCL) · Comodoro Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport (SCL)
Health & vaccines for Chile
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialInfluenzaConsider
Health risks
Altitude sicknessModerate risk
High-altitude areas like the Andes can cause altitude sickness. Acclimatize gradually.
Food and waterborne diseasesLow risk
Risk is low but practice good hygiene. Drink bottled or boiled water in remote areas.
Mosquito-borne diseasesLow risk
Dengue and chikungunya are rare but possible in northern regions. Use repellent.
Malaria risk: low
Malaria risk is low, mainly in rural northern areas. Prophylaxis not routinely recommended.
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 Diego 555, Santiago
Mon–Fri 08:30–14:00
Main immigration office for visa extensions and residency applications. Arrive early.
Valparaíso
Oficina de Extranjería Valparaíso
Calle Blanco 1234, Valparaíso
Mon–Fri 09:00–13:00
Handles visa issues for the Valparaíso region.
Practical information for ZW 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 = 892.46 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. Zimbabwean passport holders must obtain a visa from a Chilean embassy or consulate before traveling. There is no visa on arrival or e-visa option.
Processing typically takes 10–20 business days, but can take longer during peak periods. Apply at least 4 weeks before your planned departure.
The visa fee varies by embassy but is generally between $30 and $60 USD. Check the specific embassy's website for the exact amount and accepted payment methods.
Chile does not require yellow fever vaccination for entry, but if you are traveling from a country with yellow fever (including Zimbabwe), you may be asked for proof of vaccination. Carry your yellow card just in case.
Extensions are not available for tourist visas. You must leave before your visa expires. Overstaying can result in fines and future entry bans.
No. Chile does not offer visa-free entry for Zimbabwean passport holders even if you hold a valid US, UK, or Schengen visa. You still need a separate Chilean visa.
There is no Chilean embassy in Zimbabwe. The nearest embassy is in Pretoria, South Africa. You can also apply at the Chilean embassy in Nairobi, Kenya, or London, UK, depending on your location. Check the embassy's jurisdiction before applying.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 1, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.