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- Chile Tourist visa
20/10/2016, updated 11/08/2025
Chile's tourist visa is the most accessible way to experience this incredible South American country. Whether you're planning a short vacation, extended stay, or exploring Chile as a potential home base, understanding the tourist visa system is essential for your Chilean adventure.
Good News: Citizens of over 100 countries can enter Chile visa-free as tourists, receiving a 90-day permit on arrival. This includes most European, North American, Australian, and many Latin American citizens.
Important Change (2022): You can no longer apply for temporary residence visas after entering Chile as a tourist (except for family reunification or pregnancy visas). If you plan to stay long-term, start your visa application process before arriving.
Understanding Chile's Tourist System
What is a Tourist Visa?
Chile's "tourist visa" is actually a tourist permit issued on arrival for eligible countries. It's:
- Free for most nationalities
- Valid for 90 days initially
- Renewable once for an additional 90 days
- Perfect for exploring Chile before deciding on longer-term plans
The Tourist Card (Tarjeta de Turismo)
Upon arrival, you'll receive a small white paper called Tarjeta de Turismo:
- Don't lose this! It's your legal proof of tourist status
- Required for extensions, work permits, and exiting the country
- Replacement: Available free through PDI website (takes 2-3 weeks)
Entry Requirements by Country
Visa-Free Countries (90-day tourist permit on arrival)
Europe: All EU countries, UK, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland
Americas: USA, Canada, Mexico, most South American countries
Asia-Pacific: Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Singapore
Others: Israel, South Africa, and many more
Countries Requiring Tourist Visa in Advance
A small number of countries must apply for tourist visas before travel:
- Most African countries
- Some Asian countries
- Certain Middle Eastern countries
Check Current Requirements: Visa requirements can change. Always verify with your nearest Chilean consulate before traveling.
Reciprocity Fees
Some countries have reciprocity fees (additional charges on arrival):
- USA: ~160 USD (as of 2025)
- Australia: ~117 USD
- Canada: ~132 USD
These fees are separate from the tourist permit and reflect what Chile pays for visas to those countries.
What You Can Do as a Tourist in Chile
Permitted Activities
- Tourism and sightseeing throughout Chile
- Business meetings and conferences (no employment)
- Short-term studies (under 90 days)
- Medical treatment (short-term)
- Family visits
- Cultural and sports activities
- Volunteer work (unpaid, limited)
Activities Requiring Special Permission
- Paid employment: Requires work permit (see below)
- Long-term studies: Student visa recommended for courses over 90 days
- Business investment: May require investor visa depending on scope
Living in Chile on Tourist Status
Short-Term Living (3-6 months)
Many people use tourist status for extended visits:
- Initial 90 days on arrival
- Extension available: Additional 90 days (total 180 days/year)
- Popular with: Digital nomads, retirees, students
Housing Options for Tourists
- Short-term rentals: Airbnb, furnished apartments
- Extended stay hotels: Monthly rates available
- Shared accommodation: Hostels, shared apartments
- House-sitting: Popular expat community option
Long-term Strategy: While some people live in Chile by leaving/re-entering every 6 months, this is not recommended. Immigration officers may deny entry if they suspect you're living illegally in Chile.
Tourist Visa Extensions and Renewals
Option 1: One-Time Extension (Prórroga)
- Duration: Up to 90 additional days
- Cost: Free
- Requirement: Apply at least 30 days before expiration
- Process: Online through immigration website
- Total stay: Up to 180 days per calendar year
Option 2: Border Run (Salida y Reingreso)
- Method: Leave Chile and re-enter for new 90-day period
- Popular destinations: Mendoza (Argentina), Buenos Aires, Lima
- Cost: Travel expenses only
- Risk: May be denied re-entry if overused
Extension Process Step-by-Step
- Online application at immigration website
- Submit documents: Passport, tourist card, proof of funds
- Pay fee (if required)
- Await approval (usually 5-10 business days)
- Print new authorization
Working in Chile as a Tourist
Tourist Work Permit (Permiso de Trabajo con Turista)
Yes, you can legally work in Chile as a tourist by obtaining a special work permit:
Requirements
- Valid passport
- Tourist card (Tarjeta de Turismo)
- Employment contract or formal job offer (notarized)
- Clean criminal background from home country
Process
- Find employment with Chilean company willing to sponsor
- Company prepares contract and gets notarization
- Submit application through immigration website
- Pay fees: 150% of standard work visa cost (~300-500 USD)
- Await approval: 15-20 business days typically
Limitations
- Duration: Maximum 90 days (non-renewable)
- Single employer: Cannot change employers
- No benefits: Limited access to Chilean social services
- Expensive: Costs more than regular work visas
For Companies: Many Chilean employers prefer hiring people with permanent RUT/RUN for simplicity. Discuss this during job interviews.
Digital Nomads and Remote Work
Chile is increasingly popular with digital nomads:
Legal Considerations
- Remote work for foreign companies: Generally acceptable on tourist status
- Local Chilean clients: Requires work permit or proper visa
- Invoicing: Complex tax implications for extended stays
Practical Benefits
- Excellent internet: Fast, reliable connections throughout Chile
- Time zones: Convenient for US/European remote work
- Growing community: Active expat and nomad networks
- Coworking spaces: Available in Santiago, Valparaíso, and other cities
Banking and Financial Services
Banking Limitations for Tourists
- No checking accounts: Require Chilean RUT/RUN
- Limited services: Tourist-specific products only
- International banking: Some global banks offer limited services
- Cash-focused: Many transactions require cash
Getting a Temporary RUT as Tourist
For major purchases (property, vehicles), you can obtain a temporary RUT:
- Process: Requires Chilean sponsor
- Uses: Real estate, vehicle purchases, business investment
- Limitations: Cannot open standard bank accounts
- Timeline: 2-3 weeks processing
Healthcare for Tourists
Emergency Healthcare
- Emergency rooms: Available to tourists (fee required)
- Quality: Excellent, especially in Santiago
- Language: English available in private facilities
Health Insurance Options
- Travel insurance: Recommended for all tourists
- Local insurance: Some companies offer tourist-specific plans
- Private healthcare: Direct pay options available
Practical Tips for Tourist Life
Money Management
- ATMs: Widely available, reasonable fees
- Credit cards: Accepted in most establishments
- Cash: Still important for small vendors, tips
- Exchange: Better rates at casa de cambio than airports
Communication
- SIM cards: Available for tourists at airports/stores
- Internet: Free WiFi common in cafés, hotels
- Phone plans: Prepaid options available without RUT
Transportation
- International driving permit: Valid for tourists
- Car rental: Available with passport and credit card
- Public transport: Excellent in Santiago and major cities
- Ride-sharing: Uber, Cabify widely available
When to Consider a Different Visa?
Consider transitioning from tourist to resident status if:
Indicators for Visa Change
- Staying over 6 months annually
- Regular employment opportunities
- Property investment interests
- Family connections in Chile
- Business opportunities
Popular Next Steps
- Work visa: If you have job offers
- Investor visa: For business/investment
- Retirement visa: For retirees with pensions
- Family reunification: If you have Chilean family
Planning Ahead: Start visa processes 6-8 months before you need them. Tourist status gives you time to explore options and gather requirements.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Immigration Violations
- Overstaying: Results in fines and potential entry bans
- Illegal employment: Working without permits
- Repeated border runs: May result in entry denial
- Lost tourist card: Always keep copies, report losses immediately
Financial Mistakes
- No backup funds: Always have emergency money
- Assuming cards work everywhere: Carry cash for small purchases
- Ignoring exchange rates: Monitor rates for large transactions
Cultural Mistakes
- Ignoring local customs: Learn basic Chilean etiquette
- Language assumptions: Spanish is essential outside tourist areas
- Bureaucracy impatience: Chilean paperwork takes time
Frequently Asked Questions regarding Chile tourist visa
Tourists are all foreigners who enter the country for recreation, sports, health, studies, family, religious or similar purposes. The following categories are not considered tourists: people willing to immigrate/stay in Chile or realizing remunerated activities.
All tourists may be requested to prove they have sufficient financial means to survive during their stay. Otherwise, the border control officers can deny entry to Chile.
To enter Chile, you need a valid passport, which must be presented to the International Police when arriving there. Many countries have agreements with Chile so that you automatically obtain your visa for free while arriving at the border.
In some cases, you need 1) to formally apply for a tourist visa or 2) to pay a reciprocity fee on arrival. Yet, this is very specific to a small number of countries.
If the child is traveling accompanied by both parents, the following documents are required:
- Passport or current National Identity Document depending on the country of origin.
- Original birth certificate or family notebook, plus three photocopies.
If the child is traveling accompanied only by one of their parents, the following documents are required:
- Valid passport or national identity document, depending on the country of origin (see question above).
- Original birth certificate or family book, plus three photocopies.
- Original authorization of the parent who does not travel, signed in front of a notary, giving his consent for the departure of the minor or the authorization of the corresponding family court, plus three photocopies.
- Original death certificate, in case one of the parents is deceased, plus three photocopies.
If the child does not travel accompanied by his parents, the following documents are required:
- Valid passport or national identity document, depending on the country of origin (see question above).
- Original birth certificate or family book, plus three photocopies.
- Original authorization of both parents, signed in front of a notary, giving their consent for the departure of the child, plus three photocopies.
- Original death certificate, in case one or both parents are deceased, plus three photocopies.
- Original authorization of the corresponding family court, giving consent for the trip of the child, plus three photocopies.
For children residing in Chile with their parents, the authorization simply needs to be signed in front of a notary. It is not necessary to legalize the travel authorization at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for minors who leave the country without their parents, except if the child is going to settle abroad.
For many countries, citizens do not need a visa or prior authorization to enter Chile as a tourist. However, citizens of some countries need approval, known as a tourist visa, which they have to request at any consulate of Chile abroad.
If you wish to travel to Chile as a tourist, contact the Chilean consulate of your country of residence to learn about the requirements to enter the country.
The standard allowed period is 90 days from the country's entry date. However, the immigration service or police department may exceptionally limit the tourist's stay for a shorter period and will indicate the visa's expiration date on the tourist card.
You can:
- Request an extension of your tourist visa: if the immigration or police department limits your stay to less than 90 days, you can ask for an extension up to 90 days (including your initial allowed stay). This procedure is exempt from payment.
- Request a renewal of your tourist visa: this is the standard case for most tourists when you want to stay more than 90 days. You can ask to renew your tourist visa for an additional period of 90 days. This procedure must be done at least 30 days before the expiration of the tourist visa. You have to pay the equivalent in Chilean pesos of USD 100.
You can perform both procedures online on the website of the immigration service.
Yes. But you must request a special work permit for tourists, valid only for 90 days, whose cost depends on your nationality (150% of the cost of a standard work permit). It is called Permiso de Trabajo con Turista.
Do you want to go more in detail?
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✅ Practical tips based on 7-year relocation experience
✅ To-do lists to help you start
✅ Last updated in 2025
