Tourist Visas, Entry Requirements and How Long You Can Stay
Chile is one of the most interesting countries in South America to visit. From the Atacama Desert in the north to the lakes, volcanoes, forests and fjords of Patagonia in the south, there is a tremendous amount to explore.
If you are planning a trip to Chile, one of the first things you need to understand is the country's immigration requirements.
The good news is that many visitors do not need to apply for a tourist visa before traveling. However, the requirements depend on your nationality, and there are a few important things you should know before arriving at the border.
Jim and I have lived in Chile since 2013, and we have helped many people navigate the process of visiting and eventually relocating here. In this guide, I'll explain how tourist entry works, how long you can stay, how to extend your visit, and what documents you should have with you.
1. Do You Need a Tourist Visa to Visit Chile?
Not everyone needs a visa to visit Chile.
Chile allows citizens of many countries to enter without obtaining a visa in advance. This includes visitors from the United States, Canada, Australia and many European countries, as well as numerous South American countries.
However, citizens of certain countries must obtain prior authorization or a visa from a Chilean consulate before traveling.
Chile calls this immigration category Permanencia Transitoria, or Temporary Stay.
This category covers people entering Chile for purposes such as:
- Tourism and vacations.
- Visiting family and friends.
- Recreational activities.
- Short-term studies.
- Medical treatment.
- Business meetings and certain business activities.
- Other temporary visits that do not involve establishing residence in Chile.
You should check the current visa requirements for your nationality before purchasing airline tickets.
The official Chilean consular website provides a country-by-country list of visa requirements:
https://www.consulado.gob.cl/informacion-sobre-visas-para-ingresar-a-chile
2. How Long Can You Stay in Chile as a Tourist?
The standard temporary stay permission allows visitors to remain in Chile for up to 90 consecutive days.
The immigration officer at the border determines the period granted, which is recorded in your immigration documentation.
For most tourists, the full 90 days will be granted, but you should always check the expiration date on your entry documentation.
Your authorized stay also cannot exceed the validity of your travel document.
If you are planning a longer visit, there is an option to request an extension.
3. Can You Extend Your Tourist Stay in Chile?
Yes. Chile allows visitors holding a Temporary Stay permission to request one extension of up to another 90 days.
This means that, if approved, you may be able to remain in Chile for a total of approximately 180 days.
There are several important requirements:
- You must submit your extension application before your original permission expires.
- You must provide a copy of your passport or other qualifying travel document.
- You must provide your Tarjeta Única Migratoria (TUM), issued when you entered Chile.
- You must explain why you need additional time.
- You must provide evidence of sufficient financial resources to support yourself.
The extension currently costs the equivalent of US$100 in Chilean pesos. Applicants under 18 are exempt from this fee.
Do not wait until the last few days of your authorized stay to begin the process.
Applications are made through the Servicio Nacional de Migraciones (SERMIG) online system.
Official information:
https://serviciomigraciones.cl/preguntas-frecuentes/
4. What Documents Do You Need to Enter Chile?
Before traveling, make sure you have the appropriate travel documents.
For most international visitors, you should have:
A valid passport
Your passport must remain valid for the duration of your authorized stay. Check the expiration date well before traveling.
A return or onward travel ticket
Although requirements and checks can vary, having evidence of your planned departure is sensible. Airlines may also ask for proof of onward travel before allowing you to board.
Proof of accommodations
Have your hotel reservation or the address where you will be staying available.
If you are staying with friends or family, it can be useful to have their contact information and a letter of invitation.
Proof of sufficient financial resources
Visitors must be able to demonstrate that they have legitimate financial resources to support themselves during their stay.
Chile's published guidance identifies US$46 per day as the minimum reference amount for financial solvency.
A bank statement, account balance or other documentation may be useful if an immigration officer asks for evidence.
Visa or prior authorization, if required
If your nationality requires a visa, you must obtain it through the appropriate Chilean consulate before traveling.
Remember that meeting the visa requirements does not automatically guarantee admission. The final decision is made by immigration authorities at the border.
5. What Happens When You Arrive in Chile?
When you arrive at an international airport or an authorized land border crossing, you will go through immigration control with the PolicÃa de Investigaciones (PDI).
The officer will examine your travel documents and determine your permission to enter.
Once admitted, you will receive documentation confirming your temporary stay.
This document is now known as the Tarjeta Única Migratoria (TUM).
You may hear people refer to it by its older name, Tarjeta de Turismo, or simply as your tourist card.
Keep this document safe.
It is important because it records your authorized stay and may be needed when applying for an extension or when dealing with immigration matters.
If you lose it, you can request a free duplicate through the PDI online services portal.
6. Can You Work in Chile on a Tourist Visa?
No, not normally.
Visitors entering under Permanencia Transitoria are generally prohibited from performing remunerated activities in Chile.
There are limited exceptions for certain specific and occasional activities, such as conferences, sporting events, performances and specialized consulting.
In those cases, you may need to obtain special authorization from SERMIG.
If your intention is to work, operate a business in Chile, or establish yourself in the country, you should investigate the appropriate residence permission rather than assuming that tourist entry will cover your plans.
Thinking About Making Chile Your New Home?
Visiting Chile is often the first step toward making a permanent move. But relocating to another country involves much more than obtaining a visa.
Our two-volume Chile Relocation Guide was written from our own experience of moving to Chile in 2013 and everything we have learned during more than 13 years of living here.
- Book One: Everything You Need to Know Before Moving to Chile.
- Book Two: Living in Chile — Everything We Learned About Building a Life Here.
Get both books for $40 and receive our printable Immigration Document Organizer FREE.
7. Can You Change from Tourist Status to Residency?
This is an important distinction for anyone considering moving to Chile.
Temporary Stay is designed for visitors who do not intend to establish residence in the country.
Under Chile's current immigration law, holders of Temporary Stay generally cannot apply for Temporary Residence from inside Chile.
There are specific legal exceptions, but you should not assume that you can simply arrive as a tourist and later convert your status.
If you are considering moving to Chile, it is better to understand the residency options before making your trip.
The requirements for residency are different from those for tourism, and the correct process depends on your individual circumstances.
8. Traveling to Chile With Children
If you are traveling with children under 18, there are additional requirements to consider.
Chile has rules regarding the entry and departure of minors, particularly when a child is traveling with only one parent or with someone other than their parents.
Depending on the circumstances, you may need:
- A valid passport or qualifying identity document.
- A birth certificate or family record establishing the relationship.
- Written authorization from the parent who is not traveling.
- Authorization from both parents if the child is traveling without either parent.
- Proper notarization, apostille or legalization of the required authorization.
Do not assume that having the child's passport is sufficient.
Check the requirements well before departure, as missing documentation can create serious problems at the border.
Official information:
https://www.chile.gob.cl/chile/xplica/ingreso-y-salida-de-menores-del-pais
9. Important: Bringing Food, Plants and Animal Products Into Chile
This is something every visitor should understand before arriving.
Chile has strict agricultural and animal health regulations administered by the Servicio AgrÃcola y Ganadero (SAG).
You must declare products of animal or plant origin that you bring into the country.
This can include:
- Meat and meat products.
- Cheese and dairy products.
- Fresh fruit and vegetables.
- Seeds and plants.
- Honey and certain other agricultural products.
- Animal products and other regulated food items.
You will receive a SAG declaration form during your journey or at the border.
When in doubt, declare the item.
Declaring something does not necessarily mean it will be permitted into the country. SAG officials will determine whether it can enter.
Failure to declare regulated products can result in confiscation and substantial fines.
Chile takes agricultural protection seriously, and this is particularly important because of the country's valuable agricultural, livestock and forestry industries.
https://www.sag.gob.cl/ambitos-de-accion/ingreso-chile
10. Visiting Chile Before Deciding to Move Here
If you are considering relocating to Chile, I strongly recommend visiting first.
Chile is an extremely long country with enormous differences in climate, geography, lifestyle and cost of living.
The experience of living in Santiago is very different from living in a small town in the Lake District or in rural Patagonia.
Spend some time exploring the areas that interest you.
If you are interested in southern Chile, visit places such as:
- Puerto Varas and the shores of Lago Llanquihue.
- Frutillar and its beautiful lakeside setting.
- Osorno and the surrounding agricultural countryside.
- Puerto Montt and the coastal areas.
- Pucón and the AraucanÃa Lake District.
- The Aysén Region and northern Patagonia.
You may discover that the area you originally planned to visit is not the place where you would actually want to live.
We always encourage prospective expats to take their time, explore different regions and understand the realities of everyday life before making a permanent move.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Chile
Can US citizens visit Chile without a visa?
Yes. US citizens generally do not need to obtain a tourist visa in advance for ordinary visits. They are normally admitted under the Temporary Stay category for up to 90 days.
Can I stay in Chile for six months?
Potentially. You can request one extension of up to 90 additional days, subject to approval. The original permission is up to 90 days.
Can I leave Chile and come back to get another 90 days?
Do not assume that leaving and re-entering automatically resets your authorized stay. Admission and the length of any new permission are determined by immigration authorities. Repeated entries may receive additional scrutiny.
Can I buy property in Chile while visiting as a tourist?
Yes. Foreigners can generally purchase property in Chile without first obtaining residency. However, buying property does not grant you immigration status or the right to live in Chile indefinitely.
Can I open a bank account in Chile as a tourist?
Banking requirements vary, and opening a regular Chilean bank account can be difficult without Chilean identification and appropriate residency documentation.
What if I lose my tourist entry card?
You can request a free duplicate of your Tarjeta Única Migratoria through the PDI online services portal.
Final Thoughts: Plan Your Visit Before You Arrive
Visiting Chile is relatively straightforward for citizens of many countries, but understanding the immigration rules before you travel can save you a lot of trouble.
Make sure you know whether your nationality requires a visa, how long you are authorized to stay, and what documents you should carry.
And if you are visiting because you are thinking about making Chile your new home, take the opportunity to explore more than just the major tourist destinations.
After living here since 2013, Jim and I can tell you that Chile has a lot more to offer than most people realize.
We hope you enjoy your visit!
Lori and Jim Dorchak
Chile Expat Family
More Information About Visiting and Living in Chile
Planning a visit is just the beginning. If you are considering spending more time here or eventually relocating, these guides will help you understand what to expect.
- Moving to Chile in 2026: Understanding the Residency Rules
- Best Places to Live in Chile for Expats
- The Climates of Chile
- Buying Property in Chile: A Complete Guide for Foreigners
- Explore All Our Articles and Guides
Ready to learn more? Explore our Chile Relocation Guide and get the information you need to make an informed decision about moving to Chile.