Travel Rules For Chileans Visiting The Uk

Chilean citizens can travel to the UK, but they must comply with the UK's entry requirements. UK authorities advise that travellers check with their travel provider that their passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Additionally, Chilean citizens can visit the UK for up to 90 days without a visa. However, they must obtain a 'tarjeta de turismo' or tourist card from the Chilean immigration authorities and present it upon leaving the country.

No testing or vaccination requirements for Chile

Chile is open to international tourists, and most visitors from the United Kingdom, regardless of vaccination status, can enter the country. There are no testing or vaccination requirements for Chile. However, it is recommended to wear masks in public spaces.

Upon arrival, UK citizens will be presented with a Tarjeta de Turismo tourist card, which should be carried at all times. British passport holders visiting Chile for less than 90 days do not need a visa.

Chile has one of the best healthcare systems in South America, with both public and private healthcare being affordable and of high quality. The public school system relies on voluntary payments by parents, but these are not mandatory. However, most expat families prefer international schools due to the language barrier.

The cost of living in Chile is relatively affordable when compared to the UK. Groceries, utilities, and transportation are inexpensive. While Santiago can be expensive, rental costs in Chile are generally 50% cheaper than in the UK.

Chile boasts an excellent transport infrastructure, with efficient and comfortable bus services and well-maintained major roads. The country's two major domestic airlines, Sky and LATAM, offer competitively priced flights for covering long distances.

When it comes to urban travel, local buses, taxis, and taxi collectivos (shared taxis with fixed fares) are available. Santiago also has a top-notch metro system.

Overall, Chile offers a mix of natural wonders, vibrant cities, safe streets, and a stable economy, making it an attractive destination for UK expats.

Passport validity

Chilean citizens can enter the UK without a visa if they meet the following passport validity requirements:

• Your passport should have an 'expiry date' after the day you plan to leave the UK.
• Your passport should be valid for the entirety of your time in the UK.
• Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.
• You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.

Visa exemption for 90 days

Visa Exemption for British Citizens

British citizens do not require a visa to enter Chile for a period of up to 90 days. On arrival, UK citizens are presented with a Tarjeta de Turismo tourist card, which should be carried at all times.

Visa Exemption for Other Citizens

Citizens of the Dominican Republic, Peru, Thailand, the United Arab Emirates, and many other countries are also exempt from obtaining a visa for stays of up to 90 days.

Extending Your Stay

If you wish to prolong your stay after the initial 90 days, you must apply for a temporary resident visa, which allows you to stay in the country for up to 2 years. This can be done online.

Permission for children travelling with one parent

Chilean citizens can visit the UK for up to 90 days without a visa. However, they do need to have a passport that is valid for the duration of their stay.

Now, for Chilean parents travelling to the UK with their children, here is some essential information:

If you are a Chilean citizen travelling to the UK with your child, and the other parent is not travelling with you, you must have written and notarised authorisation from them. This is a requirement for children travelling with only one parent, with a guardian, or alone. It is important to note that parents travelling with children for tourism have faced difficulties leaving Chile when only one parent is present.

To obtain permission, you will need a letter or a Child Travel Consent form authorised by the non-travelling parent. This form should include the child's basic information, such as name, gender, birthday, and place of birth, as well as both parents' contact information and travel arrangements. It is highly recommended to have this form notarised to reduce the chances of travel authorities questioning its validity.

In addition, it is always a good idea to carry documents that prove your relationship with your child, especially if you and your child have different last names. This can include a marriage certificate, certificates of name change, or the child's birth certificate.

Furthermore, if your child is a dual national (Chilean and British), they must use their Chilean passport to enter and leave Chile. For a dual national child under 17 years old, you must obtain authorisation from a Chilean notary if the child is travelling with only one parent or guardian.

Entry requirements for Rapa Nui

Rapa Nui, also known as Easter Island, is a dream destination for many travellers. However, to protect this fragile island and its vulnerable ecosystem, the Chilean authorities have implemented some special entry requirements. Here is a detailed overview of the entry requirements for Rapa Nui:

For Chilean Citizens:

• Identity card or passport.
• Return ticket from Rapa Nui within 30 days.
• Reservation at a Sernatur-authorised accommodation or a letter of invitation from a Rapa Nui resident or someone authorised to stay longer than 30 days.
• Unique Entry Form (FUI), which can be filled out digitally beforehand or at the airport.

For Foreign Citizens:

• Identity card or passport.
• Return ticket from Rapa Nui within 30 days.
• Reservation at a Sernatur-authorised accommodation or a letter of invitation from a Rapa Nui resident or someone authorised to stay longer than 30 days.
• Rapa Nui Entry Form (IRN), which can be filled out digitally or at the airport.
• General requirements for entry into Chile, including a valid passport and proof of sufficient financial means.

Additionally, all visitors to Rapa Nui must comply with a 5-day health follow-up. This means that you may be asked to take another COVID-19 test between the first and fifth day of your arrival and report any symptoms.

Please note that these requirements are subject to change, so it is recommended to check the official sources for the most up-to-date information before your trip.

Frequently asked questions