Onward, No Proof Required: Chile's Open-Door Travel Policy

Whether or not Chile requires proof of onward travel depends on your nationality and the purpose of your visit. U.S. citizens travelling to Chile for recreation, tourism, business, or academic conferences do not need to obtain a visa prior to their arrival in Chile. However, U.S. citizens who intend to work, live, or study in Chile must apply in advance for a Chilean visa. Australian citizens, on the other hand, must obtain a visa before travelling to Chile. It is important to note that entry and exit requirements can change, so it is recommended to contact the nearest embassy or consulate of Chile for the most up-to-date information.

US citizens don't need proof of onward travel to enter Chile

US citizens travelling to Chile for recreation, tourism, business, or academic conferences do not need to obtain a visa before arrival. The only requirement is a valid passport. Upon arrival, US citizens will be issued a Tourist Card, allowing them to stay in the country for up to 90 days. This can be extended for another 90 days by paying a fee at the Chilean Immigration Office in Santiago.

The Tourist Card must be surrendered upon departure. Failure to do so may result in delays. If the card is lost or stolen, it must be replaced at an International Police Office or the airport before leaving Chile.

US citizens who intend to work, live, or study in Chile must apply for a Chilean visa from a Chilean Embassy or Consulate before travelling. Additionally, those travelling on official business and holding an official or diplomatic passport must obtain a visa before travelling to or through Chile. They should obtain a tourist passport to present upon arrival, as they will not be granted a tourist visa without one.

It is important to note that US citizens born in Chile or with Chilean citizenship are required to enter and depart the country using a Chilean passport. If there is a possibility of holding Chilean citizenship, it is recommended to contact a Chilean consulate before travelling.

UK citizens don't need proof of onward travel to enter Chile

UK citizens do not need proof of onward travel to enter Chile. However, there are other requirements that must be met. Firstly, your passport should have an 'expiry date' after the day you plan to leave Chile. It is important to check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet the requirements. If you need to, renew your passport.

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. You can visit Chile for up to 90 days without a visa. The Chilean immigration authorities will give you a tourist card, which must be kept safe and given to immigration when you leave the country. If you lose it, you can request a copy online or go to the nearest Chilean police investigations (PDI) office.

To stay longer than 90 days, you must meet the Chilean Government's entry requirements. These requirements include applying for a Chilean visa from the Chilean Embassy or Consulates before travelling. Additionally, there are strict rules about the goods you can take into or out of Chile. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

Australian citizens need a visa to enter Chile

The visa allows Australian citizens to travel to Chile for up to 90 days for business, family, or leisure purposes. It is important not to overstay this period, as you may have to pay a fine or encounter legal challenges. When travelling with children under 18 years old, parents may be required to show an original birth certificate and/or a court order conferring custody if sole custody of the child has been obtained.

To be eligible for a Chilean visa, you must:

• Hold a passport valid for at least six months on entry with one blank visa page.
• Hold proof of sufficient funds.
• Hold proof of onward/return flights.
• Hold proof of hotel reservation.
• Hold all documents required for the next destination.

In addition to the visa, there are other requirements and technicalities to be aware of when entering Chile. Upon arrival, you will be given a tourist card, which must be presented to immigration officials when departing the country. It is important to keep this card carefully, as you may face delays if it is lost. All travellers must also complete the Customs and Agro-sanitary declarations and checks.

If you are an Australian-Chilean dual national, you may be required to enter and exit Chile using your Chilean passport or 'cedula de identidad'. It is recommended to confirm your citizenship status and any entry or exit requirements with an embassy or consulate of Chile before travelling.

Canadian citizens need to pay a fee to get a stamp in their passport

When travelling to Chile, Canadian citizens are among the citizens of 95 countries who do not need a visa in advance. Upon arrival, all travellers to Chile receive a Tarjeta de Turismo, or Tourist Card, which is stamped and must be presented to border officers when departing the country. This card also entitles travellers to avoid the 19% room tax at hotels.

Citizens of visa-free countries, including Canada, can extend their tourist card for an additional 90 days by filling out a form online and paying a US$100 extension fee. This process requires a high level of Spanish comprehension and involves jumping through some bureaucratic hoops. Alternatively, travellers can take a trip to a nearby country, such as Argentina, and return to Chile to receive a new tourist card.

Canadian citizens who intend to work, live, or study in Chile must apply in advance for a Chilean visa from a Chilean Embassy or Consulate. Working Holiday Visas are also available to Canadian citizens between the ages of 18 and 35, allowing them to work and live in Chile for up to a year.

Regarding proof of onward travel, some countries and airlines require travellers with one-way tickets to provide proof that they plan to leave the country. This is to prevent illegal immigration and ensure that travellers do not overstay their visas. While Chile does not explicitly require proof of onward travel, it is always a good idea to check the requirements with the Chilean embassy in your home country. Additionally, airlines may enforce their own rules regarding proof of onward travel, so it is essential to check with your airline before your trip.

US citizens who are also Chilean citizens must enter and exit Chile using a Chilean passport

If you suspect that you may have Chilean nationality, it is recommended that you contact a Chilean consulate before travelling to determine your citizenship status. If you are a Chilean citizen, it is recommended that you obtain a Chilean passport before leaving the US to prevent any delays when returning or travelling onwards. You may also obtain a Chilean passport in Chile through the Chilean Civil Registry and Identification Service, but the process can take up to two weeks. Be prepared to present a national identification number (R.U.N.).

Dual US/Chilean nationals must enter and exit the US using their US passports.

Frequently asked questions