Visa Requirements for Chilean Citizens (November 2026)

Chile has the strongest passport in Latin America by many measures. Chilean citizens can visit around 175 countries and territories without a visa or with a simple online authorisation. A key reason is Chile's place in the US Visa Waiver Program, which makes it the only South American country with that privilege.

United States

Since 2014, Chilean citizens have been able to visit the United States for up to 90 days without a visa, using an approved ESTA. You apply online, pay a fee and receive approval, usually within 72 hours. ESTA covers tourism and short business trips. Work, study and long stays still need the correct US visa.

South America

Chileans can travel across South America with a national ID card in many countries, thanks to Mercosur and regional agreements. Argentina, Peru, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay and Uruguay are all easily accessible. The Mercosur Residence Agreement also makes it easier to live and work in member states.

Schengen Area and Europe

Chilean citizens can visit the Schengen Area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa. Once ETIAS starts, they will need to register online before travelling. Chile also has Working Holiday agreements with several European countries, including Germany, France, Spain and Ireland.

United Kingdom

Chileans can visit the UK visa-free for up to six months but need an Electronic Travel Authorisation before departure. A Youth Mobility Scheme agreement offers young Chileans a chance to live and work in the UK.

Canada, Australia and New Zealand

• Canada: visa-free with an eTA for air arrivals.
• Australia: Electronic Travel Authority, plus Work and Holiday visas for young Chileans.
• New Zealand: visa-free with an NZeTA, and a Working Holiday scheme.

Asia

Chileans can visit Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand and the Philippines visa-free for tourism. China has offered short-stay visa-free entry to Chilean citizens. South Korea may require a K-ETA depending on current exemptions. India offers an e-Visa.

Where visas are still needed

A number of countries in Africa, the Middle East and Central Asia require advance visas or e-visas from Chileans. Russia has allowed visa-free tourist stays for Chileans under a bilateral agreement. Check current rules given changes in airline routes and advisories.

Working Holiday programmes

Chile has one of the widest networks of Working Holiday agreements in Latin America. Countries include Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Japan, South Korea, Germany, France, Ireland and others. They usually allow up to a year abroad for applicants aged 18 to 30 or 35.

Travel tips

• Apply for ESTA, ETA and eTA well before departure.
• Keep your passport valid for at least six months for overseas travel.
• Carry proof of funds and onward travel when entering Europe.
• Check the Chilean Foreign Ministry's advice for your destination.

Mistakes that cause problems at the border

Most travel problems linked to Chilean Citizens come from small oversights rather than refusals. Airlines deny boarding more often than immigration officers do, usually because a passport is too close to expiry, an online authorisation was never approved, or the traveller cannot show an onward ticket. Another common issue is mixing up stay limits, especially when a trip covers several countries with different rules. Before you leave, write down your permitted length of stay, the date you must exit, and the documents each border may ask to see. Keep digital and printed copies, since phones die and airport Wi-Fi fails at the worst moments.

Final word

Chilean citizens enjoy outstanding global access. A few online forms are usually all it takes. Confirm the latest rules on official websites before you travel.