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What are the requirements to travel to Chile from the USA?
In this article we'll tell you what the requirements are to travel to Chile from the USA. Enjoy an organized trip!
Planning ahead is key to avoiding last-minute surprises when you travel. So, besides mapping out your excursions to the Atacama Desert or Patagonia’s glaciers, let’s go over what you need to know to travel to Chile from the USA. This way, you’ll breeze through immigration without any issues. In recent years, some travelers have run into problems simply because they weren’t aware of certain mandatory documents they needed to show.
To make sure nothing disrupts your trip to Chile, we walk you through all the essentials. This includes what you need for your passport and visa, your flight information, health coverage, and helpful tips such as how to stay online during your stay, what to know about driving in the country, and whether travel insurance is a good idea. If you are planning a visit for leisure, study, or work, this guide will help you feel fully prepared.
Recommendation before traveling to Chile
If your bags are ready and you are almost on your way, there is just one more thing to sort out: having a dependable internet connection the moment you arrive. You could hunt for airport wifi or switch on international roaming, but that often leads to surprise charges. A simpler option is to use Holafly.
If you are only visiting Chile for a few days or making a quick stop, Holafly’s Chile eSIM gives you unlimited data for exactly the number of days you need. For longer stays, Holafly offers monthly plans with either 25 GB or unlimited data that you can renew as you go with no long term commitment. You will enjoy fast and reliable 5G coverage, even in remote regions, and you can share the connection with several devices at the same time. And if you plan to continue your trip to nearby countries, the same eSIM works in more than 170 destinations at no extra cost!
Important: If you are a frequent traveler and want to stay connected without worrying about expensive roaming or looking for a new SIM at every destination, Holafly’s subscription plans are for you. With a single eSIM, enjoy internet in more than 170 countries for a fixed price and no surprises on your bill. Travel without limits and connect easily and securely! 🚀🌍
This internet tip is not technically one of the requirements to travel to Chile from the USA, but it will definitely make your trip easier by helping you stay connected. Getting everything set up is simple too, since you can activate the eSIM through the app in just a few seconds. Now that this is out of the way, let’s review the official entry requirements for your trip!
1. One-way airline ticket to Chile and return ticket to the USA
First, the airline will ask to see your flight ticket to Chile before you board, and when you arrive, immigration will require proof of your return ticket. This is an important part of the requirements, as it shows that you have plans to leave the country and don’t intend to stay longer than allowed.
If you’re traveling with a one-way ticket, you can still prove your plan to leave Chile by showing another form of transportation, like a bus or train ticket to a neighboring country such as Peru or Argentina.
2. Tourist, residence, or work visas for Chile
As a U.S. citizen, you can visit Chile as a tourist for up to 90 days without a visa, including for short-term volunteer work. If you plan to study, work, or stay in the country for an extended period as a digital nomad, you will need to apply for one of the following visas at the Chilean Embassy in the U.S.:
- Temporary residence visa: This visa is for those who want to stay in Chile for more than 90 days without becoming permanent residents. It can be requested for work, family, or study purposes. It’s also a great alternative for digital nomads, even though there isn’t a specific visa for them yet.
- Work visa: If you plan to work in Chile and already have a job offer, you must apply for this visa before traveling.
- Student visa: If you want to spend some time studying at a university, language school, or any recognized institution in Chile, you will need to provide an admission letter to obtain this visa.
- Permanent residence visa: You can request it after living legally in Chile for more than one year.
3. U.S. passport
Another requirement for traveling to Chile from the United States is having a valid U.S. passport, which must be valid for at least six months from the date you enter the country. This is mandatory whether you’re traveling as a tourist or with a visa, so make sure your passport is in good condition and has enough blank pages for entry and exit stamps. If not, contact the U.S. Department of State to renew it.
4. Accommodation address in Chile
Having a confirmed place to stay is important because immigration authorities will ask where you’ll be staying during your trip. It’s a good idea to have a digital or printed reservation for a hotel, apartment, or coliving space, or an invitation letter from family or friends. This helps authorities record your entry and makes it easier to locate you in case of an emergency or health check.
5. Health insurance in Chile
While travel insurance is not mandatory for tourists, it is required if you are entering Chile with one of the visas mentioned earlier. Even as a tourist, it’s highly recommended to have medical coverage, since healthcare costs in the country can be high. A good policy will protect you in case of hospitalization, medical treatment, or even repatriation.
6. Passing immigration control in Chile
After knowing what’s required to travel to Chile from the USA, the next step is simply to go through immigration when you arrive and show the officers all your documents, including your flight details, passport, visa, proof of accommodation, and health insurance.
Authorities might ask a few extra questions about your trip, like where you’re going or what you plan to do. This is completely normal, and if you answer clearly and confidently, you’ll be able to enter the country smoothly and hassle-free.
Other tips for traveling to Chile from the USA
We like to give travelers a bit of extra guidance beyond the official requirements. These tips can help make your trip smoother and more enjoyable, covering things like travel insurance, recommended vaccinations, and how to get around the country by car.
Travel insurance in Chile
This type of insurance is not required for traveling to Chile from the United States, but it is still highly recommended. You never know what could happen on a trip. Flights might be delayed due to weather, your luggage could get lost at the airport, your belongings could be stolen, or you might need to change your accommodation at the last minute.
In all these situations, travel insurance provides financial coverage and 24/7 support to help resolve any issues quickly. It is also essential if you plan to take part in adventure sports, like surfing, so make sure your policy covers these activities.
Recommended vaccinations for traveling to Chile
Regarding vaccines, Chile’s Ministry of Health does not require any mandatory shots. Still, it is recommended to be up to date on vaccines for typhoid fever and hepatitis A and B, especially if you plan to visit rural areas like the Aysén region or take part in volunteer projects in La Araucanía, Los Ríos, or Parinacota.
How to drive in Chile
With your U.S. driver’s license, you can rent a car and drive on Chilean roads for up to 90 days. If you plan to stay longer, you will need to carry an International Driving Permit along with your U.S. license.
If you plan to live in Chile permanently, you will need to exchange your U.S. license for a local one at the traffic office of the municipality where you are registered. Otherwise, driving rules are similar to those in the U.S., with driving on the right side, mandatory seat belt use, and a ban on using your phone while driving. Stay safe on the road and enjoy your journey through Chile!
Frequently asked questions about requirements for traveling to Chile from the USA
Yes, you can request a tourist visa extension through the National Migration Service before your current permit expires. Alternatively, you can leave the country and re-enter to receive another 90-day stay.
No, entering as a tourist does not allow you to work or enroll in official university programs. To do either, you must apply for the appropriate visa.
The official currency is the Chilean peso, and you can exchange U.S. dollars at authorized exchange offices in cities like Santiago and Valparaíso, or even at the airport.
Yes, Chile is one of the safest countries in South America, but it’s always a good idea to keep an eye on your belongings, especially in the most touristy areas.
The first step is to report the incident to the Investigations Police. After that, you should get in touch with the U.S. Embassy in Santiago to arrange a temporary replacement document.
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Hi! I'm a Spanish-English translator working with Holafly, helping bring travel content to life for curious travelers. As a digital nomad with a passion for exploring, I'm always adding new spots to my bucket list. If you love to travel like me, stick around because you're in the right place to find inspiration for your next trip! ✈️🌍
