Professional Visa Consultants team of BTW Visas (Chile Visa Experts)
Do Indians Need a Visa for Chile?
Quick Answer:
Yes, Indian passport holders require a visa to enter Chile, unless they possess a valid US visa (except C-type transit visa) or US Green Card with at least 6 months validity. This exemption has been in effect since April 1, 2019, and continues through 2025-2026.
Key Facts at a Glance:
Indian citizens can enter Chile without a visa if they hold:
Validity Requirements:
Stay Duration:
Entry Process: Upon arrival in Chile, you will receive a Tourist Card (Tarjeta de Turismo) valid for up to 90 days. Keep this card safe as you must return it when departing Chile.
If you don't qualify for the visa exemption, you must apply for a Chilean visa through the standard application process detailed in this guide.
Purpose: Tourism, leisure, visiting family/friends, sightseeing
Two Subtypes Available:
Purpose: Business meetings, conferences, trade fairs, corporate events
Key Features:
Requirements: Same as tourist visa plus:
Purpose: Employment with Chilean companies
Requirements:
Purpose: Academic studies at Chilean educational institutions
Requirements:
Purpose: Long-term stay for family reunification, investment, or special circumstances
Eligibility:
Choose one of the following:
Bank Statements:
Additional Financial Proof:
For Employed Individuals:
For Self-Employed:
For Students:
For Retirees:
If traveling with children:
If child traveling alone or with one parent:
Visit the official Chilean Ministry of Foreign Affairs website and confirm:
Upload clear, colored scans in specified formats (PDF or JPG):
Document Upload Tips:
Once approved:
Embassy of Chile in New Delhi
Visa Type | Fee (USD) | Fee (INR) | Validity | Stay Duration |
Tourist Visa - Single Entry | $42 | ₹3,594 | 3 months | 30 days per visit |
Tourist Visa - Multiple Entry | $76 | ₹6,504 | 3 months | 30 days per visit |
Business Visa - Single Entry | $42 | ₹3,594 | 3 months | 30 days per visit |
Business Visa - Multiple Entry | $76 | ₹6,504 | 3 months | 30 days per visit |
Minor Applicants (Under 18) | Exempted | Exempted | - | - |
Note: Exchange rates fluctuate. Pay in Indian Rupees at the rate applicable on payment date.
Document Preparation:
Travel Insurance:
Service Fees (If Using Visa Agency):
Total Estimated Cost:
| Entry | Purpose | Stay Duration | Validity | Fees |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single entry Normal | Tourist | 1 month | 3 months | 3528.0 |
| Multiple entry Normal | Tourist | 1 month | 3 months | 6384.0 |
| Single entry Normal | Business | 1 month | 3 months | 3528.0 |
| Multiple entry Normal | Business | 1 month | 3 months | 4000.0 |
Stage | Duration | Details |
Application Submission | Day 1 | Submit online or at embassy |
Initial Review | 2-3 days | Document verification |
Processing | 10-15 days | Background checks, verification |
Decision | Day 15-20 | Approval or rejection |
Visa Issuance | 1-2 days | Electronic visa sent via email |
Total Time | 15-20 working days | From submission to visa receipt |
Faster Processing:
Slower Processing:
Important: Do NOT follow up before 15 working days unless specifically requested by the embassy.
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Tourist Visa:
Visa-Free Entry (US Visa/Green Card holders):
Can Extend:
Cannot Extend:
Overstay Penalties:
No Direct Flights Available
Common Routes:
Airlines:
Average Cost:
Allowed:
Prohibited:
From Airport to City:
Within Santiago:
Daily Budget (Per Person):
Sample 7-Day Trip Cost:
Obtaining a Chile visa for Indians in 2025-2026 is a straightforward process when you have complete documentation and follow the proper procedures. Whether you're planning to explore the stunning landscapes of Patagonia, experience the vibrant culture of Santiago, or witness the mysterious Moai statues of Easter Island, proper visa preparation is your first step toward an unforgettable Chilean adventure.
Key Takeaways:
Ready to Apply? Start your Chile visa application today through the official Chilean Consular Attention System (SAC) or contact the Chilean Embassy in New Delhi for assistance.
Disclaimer: Visa regulations can change without notice. Always verify current requirements through official Chile government sources before applying. This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
Last Updated: December 2, 2025
Content Accuracy: This comprehensive guide has been researched and compiled using official government sources, embassy guidelines, and verified traveler experiences to provide accurate, up-to-date information for Indian travelers planning to visit Chile.
Expert Contributors: BTW Visas experts team with 15+ years of industry experience, with a 99% visa success rate, and have processed more than 4 lakh+ Visas.
Q1: How long does it take to get a Chile visa for Indians?
A: Standard processing time is 15-20 working days from the date of application submission. Apply at least one month before your intended travel date to account for any delays.
Q2: Can I apply for a Chile visa online?
A: Yes, you can apply online through the Chilean Consular Attention System (SAC) at https://tramites.minrel.gov.cl/. However, you may need to visit the embassy for biometrics or document verification.
Q3: Is Chile visa difficult to get for Indians?
A: No, Chile visa is relatively straightforward if you have complete documentation, sufficient funds, and clear travel purpose. The approval rate is good for applicants with proper preparation.
Q4: Can I work in Chile on a tourist visa?
A: No, tourist visa strictly prohibits any form of paid employment. You need a work visa (Visa Sujeta a Contrato) to work legally in Chile.
Q5: Do I need travel insurance for a Chile visa?
A: Yes, travel insurance with minimum USD 30,000 coverage is mandatory for Chile visa application. It must cover medical emergencies, accidents, and repatriation.
Q6: I have a US tourist visa. Do I still need a Chile visa?
A: No, if you have a valid US visa (except C-type) or Green Card with at least 6 months validity, you can enter Chile visa-free for up to 90 days.
Q7: My US visa expires in 5 months. Can I still use it for Chile visa exemption?
A: No, your US visa must have at least 6 months validity remaining from your date of entry into Chile to qualify for visa exemption.
Q8: I have a US H1B visa. Does the exemption apply to me?
A: Yes, all US visa types except C-type (transit) visa qualify for Chile visa exemption, including H1B, L1, F1, B1/B2, etc.
Q9: Can I apply for a Chile visa without flight tickets?
A: Some consulates accept flight reservations instead of confirmed tickets. However, it's recommended to have confirmed round-trip bookings to strengthen your application.
Q10: How much bank balance is required for a Chile tourist visa?
A: Minimum recommended balance is USD 500-800 per month of intended stay. For a 30-day trip, maintain at least USD 1,500-2,000 (₹1,25,000-1,65,000) in your account.
Q11: Can I apply for a Chile visa from any city in India?
A: The Chilean Embassy is located only in New Delhi and has jurisdiction over all of India. You may need to travel to Delhi for in-person submission or use the online application system.
Q12: Is an interview required for a Chile visa?
A: Interview is not mandatory for all applicants but may be required in certain cases. The embassy will notify you if an interview is necessary.
Q13: Is Chile visa fee refundable if rejected?
A: No, visa fees are non-refundable regardless of the application outcome.
Q14: Can I pay Chile visa fee online?
A: For online applications via SAC portal, you'll receive payment instructions after approval. For in-person applications, payment is made at the embassy in cash or bank draft.
Q15: Are there any additional charges apart from visa fee?
A: Official visa fee is USD 42 (single entry) or USD 76 (multiple entry). Additional costs include document preparation, translation, travel insurance, and courier charges if applicable.
Q16: Can I extend my Chile tourist visa?
A: Yes, you can extend your stay from 30 days to a maximum of 90 days by visiting the immigration office in Chile and paying an extension fee of approximately USD 100.
Q17: What happens if I overstay my Chile visa?
A: Overstaying results in fines (USD 100-500), possible deportation, and future visa bans. Always extend before expiry or leave before visa expires.
Q18: Can I travel to other South American countries with a Chile visa?
A: No, the Chile visa is valid only for Chile. You need separate visas for other South American countries unless they have visa-free agreements with India.
Q19: Do I need to submit original documents for Chile visa?
A: For online applications, upload clear scans. For in-person applications, carry both originals and photocopies. Originals are verified and returned.
Q20: Can I submit bank statements in Hindi?
A: No, all documents must be in English or Spanish. If your bank statements are in Hindi or regional languages, get them translated by a certified translator.
Q21: Is cover letter mandatory for Chile visa?
A: Yes, a cover letter addressed to the Chilean Consulate explaining your travel purpose, itinerary, and personal details is mandatory.
Q22: Are there direct flights from India to Chile?
A: No, there are no direct flights. You'll need to take connecting flights via Dubai, Doha, London, Paris, or US cities. Total travel time is 22-32 hours.
Q23: What is the best time to visit Chile from India?
A: December to February (Chilean summer) is ideal for most regions. March-May (autumn) offers pleasant weather with fewer crowds. June-August is best for skiing.
Q24: Is Chile expensive for Indian tourists?
A: Chile is moderately expensive. Daily budget ranges from ₹3,000 (budget) to ₹15,000+ (luxury) per person. It's more expensive than Southeast Asia but cheaper than Europe.
Q25: Can vegetarians find food easily in Chile?
A: Vegetarian options are limited as Chilean cuisine is meat-heavy. Major cities have vegetarian restaurants, but inform restaurants in advance. Carry snacks for remote areas.
Q26: What are common reasons for Chile visa rejection?
A: Common reasons include insufficient funds, incomplete documentation, unclear travel purpose, weak ties to India, and inconsistent information.
Q27: Can I reapply if my Chile visa is rejected?
A: Yes, you can reapply after addressing the rejection reasons. Wait for 3-6 months, gather stronger documentation, and submit a fresh application.
Q28: Will Chile visa rejection affect my future visa applications?
A: A Chile visa rejection may be noted in your travel history but won't automatically affect other visa applications if you address the issues properly.
Q29: Can I apply for Chile visa if I'm unemployed?
A: Yes, but you need to show sufficient funds, assets in India, and strong ties. Sponsorship letters from family members with their financial documents can help.
Q30: I'm a freelancer. What documents should I submit?
A: Submit business registration, GST certificate, income tax returns, client contracts, bank statements showing regular income, and a letter explaining your freelance work.
Yes, for all purposes, but the type of visa or entry permission varies.
Possible under certain conditions; consult the Chilean immigration authority for specifics.
Not mandatory but highly recommended for all travelers.
Varies, but typically several weeks to months; apply well in advance of your planned departure.
Chile does offer visa on arrival to Indians but there are certain conditions for the same. Indians who already possess a 6-month valid US multiple-entry visa are allowed to access the facility of Chile visa on arrival for Indians. These amendments in the rules were made not long ago and have been effective since April 1st, 2019.
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