Visa-Free Countries for Chilean Citizens: A Comprehensive Guide
Chilean passport holders enjoy significant travel privileges, with visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to numerous countries worldwide. As of 2024, Chilean citizens can visit 176 countries and territories without obtaining a visa in advance, making the Chilean passport one of the most powerful in Latin America and ranking 15th globally according to the Henley Passport Index.
Visa-Free Travel within South America
Chilean citizens benefit from extensive visa-free travel options within South America, thanks in part to Chile’s status as an associated member of Mercosur. This allows Chileans to enjoy unlimited access to Mercosur full member countries and other associated members:
- Argentina (90 days)
- Bolivia (90 days)
- Brazil (90 days)
- Colombia (90 days)
- Ecuador (180 days)
- Paraguay (90 days)
- Peru (up to 183 days)
- Uruguay (3 months)
Notably, Chilean citizens can travel to these countries using only their Cédula de Identidad (national ID card), without the need for a passport.
Visa-Free Access to Major Global Destinations
Chilean passport holders have the privilege of visa-free access to all G8 countries, a distinction shared only with Brunei, South Korea, and Israel. This includes:
- Canada (6 months)
- France (90 days)
- Germany (90 days)
- Italy (90 days)
- Japan (90 days)
- United Kingdom (6 months)
- United States (90 days under the Visa Waiver Program)
Chile is currently the only Latin American country with visa-waiver access to both the United States and Canada, highlighting the strength of the Chilean passport.
European Union and Schengen Area
Chilean citizens enjoy visa-free access to the entire Schengen Area, which includes most EU countries and some non-EU states. This allows for stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period across the following countries:
- Austria
- Belgium
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Iceland (non-EU Schengen member)
- Italy
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein (non-EU Schengen member)
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Netherlands
- Norway (non-EU Schengen member)
- Poland
- Portugal
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland (non-EU Schengen member)
Additionally, Chilean passport holders can visit other EU countries not part of the Schengen Area without a visa:
- Bulgaria (90 days)
- Croatia (90 days)
- Cyprus (90 days)
- Ireland (90 days)
- Romania (90 days)
Asia and Oceania
Several countries in Asia and Oceania offer visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to Chilean citizens:
- Hong Kong (90 days)
- Indonesia (30 days visa on arrival)
- Malaysia (1 month)
- Philippines (30 days)
- Singapore (30 days)
- South Korea (90 days with Electronic Travel Authorization)
- Thailand (90 days)
- Vietnam (90 days)
In Oceania:
- Australia (eVisitor visa required, but easily obtainable online)
- New Zealand (3 months with Electronic Travel Authority)
- Fiji (4 months)
- Cook Islands (31 days)
Middle East
Chilean passport holders can visit several Middle Eastern countries without a visa or with visa on arrival:
- Israel (3 months)
- Jordan (visa on arrival)
- Lebanon (1 month visa on arrival)
- Oman (14 days visa-free or 30 days with eVisa)
- Qatar (30 days)
- United Arab Emirates (90 days)
Africa
While many African countries require visas for Chilean citizens, some offer visa-free or visa-on-arrival access:
- Morocco (3 months)
- South Africa (90 days)
- Tunisia (90 days)
- Kenya (90 days with Electronic Travel Authorization)
- Rwanda (30 days with eVisa or visa on arrival)
- Seychelles (3 months with Electronic Border System)
Caribbean and Central America
Chilean citizens enjoy visa-free access to numerous Caribbean islands and Central American countries:
- Bahamas (3 months)
- Barbados (6 months)
- Costa Rica (90 days)
- Dominican Republic (90 days)
- Jamaica (30 days)
- Panama (90 days)
- Trinidad and Tobago (90 days)
Special Administrative Regions and Territories
Some territories and special administrative regions have different visa policies:
- Macau (30 days visa-free)
- French Polynesia (90 days visa-free)
- New Caledonia (90 days visa-free)
- Guam and Northern Mariana Islands (visa-free entry for unlimited stay as U.S. territories)
APEC Business Travel Card
Chilean business travelers who hold an APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC) can enjoy additional benefits when visiting APEC member economies. This card allows for expedited border crossing and can be used in lieu of a visa for business trips of up to 90 days in most participating countries.
Important Considerations for Chilean Travelers
While Chilean citizens enjoy extensive visa-free travel privileges, it’s crucial to keep the following points in mind:
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Passport Validity: Many countries require passports to be valid for at least six months beyond the intended stay. Always check the specific requirements for your destination.
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Length of Stay: Visa-free access doesn’t mean unlimited stay. Adhere to the allowed duration of stay for each country to avoid overstaying and potential penalties.
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Purpose of Travel: Visa-free access typically applies to tourism, business meetings, or short-term visits. For work, study, or long-term stays, additional visas or permits may be required.
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Entry Requirements: Some countries may require proof of onward travel, sufficient funds, or hotel reservations even for visa-free entry.
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Health Requirements: Certain countries may require proof of vaccination, particularly for yellow fever in some African and South American nations.
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eVisas and Electronic Travel Authorizations: While not technically visas, some countries require Chilean citizens to obtain electronic authorization before travel. These are usually easily obtainable online.
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Biometric Data: Be prepared to provide fingerprints or photos upon entry to countries like the United States, Japan, and several others.
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Criminal Record: Some countries may deny entry to individuals with criminal records, even if visa-free access is normally granted.
Passport Validity: Many countries require passports to be valid for at least six months beyond the intended stay. Always check the specific requirements for your destination.
Length of Stay: Visa-free access doesn’t mean unlimited stay. Adhere to the allowed duration of stay for each country to avoid overstaying and potential penalties.
Purpose of Travel: Visa-free access typically applies to tourism, business meetings, or short-term visits. For work, study, or long-term stays, additional visas or permits may be required.
Entry Requirements: Some countries may require proof of onward travel, sufficient funds, or hotel reservations even for visa-free entry.
Health Requirements: Certain countries may require proof of vaccination, particularly for yellow fever in some African and South American nations.
eVisas and Electronic Travel Authorizations: While not technically visas, some countries require Chilean citizens to obtain electronic authorization before travel. These are usually easily obtainable online.
Biometric Data: Be prepared to provide fingerprints or photos upon entry to countries like the United States, Japan, and several others.
Criminal Record: Some countries may deny entry to individuals with criminal records, even if visa-free access is normally granted.
Conclusion
Chilean citizens enjoy remarkable global mobility, with visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to a wide array of countries across six continents. This privilege not only facilitates tourism but also enhances business opportunities and cultural exchange. However, it’s essential for Chilean travelers to research specific entry requirements, stay durations, and any recent policy changes before embarking on international journeys. By staying informed and prepared, Chilean passport holders can make the most of their extensive visa-free travel options, exploring the world with ease and confidence.
Citations: [1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Visa_requirements_for_Chilean_citizens [2] https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/chile/entry-requirements [3] https://getgoldenvisa.com/passport/chile [4] https://www.passportindex.org/passport/chile/ [5] https://www.passportindex.org/country/chile/ [6] https://visaguide.world/south-america/chile-visa/ [7] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Visa_requirements_for_Chilean_citizens
