Every country has its own rules when it comes to tourists entering from different countries, and Chile is no exception. At Crown Currency Exchange, we've put together everything you need to know about whether or not Australians need a visa to enter Chile, along with some useful information that will make planning your trip to Chile much easier.
Do Australian Citizens Need a Visa for Chile?
Yes, people who hold Australian citizenship will need a visa when travelling to Chile, and you must obtain your visa before you travel. Don't leave getting your visa until the last minute though, as the application process can be quite lengthy.
There are also certain restrictions in place when it comes to visiting Chile, even when holding a visa. For example, you cannot stay on Easter Island (Isla de Pascua/Rapa Nuir) for more than 30 days in a row.
Another restriction in place when visiting Chile from Australia regards single-entry visas. Let's say, for example, that you have a single-entry visa and choose to travel to another country from Chile. You then won't be able to re-enter Chile on that same visa and will need to apply for another visa.
It's also important to note that both exit and entry requirements can change at any time and with short notice. As such, we recommend contacting the Embassy or Consulate of Chile before you apply for a visa.
What Happens When I Enter Chile?
Once you arrive at the airport, you'll head towards immigration. Here, you'll need to supply the officials with your visa, and you will also be handed a document that certifies your entry into the country.
It is crucial that you look after this document, as you'll need it again when it comes to leaving Chile. Losing this certificate may result in delays to your departure as you'll need to request a brand new one from immigration.
You'll also be required to complete Customs and Agro-Sanitary checks before you can pass through immigration.
What Happens if I Attempt to Travel to Chile Without a Visa?
When you arrive in Chile without a valid visa, you'll be held at immigration for a short period of time before being sent back to your last departure point.
It is not possible to obtain a visa at immigration or at any other part of the airport, and your visa application must have been completed far ahead of your journey.
What Happens When I Leave Chile?
You'll need to head to immigration again once you arrive at the airport for your departure from Chile. Here, you'll need to provide them with the document you were handed when you first arrived, along with your visa and any other supporting documents you have been advised to supply.
For those with dual Australian-Chilean nationality, you may be asked to supply a Chile passport upon departure. You'll need to make sure this is valid, however, as Chile's Migration Police (PDI) has been known to deny departure from the country if a passport has expired.
Do I Need a Visa to Transit Through Chile?
You'll need to contact the nearest Embassy or Consulate of Chile if you're travel plans include transit through Chile, as you may require a special transit visa.
It can be tempting to skip this step as it seems like a bit of an extra effort to go to, but it is incredibly important as you won't be able to pass the immigration point if you miss your connecting flight. Anyone who travels regularly will know that flights are delayed all the time, so it's not worth the risk.
You'll have to remain in the airport if you do miss your connecting flight and aren't able to pass immigration, and this can take several days, depending on where you're headed.
How Do I Apply for a Visa from Australia to Chile?
While waiting for your visa to be approved can take some time, the actual application process is relatively quick and easy. It's also worth applying for your visa well in advance of travelling, as this allows time for any issues to be resolved.
Here's what you need to do to apply for a visa from Australia to Chile:
- Gather your documents: Getting organised is key, so gather together your passport and any other supporting documents you need for your application, such as bank statements, medical certificate, or travel insurance policies.
- Check your passport: You'll also need to make sure that your passport is valid and has at least six months left on the expiry date from the date you plan to arrive in Chile. You'll need to renew your passport if it doesn't.
- Complete the online application: Head over to the Chile Tourist Visa Website and fill out the online application. Here, you'll need to provide your personal information and passport details and complete all other required fields.
- Upload your documents: Once you've completed the form, you'll need to scan and upload your documents to support your application.
- Pay for your visa: As soon as your documents are uploaded, you'll be taken to the payment screen, and you can pay for your visa application using a credit card or debit card. It is important to note here that your application won't be processed until payment has been made.
- Wait: Now comes the hardest part - waiting for your visa application to be processed! Everything will be reviewed by an immigration officer, and this can take a while, so you'll need to be patient.
- Decision: Once your visa has been approved, an e visa will be sent to the email address provided on your application form. You should print a copy of this and keep it safe, along with any other documents you have been advised to supply when entering Chile.
Final Thoughts
To sum up, you will need a visa if you're planning on travelling from Australia to Chile, even if you're planning a short layover. You won't make it past immigration control if you don't have a valid visa and will be returned to your last departure port as soon as a flight becomes available. Luckily, the visa application process is fairly straightforward, but it can take a while to process. So, apply for your visa far in advance, be patient, and you'll soon be on your way to Chile!
It's also important to ensure you've sorted your travel money before you travel to Chile, too. Crown Currency Exchange has 60 locations that can help you buy CLP at competitive rates with no fees.
