Chile entry requirements for United Arab Emirates passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 2026·View sources
No visa required
90 days
Max stay
90 days
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
UAE passport holders can visit Chile without a visa for up to 90 days. This policy has been in place for years and continues through 2026. Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months from your entry date.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your passport needs to be valid for the entire time you plan to stay in Chile. Chile does not require 6 months of validity beyond your departure date, but airlines sometimes enforce this — check with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of exit from Chile | Immigration officers at Santiago (SCL) routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed or digital copy of your flight out of Chile ready — they may deny boarding if you cannot show one. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a hotel confirmation, Airbnb receipt, or a letter from your host. Officers rarely ask for it, but having it avoids delays if they do. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself during your stay | Have a bank statement or credit card showing access to roughly $500–$1,000 USD. Chile does not publish a fixed minimum, but officers may ask how you plan to fund your trip. | Recommended |
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date you enter Chile. Airlines check this before boarding. If your passport expires sooner, you will be denied travel.
No visa needed, but have documents ready
While there's no visa to apply for, immigration officers may ask for proof of onward travel and accommodation. Keep digital copies on your phone.
What happens at the border
1
Prepare your documents
Before you travel, check your passport validity (6+ months from entry), book your return/onward ticket, and save a screenshot of your accommodation confirmation. Also consider getting travel insurance and a local eSIM.
2
Arrive at Santiago International Airport (SCL) or other entry point
Most travellers fly into Santiago (SCL). Follow signs to 'Migración' or 'Extranjería'. The queue can be long during peak hours (morning and evening). Have your passport and boarding pass ready.
3
Present your passport and answer questions
Hand over your passport. The officer may ask: 'How long are you staying?', 'Where are you staying?', 'What's the purpose of your visit?'. Answer clearly and briefly. They may also ask to see your return ticket.
4
Receive entry stamp
The officer will stamp your passport with the date of entry and the allowed stay (usually 90 days). Check the stamp before leaving the counter. If the stay is shorter than expected, ask politely.
5
Collect luggage and proceed to customs
After immigration, collect your bags from the carousel. Then go through customs (green channel if nothing to declare, red channel if you have goods to declare).
Download Chile Entry Checklist
PDF · United Arab Emirates Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 2026
Overstay calculator
Enter your arrival date and we'll tell you exactly when you need to leave.
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay90 days, not extendable
Validity3 months from issue
CostFree (not required for visa-free entry)
Not needed for visa-free travel; listed for longer stays if visa-free is exhausted.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry, not extendable
Validity1 year
CostFree (not required for visa-free entry)
Not needed for visa-free travel; allows multiple entries within validity.
Work visa
Max stayUp to 2 years, renewable
Validity2 years
Cost~$100 USD (estimated)
Requires employer sponsorship and contract.
Student visa
Max stayDuration of studies, renewable
Validity1 year
Cost~$50 USD (estimated)
Requires enrollment in a recognized Chilean institution.
retirement visa
Visa de Residencia Temporaria por Rentas (Retirement)
1 year, renewable annually
~$100 USD (estimated)
For retirees with a stable monthly income (e.g., pension) of at least $1,000 USD. Requires proof of income and health insurance. Allows long-term stay.
digital nomad visa
Visa de Residencia Temporaria para Trabajadores Remotos
1 year, renewable
~$150 USD (estimated)
For remote workers with income from foreign sources. Requires proof of employment and minimum income of $2,000 USD/month. Allows stay and work.
investor visa
Visa de Residencia por Inversión
2 years, renewable
~$500 USD (estimated)
For investors who invest at least $100,000 USD in Chilean businesses or real estate. Requires business plan and proof of funds.
work visa
Visa de Trabajo
Up to 2 years, renewable
~$100 USD (estimated)
For those with a job offer from a Chilean employer. Requires contract and employer sponsorship. Can lead to permanent residency.
student visa
Visa de Estudiante
Duration of studies, renewable
~$50 USD (estimated)
For students enrolled in a recognized Chilean institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds. Allows part-time work.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Not required for visa-free travel; listed for reference. | Free (not applicable for visa-free entry) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Not required for visa-free travel; listed for reference. | Free (not applicable for visa-free entry) |
| Stay extension feeVisa-free stay is not extendable; must leave and re-enter. | Not available (N/A) |
| Overstay fineOverstay penalties are enforced; avoid overstaying. | ~$100 USD per day (estimated, max cap unknown) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Suspicious travel pattern20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Chile
No transit visa needed
United Arab Emirates passport holders do not need a transit visa to change planes in Chile, provided they remain airside and do not pass through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed
Transit hubsArturo Merino Benítez International Airport (SCL) · Comodoro Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport (SCL)
Health & vaccines for Chile
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission (e.g., Brazil, Peru).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis ARecommendedTyphoidConsiderRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, etc.)EssentialInfluenzaConsider
Health risks
Altitude sicknessModerate risk
Risk in high-altitude areas like the Andes; acclimatize gradually.
Mosquito-borne diseases (dengue, chikungunya)Low risk
Low risk in most tourist areas; use repellent in rural areas.
Food and water safetyLow risk
Tap water is generally safe in cities, but bottled water is recommended in rural areas.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Santiago
Departamento de Extranjería y Migración
Av. Bernardo O'Higgins 1449, Santiago
Mon–Fri 09:00–14:00
Main office for visa and residency matters; arrive early for appointments.
Valparaíso
Oficina de Extranjería Valparaíso
Calle Prat 856, Valparaíso
Mon–Fri 09:00–14:00
Handles extensions and permits for the region.
Practical information for AE travellers
Country basics
CapitalSantiago
LanguageSpanish
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS visitors can drive with a valid US license for up to 90 days.
Money
CurrencyChilean peso (CLP)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 925.02 CLP
Time zone
Local timeUTC-3
vs New York+1h
vs Los Angeles+4h
Electricity
Voltage220V / 50Hz
Plug types
C,LType C (European 2-pin) and Type L (Italian 3-pin) are common.
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Safe to drink
Tap water is generally safe to drink in urban areas.
Emergency numbers
Frequently asked questions
No, the visa-free stay is not extendable. If you want to stay longer, you must leave Chile before the 90 days are up and re-enter. Overstaying can result in fines and a ban.
You will likely be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry at immigration. Renew your passport before traveling. The 6-month validity is strictly enforced.
Yes, an onward ticket to any country outside Chile works. It just proves you will leave within the allowed period. A bus ticket to Argentina or a flight to Peru is fine.
No, there is no arrival declaration required for UAE passport holders. You just go through immigration as usual.
Overstaying is taken seriously. You may be fined, banned from re-entering Chile for a period, or both. The fine amount varies. Always leave before your stamp expires.
No, the visa-free entry is for tourism, business meetings, or short visits only. For work or study, you need a specific visa obtained before travel.
The currency is the Chilean Peso (CLP). Credit cards are widely accepted in cities, but carry some cash for small shops and taxis. ATMs are common. Exchange money at official exchange offices (casas de cambio) for better rates.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 28, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.