Chile entry requirements for Switzerland passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 17, 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
Swiss passport holders can visit Chile for tourism or business stays up to 90 days without a visa. This visa-free policy is valid through 2026, making short trips straightforward.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your Swiss passport needs to be valid for the entire time you plan to be in Chile. Chile does not enforce the 6-month validity rule for Swiss nationals, but airlines sometimes check it at check-in. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Chile | Immigration officers at Santiago (SCL) routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy or a digital version on your phone ready. A bus ticket to Argentina or a flight to Peru also counts. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Officers sometimes ask where you're staying. Have a hotel confirmation, Airbnb booking, or a letter from a friend with their address and phone number ready. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Chile doesn't have a fixed minimum amount, but carrying a credit card and a bank statement showing a few hundred Swiss francs helps. Officers rarely ask, but it's good backup. | Recommended |
Passport validity counts from entry date
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you land in Chile, not from your departure date. If your passport expires sooner, renew it before you go.
Overstaying is costly
Overstaying your 90-day visa-free period can lead to fines (around 100 USD per month) and a re-entry ban. Always leave on time or apply for an extension before your stay ends.
What happens at the border
1
Arrival at Santiago International Airport (SCL)
After landing, follow signs to 'Migraciones' (Immigration). Join the queue for foreign passports. Have your passport and boarding pass ready. The officer will stamp your passport and may ask about your stay duration and accommodation. The process usually takes 5-15 minutes.
2
Present documents at immigration counter
Hand over your passport. If asked, show your return ticket and accommodation booking. Answer questions clearly — typical ones are 'How long are you staying?' and 'Where are you staying?'.
3
Collect luggage and proceed to customs
After immigration, collect your bags from the carousel. Then go through customs — you may be asked to declare items. There's a duty-free allowance for personal goods.
Download Chile Entry Checklist
PDF · Switzerland Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 17, 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 Swiss passport holders)
Swiss citizens do not need a tourist visa for stays up to 90 days. This option is for those who may need a visa for other reasons.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry, not extendable
ValidityUp to 1 year
CostFree (not required for Swiss passport holders)
Not required for Swiss passport holders. If needed for longer stays, apply at a Chilean consulate.
Long-stay visa (temporary residence)
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
CostApproximately $100 USD (estimated)
For those wishing to stay longer than 90 days for work, study, or family reasons. Requires application at a Chilean consulate.
work visa
Visa for Temporary Residence (Work)
1 year, renewable
Approximately $100 USD (estimated)
For those with a job offer in Chile. Requires a work contract and employer sponsorship. Allows multiple entries and can lead to permanent residence.
student visa
Student Visa (Temporary Residence)
1 year, renewable
Approximately $100 USD (estimated)
For those enrolled in a recognized educational institution in Chile. Requires proof of enrollment and sufficient funds. Allows part-time work with authorization.
retirement visa
Temporary Residence for Retirees
1 year, renewable
Approximately $100 USD (estimated)
For retirees with a stable pension or income. Requires proof of monthly income (approx. $1,000 USD) and health insurance. Can lead to permanent residence after 2 years.
investor visa
Temporary Residence for Investors
1 year, renewable
Approximately $100 USD (estimated)
For those investing a minimum of $50,000 USD in a Chilean business or real estate. Requires proof of investment and business plan. Fast track to permanent residence.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Stay extension costVisa-free stays cannot be extended. Must leave after 90 days. | Not applicable |
| Tourist visa (single entry)Swiss passport holders do not need a tourist visa for short stays. | Not applicable |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Not required for visa-free entry. | Not applicable |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay fines are enforced; exact amount may vary. Avoid overstaying. | Approximately $100 USD per day (estimated) |
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
Swiss passport holders do not need a transit visa to change planes in Chile, even if leaving the airport for a short time.
Airside transitAllowed
Transit hubsArturo Merino Benítez International Airport (SCL) - Santiago · Comodoro Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport (SCL) - Santiago
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, influenza)EssentialCOVID-19 (primary series + booster)Essential
Health risks
Altitude sicknessModerate risk
Risk in high-altitude areas like the Andes (e.g., San Pedro de Atacama). Acclimatize gradually and stay hydrated.
Mosquito-borne diseases (dengue, chikungunya)Low risk
Low risk in most tourist areas, but present in northern regions. Use insect repellent.
Food and water safetyLow risk
Tap water is generally safe in major 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
Agustinas 1235, Santiago
Mon–Fri 08:30–14:00
Main office for visa and residency matters. Arrive early to avoid long queues.
Valparaíso
Oficina de Extranjería Valparaíso
Prat 856, Valparaíso
Mon–Fri 08:30–14:00
Handles immigration issues for the region. Bring all required documents.
Practical information for CH 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 = 908.69 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 entry is not extendable. You must leave Chile before the 90 days are up. If you want to stay longer, you'd need to apply for a different visa before travelling.
Overstaying can result in fines and a ban from re-entering Chile. The fine is roughly 100 USD per month overstayed, and you may be required to pay it before leaving. Always leave on time.
No, if you're transiting through Chile and staying airside (not passing immigration), you don't need a visa. But if you leave the airport, you'll need to meet the visa-free entry requirements.
Technically, the tourist visa does not permit work. However, short-term remote work for a foreign employer is generally tolerated. For any local work, you'd need a work visa. Check with the Chilean consulate for the latest rules.
You will likely be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry by Chilean immigration. Renew your passport before travelling. There are no exceptions for Swiss passport holders.
No, there is no separate arrival declaration form for Swiss passport holders. You just go through immigration with your passport and documents.
No, Swiss citizens do not need a visa on arrival because they already have visa-free access. If you overstay or need a longer stay, you must apply for a visa at a Chilean consulate before travelling.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 17, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.