Australia entry requirements for Chile passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed July 3, 2026·View sources
eVisa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Chilean passport holders must get an approved Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) before flying to Australia. It's a quick online application, not a traditional visa, and allows multiple visits within 12 months. As of 2026, the process remains straightforward and paperless.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisitor visa (subclass 651)You must obtain this visa before departing for Australia; it is not issued on arrival. Online application required | Chilean passport holders must apply for an eVisitor visa online before travel. The visa is free of charge and allows stays for tourism or business visitor purposes. | Required |
| Passport validityIf your passport expires within 6 months, renew it before applying for the eVisitor visa. Minimum 6 months remaining | Your Chilean passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your intended date of entry into Australia. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesThe blank page should be free of stamps or markings to allow for immigration stamps. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank visa page for any entry stamp or endorsement. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketHaving a return or onward ticket helps avoid issues at check-in and shows you intend to leave Australia. Not explicitly required but strongly recommended | Australian immigration does not legally require a return ticket for eVisitor visa holders, but airlines may ask for proof of onward travel before boarding. | Recommended |
| Proof of sufficient fundsWhile not mandatory, carrying evidence of funds (e.g., bank statements) is wise in case of questioning. Not explicitly required | There is no set minimum amount of funds required for eVisitor visa holders, but you should be able to support yourself during your stay if asked by an officer. | Not required |
| Arrival declarationYou will complete a simple Incoming Passenger Card on the plane or at the airport. Not required | Australia does not require a separate arrival declaration form for eVisitor visa holders; standard customs and biosecurity declarations are made on arrival. | Not required |
| eVisitor visa application stepsStart your application well before travel to allow for any processing delays. Online process | Apply online via the Australian Department of Home Affairs website. You need a valid passport, email address, and details of your travel plans. Processing is usually instant or within a few days. | Required |
Apply only through official channels
Use the Australian Department of Home Affairs website or the ETA app. Third-party sites often charge inflated fees and may not process your application correctly.
SmartGate speeds up entry
If your passport has the ePassport symbol (a camera icon), you can use the automated SmartGate kiosks at major Australian airports. This skips the queue and takes under a minute.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for your ETA online
Go to the Australian Department of Home Affairs website or download the ETA app. Fill in your passport details, personal info, and answer a few questions. Pay the fee (AUD 20). Approval is usually instant — check your email for confirmation.
2
Pack your documents
Print or save digital copies of your ETA approval, passport, return ticket, and first night accommodation. Keep them in a folder or on your phone for easy access.
3
Arrive at the airport
At check-in, show your passport. The airline will verify your ETA electronically. You'll board as normal.
4
Go through immigration in Australia
Use the SmartGate kiosk if available (for ePassport holders). Scan your passport, answer a few questions on screen, and get a ticket. Hand it to the border officer. They may ask about your plans — be ready to show your return ticket and accommodation.
5
Collect your bags and exit
After immigration, pick up your luggage from the carousel. You may be selected for a customs check — declare any food, plant, or animal products honestly.
Download Australia Entry Checklist
PDF · Chile Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated July 3, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Visitor visa (subclass 600)
Max stay12 months
ValidityUp to 12 months
CostAUD 190
For longer stays or if ETA is not available; requires full application.
Business visitor visa (subclass 600)
Max stay3 months
ValidityUp to 12 months
CostAUD 190
For business meetings, conferences, or negotiations.
Work and Holiday visa (subclass 462)
Max stay12 months
Validity12 months
CostAUD 635
For young Chileans (18–30) to work and travel; capped annually.
work and holiday
Work and Holiday visa (subclass 462)
12 months
AUD 635
For Chilean citizens aged 18–30 to work and travel in Australia. Limited places each year.
Apply on Home Affairs website student
Student visa (subclass 500)
Up to 5 years
AUD 710
For full-time study at an Australian educational institution.
Apply on Home Affairs website retirement
Investor Retirement visa (subclass 405)
Up to 4 years
AUD 4,045
For retirees aged 55+ with significant assets to invest in Australia.
Apply on Home Affairs website Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| ETA application feeNon-refundable, paid online via credit card. | AUD 20 |
| Service fee (if using third-party app)Some apps charge a small convenience fee. | AUD 0–10 |
| Visa extension (onshore)For applying for a Visitor visa (subclass 600) to extend stay beyond ETA validity. | AUD 370 |
Common reasons for entry denial
Incomplete or incorrect application details35%
Criminal record or security concerns25%
Health issues (tuberculosis or other communicable diseases)15%
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 Australia
No transit visa needed
Chilean passport holders do not need a transit visa for airside transit through Australian airports, provided they hold a confirmed onward ticket and do not leave the transit area.
Airside transitAllowed up to 8h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport or clearing immigration, an ETA or visitor visa is required.
Transit hubsSydney (SYD) · Melbourne (MEL) · Brisbane (BNE)
Health & vaccines for Australia
Required for entry
Yellow feverRequired if traveling from a country with yellow fever risk (e.g., parts of Africa or South America). Chile is not a yellow fever country, but transit through risk areas may trigger requirement.
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccinations (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedInfluenzaConsider
Health risks
Ross River virusLow risk
Mosquito-borne; present in rural and coastal areas.
Murray Valley encephalitisLow risk
Rare but serious; occurs in northern regions.
Heat-related illnessModerate risk
Common in summer; stay hydrated and avoid prolonged sun exposure.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Practical information for CL travellers
Country basics
CapitalCanberra
LanguageEnglish
Driving sideLeft-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS license valid for up to 3 months. IDP recommended.
Money
CurrencyAustralian Dollar (AUD)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 1.45 AUD
Time zone
Local timeUTC+10
vs New York+15h to +16h depending on state
vs Los Angeles+18h to +19h depending on state
Electricity
Voltage230V / 50Hz
Plug types
IType I — unique Australian plug. US plugs do not fit. Bring an adapter.
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Safe to drink
Safe to drink everywhere in Australia.
Emergency numbers
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to Australia — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
Most applications are approved instantly or within a few hours. In rare cases it can take up to 12 hours. Apply at least a day before your flight to be safe.
The official fee is AUD 20 (about USD 13 or CLP 12,000 as of 2026). Only use the official Australian government website or app — third-party sites may charge extra fees.
No. The ETA allows stays of up to 3 months per visit. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for a different visa (e.g., Visitor Visa subclass 600) before your ETA expires.
Yes, you still need an ETA even if you're only transiting. There is no transit visa waiver for Chilean passport holders. Apply for the same ETA.
Denials are rare but can happen if you have a criminal record or previous visa issues. You can apply for a Visitor Visa (subclass 600) instead, which has a longer processing time (weeks). Contact the Australian embassy in Santiago for guidance.
No. The ETA is for tourism, business visits (meetings, conferences), or transit only. You cannot work for an Australian employer or study long-term. For work, you need a separate work visa.
Chilean passport holders need a separate NZeTA for New Zealand, even if transiting. Apply online before travel. The Australian ETA does not cover New Zealand.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on July 3, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.