Canada entry requirements for Chile passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed July 3, 2026·View sources
Visa 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 need a visa to visit Canada in 2026. You must apply for a visitor visa (TRV) before traveling — there is no visa-free or eTA option for Chileans. Plan ahead, as processing can take several weeks.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| VisaYou cannot board a flight to Canada without a valid visa or electronic travel authorization (eTA). Chileans need a visa. Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) required | Chilean passport holders must obtain a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) before traveling to Canada. Apply online or at a Canadian visa office. Processing times vary; apply well in advance. | Required |
| Passport validityCanada requires your passport to be valid for 6 months after your departure date to ensure you can return home. 6 months beyond intended stay | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date you plan to leave Canada. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesImmigration officers need a blank page to stamp your passport when you enter Canada. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank page for entry and exit stamps. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketCarrying a return or onward ticket helps demonstrate you intend to leave Canada before your visa expires. Proof of onward travel | You may be asked to show a return or onward ticket at the border. Although not always required, it is strongly recommended to have one. | Recommended |
| Proof of fundsHaving proof of funds shows you can support yourself during your visit without working illegally. Sufficient funds for stay | You may be asked to show proof of sufficient funds to cover your stay in Canada, such as bank statements, credit cards, or cash. No specific minimum amount is set by immigration. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou do not need to submit any arrival declaration form before or upon arrival. Not required | No arrival declaration is required for Chile passport holders entering Canada. | Not required |
| eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization)eTA is only for visa-exempt nationals; Chileans must apply for a visa. Not applicable | Chilean passport holders are not eligible for an eTA; a visa is required instead. | Not required |
Visa required — apply early
Chilean passport holders cannot enter Canada without a visa. Processing can take 2–8 weeks, so start your application at least 2 months before your trip. No exceptions at the border.
Biometrics may be needed
Most applicants need to give fingerprints and a photo at a Visa Application Centre (VAC). In Chile, the VAC is in Santiago. Book an appointment online after submitting your application.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for a visitor visa online
Go to the official Canada visa website (IRCC). Fill out the application, upload documents (passport scan, photo, travel history, financial proof), and pay the fee (around CAD 100). Processing takes 2–8 weeks.
2
Wait for visa approval and receive passport request
If approved, IRCC will ask you to submit your physical passport for visa sticker issuance. You'll mail it to the nearest Canadian visa office (usually in Santiago). Turnaround is about 1–2 weeks.
3
Book flights and accommodation
Once you have the visa sticker, book your flight and first night's stay. Keep all confirmations handy — digital copies on your phone are fine.
4
Arrive at a Canadian airport and go through immigration
At the airport, follow signs to 'Arrivals' and then 'Immigration'. Hand over your passport with visa sticker. The officer may ask: purpose of visit, how long you're staying, where you're staying, and proof of funds. Answer clearly and honestly.
5
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, pick up your bags from the carousel. If you have nothing to declare, go through the green 'Nothing to Declare' channel. If you have goods over CAD 800 or food, use the red channel.
Download Canada 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:
Super Visa (for parents/grandparents)
Max stayUp to 2 years per visit
ValidityUp to 10 years
Cost$100 CAD
Requires Canadian child/grandchild invitation and private medical insurance.
Business visitor visa
Max stay6 months
ValidityUp to 10 years
Cost$100 CAD
For business meetings, conferences; no work permitted.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visitor visa (TRV) application feePer person; biometrics fee additional. | $100 CAD |
| Biometrics feePer person; required for most applicants. | $85 CAD |
| Visa extension (visitor record)For extending stay beyond initial 6 months. | $100 CAD |
Common reasons for entry denial
Incomplete or incorrect application30%
Insufficient financial proof25%
Weak ties to home country20%
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 Canada
Transit visa required
Chilean passport holders require a transit visa to pass through Canada en route to another country, even if staying airside.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid US visa may transit without a visa if connecting at a Canadian airport and departing within 24 hours.
Transit hubsToronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) · Vancouver International Airport (YVR) · Montréal–Trudeau International Airport (YUL)
Health & vaccines for Canada
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, polio, varicella, influenza)EssentialCOVID-19 (full primary series + booster)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedHepatitis BRecommended
Health risks
Lyme diseaseLow risk
Tick-borne; risk in wooded/grassy areas, especially spring to fall.
West Nile virusLow risk
Mosquito-borne; rare but present in some regions.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Ottawa
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) – Ottawa
365 Laurier Avenue West, Ottawa, ON K1A 1L1
Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM local time
Vancouver
IRCC Vancouver Office
1148 Hornby Street, Vancouver, BC V6Z 2C3
By appointment only
Practical information for CL travellers
Country basics
CapitalOttawa
LanguageEnglish, French
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS license valid in Canada.
Money
CurrencyCanadian Dollar (CAD)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 1.42 CAD
Time zone
Local timeUTC-5
vs New YorkSame to -3h depending on province
vs Los AngelesSame to +3h depending on province
Electricity
Voltage120V / 60Hz
Plug types
A,BType A, B — same as the US. No adapter needed.
✓ No adapter needed for US plugs
Water & health
Tap water
Safe to drink
Safe to drink in all major cities.
Emergency numbers
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to Canada — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
Yes. Chileans must apply for a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) before traveling. There is no visa waiver or eTA option.
Processing times vary, but typically 2–8 weeks. Apply well in advance — at least 2 months before your planned trip.
The application fee is CAD 100 (about USD 75). If biometrics are required (fingerprints and photo), there's an additional CAD 85 fee.
Yes, you can apply for an extension before your current visa expires. You must show you have funds to support yourself and a valid reason. The extension fee is CAD 100.
Your passport with the visa sticker, return ticket, proof of accommodation (hotel booking or host address), and proof of funds (bank statement or credit card). Be ready to answer questions about your trip.
You'll receive a letter explaining the reason. Common reasons: insufficient funds, weak ties to Chile, or incomplete documents. You can reapply after addressing the issue, but there's no guarantee of approval.
No. A visitor visa only allows tourism, visiting family, or short business meetings. For work or study, you need a separate permit.
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.