United Kingdom entry requirements for Chile passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 6, 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 need a visa to enter the United Kingdom in 2026. Apply for a Standard Visitor visa online before you travel. Processing can take several weeks, so plan ahead.
Apply for United Kingdom eVisaRequired for most visa-exempt visitors since 2024-2025. Not a visa — approval is linked electronically to your passport. Apply before you travel.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| UK Electronic Visa Waiver (EVW) or Standard Visitor VisaYou must have an approved EVW before boarding your flight to the UK. Entry permission | Chilean citizens do not need a traditional visa for tourism or business visits up to 6 months, but must obtain an Electronic Visa Waiver (EVW) before travel. The EVW is valid for a single entry and allows a stay of up to 6 months. Apply online before departure; the EVW is not extendable. | Required |
| Passport validityCheck your passport expiry date – it must not expire within 6 months of your planned return. At least 6 months | Your Chilean passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of departure from the UK. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesMake sure there is an empty page in your passport for the UK border officer to stamp. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least one blank page for the entry stamp. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketHaving a booked flight out of the UK helps demonstrate you are a genuine visitor. Proof of departure | Although not always requested, you should carry proof of a return or onward ticket to show you intend to leave the UK within the permitted stay. | Recommended |
| Proof of fundsCarry bank statements or credit cards to show you can support yourself during your stay. Sufficient funds for stay | You may be asked to show you have enough money to cover your accommodation and living expenses for the duration of your visit. No specific amount is set, but you should be able to demonstrate financial means if asked. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou do not need to fill out any arrival form before landing. Not required | No arrival declaration is required for entry to the UK. | Not required |
Visa required — apply well in advance
You cannot travel to the UK without an approved visa. Start the process at least 2 months before your planned trip to allow for processing delays.
Biometric appointment in Santiago
The only UK Visa Application Centre in Chile is in Santiago. You must attend in person to give fingerprints and a photo. Book your appointment as soon as you submit the online application.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for a Standard Visitor visa online
Go to gov.uk/apply-uk-visa and complete the online application. You'll need to provide personal details, travel plans, and upload supporting documents. Pay the fee and book an appointment at a visa application centre.
2
Attend a biometric appointment
Visit a UK Visa Application Centre (VAC) in Chile — locations include Santiago. You'll give fingerprints and a photograph. Bring your passport and appointment confirmation.
3
Wait for a decision
Standard processing takes about 3 weeks, but can be longer during peak seasons. You'll receive a decision via email. If approved, the visa vignette will be placed in your passport.
4
Travel to the UK
Arrive at a UK airport (e.g., Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester). Go through immigration — have your passport, return ticket, accommodation proof, and bank statements ready. The officer may ask about your plans.
Download United Kingdom Entry Checklist
PDF · Chile Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 6, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Standard Visitor visa (6 months)
Max stay6 months
Validity6 months from date of issue
Cost£115
For tourism, visiting family, business meetings, and short courses. Cannot work in the UK.
Long-term Standard Visitor visa (2 years)
Max stay6 months per visit
Validity2 years
Cost£432
For frequent travellers; must meet same eligibility as 6-month visa.
Long-term Standard Visitor visa (5 years)
Max stay6 months per visit
Validity5 years
Cost£771
For frequent travellers; must meet same eligibility as 6-month visa.
Long-term Standard Visitor visa (10 years)
Max stay6 months per visit
Validity10 years
Cost£963
For frequent travellers; must meet same eligibility as 6-month visa.
Marriage Visitor visa
Max stay6 months
Validity6 months
Cost£115
For getting married or registering a civil partnership in the UK.
Permitted Paid Engagement visa
Max stay1 month
Validity6 months
Cost£115
For academics and professionals invited to the UK for a specific paid engagement.
Skilled Worker visa
Max stayUp to 5 years
ValidityUp to 5 years
Cost£719–£1620 (depending on circumstances)
Requires a job offer from a UK employer with a sponsor licence. Leads to settlement.
Health and Care Worker visa
Max stayUp to 5 years
ValidityUp to 5 years
Cost£284–£551 (depending on circumstances)
For qualified doctors, nurses, and health professionals. Reduced fee and no IHS surcharge.
Student visa
Max stayDuration of course (up to 5 years)
ValidityDuration of course
Cost£490
For study at an accredited UK institution. Must have a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS).
Global Talent visa
Max stayUp to 5 years
ValidityUp to 5 years
Cost£714 (plus £524 for each dependent)
For leaders in academia, research, arts, and digital technology. Requires endorsement.
Standard Visitor visa extension
Visitor visa extension
Up to 6 months total
£1000
Apply before current visa expires to extend stay up to 6 months in total. Must not work.
Apply online Youth Mobility Scheme
Youth Mobility Scheme visa
2 years
£298
For Chilean citizens aged 18-30. Allows work and study. Limited places.
Apply online Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Standard Visitor visa (6 months)Required for tourism, family visits, business meetings, and short courses. | £115 |
| Long-term Standard Visitor visa (2 years)For frequent travellers; must meet same eligibility as 6-month visa. | £432 |
| Long-term Standard Visitor visa (5 years)For frequent travellers; must meet same eligibility as 6-month visa. | £771 |
| Long-term Standard Visitor visa (10 years)For frequent travellers; must meet same eligibility as 6-month visa. | £963 |
| Priority visa serviceDecision within 5 working days; availability varies by location. | £500 (in addition to visa fee) |
| Super priority visa serviceDecision by end of next working day; only available in certain countries. | £1000 (in addition to visa fee) |
| Visa application centre (VAC) service feeCharged by the commercial partner operating the visa application centre. | Varies (approx. £50–£100) |
| User pays visa application centre (VAC) feeCharged by the commercial partner operating the visa application centre. | Varies (approx. £50–£100) |
| Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)Only for visas longer than 6 months; not applicable to Standard Visitor visa. | £1035 per year |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
Weak employment ties25%
Previous immigration violations20%
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 United Kingdom
Transit visa required
Chilean passport holders generally need a Direct Airside Transit Visa (DATV) to transit through the UK airside (without passing through immigration) unless they qualify for an exemption. However, if you hold a valid UK visitor visa, you can transit without a DATV.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid UK, EU, US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, or Ireland visa (or residence permit) are exempt from the DATV requirement.
- Holders of a valid Schengen visa (with a certain status) may be exempt in some cases.
- Passengers with a confirmed onward ticket and who do not leave the international transit area may be exempt if they are travelling to or from certain countries (e.g., Australia, Canada, New Zealand, USA) and hold a valid visa for that destination.
- Diplomatic or official passport holders may be exempt.
Transit hubsHeathrow (LHR) · Gatwick (LGW) · Manchester (MAN)
Health & vaccines for United Kingdom
Recommended vaccines
Routine MMRRecommendedSeasonal influenzaRecommendedCOVID-19 (up-to-date)Recommended
Health risks
Tick-borne encephalitisLow risk
Rare; risk in rural areas of Scotland and southern England.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
London
UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) – London
Lunar House, 40 Wellesley Road, Croydon CR9 2BY
Monday to Friday, 9:00–17:00
Glasgow
UKVI – Glasgow
Festival Court, 200 Brand Street, Glasgow G51 1DH
Monday to Friday, 9:00–17:00
Practical information for CL travellers
Country basics
CapitalLondon
LanguageEnglish
Driving sideLeft-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS license valid for up to 12 months.
Money
CurrencyBritish Pound (GBP)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 0.75 GBP
Time zone
Local timeUTC+0
vs New York+5h (EST) / +5h (EDT)
vs Los Angeles+8h (PST) / +8h (PDT)
Electricity
Voltage230V / 50Hz
Plug types
GType G — unique 3-pin UK plug. US plugs do not fit. Bring a UK adapter.
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Safe to drink
Excellent tap water. Safe everywhere in the UK.
Emergency numbers
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to United Kingdom — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
The Standard Visitor visa allows stays of up to 6 months. It's not extendable beyond that for tourism purposes.
The Standard Visitor visa fee is £115 (about 120,000 CLP) as of 2026. This is for a 6-month visa. Longer-term options (2, 5, or 10 years) cost more.
Standard processing takes about 3 weeks. You can pay for priority service (5 working days) or super priority service (next working day) for an additional fee.
You don't need to submit a return ticket with your application, but you should have one booked before you travel. Immigration officers at the border may ask to see it.
No. The Standard Visitor visa does not permit any paid or unpaid work. You can attend business meetings, conferences, or training, but not take a job.
You can reapply, but you'll need to address the reasons for refusal. Common reasons include insufficient funds, unclear travel plans, or lack of ties to Chile. Consider seeking advice from a registered immigration adviser.
Chilean passport holders do not need a visa for airside transit if you're connecting to another international flight and don't pass through UK border control. If you need to enter the UK (e.g., to change airports), you'll need a Visitor in Transit visa.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on August 6, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.