South Korea entry requirements for Chile passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 5, 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 South Korea. You must apply and receive approval before you travel — there is no visa-on-arrival or visa waiver for Chilean nationals in 2026. Plan ahead: processing can take 1–2 weeks.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| K-ETA or eVisaK-ETA is an online pre-authorization that allows visa-free entry; without it you may be denied boarding. Visa-free entry with K-ETA | Chilean citizens can enter South Korea visa-free for up to 90 days, but must obtain a K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization) before departure. Apply online at least 72 hours before travel. | Required |
| Passport validityEnsure your passport does not expire within 6 months of your arrival date. Must be valid for 6 months | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into South Korea. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesThe immigration officer will stamp your passport; a blank page is needed for that. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least one blank visa page for the entry stamp. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketHaving a return ticket shows you intend to leave before your visa-free period ends. May be requested | Although not always required, immigration may ask for proof of a return or onward ticket. Have a printed or digital copy ready. | Recommended |
| Proof of fundsCarry a credit card or bank statement to prove you can support yourself during your visit. May be requested | You may be asked to show sufficient funds for your stay. No specific amount is published, but having access to around 1,000,000 KRW (approx. USD 750) for a short trip is advisable. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou do not need to fill out any additional arrival form beyond the standard immigration card. Not required | No separate arrival declaration is required for South Korea for Chilean citizens. | Not required |
No visa waiver for Chileans
Chile is not on South Korea's visa-waiver list. Do not book non-refundable flights or accommodation until your visa is approved.
Passport validity counts from entry date
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you arrive in South Korea, not from when you apply or depart Chile.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the visa online
Go to www.visa.go.kr, create an account, fill in the application form, upload required documents (passport scan, photo, travel itinerary, proof of funds), and pay the fee (approx. $40–60 USD depending on visa type).
2
Attend an interview (if required)
The Korean embassy in Santiago (Av. Vitacura 5250, Las Condes) may call you for an in-person interview. Bring your passport, printed application, and supporting documents. Interviews are usually brief — they'll confirm your travel plans and ask about your job or ties to Chile.
3
Wait for visa approval
Processing takes 5–15 business days. You'll receive an email notification. Check the status online using your application number.
4
Arrive at Incheon or Gimhae airport
At immigration, present your passport (with the visa sticker or e-visa printout), boarding pass, and return ticket. The officer may ask about your accommodation and purpose of visit. Answer clearly. You'll get an entry stamp valid for up to 90 days.
Download South Korea Entry Checklist
PDF · Chile Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 5, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Business visa (C-3-4)
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$40 (single-entry)
For short-term business activities; requires invitation from Korean company.
Work visa (E-series)
Max stayUp to 2 years (renewable)
ValidityVaries by employer and contract
Cost$60
Requires a job offer and sponsorship from a Korean employer.
Student visa (D-2)
Max stayUp to 2 years (renewable)
ValidityVaries by program
Cost$60
For enrollment in a Korean educational institution.
digital nomad
Workation Visa (F-1-D)
1 year
$50 USD
For remote workers; requires proof of employment abroad and income > $60,000/year.
Apply via HiKorea retirement
Overseas Korean (F-4) or Retirement Visa
2 years renewable
$60 USD
For ethnic Koreans or retirees with pension; requires proof of funds > $30,000.
Apply via HiKorea Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| South Korea eVisa (C-3-9 short-term general)Standard single-entry fee for Chilean passport holders. | $40 (single-entry) |
| South Korea eVisa (C-3-9 multiple-entry)For those who qualify for multiple entries. | $90 |
| Visa extension (short-term stay)Possible for certain visa types; apply before current stay expires. | $60 |
| Overstay penaltyFines and possible deportation; avoid overstaying. | Varies |
Common reasons for entry denial
Incomplete or incorrect application form30%
Insufficient financial proof25%
Unclear travel itinerary or purpose20%
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 South Korea
Transit visa required
Chilean passport holders generally require a visa to transit through South Korea, even if staying airside. However, there are exceptions for certain nationalities and specific conditions.
Exceptions & conditions
- Passengers with a valid visa for the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, or European countries may be eligible for visa-free transit (K-ETA not applicable).
- Passengers who have a confirmed onward ticket and are transiting through Incheon International Airport (ICN) may be allowed visa-free entry for up to 30 days under the 'K-ETA' program, but this does not apply to Chilean citizens as of 2026.
Transit hubsIncheon International Airport (ICN) · Gimpo International Airport (GMP) · Jeju International Airport (CJU)
Health & vaccines for South Korea
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if traveling from a country with yellow fever risk (e.g., Brazil).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis ARecommendedTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheriaRecommendedJapanese EncephalitisConsiderRabiesConsider
Health risks
Air pollutionModerate risk
Fine dust (PM2.5) can be high in winter and spring; consider masks.
Foodborne illnessLow risk
Common but usually mild; practice good hygiene.
Ticks (Lyme disease, SFTS)Low risk
Risk in rural/wooded areas; use repellent.
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
CapitalSeoul
LanguageKorean
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceIDP required alongside US license.
Money
CurrencySouth Korean Won (KRW)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 1,543.91 KRW
Time zone
Local timeUTC+9
vs New York+14h (EST) / +13h (EDT)
vs Los Angeles+17h (PST) / +16h (PDT)
Electricity
Voltage220V / 60Hz
Plug types
C,FType C, F — US plugs do not fit. Bring a European adapter.
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Safe to drink
Safe to drink. Most Koreans prefer filtered water.
Emergency numbers
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to South Korea — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
Processing usually takes 5–15 business days. Apply at least 3 weeks before your trip to be safe. You can check the status online at www.visa.go.kr.
The standard single-entry visa fee is about $40–60 USD (roughly 35,000–55,000 KRW). Fees are paid online during the application. Double-entry or multiple-entry visas cost more.
No, the visa is not extendable. You must leave before the expiry date. If you need more time, you'd have to exit and re-apply from Chile or another country.
Yes, immigration officers often ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return or onward flight booking ready.
You will be denied entry and sent back on the next available flight. There is no visa-on-arrival for Chilean passport holders. You must have the visa before you travel.
The Embassy of the Republic of Korea is at Av. Vitacura 5250, Las Condes, Santiago. Phone: +56-2-2228-4200. They handle visa applications and interviews.
You submit the application online, but you may still need to attend an in-person interview at the embassy in Santiago. The embassy will notify you if an interview is required.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on August 5, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.