Chile entry requirements for Colombia passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 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
Colombian passport holders can enter Chile without a visa for tourism or business for up to 90 days. This visa-free arrangement is in effect for 2026, so you can skip the embassy visit and head straight to immigration on arrival.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Chile does not require 6 months of passport validity beyond your stay — just make sure your passport is valid for the entire time you're in the country. Airlines sometimes enforce the 6-month rule anyway, so check with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Chile | Immigration officers at Santiago (SCL) regularly ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed or digital copy of your outbound flight ready. If you're continuing overland to Argentina or Peru, a bus ticket or flight booking works too. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Officers sometimes ask where you're staying, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary. A hotel confirmation or a letter from a friend in Chile with their address is enough. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Chile doesn't publish a fixed minimum, but having a credit card or bank statement showing at least $500 USD equivalent is a safe bet. I've never been asked, but a few travellers report being questioned at SCL. | Recommended |
90 days is not extendable
You cannot extend the visa-free stay. Plan your trip so you leave before day 90. Overstaying leads to fines and potential re-entry bans.
Keep your return ticket handy
Immigration officers often ask for proof of onward travel. A screenshot on your phone is acceptable — no need to print.
What happens at the border
1
Arrival at Chilean airport
You'll land at Santiago (SCL) or another airport. Follow signs to 'Extranjería' or 'Migraciones'. Join the foreign passport queue. Have your passport and return ticket ready. The officer stamps your passport for 90 days. No forms to fill.
2
Baggage claim and customs
After immigration, collect your bags. Customs uses a random red/green light system. If you get green, walk through. If red, your bags are inspected. Declare anything over $500 USD or restricted items.
3
Exit the airport
Once through customs, you're free to leave. Taxis and ride-shares (Uber, Cabify) are available. Keep your passport handy for hotel check-in.
Download Chile Entry Checklist
PDF · Colombia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 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, non-extendable
Validity3 months from issue
Cost~$30 USD (approx. 24,000 CLP)
For those who want a visa in advance; not necessary for visa-free entry.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry, non-extendable
Validity1 year
Cost~$60 USD (approx. 48,000 CLP)
Allows multiple visits within a year; useful for frequent travellers.
Work visa
Max stayUp to 2 years, renewable
Validity2 years
Cost~$200 USD (approx. 160,000 CLP) plus employer fees
Requires a job offer and employer sponsorship.
Student visa
Max stayDuration of studies, renewable
Validity1 year, renewable
Cost~$100 USD (approx. 80,000 CLP)
For enrolled students in accredited Chilean institutions.
retirement visa
Visa de Residencia Temporaria por Rentas (Retirement)
1 year, renewable annually
~$200 USD (approx. 160,000 CLP) application fee
For retirees with a stable pension or passive income. Requires proof of monthly income of at least ~$1,000 USD. Allows residency and access to healthcare.
digital nomad visa
Visa de Residencia Temporaria para Trabajadores Remotos
1 year, renewable
~$150 USD (approx. 120,000 CLP) application fee
For remote workers with foreign income. Requires proof of employment and income of at least ~$1,500 USD/month. Allows stay and work for foreign employers.
work visa
Visa de Residencia Temporaria por Trabajo
2 years, renewable
~$200 USD (approx. 160,000 CLP) plus employer fees
For those with a job offer in Chile. Requires employer sponsorship and contract. Leads to permanent residency after 2 years.
student visa
Visa de Residencia Temporaria por Estudios
1 year, renewable
~$100 USD (approx. 80,000 CLP) application fee
For students enrolled in accredited Chilean institutions. Allows part-time work with authorization.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay fines are steep; avoid overstaying. | ~$100 USD per day (approx. 80,000 CLP) |
| Overstay maximum capMaximum fine for overstay, but may also lead to deportation and ban. | ~$1,000 USD (approx. 800,000 CLP) |
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
Colombia passport holders do not need a transit visa to change planes in Chile, as long as they stay airside and do not pass through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed
Transit hubsArturo Merino Benítez International Airport (SCL)
Health & vaccines for Chile
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission (e.g., Brazil, Colombia).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, influenza)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Altitude sicknessModerate risk
Risk in high-altitude areas like the Andes; acclimatize gradually.
Mosquito-borne diseases (dengue, chikungunya)Low risk
Low risk in most tourist areas, but present in northern regions.
Food and water safetyLow risk
Generally safe, but avoid tap water in rural areas.
Malaria risk: low
Low risk; prophylaxis not routinely recommended for most travellers, but consider for remote Amazon regions.
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
San Antonio 580, 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
Av. Argentina 1050, Valparaíso
Mon–Fri 08:30–14:00
Handles immigration procedures for the region.
Practical information for CO 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 = 925.02 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 stay is not extendable. You must leave before day 90. Overstaying can result in fines and a ban. If you need more time, you'd have to apply for a different visa before your 90 days are up.
You'll be denied entry. Renew your passport before traveling. The 6-month rule is strictly enforced at immigration.
Yes, you need proof of onward travel out of Chile. A bus ticket to Argentina or a flight to another country works. A screenshot is fine.
No, it's not required by law. But it's strongly recommended — a hospital stay can cost hundreds of dollars per day. Get a basic policy before you go.
Yes, same visa-free rules apply. You'll go through immigration at the border crossing. Have your passport and return ticket ready. Some crossings have limited hours, so check ahead.
You'll face a fine (around $100 USD per month overstayed) and may be banned from re-entering Chile for up to 3 years. Don't risk it — leave on time.
No, Chile no longer requires an online arrival declaration. Just show your passport and onward ticket at immigration.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 28, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.