Chile entry requirements for Ethiopia passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 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
Ethiopian passport holders must obtain a visa before traveling to Chile. There is no visa on arrival or e-visa option. Applications are handled at Chilean embassies or consulates, and processing can take several weeks, so plan ahead.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Apply for a visa before travel | Ethiopian passport holders need a visa to enter Chile. Apply at the Chilean embassy or consulate in your country of residence — there is no visa on arrival or eVisa for Ethiopian nationals. Processing takes 10–15 business days, and you will need to submit your passport in person.Check visa info | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of stay | Your passport must be valid for at least the entire period you plan to stay in Chile. Chile does not enforce a 6-month validity rule, but airlines may ask for at least 3 months beyond your departure date. Carry a photocopy of the bio page separately. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration officers at Santiago (SCL) routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed or digital copy of your flight itinerary ready. If you are transiting through a third country, show the next leg of your journey. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Officers may ask where you are staying, especially if you arrive without a return ticket. Have a hotel confirmation, Airbnb booking, or a letter from your host with their address and phone number. A simple screenshot works. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can cover your stay | Chile does not set a fixed minimum, but officers expect to see enough cash or credit for your trip. Carry a recent bank statement or credit card statement showing at least $500–$1,000 USD equivalent. ATMs are widely available in Santiago. | Recommended |
Apply well in advance
Chilean visa processing can take up to 30 business days. Don't book non-refundable flights or hotels until your visa is approved.
No e-visa or visa on arrival
There is no e-visa or visa on arrival for Ethiopian passport holders. You must go through a Chilean embassy or consulate. Plan accordingly.
What happens at the border
1
Contact the Chilean embassy
Find the Chilean embassy or consulate in your country of residence. Call or email to confirm the exact visa application process, required documents, and appointment availability. Some embassies require you to apply in person.
2
Prepare your documents
Gather all required documents: valid passport, photos, bank statements, flight itinerary, hotel booking, and any additional forms. Make copies of everything — the embassy may keep originals.
3
Submit your application
Attend your appointment at the embassy or consulate. Submit the application form and all documents. Pay the visa fee (typically around $30–60 USD, but varies by embassy). Processing takes 10–30 business days.
4
Wait for processing
The embassy will review your application. You may be asked for additional documents. Once approved, you'll receive a visa sticker in your passport. Check the visa validity dates carefully.
5
Travel to Chile
When you arrive at Santiago International Airport (SCL) or any other entry point, present your passport with the visa. Immigration may ask for your return ticket and proof of accommodation. Have them ready on your phone or printed.
Download Chile Entry Checklist
PDF · Ethiopia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa single entry
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$60 USD
Standard tourist visa for single entry.
Tourist visa multiple entry
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity1 year
Cost$100 USD
Allows multiple entries within one year.
Work visa
Max stayUp to 2 years
Validity2 years
Cost$200 USD
Requires employer sponsorship and contract.
Student visa
Max stayDuration of studies
Validity1 year, renewable
Cost$150 USD
Requires acceptance from a Chilean educational institution.
work visa
Work Visa (Visa de Trabajo)
Up to 2 years, renewable
$200 USD
For those with a job offer from a Chilean employer. Requires contract and employer sponsorship. Allows multiple entries.
student visa
Student Visa (Visa de Estudiante)
Duration of studies, renewable annually
$150 USD
For those enrolled in a recognized Chilean educational institution. Allows part-time work with authorization.
retirement visa
Temporary Residence for Retirees (Permanencia Temporal)
1 year, renewable
$300 USD
For retirees with a stable pension or income. Requires proof of funds and health insurance.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for Ethiopian passport holders applying for a tourist visa. | $60 USD (approx. $60 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | $100 USD (approx. $100 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayCharged for each day overstayed beyond authorized period. | $50 USD per day (max $500 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete documentation20%
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
Ethiopian passport holders transiting through Chile do not need a transit visa if they remain 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.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)Essential
Health risks
Altitude sicknessModerate risk
Risk in high-altitude areas like the Andes; acclimatize gradually.
Mosquito-borne diseasesLow risk
Low risk in most areas; use repellent in rural regions.
Food and water safetyLow risk
Generally safe, but avoid street food in remote areas.
Malaria risk: low
Risk is low in most areas; prophylaxis not routinely recommended.
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
Av. San Antonio 580, Santiago
Mon–Fri 08:30–14:00
Main office for visa extensions and immigration procedures.
Valparaíso
Oficina de Extranjería Valparaíso
Calle Prat 856, Valparaíso
Mon–Fri 09:00–14:00
Handles visa extensions and residency applications.
Practical information for ET 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. Chile does not offer visa on arrival for Ethiopian nationals. You must obtain a visa from a Chilean embassy or consulate before traveling.
Processing typically takes 10 to 30 business days, but can vary by embassy. Apply at least 4–6 weeks before your planned departure to be safe.
The visa fee varies by embassy, but is usually between $30 and $60 USD. Check with the specific embassy or consulate where you apply for the exact amount.
Most Chilean embassies require you to apply in person, especially for the first visa. Some may accept applications by mail or through a third party — confirm with your local embassy.
Chilean visas are not extendable for Ethiopian passport holders. You must leave before your visa expires. If you need more time, you'd need to apply for a new visa from outside Chile.
No. Ethiopian passport holders cannot use a Schengen, US, or any other visa to enter Chile. You need a specific Chilean visa.
At the border, you'll need your passport with the valid visa, your return or onward ticket, and proof of accommodation. Keep these easily accessible — printed or on your phone.
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.