Chile entry requirements for Malta passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 18, 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
Malta passport holders can visit Chile for tourism or business without a visa for up to 90 days. This visa-free arrangement is in place for 2026, so you can skip the embassy visit and just show up at the airport with your passport.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay in Chile | Your Maltese passport needs to be valid for the entire time you're in Chile. Immigration officers at Santiago (SCL) check this at the booth — they won't let you through if it expires before you leave. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Chile | Airlines check for an onward or return ticket at check-in in Malta and before boarding. Immigration in Chile also asks for it — have a printed or digital copy of your flight out of the country ready. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Have your first night's hotel confirmation or a letter from your host ready. Immigration officers at SCL sometimes ask for it, especially if you're arriving without a clear itinerary. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself during your stay | Carry a credit card or bank statement showing you have enough money for 90 days in Chile. Officers rarely ask, but if they do, they want to see you're not planning to work illegally. | Recommended |
Keep your entry slip safe
When you enter Chile, you'll receive a Tarjeta de Turismo (tourist card). Don't lose it — you need to hand it back when you leave. If lost, you'll have to pay a small fee at immigration to get a replacement.
No visa needed for 2026
Malta passport holders enjoy visa-free access to Chile for up to 90 days. No application, no fee, no embassy visit. Just show up with a valid passport and a return ticket.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Santiago (SCL) or other entry point
You'll queue at 'Extranjeros' (Foreigners) passport control. Have your passport, boarding pass, and return ticket ready. The officer will stamp your passport with a 90-day tourist permit.
2
Present documents and answer questions
The officer may ask your purpose of visit, where you're staying, and how long you plan to stay. Answer briefly and honestly. They rarely ask for proof of funds, but have a credit card or cash handy.
3
Receive entry stamp and proceed
Once stamped, you're free to enter. Keep the entry slip (Tarjeta de Turismo) with your passport — you'll need it when leaving. Don't lose it.
Download Chile Entry Checklist
PDF · Malta Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 18, 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, not extendable
Validity3 months from issue
CostFree (not needed for visa-free entry)
Visa-free entry already covers 90 days; no alternative visa needed for standard tourism.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry, not extendable
Validity1 year
CostFree (not needed for visa-free entry)
Visa-free entry allows multiple entries within 90-day limit; no alternative visa needed.
Long-stay visa (temporary residence)
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
Cost~$100 USD (estimated)
For longer stays, apply for a temporary residence visa at a Chilean consulate; requires proof of income or purpose.
retirement visa
Temporary Residence Visa for Retirees
1 year, renewable
~$100 USD (estimated)
For retirees with a stable pension or income. Requires proof of monthly income of at least ~$1,000 USD. Allows long-term stay in Chile.
digital nomad visa
Digital Nomad Visa (Chile)
1 year, renewable
~$100 USD (estimated)
For remote workers with foreign income. Requires proof of employment and income. Allows stay and work remotely in Chile.
work visa
Work Visa (Visa Sujeto a Contrato)
1 year, renewable
~$150 USD (estimated)
For those with a job offer from a Chilean company. Requires employer sponsorship and contract. Leads to permanent residency after 2 years.
student visa
Student Visa
1 year, renewable
~$100 USD (estimated)
For enrolled students in Chilean institutions. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds. Allows part-time work.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Visa-free entry covers standard tourism; no separate visa needed. | Free (not applicable for visa-free entry) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Visa-free entry covers multiple entries within 90-day limit. | Free (not applicable for visa-free entry) |
| Stay extensionVisa-free stay is not extendable; must leave after 90 days. | Free (not applicable) |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay fines are assessed at immigration discretion; avoid overstaying. | ~$100 USD per day (estimated) |
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
Malta passport holders do not need a transit visa to change planes in Chile, as long as they remain airside and do not pass through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed
Transit hubsArturo Merino Benítez International Airport (SCL) · Comodoro Arturo 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, influenza)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Altitude sicknessModerate risk
Risk in high-altitude areas like Atacama Desert and Andes; acclimatize gradually.
Mosquito-borne diseases (dengue, chikungunya)Low risk
Low risk in most tourist areas; use repellent in rural areas.
Food and water safetyLow risk
Tap water is generally safe in cities, but bottled water is recommended in rural areas.
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 09:00–14:00
Main office for visa extensions and residency; bring passport, photos, and application forms.
Valparaíso
Oficina de Extranjería Valparaíso
Calle Prat 856, Valparaíso
Mon–Fri 09:00–14:00
Handles immigration matters for the region; appointments recommended.
Practical information for MT 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 = 908.69 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 Chile before day 90. If you need more time, you'd have to apply for a different visa type (like a temporary residence visa) before your 90 days expire, but that's a separate process and not guaranteed.
Overstaying can result in fines (around 1-2 USD per day overstayed, payable at immigration when you leave) and a potential ban from re-entering Chile for a period. It's best to leave on time.
If you're transiting through Santiago airport and staying airside (not passing through immigration), you don't need a visa. But if you plan to leave the airport or stay overnight, the 90-day visa-free rule applies.
Technically, the tourist permit is for tourism or business meetings, not for remote work. However, many digital nomads do it without issues. For official remote work, Chile offers a specific 'Digital Nomad Visa' (temporary residence) that you apply for before arrival.
You'll likely be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry at immigration. Renew your passport before traveling. There's no exception for shorter validity.
Not routinely, but an officer can ask. Having a credit card, a few hundred dollars in cash, or a bank statement on your phone is enough. No specific amount is required.
Yes, the same visa-free rules apply at land borders. You'll go through Chilean immigration at the border crossing. Have your passport and return ticket ready.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 18, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.