🇨🇱 Chile visa requirements

Chile lets US, EU, UK, Canadian, and Australian citizens enter visa-free for 90 days. Most other nationalities get the same 90-day tourist stamp on arrival. Only a few specific countries need to pre-apply.

Who gets a free pass into Chile?

For most remote workers eyeing Latin America, Chile is a breeze. If your passport is from the USA, Canada, the UK, Australia, New Zealand, or any EU country, you can stroll across the border and get a 90-day tourist visa stamped in your passport. No application, no fuss. This is standard.

Citizens of many other countries in South and Central America also get this 90-day visa-free entry. Think Brazil, Argentina, Colombia. If you’re unsure, a quick check on Chile’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs website is your best bet. A small number of countries do require a pre-arranged visa; these are typically nations with less diplomatic ties or specific immigration agreements with Chile. It’s rare for a remote worker to fall into this category, but always double-check if your passport is from a less common country.

How long can you actually stay, and what's the catch?

That 90-day tourist stamp is your initial allowance. You can usually extend it for another 90 days, but this requires an application with the Chilean Investigations Police (PDI) or the Department of Immigration. The extension isn't automatic and often requires a good reason and proof of funds. Don’t assume you’ll get it.

The real gotcha? Exiting the country. Make absolutely sure you get an exit stamp in your passport. Without it, your departure might not be registered correctly, which can cause problems later, especially if you try to extend your stay or re-enter. Overstaying is not taken lightly. While specific fines can vary, expect daily penalties. For instance, overstaying by even a few days can lead to a fine of approximately $100 USD per day, and it will be noted on your immigration record, potentially affecting future entries. It’s not worth the risk.

Working remotely on a tourist visa: Is it legal?

This is where things get murky. Officially, a tourist visa is for tourism, not for employment. Working remotely for a company outside Chile while on a tourist stamp is a legal grey area. Chilean authorities are generally more concerned with people working for Chilean companies without proper work permits. The PDI might not actively investigate or deport someone simply working on their laptop in a cafe.

However, it’s not explicitly permitted. If you’re asked directly by an immigration officer about your activities, you should state you are a tourist. Getting caught could theoretically lead to deportation or denial of entry. Enforcement seems to be focused on those seeking local employment. Most digital nomads operate under the assumption that as long as they aren't working for a Chilean entity and are not drawing attention to themselves, they can continue working remotely. Just be aware of the technicality.

What's new with Chile's remote work and visa scene?

Chile has been making moves to attract remote workers and digital nomads. They introduced an eVisa program for certain nationalities, aiming to streamline the application process for longer stays or specific remote work visas. This is a significant shift from the old system. The fees associated with these new visas and the eVisa process can vary, but expect them to be in the range of $50-$150 USD depending on the visa type and nationality.

The country also offers a specific Digital Nomad Visa which allows stays of up to 12 months, renewable once. This visa requires proof of remote employment or self-employment with companies outside Chile, and sufficient funds. It’s a more formal route than relying on the tourist stamp, offering peace of mind. Keep an eye on the official Chilean government immigration portals for the most up-to-date information, as policies and fees can change.