United States Visa RequirementsFor Chile passport holders
Chilean citizens must obtain an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) before traveling to the United States by air or sea. Chile joined the US Visa Waiver Program (VWP) in 2023.
Chile passport holders must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) online before traveling to United States.
Apply for the ESTA at esta.cbp.dhs.gov at least 72 hours before travel. The ESTA fee is USD 21. You will need a valid Chilean biometric passport. ESTA approval is usually granted within minutes but can take up to 72 hours. ESTA allows multiple trips to the US within the 2-year validity. Each stay is limited to 90 days.
Entry Requirements
Passport Validity
6 months beyond date of entry
Blank Pages
2 blank pages required
Multiple Entry
Single entry only
Work Permitted
No - requires work visa
Current Travel Situation
Chile to United States: What You Need to Know
Chile became a member of the US Visa Waiver Program in November 2023 after years of diplomatic effort. Chilean citizens can now travel to the US without a traditional visa, using an ESTA instead. The ESTA costs USD 21, is valid for 2 years, and allows stays of up to 90 days per visit for tourism or short business purposes. This was a landmark achievement for Chilean diplomacy.
Practical Tips
The ESTA applies to travel by air or sea only; entry by land does not require an ESTA but would still allow visa-free entry under the VWP for eligible passport holders. Major gateways from Santiago include Miami (MIA), New York (JFK), and Los Angeles (LAX). The US uses the US dollar (USD).
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Chilean citizens need a visa for the United States?
No. Chile joined the US Visa Waiver Program (VWP) in November 2023. Chilean passport holders can visit the US visa-free for up to 90 days by obtaining an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) before travel.
What is the ESTA and how does a Chilean apply for it?
The ESTA is an online pre-travel authorization required for VWP travelers. Apply at the official US government site esta.cbp.dhs.gov. The fee is USD 21. You need a valid Chilean biometric passport and a credit card. Approval is usually granted within minutes. The ESTA is valid for 2 years and allows multiple visits of up to 90 days each.
When did Chile join the US Visa Waiver Program?
Chile joined the Visa Waiver Program in November 2023, making it one of the last major South American nations to achieve VWP membership after years of diplomatic effort. This was a significant milestone for Chile-US relations and for Chilean travelers.
Can a Chilean work in the US on an ESTA?
No. The ESTA and VWP allow visits for tourism, business meetings, and transit only. Working, studying for credit, or staying longer than 90 days requires a separate visa. If you intend to work or study in the US, apply for the appropriate visa at the US Embassy in Santiago.