ChileUnited States

United States visa for Chilean citizens

Entry requirement

Electronic travel authorisation (ETA) up to 90 days

Chilean citizens do not need a visa for the United States, but they need an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) before departure; it covers stays of up to 90 days.

Maximum stay
90 days
Where to apply
1 mission

Checked 7 November 2026 · Passport Index · Confirm at cl.usembassy.gov

Which United States visa?

ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization)

Key facts

Maximum stay
Up to 90 days per visit
Fee
US$40.62

Apply on CBP – Official ESTA application

All visa types for the United States

For the ETA, the United States’ official sources give a standard fee of US$40.62, and applications are made on esta.cbp.dhs.gov. Longest stay on the ETA: Up to 90 days per visit.

Where to apply in Chile

US visas issued to citizens of Chile

Visas issuedFY 2024FY 2025
Visitor (B)8,74813,929
Student (F, M)2,3691,675
Exchange (J)4,3522,617
Work and treaty (H, L, O, E…)6,6626,378
Transit and crew (C, D)1,2041,088
Diplomatic and official (A, G)1,2251,058
Fiancé(e) (K)7650
Other21
Total24,63826,796
B visa refusal rate (adjusted)20.1%16.4%

In fiscal year 2025 (October 2024 to September 2025) the United States issued 26,796 nonimmigrant visas to citizens of Chile, the 48th highest number of the 206 nationalities listed. Visitor visas (B1/B2) made up 52%, work and treaty visas 24% and exchange visitor visas 10%. That is 9% more than in fiscal year 2024 (24,638).

From October 2025 to February 2026, citizens of Chile received 9,819, 4% fewer than in the same months a year earlier.

For visitor visas (B1/B2) the State Department reports an adjusted refusal rate of 16.4% for citizens of Chile in fiscal year 2025 (fiscal year 2024: 20.1%). The adjusted rate counts a refusal that was later overcome, for example with further documents, as an issuance. A rate below 3% is one of the conditions for a country to join the Visa Waiver Program.

These figures count visas issued to citizens of Chile anywhere in the world, not only at the US missions in Chile.

Source: US Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs, monthly nonimmigrant visa issuances up to February 2026 and adjusted refusal rates (public domain). US fiscal years run from October to September. How these figures are made

US citizens travelling to Chile

United StatesChile Visa-free, 90 days Chile visa for citizens of the United States

Travel advice for the United States

  • UK Foreign Office (FCDO) No advice against travel
  • German Foreign Office No travel warning

What the US, British and German foreign ministries tell their own citizens about travelling there, in each ministry’s own terms.

Chilean citizens planning a trip to the United States can compare how foreign ministries rate it: the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office does not advise against travel to the United States (updated 30 October 2026) and the German Foreign Office has no travel warning for the United States (updated 30 October 2026).

Good to know

How long Chilean citizens can stay in the United States

Chilean citizens may stay in the United States for up to 90 days. The stay granted is recorded on entry to the United States.

How Chilean citizens apply

Chilean citizens apply for the ETA for the United States online on its official government portal before departure; it is linked to the passport they travel with.

The United States’ neighbours for Chilean citizens

Mexico admits Chilean citizens visa-free.

US citizens travelling to Chile

US citizens can visit Chile without a visa for up to 90 days.

Frequently asked questions

Do Chilean citizens need a visa for the United States?

Chilean citizens do not need a visa for the United States, but they need an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) before departure; it covers stays of up to 90 days.

How long can Chilean citizens stay in the United States?

Chilean citizens can stay in the United States for up to 90 days with an ETA.

How much does the United States ETA cost?

The United States’ official sources give a standard fee of US$40.62 for the ETA.

Do US citizens need a visa for Chile?

US citizens can visit Chile without a visa for up to 90 days.

Can Chilean citizens enter the United States visa-free?

No; Chilean citizens need an ETA for the United States.

Visa data: Passport Index via passport-index-data, as of 7 November 2026. Rules change, sometimes overnight. Confirm with the embassy or the official government portal before you book.