Chile Visitor Visa (Family & Friends Visit)
A Chile Visitor Visa for visiting family or friends falls under the same “Permanencia Transitoria” short-stay permit used for tourism and business, distinguished by the social purpose of the trip. Chilean immigration law does not treat family and friend visits as a separate legal visa category — the applicant states the social purpose and, where relevant, submits a letter of invitation from the family member or friend they’re visiting in Chile.
For nationals of most countries, no prior authorisation is required to enter Chile for a social visit; the permit is granted at the border. Nationals of certain countries, determined by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MINREL) on grounds of national interest or reciprocity, must obtain prior consular authorisation before travelling. The permit allows a stay of up to 90 days, extendable once for a further 90 days, and does not authorise paid work in Chile.
Applications requiring prior authorisation are submitted through the Sistema de Atención Consular (SAC) at the Chilean consulate with jurisdiction over the applicant’s residence, with the final decision made by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Santiago.
Eligibility
- Applicant must have a genuine social purpose — visiting a family member or friend residing in or visiting Chile.
- Applicant must hold a valid passport or travel document, valid through the intended stay.
- Applicant must demonstrate sufficient economic solvency for the trip, or evidence that the host will support them.
- Applicant must provide a letter of invitation from the family member or friend in Chile, when applicable, especially where prior authorisation is required.
- Applicant must not fall under any category posing a security or public order risk.
- Whether prior authorisation is required at all depends on the applicant’s nationality.
Government Visa Fees
| Fee Type | Government Fee (USD) |
| Visitor Visa — Single or Multiple Entry (Permanencia Transitoria) | Varies by nationality — set by MINREL’s official fee schedule |
Chile’s visa fees are set nationality by nationality in an official tariff table published by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Information may vary depending on the visa category and individual circumstances. Always confirm the current fee for your nationality on the Chilean consulate’s website, and note that exchange rates fluctuate daily.
Processing Time
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs does not publish a fixed universal processing time for this category, since the application is reviewed first at the consulate and then forwarded to Santiago for a final decision. Timelines can vary depending on the specific consulate, the completeness of the invitation and supporting documents, and application volumes at the time.
Because this category relies on the host’s invitation letter, coordinating with your family member or friend in Chile before submission can help avoid delays caused by missing documentation. Applicants should apply as early as possible before their intended travel date. Information may vary depending on the visa category and individual circumstances.
Required Documents Checklist
Step-by-Step Application Process
Important Notes
Why Choose Shivansh Consultants
Visiting family or friends in Chile depends on solid coordination between you and your host, since the invitation letter is often central to whether prior authorisation is granted. Shivansh Consultants offers Documentation Support and a clear Eligibility Assessment to help both applicant and host prepare exactly what’s needed.
We provide thorough Application Review, Personalized Guidance, and a Transparent Process throughout, with End-to-End Assistance from document preparation to submission via the SAC platform. We do not guarantee visa approval, as this decision rests entirely with the Chilean Ministry of Foreign Affairs.