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Chile Visa for South Africa Citizens 2026

Visa Free

South African citizens can enter Chile visa-free for stays of up to 90 days for tourism; a valid passport and proof of onward travel are all that's required.

Guide last updated October 21, 2026. Always verify with official sources before travel.

What you need

  • Passport valid for the full duration of stay
  • No visa application form needed
  • Proof of sufficient funds (around $30-50/day) may be requested at immigration
  • Proof of onward or return travel, commonly checked by airlines before boarding
  • Accommodation details (hotel booking or host address)
  • No photo or biometrics required for entry
  • Travel health insurance recommended though not mandatory for tourists

Visa types

  • No tourist visa needed for stays up to 90 days
  • Travelers receive a free Tourist Card (Tarjeta de Turismo) on arrival - an entry record, not a visa, which must be kept and surrendered on departure
  • Longer stays, work, or study require a separate visa arranged in advance through the Chilean consulate before travel

Entry conditions

  • South Africans may stay up to 90 days per visit for tourism without a visa
  • The stay is not extendable from within Chile for simple tourism - travelers must leave and may re-enter after a period abroad
  • Employment or paid work is strictly prohibited on this entry
  • Keep the Tourist Card issued on arrival, as it must be handed in at departure (a replacement fee applies if lost)
  • No extension process exists for tourists wanting to remain past 90 days

Fees & processing time

  • No visa fee applies, since South Africans are visa-exempt for tourism
  • The Tourist Card is issued free of charge on arrival
  • Processing is instant at the port of entry
  • A replacement tourist card, if lost, costs a small administrative fee (around $25) payable at a PDI (Policia de Investigaciones) office

Tips for South Africa travelers

  • Carry a printed proof of return/onward flight and hotel booking, since officers do check this even though no visa is required
  • Keep your Tourist Card safe for the whole trip and have it ready for exit control
  • Report a lost passport or tourist card to PDI immediately
  • Check extranjeria.gob.cl close to your travel date for any temporary entry requirement changes
  • Overstaying the 90 days incurs a fine calculated per day, payable at the airport on departure

Official links & resources

Always confirm requirements with government or embassy sources before applying.

This guide is for information only. Visa policies change without notice. Travel Visa Stack is not an immigration authority. Always verify with official government or embassy sources before making travel plans.