US citizens still enter Chile visa-free for up to 90 days in 2026 — no visa, no prior authorization, no reciprocity fee. But Chile overhauled its short-stay entry system in 2025, and those changes have been rolling out through the 2026 travel season. If you searched for “Chile visa policy updates after April 2026”, this guide tells you exactly what changed, what did not, and what you need to have ready at the border.

Do US Citizens Need a Visa for Chile in 2026?

No. US passport holders enter Chile visa-free for up to 90 days under the Permanencia Transitoria (Temporary Stay Permit) category, which covers tourism, family visits, and standard business visits. The stay is granted at the border — you do not apply in advance. Reciprocity fees for US citizens have been largely phased out, so entry itself is free.

One limit to keep in mind: you cannot change immigration status inside Chile. If you enter as a tourist and later want to work or study, you must leave and apply for the relevant residence permit from a Chilean consulate abroad.

What Actually Changed: Decree No. 359 and the Prior-Authorization System

In September 2025, Chile enacted Decree No. 359, which introduced a mandatory prior consular authorization (Autorización Previa) for nationals of more than 100 countries entering under the Temporary Stay Permit category. Travelers from those countries can no longer simply arrive and receive an entry stamp — they must secure consular clearance before flying to Chile.

The United States is not on that list. US, Canadian, UK, EU, Australian, and New Zealand citizens continue to enter visa-free with no prior authorization. Australia was explicitly exempted from the decree on reciprocity grounds.

Why do so many people search “after April 2026”? The new system was enforced through the 2025–26 season, and updated guidance, news coverage, and enforcement notices were widely published around April 2026. For US citizens, the practical answer is: nothing changed on or after April 2026 — the rules for US travelers are the same visa-free 90-day entry they have had for years.

Who IS Affected by the Prior-Authorization Decree

The prior-authorization requirement applies to nationals of 100+ countries (many in Asia and Africa, including Thailand, Vietnam, and others that previously entered visa-free). If you hold a passport from one of these countries, you must apply for consular clearance through Chile’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs portal (tramites.minrel.gov.cl) well before your departure date — plan for weeks of processing, not days.

Always verify your own nationality against the current official list at the Servicio Nacional de Migraciones before booking, because lists can be updated without advance notice.

The SAG Digital Declaration — Mandatory for Every Visitor

Regardless of nationality, every traveler must complete the Agricultural and Livestock Service (SAG) digital affidavit before arrival. It is submitted online and must be completed within 24 hours before your arrival. The form declares any plant, animal, or organic items in your luggage. You must complete it on every border crossing, even if you entered Chile earlier in the same trip.

Failure to declare prohibited items leads to confiscation and significant fines. Skipping the declaration entirely can slow or complicate your arrival at Santiago (SCL) and all land borders.

At the Border: Tourist Card and Entry Checklist

Upon arrival, the Policía de Investigaciones (PDI) issues a Tourist Card (Tarjeta de Turismo, TUM) valid for up to 90 days. Keep it safe — it is strictly required to exit the country.

  • Passport: valid at entry and for the duration of your stay; 6 months of validity is strongly recommended to satisfy airline policy; at least 1 blank page.
  • Proof of funds: be ready to show about $46 USD per day of stay.
  • Onward travel: a return flight or outbound bus ticket is commonly requested.
  • Accommodation: a confirmed booking supports the border officer’s decision.
  • Phone IMEI: if you buy a local Chilean SIM, register the device’s IMEI within 30 days or the phone may be blocked on Chilean networks.

Extending Your Stay and Overstay Consequences

You can extend your Temporary Stay Permit once for another 90 days by applying at Chile’s immigration office (Servicio de Migraciones / Extranjería) for a fee of about $100 USD. Do not simply overstay: overstaying triggers fines, difficulties at departure, and can affect future entry. The Tourist Card must be returned when you leave.

Rapa Nui (Easter Island) — Special Rules

Rapa Nui has its own entry controls on top of national immigration rules. Visitors must complete the island’s registration (FUI) and access is limited to protect the community and archaeology. If your itinerary includes Easter Island, budget extra time to complete the island-specific paperwork before arrival.

2026 Safety and Health Advisory

The US Department of State advisory for Chile is Level 2 — Exercise Increased Caution (updated August 2026) due to crime, periodic unrest and demonstrations in Santiago and other cities, and a CDC travelers’ health notice for Andes virus (hantavirus) in the region, though risk to most travelers is extremely low. Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) and keep a copy of your passport and visa separately from the originals.

Full Requirements Table

For the complete, current country data — including entry conditions and any updates — see our Chile entry requirements page.

FAQ

Do US citizens need a visa for Chile?

No. US passport holders enter visa-free for up to 90 days under the Temporary Stay Permit. No prior authorization and no reciprocity fee.

Did Chile change its visa policy after April 2026?

Not for US citizens. The September 2025 Decree No. 359 added a mandatory prior authorization for 100+ nationalities — the US is not on the list. The one rule that applies to everyone is the SAG digital declaration, required within 24 hours before each arrival.

Is the SAG declaration really mandatory?

Yes. Every traveler, every crossing, must submit the Agricultural and Livestock Service (SAG) digital affidavit within 24 hours before arrival. It is separate from your visa or Tourist Card.

Can I stay longer than 90 days in Chile?

Yes — one extension of another 90 days, applied for at the Servicio de Migraciones for about $100 USD. After that you must leave; status changes to work or study must be handled from outside Chile.