A captivating destination in South America, Chile, offers stunning landscapes and enriching cultural experiences. Explore the surreal beauty of the Atacama Desert and hike amidst the towering peaks of Torres del Paine National Park. Dive into the rich history of Easter Island and witness the enigmatic Moai statues. In bustling cities like Santiago and Valparaíso, immerse yourself in vibrant markets and savour the flavours of traditional Chilean cuisine. With its diverse outdoor adventures and cultural treasures, Chile promises an unforgettable travel experience.
One of the highlights of travelling in Chile is the opportunity to indulge in outdoor adventures and immerse in rich cultural heritage. Ski in the Andes, surf along the Pacific coast, or explore the pristine lakes and fjords of Chilean Patagonia. Delight in traditional dishes like empanadas and seafood delicacies, and soak up the vibrant art scene in bohemian neighbourhoods. Chile's warm hospitality and breathtaking landscapes will create memories to cherish. Embark on an extraordinary travel adventure in this remarkable South American country.
Welcome to Mars, or at least the closest you can get until we go extraterrestrial. Discover amber deserts and sunset-coloured canyons, backed by volcanoes so high up in the sky that their peaks have frozen over. Stargazing, sandboarding, floating in salt lakes, and off-road adventures make it unmissable on your backpacking journey.
Only the most stunning national park you’ve ever seen before! Torres del Paine is Patagonia’s most famous landmark, famed for its bright turquoise lakes, rugged silver cliffs and wilderness that transforms with each season. Maybe you’ll get lucky and spot a puma in the park. Chase a few waterfalls and glaciers as you go hiking!
There’s no question about it, really. The W Trek is the greatest way to experience Torres del Paine to the fullest. Get ready for the most magical 5 days of your life as you tick highlights like the French Valley, Base of the Towers and Grey Glacier off your Patagonia bucket list. We’ll see you there!
Santiago is one of South America’s most exciting cities. From vibrant arts and culture to leafy boulevards and electric nightlife, not to mention those stunning mountain views, you’re spoilt for choice here. Buzzing local markets, cocktail bars, street art… Chile’s capital city is full of life and surprises.
Chilean cuisine is full of fresh, hearty flavours. Seafood like ceviche and congrio, as well as empanadas and asado, are firm favourites. Street food is everywhere, from completos (loaded hot dogs) to sopaipillas (fried pumpkin dough), perfect for cheap eats. Don’t miss sweet treats like alfajores or a refreshing mote con huesillo while exploring the markets and plazas.
Visa and entry requirements
This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of Chile’s current rules for the most common types of travel.
The authorities in Chile set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Chilean Embassy in the UK.
Your passport should have an ‘expiry date’ after the day you plan to leave Chile.
Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.
You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.
When returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. See Dual citizenship.
British-Chilean dual nationals must enter and leave Chile using their Chilean passport. Chilean entry and exit requirements for dual nationals may change without notice. For further information check with the Chilean Embassy in the UK.
You can visit Chile for up to 90 days without a visa.
The Chilean immigration authorities will give you a tourist card (‘tarjeta de turismo’), an A5-sized white form. Keep it safe and give it to immigration when you leave the country. If you lose it, Chilean police investigations (PDI) allows you to request a copy online (choose ‘Duplicado de tarjeta de turismo’). You can also go to the nearest PDI office.
To stay longer (to work or study, for business travel or for other reasons), you must meet the Chilean Government’s entry requirements.
Chile requires children travelling with only one parent, with a guardian or alone, to have permission from the non-travelling parent or parents. Parents travelling with children for tourism have faced difficulty leaving Chile at the end of their visit when only one parent is present. You must have
If you’re travelling with children aged 17 and under, check the website of the Chilean Ministry of Foreign Affairs (website in Spanish) for what documents you need to show.
Before a dual national child aged 17 or under leaves Chile, you must get authorisation to travel from a Chilean notary (‘notaría’) if the child is travelling:
If a child was born in Chile, they must have a Chilean passport to leave the country.
To enter Rapa Nui (Easter Island) you must:
For details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Chile guide.
There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Chile. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.