Chile Entry Requirements for US Citizens

Entry requirements for US citizens

Visa Free — Tourist Card (PDI form) issued on arrival applies to US passport holders visiting Chile. Your passport valid for at least 6 months beyond intended departure from chile. The maximum permitted stay is 90 days.

Safety overview

Chile has a safety score of 76 out of 100 in the DheeVoy safety database. This is a moderate safety rating — standard travel precautions apply.

Safest areas in Chile

• Providencia Santiago
• Las Condes Santiago
• Bellavista Santiago
• Valparaiso Cerro Alegre
• Pucon town centre

Tourist scams to avoid in Chile

• Overpriced taxi rides from Santiago Arturo Merino Benitez Airport — use official Transvip or Uber
• Fake police officers in plain clothes near Mercado Central Santiago
• Pickpocketing on Santiago Metro during peak hours — keep bags in front
• Unofficial tour operators for Torres del Paine trekking — use CONAF registered operators

Best months to visit Chile

The best months to visit are December, January, February, March, October, November.

Before you travel

Always verify entry requirements with the official US government travel advisory and the Chile embassy or consulate before booking. Visa rules and electronic travel authorisation requirements (such as ETIAS, ESTA, K-ETA and UK ETA) change frequently. No. US passport holders can enter Chile visa-free for up to 90 days. A tourist card (PDI card) is issued on arrival and must be kept safe — you need to return it on departure. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your departure date. Chile is generally one of South America's safest and most stable countries and is a popular destination for US travellers visiting Patagonia, the Atacama Desert and Easter Island.