Embassy
Embassy of South Africa in Chile
Avenida Apoquindo 2827
Chile visa requirements for South African citizens
South African citizens do not need a visa for Chile. Show your passport at the border and stay up to 90 days.
Passport
ZAF
South Africa
Going to
CHL
Chile
No visa needed
Permanent residents of Argentina can visit using their original Argentine identity card.
- Visa
- Not required
- Max stay
- 90 days (3 months)
- Fee
- Free
- Last updated
- 11 November 2026
What to do
Check your passport is valid for the whole stay, ideally six months beyond it.
Carry proof of onward travel and of funds; border officers can ask for both.
Note the maximum stay and count your days in Chile.
Ways into Chile
Check whether you need a visa before you travel.
Visa not requiredArgentina resident card entryPermanent residents of Argentina can visit using their original Argentine identity card.
- Fee
- Free
How to apply
- Check your original card is still valid.
- Check its back shows permanent residence.
- Show the card at Chile's border.
Documents required
- Original Argentine permanent resident identity card
- Temporary cards and papers for provisional residence do not qualify.
Visa requiredShort visit visaApply before travelling if your country needs a visa and no exemption applies.
- Stay
- 90 days
- Fee
- Varies by nationality and entry type
How to apply
- Fill in the online visa form.
- Upload your documents.
- Send more documents or attend an interview if asked.
- Pay within 30 days after approval, as instructed.
- Print your visa and carry it when travelling.
Documents required
- Visit purpose and length
- Passport photo page
- Colour photo, 5 × 5 cm
- Last 3 payslips
- Bank records for 90 days
- Proof of legal stay abroad
- Extra documents, if asked
- Allow several weeks; the stated 180-day processing period has exceptions.
- Your stay may be shorter; a visa does not guarantee entry.
Sources (34)Last updated 11 November 2026
- National Migration Service — temporary stay
- National Migration Service — tourism and similar short visits
- National Migration Service — visitor extensions
- National Migration Service — work authorisation for visitors
- Foreign ministry — visa information and nationality selector
- Foreign ministry — advance visa requirements
- Foreign ministry — visa and fee table download page
- Foreign ministry visa table — opening rows read; remaining rows could not be retrieved reliably
- Official online consular visa portal
- Foreign ministry — visa responsibilities, electronic delivery and processing period
- New Delhi consular section — visa guidance and Indian exemption
- London consulate — visa page referring travellers to central guidance
- Washington consular section — legacy visa guidance; superseded residence instructions were not used
- Buenos Aires consulate — transit, identity documents and Argentine permanent residents
- Beijing consular section — Chinese conditional visa exemption
- Sydney consulate — Australian short-visit exemption
- Chile's official tourism site — entry requirements and Rapa Nui
- National Migration Service — temporary residence
- National Migration Service — residence routes and in-country exceptions
- National Migration Service — students
- National Migration Service — employment and job offers
- National Migration Service — seasonal workers
- National Migration Service — family reunification
- National Migration Service — dependants
- National Migration Service — medical treatment
- National Migration Service — frequent business management
- Foreign ministry — Chinese business traveller scheme
- Foreign ministry — Indian business traveller scheme
- Foreign ministry — Chinese cultural and sporting visitors
- National Migration Service — international agreements and Working Holiday
- National Migration Service — Mercosur reciprocity
- National Migration Service — current immigration fees
- National Migration Service — official digital procedures portal
- National Migration Service — overseas residence application stages
Embassies for this trip
For lost passports and emergencies.
Coming from South Africa
- Plugs C F LAdapter for some
- MoneyCLP $
- Time−8h
- DrivingOn the rightLook left first
- LanguageSpanish
- Emergency133 police131 ambulance
Planning your Chile trip
- Old ValparaísoThe historic area of Chile's main port is a World Heritage Site.
- SewellThis mining town in Rancagua is a World Heritage Site.
- Humberstone and Santa Laura Saltpeter WorksThese historic industrial sites outside Iquique have World Heritage status.
- Qhapaq ÑanThis World Heritage route network crosses Chile's three northern regions.
Scams to watch for in Chile
- Pickpocketing and wallet theftThieves take wallets, phones or other valuables. Crowds give them cover. Taking out your wallet before you know a price can also expose your cash.
- Street robberyA robber threatens you and demands your valuables. People walking alone are more likely to be targeted.
- ATM card skimmingCriminals attach a hidden card reader and a tiny camera to an ATM. They copy your card details and record your PIN so they can clone the card.
About Chile
Chile is a republic along the western edge of South America, between the Andes and the Pacific.
- Capital
- Santiago
- Money
- Chilean peso ($)
- Languages
- Spanish
- Time zone
- 2 time zones
- Cars drive on the
- right side
- Calling code
- +56
Other Africa passports
Going to Chile
Easier trips nearby
Places close to Chile with simpler entry for you.
Questions
Do south african citizens need a visa for Chile?
South African citizens do not need a visa for Chile. Show your passport at the border and stay up to 90 days.
How long can south african citizens stay in Chile?
Up to 90 days each visit with the no visa needed rule. Staying longer can mean a fine or a ban from coming back.
Do chilean citizens need a visa for South Africa?
Chilean citizens do not need a visa for South Africa. Show your passport at the border and stay up to 90 days.
Do other Africa passports get easier entry to Chile?
Mauritius can enter without applying before they travel.
Which countries near Chile are easier for south african citizens?
Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Ecuador Guyana, and 3 more let south african citizens in without applying before travel.
What should I carry to Chile?
Check your passport is valid for the whole stay, ideally six months beyond it. Carry proof of onward travel and of funds; border officers can ask for both.
What money is used in Chile?
Chilean peso ($). Carry some cash for arrival, especially if a visa fee is paid at the border.
What language do people speak in Chile?
Spanish.
How strong is the South Africa passport?
It ranks #51 and reaches 91 destinations without applying ahead.
Reviewed by @snuck