Chile to United States tourist visa
Complete US ESTA and Visa Waiver Program guide for Chilean citizens: Chile is a VWP member, so most tourists travel visa-free for up to 90 days with a $40.27 ESTA instead of a $185 B1/B2 visa. Updated July 2026.
- Visa
- United States ESTA (Visa Waiver Program)
- Fee
- $40.27
- Processing time
- Minutes to 72 hours
- Length of stay
- Up to 90 days
Required documents
- DS-160 Application Form — Complete the online DS-160 nonimmigrant visa application form
- Valid Passport — Chilean passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay
- Passport Photo — Recent photograph meeting U.S. visa photo requirements
- Embassy Interview — In-person interview at the U.S. Embassy in Santiago
- Financial Evidence — Documents showing you can afford your trip and have ties to Chile
- Ties to Chile — Evidence demonstrating your intention to return to Chile
How to apply
- Strong ties to Chile — Employment, property, family, business, or other compelling reasons to return home
- Sufficient funds — Financial ability to cover all trip expenses without working in the U.S.
- Clear purpose — A legitimate and specific reason for visiting
- Intent to depart — Plans to leave the U.S. before your authorized stay expires
- Additional administrative processing requirements — Additional administrative processing requirements
- Document verification needs — Document verification needs
Common questions
- Do Chilean citizens need a visa to visit the United States?
- Yes, Chilean citizens require a B1/B2 visitor visa to travel to the United States for tourism or business. Chile is not part of the Visa Waiver Program, so all Chilean travelers must apply for a visa at the U.S. Embassy.
- How much does a U.S. tourist visa cost for Chileans?
- The B1/B2 visitor visa application fee is US$185. This is a non-refundable Machine Readable Visa (MRV) fee paid before your interview appointment.
- How long does U.S. visa processing take from Chile?
- After your embassy interview, visa processing typically takes 3–4 weeks. However, interview appointment wait times vary by season. Check the embassy website for current wait times.
- Is an interview required for a U.S. visa from Chile?
- Yes, most applicants must attend an in-person interview at the U.S. Embassy in Santiago. Some applicants may qualify for interview waiver if renewing a visa that expired less than 12 months ago.
- What should I bring to my U.S. visa interview?
- Bring your valid passport, DS-160 confirmation page, appointment confirmation, passport photo, and supporting documents including financial proof, employment letter, and evidence of ties to Chile.
- How long can I stay in the U.S. on a B1/B2 visa?
- The visa allows stays of up to 6 months per visit, but the actual length is determined by the immigration officer at entry. You must depart before your authorized stay expires.