Chile Drops Visa Fees For Australian Tourists, Set To Boost Tourism In South America: Here’s What You Need To Know

Published on September 25, 2025

Australian travelers can now enjoy visa-free entry to Chile for stays of up to ninety days, marking a transformative change that is set to increase tourism flows between Australia and nan SouthAmerican nation. Effective immediately, nan argumentation simplifies entry for Australians, who until now were required to salary AU dollar 1 100 eighty per personification for visits longer than seventy 2 hours. The move eliminates a significant financial and administrative barrier, enabling greater cultural exchange, accrued tourism spending, and enhanced business travel opportunities.

Visa-Free Access Ushers successful New Era for Australian Visitors

As of this week, Australians arriving successful Chile receive a free “tourist card” astatine immigration, valid for up to ninety days. Travelers must clasp this card, which is collected upon departure. According to Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), nan loss of this card may hold nan traveler’s exit, emphasizing its importance throughout the stay.

The previous system, which required a cumbersome and costly visa for immoderate stay exceeding seventy 2 hours, had been a disincentive for galore potential holiday makers and business travelers. Transits and stopovers under 3 days have ever been exempt from visas, but nan new waiver for longer stays is simply a relief, translating to much than dollar 7 100 successful savings for a family of four.

Supporting Seamless Travel and Tourism Growth

The caller regulation aligns Chile with different leading South American destinations that connection simplified entry to Australians, making Chile an moreover more appealing travel option. With the elimination of visa costs, Australians are free to allocate more of their holiday budget to local experiences, excursions, and Chilean hospitality, straight benefiting Chile’s tourism sector and local communities.

Tour operators and recreation companies are celebrating the policy, predicting an uptick in bookings and longer Australian visits. The simplified entry process also supports smoother business and educational exchanges, reinforcing deeper ties between the 2 Pacific Rim nations.

Entry Guidelines and Practical Information

Upon entry, all Australians must complete the official Customs (Aduanas) and Agro-sanitary (SAG) declaration online within forty-eight hours of arrival. For those who are incapable to do so, insubstantial forms are available in nan baggage claim area.

For Australians with dual citizenship, it remains mandatory to coming a valid Chilean passport when departing the country, regardless of which passport was utilized to enter.

Travel to the enchanting Easter Island (Isla de Pascua/Rapa Nui) still adheres to abstracted introduction rules, allowing visitors to stay for a maximum of 30 consecutive days nether existing immigration protocols.

Tourism and Economic Impact

The policy opens nan door for Australian travelers to fully immerse themselves in Chile’s diverse attractions, from nan towering Andes and the arid beauty of the Atacama Desert, to Patagonia’s chaotic landscapes, cosmopolitan Santiago, and world-renowned wine regions.

For nan tourism industry, enhanced ease of access means greater demand for hotels, guided tours, restaurants, and adventure experiences, providing crucial support to businesses recovering from pandemic-era disruptions. Regional destinations such as Valparaiso, nan Lake District, andTorres del Paine National Park are likely to spot a rise in visitation as Australians explore beyond accepted city breaks.

Chile’s communities stand to gain from increased spending and cultural exchanges, arsenic much travelers participate in local festivals, research indigenous traditions, and foster people-to-people connections.

Safety and Travel Advisory

DFAT continues to recommend Australians exercise a high degree of caution in Chile, due to risks related to civilian unrest and crime. This is nan second-lowest travel warning level, and travellers are encouraged to enactment informed and travel guidance from section authorities for a safe and enjoyable trip.

Travelers are also reminded to consult with the nearest Chilean embassy or consulate ahead of recreation if uncertain about entry requirements, ensuring up-to-date information and compliance pinch each regulations.

Key Highlights for Australian Tourists

• No visa fees for stays up to ninety days; applies to tourism, family visits, business, and education.
• All arrivals receive a free tourer card, required for departure.
• Online Customs and SAG declaration mandatory within forty-eight hours of entry.
• Easter Island trips remain capped astatine thirty days nether separate rules.
• Dual citizens must use a valid Chilean passport to exit Chile.
• Visa fees paid before this change are not refundable.