Chile Tourist Visa for Indian - Definitive Guide

Chile is a beautiful country to visit for tourism. To travel to Chile for the same, a mandatory process is issuing a tourist visa, also called a tourist card. On this card, you can tour the country, explore the tourist spots or even visit your friends and family in the country. It is the most common type of Chile visa. The validity offered by this visa is for about 6 months and once you have entered, you can live up to 90 days. Based on the circumstances, you can even get the visa extended applying to the Extranjeria - Foreigners’ Office.

The process for Chile tourist visa application is mainly offline. Although, before applying for the visa, you will have to make sure that you have all the documents and that you match the eligibility criteria. The step by step procedure for the application is as follows:

• Visit the embassy website and fill out the Chile visa application form online.
• Fill in the information correctly as per the details on your travel documents.
• Attach the copies of required documents online.
• Pay the required fee for the permit.
• The application will then be approved by the Chile Immigration.
• After the approval, you can then submit the rest of the documents along with the original passport that are asked by the Immigration.

While filling out the form, it is important that you provide all the correct information as there are chances that with false or unverifiable information, the visa may get rejected. To avoid the visa rejection for sure, it is better to consult the professionals.

At the time of applying for the visa, you must first check if you match the eligibility criteria for the application. There are certain factors that decide whether you are eligible for the application of the visa. Some of the parameters are given as follows:

• You must have proof of confirmed visit

• Pre-bookings of the round trip must be done.
• You must visit for tourism only and not searching for or taking up any kind of employment.
• You must meet the health requirements

• You must be healthy enough to travel to Chile.
• You must perform a medical test before travelling to the country and provide relevant documentary proof.
• You must meet the character requirements

• You must be of good character and have genuine intentions behind working in Chile.
• You need to provide a relevant documentary proof for the same as well (if asked) in the form of a Police Clearance Certificate (PCC).
• You must have sufficient funds

• You must possess or have access to sufficient funds to be able to cover your stay and other expenses in Chile.
• Bank statement or any equivalent document is to be submitted as well as proof of the same.

There are certain documents required for tourist visa to Chile. The Chile tourist visa requirements are listed as follows:

• An original passport valid for at least 6 months ahead of the date of travel.
• Visa application form, duly signed
• Coloured photographs as per the photo specifications
• A cover letter with all the required details
• Confirmed flight tickets
• Proof of accommodation - invitation letter, hotel reservation, etc.
• Proof of sufficient funds - bank statement or any other equivalent document.
• Income Tax Returns proof
• Proof of identification - PAN card, Adhaar card
• Letter of recommendation from the organisation where the applicant is working.
• Copy of valid older visas (if any) - USA, UK, Schengen, Canada, Australia, New Zealand,
  Chile.
  

The Chile tourist visa photo specifications are as follows -

• Two copies must be provided
• Photo size: 35 mm x 45 mm.
• Coloured copy must be provided
• The head must be about 1 to 1.4 inches of the photo frame. 
• Head should well-centred.
• The picture must not be older than 6 months.
• The background must be white
• Neutral expressions
• Glasses are not permitted.
• Headgears are not allowed except for religious reasons.
• Clothing shouldn’t match the background.

The processing time required for the tourist visa is dependent upon various factors and the time is not the same every time for every visa. The factors include the type of visa, the number of entries, the workload at the embassy, and others. The tourist visa is normally processed within 15 to 20 days. The time span will differ and may increase or decrease depending upon the factors mentioned before.

The fees for the visa is to be paid to the embassy. The prices range depending on various factors which include the type of the visa, the embassy’s requirements, the urgency of the requirement of the visa and others. The fee is to be paid along the submission of the online application form.

After the completion of the application process, -

• If there are any other requirements to be fulfilled or if there are any mistakes in the application, the embassy or the agency must be informed.
• If there are any changes related to the application, for instance, change in marital status or birth of a child, you must inform the embassy/agency.
• You can even check the status of the application and the processing in the meantime. 
• If there is a change of plans, you can withdraw the application.
• The visa fee is generally non-refundable.

The embassy will take time to process the documents and after which only the approved visa applications will be processed and passports will be provided with the stamp. If you are willing to check the status of these processes, you must wait until the processing time. You cannot check the status before 15 days of application. After this period, you can contact the embassy and book yourself an appointment for collecting the processed visa.

When you have the visa, you still have to follow certain formalities and a protocol. After the issuance of the visa, you must be careful about your actions as there are chances that with bad conduct, the visa may get cancelled. There are rules and regulations that are to be followed as well. Some of the pointers are listed as follows:

• Before you travel
• Make a note of the visa expiry date, as well as the number of entries permitted. You must not stay in the country beyond this period.
• You should travel to Chile within the validity of your visa.
• Make sure to carry a copy of your passport and other travel documents while you are in the country.
• Issue health insurance and travel Insurance from a certified company.

• At the Border
• Get your documents checked and your passport verified.
• Obtain the entry stamp on your passport.
• Consult the airport authorities for any kind of assistance required.
• Check your visa copy for other guidelines and rules to be followed.

• When you enter Chile
• Ensure not to get involved in any kind of employment. You can, however, do volunteer work.
• The tourist prohibited areas must be stayed out of.
• Make sure you don’t overstay and apply for a visa extension in time.