Getting to Chile
Image of the island of Chiloé, The Lakes Region, Southern Chile
Flying to Chile
Despite frequent air services, travel costs to Chile are relatively high, simply because of the country's distance from the world's main cities. However, the other costs of a business trip -hotels, restaurants and domestic travel- are relatively low. According to the Economist Intelligence Unit, a two-day business trip, excluding airfares, cost an average of US$ 700, well below most other countries.
Several international airlines operate direct flights to Chile from cities throughout the Americas, Europe and Asia-Pacific. Among them are: Aerolineas Argentinas, Aero Mexico, Air Canada, Air France, Air Madrid, American Airlines, Avianca, COPA Airlines, Delta Airlines, Iberia, Lan Airlines, Lloyd Aereo Boliviano, Lufthansa, Pluna, TACA, Tam and Varig.
QANTAS - in codeshare with the Chilean national carrier, LAN- operates five flights per week between Sydney and Santiago, on a 18 hours sub-polar flight.
Most international flights to Chile arrive at Arturo Merino Benítez, Santiago`s Airport.
Travel advice
Carabineros de Chile (Chilean Police)
Dirección de Vialidad (Chile Ministry of Public Works)
Departamento de Extranjería y Migración (Foreigners and Migration Authority)
Policía de Investigaciones (Chilean Police - Inmigration Officers)
Servicio Nacional de Aduanas (National Customs Service)
Australian tourists or businessmen do not require a visa to enter Chile
As we said ordinary Australian passport holders do not require a visa to enter Chile for less than 90 days (but please take note that Diplomatic and Official Passport holders do need).
Upon arrival, Australians will be issued a Tourist Card that will allow them entry into Chile for 90 days, and will be charged a U.S.$ 56 arrival fee (valid for multiple entries provided the passport is valid).
Passports should be valid for six months beyond the period of intended stay. Travelers should also be able to show documentation confirming their ability to financially maintain themselves during their stay, a basic health insurance, as well as tickets (or enough funds) and entry documents for their next destination.
Those wishing to stay longer than 90 days can renew their Tourist Card at the immigration desk of any government office in Chile for an additional 90 days at a cost of US$ 100.
Furthermore, any child under the age of 18 years old, traveling without one or both of their parents, both arriving or leaving the Chilean territory, should show documentation proving both parents (or the one not traveling with him or her), previously authorized his or her trip in writing, giving as details as possible.
Last updated: March 24, 2006