Fraud Blocker
Summer Sale is on! Up to 25% off trips! ☀️
Torres del Paine National Park, Chile

Chile Travel Guide

A captivating destination in South America, Chile, offers stunning landscapes and enriching cultural experiences. Explore the surreal beauty of the Atacama Desert and hike amidst the towering peaks of Torres del Paine National Park. Dive into the rich history of Easter Island and witness the enigmatic Moai statues. In bustling cities like Santiago and Valparaíso, immerse yourself in vibrant markets and savour the flavours of traditional Chilean cuisine. With its diverse outdoor adventures and cultural treasures, Chile promises an unforgettable travel experience.

One of the highlights of travelling in Chile is the opportunity to indulge in outdoor adventures and immerse in rich cultural heritage. Ski in the Andes, surf along the Pacific coast, or explore the pristine lakes and fjords of Chilean Patagonia. Delight in traditional dishes like empanadas and seafood delicacies, and soak up the vibrant art scene in bohemian neighbourhoods. Chile's warm hospitality and breathtaking landscapes will create memories to cherish. Embark on an extraordinary travel adventure in this remarkable South American country.

Chile Highlights

Atacama Desert in Chile

Atacama Desert

Welcome to Mars, or at least the closest you can get until we go extraterrestrial. Discover amber deserts and sunset-coloured canyons, backed by volcanoes so high up in the sky that their peaks have frozen over. Stargazing, sandboarding, floating in salt lakes, and off-road adventures make it unmissable on your backpacking journey.

Torres del Paine in Chile. Mountains and lake

Torres del Paine

Only the most stunning national park you’ve ever seen before! Torres del Paine is Patagonia’s most famous landmark, famed for its bright turquoise lakes, rugged silver cliffs and wilderness that transforms with each season. Maybe you’ll get lucky and spot a puma in the park. Chase a few waterfalls and glaciers as you go hiking!

Torres del Paine The W Trek Chile

W Trek

There’s no question about it, really. The W Trek is the greatest way to experience Torres del Paine to the fullest. Get ready for the most magical 5 days of your life as you tick highlights like the French Valley, Base of the Towers and Grey Glacier off your Patagonia bucket list. We’ll see you there!

Santiago city in chile. mountains and buildings

Santiago

Santiago is one of South America’s most exciting cities. From vibrant arts and culture to leafy boulevards and electric nightlife, not to mention those stunning mountain views, you’re spoilt for choice here. Buzzing local markets, cocktail bars, street art… Chile’s capital city is full of life and surprises.

Key Facts

Capital City

Santiago

Currency

Chilean Peso

Language

Spanish

Dialling Code

+56

Plug Type

C and L

  • Stunning landscapes from deserts to glaciers.
  • Loads of adventure activities for thrill-seekers.
  • Colourful cities and rich local culture.

Chilean cuisine is full of fresh, hearty flavours. Seafood like ceviche and congrio, as well as empanadas and asado, are firm favourites. Street food is everywhere, from completos (loaded hot dogs) to sopaipillas (fried pumpkin dough), perfect for cheap eats. Don’t miss sweet treats like alfajores or a refreshing mote con huesillo while exploring the markets and plazas.

Visa Assistance

Visa and entry requirements

Entry Requirements for UK Travellers

This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of Chile’s current rules for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in Chile set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Chilean Embassy in the UK.

Passport validity requirements

Your passport should have an ‘expiry date’ after the day you plan to leave Chile.

Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.

You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.

Dual nationals

When returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. See Dual citizenship.

British-Chilean dual nationals

British-Chilean dual nationals must enter and leave Chile using their Chilean passport. Chilean entry and exit requirements for dual nationals may change without notice. For further information check with the Chilean Embassy in the UK.

Visa requirements

You can visit Chile for up to 90 days without a visa.

The Chilean immigration authorities will give you a tourist card (‘tarjeta de turismo’), an A5-sized white form. Keep it safe and give it to immigration when you leave the country. If you lose it, Chilean police investigations (PDI) allows you to request a copy online (choose ‘Duplicado de tarjeta de turismo’). You can also go to the nearest PDI office.

To stay longer (to work or study, for business travel or for other reasons), you must meet the Chilean Government’s entry requirements.

Travelling with children

Chile requires children travelling with only one parent, with a guardian or alone, to have permission from the non-travelling parent or parents. Parents travelling with children for tourism have faced difficulty leaving Chile at the end of their visit when only one parent is present. You must have 

  • a written notarised authorisation from the non-travelling parent(s)  
  • an original birth certificate

If you’re travelling with children aged 17 and under, check the website of the Chilean Ministry of Foreign Affairs (website in Spanish) for what documents you need to show.

Travelling with dual national children

Before a dual national child aged 17 or under leaves Chile, you must get authorisation to travel from a Chilean notary  (‘notaría’) if the child is travelling:

  • alone
  • with only one parent or guardian
  • with friends or relatives

If a child was born in Chile, they must have a Chilean passport to leave the country.

Travelling to Rapa Nui (Easter Island)

To enter Rapa Nui (Easter Island) you must:

Vaccine requirements

For details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Chile guide.   

Customs rules

There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Chile. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

Related Articles

Best Places To Visit in South America for First-Time Travellers

Last updated: 17th Jul 2025

New to South America? Home to the Amazon Rainforest, epic mountain peaks and two of the Seven Wonders of the World (Machu Picchu and Christ the Redeemer), this mighty continent makes an everlasting impression. Now is the time to tick...

A-Z of Peru; Everything You Need to Know

Last updated: 12th Dec 2024

  In partnership with Peru is the ultimate backpacker destination filled with wonders and epic activities! From the iconic landmarks of Machu Picchu and the Nasca Lines to hidden gems like Lake Titicaca or the secret oasis of Huacachina. Home...

Things to Do in Peru: 12 Unmissable Experiences

Last updated: 11th Nov 2024

  In partnership with Is Peru calling your name? It will be by the end of this guidebook! From admiring Machu Picchu to exploring Huacachina to meeting Peruvian locals at a homestay, here are the 12 best and most...

The 15 Best Trending Travel Destinations in 2025

Last updated: 1st Nov 2024

So many destinations, so little time! We know the struggle. That’s why we’ve created this definitive guide to the 15 best travel destinations in 2025, designed with every traveller in mind. Whether you’re after mini getaways...

The 10 Best Sunset and Sunrise Destinations in the World

Last updated: 30th Sep 2024

Sunset lover? Who isn’t? There’s something about a beautiful sunset or sunrise that can make all your problems go away. So, whether you’re dreaming of fiery skies over the Serengeti, the sun coming up...

15 Famous South American Landmarks Worth Travelling For

Last updated: 9th Jul 2024

So you love llamas, empanadas and everything else South American. Let’s not forget that an essential part of travelling is ticking off a bucket list of biggies in South America! Maybe you don’t know which ones...

12 Amazing Coral Reef Animals and Where to Find Them

Last updated: 31st May 2024

Our oceans are home to all kinds of beautiful coral reef animals, plants and objects. Coral reefs are home to millions of unique species. Snorkelling allows you to explore these fantastic reefs like a real-life Ariel and see a wide...

The 10 Best Beaches in South America

Last updated: 20th Feb 2024

Beach lovers, it’s time to pack your bags and fly to the best beaches of South America. Think crystal clear water, incredible sand dunes, adorable sea turtles and buzzing beach towns. Get ready for South America...

Your Recently Viewed Trips