CHILE – Visa Exemption for Certain Chinese Nationals
Chinese nationals holding Canadian or US visas valid for a minimum of six months are now exempt from the requirement to obtain a consular tourist visa to enter Chile. Instead, they can obtain a tourist visa at the port of arrival in Chile.
Chinese nationals who do not have Canadian or US visas can still obtain a tourist visa for Chile from their consulate abroad, and the normal visa fee will be waived.
What is the impact?
Visa-required nationals, such as Chinese nationals, sent on assignment or locally hired to work in Chile usually submit a work visa application at a Chilean consulate abroad, which requires the submission of legalized documents, but allows them to start work on entry.
Alternatively, they can obtain a tourist visa at the consulate abroad, enter Chile and obtain a short-term work permit for tourists in one day which allows them to work while their post-arrival work visa is being processed.
Chinese nationals holding Canadian or US visas valid for a minimum of six months are now able to enter the country more quickly, by obtaining a tourist visa at the port of entry instead of at a Chilean consulate, and can then apply for the short-term work permit for tourists and the post-arrival work visa as usual.
Action Items
- Companies considering sending Chinese nationals to Chile for work should check the applicant’s US and Canadian visa status to ascertain whether a consular visa application can be avoided.
