Chile is a member of the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), which means most Chilean citizens can travel to the US for tourism or business for up to 90 days without a visa. Instead, they can apply for an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) online for $46.82. This eliminates the need for a physical visa application and interview.
ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization):
- Designed for short stays: Ideal for tourism, business trips, short medical visits, or attending conferences.
- Maximum stay: Up to 90 days per visit.
- Application process: Faster and simpler compared to a visa. Apply online here at Visas for Future.
- Validity: An approved ESTA is valid for two years or until the traveler’s passport expires, whichever comes first and allows multiple entries during that period.
However, depending on your travel needs, you can also apply for a US B1/B2 Visa.
- Geared towards longer stays or specific activities: Necessary for stays exceeding 90 days, seeking employment, studying for an extended period, or activities requiring a visa. There are separate B1 visas for business purposes and B2 visas for tourism.
- Application process: More complex, involving an online application form (DS-160) here at Visas for Future, an in-person interview at a US embassy or consulate, and required documentation.
- Validity: B1/B2 visas can be issued for single entry, multiple entries, and varying durations, up to a maximum of 10 years. However, the border officer determines the length of your authorized stay upon arrival and is typically limited to 6 months at a time.
Choosing between ESTA and B1/B2 Visa:
Consider the following factors when deciding which option is right for you:
- Length of stay: ESTA is likely sufficient if your visit is less than 90 days
- Purpose of travel: ESTA is suitable for tourism, business trips, and short-term activities. For longer stays, employment, studies, or specific activities requiring a visa, you’ll need a B1/B2 visa.
- Time constraints: ESTA application is quicker, while B1/B2 visas require more time for processing.
Whatever it be, Visas for Future simplifies the process for you. Whether it be an ESTA under the Visa Waiver Program or a B1/B2 visa, our expert team will help you with your application process to ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience.
What We’re Offering
You will need a US ESTA if you’re a Chilean citizen looking to travel to the United States. Our processing service can deliver your ESTA within 24 hours after your application. This ESTA is valid for two (2) years (or until your passport expires, whichever comes first) and allows you to stay in the US for up to 90 days.
Alternatively, you can also apply for a US B1/B2 visa, which is valid for ten (10) years and allows you to stay in the US for up to 180 days. Our B1/B2 processing service can deliver your visa for 30 days.
US B1/B2 visa
- Non-immigrant visa that allows people to travel to the United States temporarily for business (B-1) or for pleasure or medical treatment (B-2) purposes.3
- For Chilean citizens, it is multiple entries for ten years of validity.4
- It costs $215.81.
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US ESTA Requirements for Chilean Citizens
Eligibility:
- Chilean citizen with a valid electronic passport (e-passport) issued after 2013.
- Traveling to the US for tourism, business, transit, short-term medical treatment, or attending conferences.
- Intending to stay for up to 90 days per visit.
- Not planning to work or study in the US.
- Meets general ESTA eligibility requirements, which include having no criminal record or history of immigration violations.
Documents Required:
- Valid Chilean e-passport.
- Have a return or onward ticket.
Duration and Validity of the US ESTA
| Category | Duration | Validity |
| ESTA | Up to 90 days | Two years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first. |
Cost and Processing Time for US ESTA
| Category | Cost | Processing time |
| ESTA | $46.82 | 24 hours |
How to apply for a US ESTA for Chilean Citizens Online?
Step 1: Click on “Get United States ESTA now”
Step 2: Fill out the order form by providing your name, email, phone number, nationality, and travel date.
Step 3: Pay the fee.
- Review your application details and proceed to payment.
Step 4: Answer intake forms correctly.
- Enter your personal details, passport information, and additional travel details.
Step 5: Upload the required documents.
Step 6: Submit application
- Carefully review your application once more and submit it.
Step 7: Receive your application details.
US ESTA Sample for Chilean Citizens
US ESTA
US Visa Waiver Limit for Chilean Citizens
The limit for Chilean citizens using the US Visa Waiver Program (VWP) with ESTA actually applies to two aspects of your stay:
- Maximum Duration: The key limit is the maximum length of stay. Under the VWP, Chilean citizens can visit the US for tourism, business, transit, medical visits, or short studies for a maximum of 90 days per visit. This means you cannot stay longer than 90 consecutive days even if you have a valid ESTA.
- Multiple Entries: While your ESTA might be valid for two years and allow for multiple entries during that period, the 90-day limit applies to each entry. You cannot stay in the US for a total of 90 days spread out over multiple visits within the two-year ESTA validity period.
US ESTA for Children who are Citizens of Chile
Chilean citizen children have similar options for traveling to the US as adults, but with some specific considerations:
- Eligibility: Children can be included on a parent or guardian’s ESTA application as long as they meet the general ESTA requirements (no criminal record, etc.) and travel for tourism, business, transit, or short-term activities.
- Documents Required: No separate application or fee is required for children included on a parent/guardian’s ESTA. However, their information (name, date of birth, passport number) must be accurately entered during the ESTA application process.
When Should I apply for a B1/B2 Visa?
While a Chilean citizen can likely use the Visa Waiver Program (ESTA) for short trips, here’s when to consider applying for a B1/B2 visa instead:
- Extended Stay: If your planned visit to the US exceeds 90 days, ESTA won’t work and a B1/B2 visa is required.
- Multiple Entries: An ESTA is valid for two years with multiple entries, but only for stays of up to 90 days per visit. If you need to make frequent trips to the US that might exceed 90 days on some visits, a B1/B2 visa offers more flexibility.
- Uncertain Travel Dates: ESTA requires entering a specific arrival and departure date. If your travel plans are uncertain, a B1/B2 visa’s validity period (typically 1-10 years) allows more flexibility for booking flights.
Important for Timing:
- Minimum Lead Time: Don’t apply for a B1/B2 visa too close to your travel date. Processing can take 15-20 business days, but factor in scheduling a consulate appointment which might add additional lead time. It’s wise to apply between 30-60 days before your intended travel date.
- Consider Appointment Availability: Appointment slots at consulates can fill up, so factor that into your application timeline.
US B1/B2 Visa Requirements for Chilean Citizens
Eligibility Criteria for Chileans
There isn’t a single, definitive set of eligibility criteria for a US B1/B2 visa, but US consular officers consider several factors to determine if you qualify as a Chilean citizen:
Strong Ties to Chile:
- This demonstrates your intention to return to Chile after your US visit. Examples of strong ties include:
- Proof of steady employment
- Property ownership
- Close family ties in Chile
Purpose of Travel:
- You must have a legitimate reason for your visit, aligned with either B1 (business) or B2 (tourism) purposes.
- Business purposes could include attending conferences, negotiating contracts, or exploring potential business partnerships.
- Tourism purposes could include visiting family and friends, sightseeing, or vacationing.
Financial Resources:
- You need to show sufficient funds to cover your expenses during your stay in the US. This could include bank statements, proof of employment income, or a sponsor’s letter of financial support.
Clean Criminal Record:
- A history of serious criminal offenses could affect your eligibility.
Previous Immigration History:
- If you have any past violations of US immigration laws, such as overstaying a visa, it could impact your application.
Overall Impression:
- During the visa interview, the consular officer will assess your overall situation and determine if you are a genuine visitor who will abide by the terms of the visa.
Required documents
The documents required to get a US Business/Tourist Visa as follows:
- Passport: A valid passport with a validity date of at least six months beyond your intended stay in the United States.
- Travel itinerary: This includes details of your travel plans, such as the purpose of your visit, where you will be staying, and your intended length.
- Passport photo: A recent color photograph of yourself that meets the U.S. visa photo requirements.
- The minimum acceptable dimensions are 600 x 600 pixels. Maximum acceptable dimension 1200 x 1200 pixels.
- JPEG file format (less than or equal to 240 kB).
- Dates of your last five visits or trips to the United States: If you have previously traveled there, you must provide the dates.
- Résumé or Curriculum Vitae: This includes a summary of your educational and professional background.
- Other information: Depending on the intended purpose of travel, other applicants may be asked to provide additional information when completing the DS-160 form, such as employment details, financial status, and family ties.
Required Documents for Minors
- Consent Letter: It should be notarized and signed by parents or guardians stating their consent for the minor to travel in the United States and outlining the purpose of the trip.
- Birth Certificate: A copy of the minor’s birth certificate to establish their relationship with the parent or legal guardian.
- Proof of Guardianship: Proof of custody or guardianship is required when a child travels or enrolls in school or medical care. It confirms an individual’s legal responsibility for the child and can be a court order, notarized letter, or other official documentation.
Cost and Processing Time for US B1/B2 Visa
| Cost | Processing time |
| $215.81 | 30 days |
Duration and Validity of the US B1/B2 Visa
The duration and validity of a US B1/B2 visa for a Chilean citizen are two different things:
- Validity Period: This refers to how long the visa itself is valid for travel. B1/B2 visas for Chileans can be issued for 6 months, multiple years, or even up to 10 years in some cases. This validity period allows for multiple entries to the US during that timeframe.
- Duration of Stay: This is the initial admission period granted by the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer at the port of entry. This is typically for 6 months, but can be shorter or longer depending on your itinerary and the officer’s discretion.
Here’s a breakdown for clarity:
- The visa allows travel: For the entire validity period (e.g., 1 year, 5 years, 10 years) as long as it’s still valid.
- But upon arrival: The CBP officer determines your initial permitted stay which is usually 6 months.
How to apply for a US B1/B2 Visa for Chilean Citizens Online?
Step 1: Click on “Get United States B1/B2 Visa now”
Step 2: Fill out the order form by providing your name, email, phone number, nationality, and travel date.
Step 3: Pay the fee.
- Review your application details and proceed to payment.
Step 4: Answer intake forms correctly.
- Enter your personal details, passport information, and additional travel details.
Step 5: Upload the required documents.
Step 6: Submit application
- Carefully review your application once more and submit it.
Step 7: Receive your application details.
US B1/B2 Visa Sample for Chilean Citizens
US B1/B2 Visa Limit for Chilean Citizens
There isn’t a specific “limit” on how long a Chilean citizen can stay in the US with a B1/B2 visa, but there is a maximum initial admission period granted by the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer at the port of entry. This is typically for 6 months However, the visa itself can be valid for 1 year, multiple years, or even up to 10 years in some cases.
Here’s the key thing to remember:
- The CBP officer determines your initial admission period upon arrival, which is usually 6 months.
- Your B1/B2 visa’s validity period (e.g., 1 year, 5 years) indicates how long the visa remains valid for travel, but it doesn’t guarantee the same length of stay for each visit.
Extending Your Stay:
If you need to stay longer than your initial admission period, you can apply for an extension of stay while in the US. This process involves filing form I-539 with USCIS (US Citizenship and Immigration Services). However, approval is not guaranteed and depends on your justification for needing more time.
US B1/B2 Visa for Children who are Citizens of Chile
- Eligibility: Children can apply for their own B1/B2 visa if:
- Traveling independently (without a parent or guardian).
- Their purpose of travel falls outside ESTA eligibility (e.g., extended stay, studies).
- Documents Required: Similar to adult applications, children will need their own valid passport, completed DS-160 form, proof of travel and finances, and any additional documentation specific to their visa category. A parent or guardian may also need to provide supporting documents demonstrating their relationship and responsibility for the child.
Important Considerations:
- Minor children (under 14): If a minor child (under 14) travels with both parents who have a valid B1/B2 visa, they may be exempt from applying for their own visa in some cases.
Proof of parental permission: If a child travels alone or with one parent, a notarized letter of consent from the other parent(s) granting permission for travel may be required.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can people from Chile work in the USA?
Yes, citizens of Chile can work in the USA, but they will need to obtain the appropriate work visa sponsorship from a US employer before they can legally be employed.
Why is Chile in the visa waiver program?
Chile was admitted to the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) in 2014 due to factors likely including a strong security record, low overstay rates, and positive diplomatic relations between Chile and the US. This allows Chileans smoother travel for tourism and business purposes.
- Official ESTA Application Website, U.S. Customs and Border Protection. (n.d.). Esta.cbp.dhs.gov. https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta [↩]
- U.S. Customs and Border Protection. (2024). Official ESTA Application Website. Dhs.gov. Retrieved March 9, 2024. <https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta> [↩]
- Visitor Visa. (2023c, December 1). Travel.state.gov. https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/tourism-visit/visitor.html [↩]
- U.S. Visa: Reciprocity and Civil Documents by Country. (2023, December 1). Travel.state.gov. https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/Visa-Reciprocity-and-Civil-Documents-by-Country.html [↩]
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Written by
Jenilyn Samortin 
Jenilyn Samortin is an Environmental Science graduate and a content writer at Visas for Future, a company that supports reforestation and urban forestry projects. She is an expert at e-visas and travel documents, such as India e-visa and Turkey e-visa, which she handles and assists customers every quarter. She loves helping people with their international travel needs and providing them with the latest information, tips, and guidance on how to apply online.
Managed by Glen Vidania
Glen Vidania is the Content Manager at Visas for Future, a company that offers online visa services for eco-friendly travelers. He is a certified Content Marketer and an experienced academic writer. He writes and promotes content that is informative, engaging, and relevant to the readers. He had work experience and gained skills in writing articles, data entry, SEO email marketing, and guest posting. He is also an expert in applying for visas for Turkey and India.
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MLA Style
Samortin, Jenilyn. "US ESTA for Chilean Citizens (Visa Waiver Program)." Visas For Future, https://www.visasforfuture.com/us-esta-for-chilean-citizens-visa-waiver-program/. Accessed on 15 March 2024.
Chicago Style
Samortin, Jenilyn. "US ESTA for Chilean Citizens (Visa Waiver Program)." Visas For Future. March 15, 2024. https://www.visasforfuture.com/us-esta-for-chilean-citizens-visa-waiver-program/.