Chile is a country in South America known for its diverse natural landscapes and rich cultural heritage. Beautiful places like Patagonia and the Andes attract many tourists.
CapitalSantiago
Population19,116,209
Official language(s)Spanish
CurrencyChilean Peso
Time zoneUTC-3
The weather in Chile varies by region, so make sure to check the climate of each area before you travel.
For a South Korean passport, Chile usually allows short tourist stays without a visa, but the permitted length and requirements vary by nationality. Chile does not generally require a separate electronic travel authorization such as ESTA, K-ETA, eTA, or UK ETA, and it also does not normally require an advance online arrival card for ordinary tourists. Paper arrival cards are typically not used either. Chile has strict agricultural controls, so check in advance whether meat, dairy, fruit, seeds, or similar items must be declared, and verify the latest rules for cash declarations if you are carrying large amounts of money.
Check quarantine and customs rules
Chile applies strict controls on agricultural products, so first check whether meat, dairy, fruit, vegetables, seeds, or plant items must be declared. Failure to declare them can lead to confiscation or fines, so follow any instructions provided on board or at the airport.
Present your passport at immigration
At immigration, present your passport and, if asked, your onward or return ticket and accommodation details. Requirements can vary by nationality, so answer any questions briefly and consistently with your travel purpose and stay plan.
Check your stay authorization
After inspection, your passport may be stamped or your stay authorization may be recorded. Chile does not typically require ordinary tourists to pre-register biometrics or use a special e-Gate process, so follow the normal immigration flow unless instructed otherwise.
Collect baggage and respond to inspections
After collecting your luggage, you may be subject to additional quarantine or customs checks. If you have declarable items such as agricultural goods, food, animal products, or large amounts of cash, report them accurately at the relevant counter and follow the instructions given.
Recheck restricted items before departure
Before leaving Chile, recheck restricted items such as seeds, fresh produce, meat, and dairy products. If something in your luggage is problematic at departure, it may need to be handled before boarding.
Pass through departure control
Make sure you have not overstayed your permitted stay and go through departure control. Procedures can vary by nationality and airport, but in general you present your passport and boarding pass and complete a brief check.
Check airport procedures if claiming refunds
Chile may allow VAT refunds for tourists in limited cases, but eligible goods and conditions are restricted and additional verification at the airport may be required. If you qualify, prepare receipts and goods before departure and follow the instructions at the designated counter.