Eligibility of ETIAS

  • Chile has been selected as a founding member of the ETIAS program.
  • Citizens of Chile will be able to submit ETIAS applications starting in 2025.
  • ETIAS applications by Chilean citizens will be facilitated by an online system.

Other Requirements for ETIAS

  • An online application is available for ETIAS for Chilean citizens.
  • ETIAS can be used to enter Europe via air, sea, or land
  • A machine-readable e-passport is a requirement for travellers.
  • ETIAS is intended for short-term tourism, business, medical, and transit visits.
  • A free ETIAS waiver fee will be applicable for applicants above 70 and below 18 years of age.

As of 2025, all Chilean citizens who plan to visit participating European countries for short-term stays of under 90 days for general tourism, business, transit or medical purposes will be required to apply for an ETIAS visa. This is a new travel authorisation system implemented by the European Union as a measure to enhance security and screen tourists arriving from abroad.

The need for an ETIAS visa is a response to the global increase in terrorist activities. By implementing this program, the EU aims to provide a more efficient and streamlined process for travellers while also increasing the overall security of the European Union.

The European Travel Information and Authorisation System, more commonly known as ETIAS, was approved in 2016 and has taken four years to develop the required systems that would tie in with existing immigration databases and other security data offering a smooth and uninterrupted screening process across the participating European countries. The ETIAS program will be fully operational in 2025.

Starting in 2025, Chilean nationals must apply for an ETIAS prior to traveling to Europe by air, sea, or coach. This requirement applies even to those only making a stopover in Europe on their way to other destinations. The ETIAS was introduced as a response to the rising threat of terrorism globally and aims to streamline the screening process for travelers while enhancing the security of the European Union.

It is important for Chilean citizens to be aware of the ETIAS requirement and plan accordingly, as failure to complete the application process and obtain the necessary authorisation may result in being denied entry to participating European countries.

Chilean citizens who wish to come into Europe for more than 3 months or for reasons other than those allowed in the ETIAS visa waiver program will need to apply for a Schengen visa. For further information on this process, it is recommended to visit the website https://etias.co.uk/ and use the homepage assessment tool.

To ensure a smooth and efficient process, it is recommended that Chilean nationels complete their ETIAS visa waiver application 4 days prior to their scheduled departure date. Detailed information can also be found on the ETIAS requirements and ETIAS FAQs. To avoid any delays or the risk of an ETIAS being refused, it is important to review these pages before starting an ETIAS application.

Chilean citizens need to be aware of the different types of visas that are available for travel to Europe and to plan accordingly. Completing the necessary research and understanding the requirements for each type of visa will help to ensure a smooth and successful trip to Europe.

Starting in 2025, it will be a requirement for all Chilean citizens to apply for an ETIAS before travelling to participating European countries for short-term stays. However, travellers who has a passport with a different status will be required to apply for a full Schengen visa, and not an ETIAS. This is because the ETIAS is only available to citizens of countries that are eligible for visa-free travel to the European Union.

It is important to note that holding a permanent residency or dual citizenship status does not necessarily qualify an individual as a fully Chilean citizen. Therefore, it is important for travellers to check their passport or travel document status and their eligibility for an ETIAS before starting the application process. Travellers who are not eligible for the ETIAS program may still be able to visit Europe but will need to apply for a full Schengen visitor visa. 

Chilean citizens who apply for an ETIAS can expect their application to be processed and approved within a matter of minutes. The authorisation is sent to the applicant by email in the form of a PDF document. This document contains the ETIAS authorisation number and other important information. The applicant should keep this document safe and make sure to bring it with them when they travel to Europe.

It will be unnecessary to present any actual physical document when entering Europe as the ETIAS authorization is electronically stored against the passport details that are stored in the European Immigration databases. This makes the process more convenient and efficient for travellers, as they do not need to worry about carrying around a physical document or remembering to bring it with them when they travel.

Benefits of ETIAS

  • The validity of ETIAS is 3 years from the date of issuance.
  • ETIAS allows multiple entries within a 90-day period.
  • ETIAS authorisation is delivered electronically and quickly
  • ETIAS application can be done using a desktop, tablet, or mobile device

Application Advice for ETIAS

  • It is recommended to submit an ETIAS application at least 96 hours before departure.
  • If an ETIAS application is denied, a full visitor visa can still be applied for.
  • The final decision of entry to Europe is made by the border security personnel of the European country of arrival, an ETIAS authorisation doesn’t guarantee entry.