SchengenClock
Verified June 2026

Do Chileans need ETIAS?

Yes

Yes. Chilean citizens are visa-exempt for short stays, so once ETIAS launches Chileans will need an ETIAS authorisation to enter Europe.

Needs ETIAS?
Yes
Cost
€20
Validity
3 yrs
From
Q4 2026

Chile is the only South American country whose citizens are also part of the US Visa Waiver Programme, and they likewise enjoy visa-free short stays in the Schengen area. That visa-free status is what places Chileans within ETIAS - an online authorisation rather than a visa.

ETIAS does not change the 90/180 day limit for Chilean travellers. It is the authorisation you obtain in advance and keep linked to your passport for the trips it is valid for.

Passport and bilateral agreements

Your Chilean passport must be valid for at least three months beyond your departure from Europe and issued within the previous 10 years. Chile also holds bilateral visa-waiver agreements with some individual Schengen states; their standing under the 90/180 rule is uncertain, so treat the 90/180 allowance as the rule that binds you.

How Chileans will apply

When ETIAS launches, Chileans will apply online on the official EU portal, pay €20 (free under 18 or over 70), and receive an authorisation linked to their passport for up to 3 years. It is not a visa - see what ETIAS is and how it differs from a visa.

ETIAS gets Chileans to the border; it does not extend the stay. Check how many days are left with the free 90/180 calculator.

Frequently asked questions

Do Chileans need ETIAS?

Yes. Chilean citizens are visa-exempt for short stays, so once ETIAS launches Chileans will need an ETIAS authorisation to enter Europe.

How much will ETIAS cost Chileans?

€20 per application, free for travellers under 18 or over 70. One authorisation lasts up to 3 years. See ETIAS cost.

When will Chileans need ETIAS from?

From the launch of ETIAS, expected in the last quarter of 2026. No exact date is set yet - track it on the ETIAS start date page.

Does ETIAS change the 90-day limit for Chileans?

No. ETIAS lets you travel, but the 90/180-day rule still caps short stays at 90 days in any 180. Plan it with the 90/180 calculator.

Sources