Federal Department of Foreign Affairs FDFA

Entry and stay

Entry and visa regulations may change at any time. Reliable information on current entry and visa requirements can be obtained from the competent diplomatic or consular representation (embassy or consulate) of Chile. In addition to the information provided by the FDFA, please consult the USA authorities' regulations.

The FDFA provides information only on a periodic basis and does not guarantee the accuracy or comprehensiveness of the information provided. Article 5 of the Swiss Abroad Act stipulates that every individual shall exercise personal responsibility when planning or undertaking a stay abroad or when working abroad.

Five moai, colossal stone statues, on Easter Island. — There are more than 600 moai on Easter Island. The colossal stone statues are between 5 and 10 metres high. © Unsplash

To stay in Chile for longer than 90 days, foreign nationals must have a valid residence permit in addition to a visa and entry permit issued by the competent Chilean representation. Permits are issued by the Oficina de Polícia Internacional (Chilean international police authority). Within 30 days of entry, foreign nationals must also apply to the Servicio de Registro Civil e Identificación (Civil Registry and Identification Service) for a Cédula de Identidad para Extranjeros (foreign nationals' identity card). A Rol Único Tributario – RUT (taxpayer identification number) is issued with the foreign nationals' identity card. This is a unique identification number that is needed for tax purposes and, in general, entering into contracts (buying a car, renting or buying a property, phone contracts, etc.).

Visa for Chile

Registration with the Swiss representation abroad

Obligations

Swiss nationals who are relocating abroad must register with the competent Swiss representation (embassy or consulate) abroad. They must do so within 90 days of the date on which they deregistered from their last commune of residence in Switzerland. You can register directly at the representation or via the online desk. To register as a Swiss citizen abroad, you need a valid passport (or a valid ID), a deregistration certificate and, if you have one, a certificate of origin.

Rights

Registration is free of charge. Registering will enable the Swiss authorities to contact you in an emergency and facilitate speedier processing of administrative matters such as issuing an identity or civil status document. Registering is also a good way to stay in touch with Switzerland. Swiss citizens who are registered with a Swiss representation abroad receive the Swiss Review – the magazine for the Swiss community abroad – free of charge. If you are over 18, you can also register to vote on initiatives and in referendums and elections in Switzerland.

Vaccination and health

The Healthy Travel website provides vaccination recommendations and up-to-date information on infectious diseases. Please check vaccination recommendations before you travel.