Visa Information

Citizens of most countries of Europe and North America do not need a visa to enter Chile. Upon entry you will only have to present a valid passport and tourist card (given to you by the flight attendant or your travel agent).
To confirm the information on visa requirements for your particular country, please contact the nearest Chilean Embassy or Consulate. A complete list of Chilean foreign missions can be obtained at www.minrel.gov.cl  (once on the website go to the top right corner to Misiones en Exterior where you will find the necessary information organized by region).
In case citizens of your country require a tourist visa to enter Chile, the procedure is usually simple and takes in average about 7 business days. You will normally be asked to fill out a visa application form (obtained from the Chilean Embassy or Consulate), to present a valid passport, a round trip ticket, a proof of financial resources (usually a copy of the international credit card) and a passport size photo. In some cases you may be required to present a letter of invitation from somebody in Chile. Should this be the case, please contact the ISCV administration in advance, and such a letter will be provided to you.

Reciprocity tax

Please note that upon arrival, citizens of Australia, Canada, the United States and Mexico must pay a reciprocity tax before passing through the Immigration and Passport Control. This tax is payable in cash or by credit card. Values are as follows:

If you have any questions regarding this tax, please contact the airport Cash Desk at (56-2) 690-1063.

A Snapshot of Chile

Around 16 million inhabitants live on the Chilean territory, which is 175 km wide and over 4300 km long. The population of Chile, although quite homogeneous in the Central Region, is composed of many ethnic groups such as the Aymaras, the Mapuches, and the Easter Islanders. The official language is Spanish; the dominant religion is Catholicism and the currency – the Chilean Peso - is valued at around CL$530 per 1 US dollar.
Chile, often regarded as one of South America's safest and most economically and politically stable countries, has experienced a dramatic increase in tourism over the last few years. Chile is a photographer’s and traveler’s paradise for all its colors and shapes. From north to south the landscape changes dramatically, and so do the colors. Lunar landscapes, deserts, active geysers and salt lakes can be found in the North; while densely forested areas, waterfalls, ice fields, glaciers, fjords and lakes can be found in the South. In the central region, in one day you can go trekking or skiing in the mountains and then enjoy delicious seafood by the sea.

Weather in Chile

Valparaiso enjoys a Mediterranean climate. In winter (June-August), the daytime temperature is usually around 15ºC (going down to around 7ºC at night). The temperature is usually lower at this time of the year in Santiago.

Banking and ATM Availability

ATMs are now very common in Chile. Per-day withdrawal limits are usually around US$350. Banks are open to public Monday through Friday, from 9.00 to 14:00.

Electricity

Chile's electricity standard is 220 volts/50Hz. Electrical sockets have two openings for tubular pins, not flat prongs, so you may need a plug adapter.

Tipping

Usually a 10% tip is given in bars and restaurants. In hotels tipping is left to the guests’ discretion. Taxi drivers are not tipped.

Safety and Emergencies

The principal concern for visitors of Valparaiso are pickpockets. We recommend that people carry their backpacks in front of them when in crowded places. As in most big cities, some areas of Valparaiso should also be avoided at night.

Time Zone

The time zone in winter is GMT –4 hours; in summer it is GMT –3 hours