United States Visa for Chile Citizens 2026 - Requirements, Fees & Processing

Overview

Planning a trip to the United States as a Chilean citizen? You'll need a B1/B2 visitor visa. This guide covers the $185 application fee, DS-160 form requirements, embassy interview process, and tips for a successful application. With proper documentation and preparation, most Chilean applicants receive their visa within 3-4 weeks.

Visa Application process

Chilean citizens must apply for a B1/B2 visitor visa through the U.S. Embassy in Santiago.1 The process involves several steps:

Complete DS-160 Online Form

Fill out the DS-160 nonimmigrant visa application at ceac.state.gov.1 Upload your photo and save the confirmation page with your barcode number. This barcode must match when scheduling your appointment.1

Pay the Visa Fee

Pay the US$185 non-refundable application fee through the payment options available in Chile.2 Keep your receipt as you’ll need the payment confirmation number to schedule your interview.

Schedule Interview Appointment

Create an account at ais.usvisa-info.com and schedule your interview at the U.S. Embassy in Santiago.3 Appointment availability varies, so check frequently for open slots. New appointments are added regularly as the backlog decreases.1

Prepare Documentation

Gather all supporting documents including financial evidence, employment verification, and proof of ties to Chile. Organize documents clearly for the interview.

Attend Embassy Interview

Arrive at your scheduled time (no more than 5 minutes early, not more than 15 minutes late).2 Print your appointment confirmation as it will not be emailed. Answer questions clearly and honestly.

Receive Decision

Most applicants receive a decision at the end of their interview. If approved, your passport with the visa will be available for pickup or delivery within a few days.

Visa Application Steps

1. Complete DS-160 Online Form
2. Pay the Visa Fee
3. Schedule Interview Appointment
4. Prepare Documentation
5. Attend Embassy Interview
6. Receive Decision

Visa Fees breakdown

Fee Type: Amount	B1/B2 Visitor Visa: US$185	Petition-Based Visas (H, L, O, P, Q, R): US$205	Treaty Investor/Trader (E): US$315	The visa fee must be paid before scheduling your interview appointment.2 Payment can be made online through the visa appointment system.

What you need to prove

At your interview, the consular officer will assess whether you are a genuine visitor who will return to Chile.4 You must demonstrate:

Strong ties to Chile: Employment, property, family, business, or other compelling reasons to return home
Sufficient funds: Financial ability to cover all trip expenses without working in the U.S.
Clear purpose: A legitimate and specific reason for visiting
Intent to depart: Plans to leave the U.S. before your authorized stay expires

Required documents

DS-160 Application Form
Valid Passport
Passport Photo
Embassy Interview
Financial Evidence
Ties to Chile

DS-160 Application Form

Complete the online DS-160 nonimmigrant visa application form • Fill out all sections accurately in English; • Upload a recent passport-sized photo meeting U.S. requirements; • Save the confirmation page with barcode number; • Barcode must match your appointment scheduling] (Tip: Save your application ID to return and complete later if neededDouble-check all information before submittingKeep the DS-160 confirmation barcode for your interview)

Valid Passport

Chilean passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay • At least one blank page for the visa stamp; • Must not be damaged or altered; • Bring previous passports with U.S. or other visas if available] (Tip: If your passport expires soon, renew before applyingOld passports showing positive travel history strengthen your application)

Passport Photo

Recent photograph meeting U.S. visa photo requirements • 2x2 inches (51x51 mm) in size; • Taken within the last 6 months; • White or off-white background; • Full face visible, no glasses] (Tip: Upload digitally to DS-160 and bring a physical copy to interview)

Embassy Interview

In-person interview at the U.S. Embassy in Santiago • Schedule appointment after completing DS-160; • Arrive no more than 5 minutes early; • Cannot be more than 15 minutes late; • Bring appointment confirmation sheet (must be printed)] (Tip: Check appointment availability frequently as slots open regularlyDress professionally and be prepared to answer questions clearly)

Financial Evidence

Documents showing you can afford your trip and have ties to Chile • Recent bank statements (last 3-6 months); • Employment letter with salary information; • Property ownership documents if applicable; • Investment or savings account statements] (Tip: Show stable income and consistent savingsAvoid large unexplained deposits before applying)

Ties to Chile

Evidence demonstrating your intention to return to Chile • Employment contract or letter showing job security; • Property ownership documents; • Family ties (spouse, children, dependents); • Business ownership or investments in Chile; • Educational enrollment if applicable] (Tip: Strong ties are crucial for visa approvalShow you have compelling reasons to return home)

Optional documents

Travel Itinerary

Details of your planned trip to the United States • Tentative travel dates; • Accommodation plans (hotel reservations not required); • Places you plan to visit; • Return ticket is NOT required] (Tip: Do not book non-refundable flights until visa is approvedHave a clear and reasonable itinerary to discuss at interview)

Comparison

Fee Type	Amount	Notes
B1/B2 Visitor Visa	US$185	Non-refundable application fee
Petition-Based Visas (H, L, O, P, Q, R)	US$205	Work visas
Treaty Investor/Trader (E)	US$315	Business visas

Common rejection reasons

%	Reason
40%	Failure to Demonstrate Ties to Chile
30%	Insufficient Financial Evidence
15%	Unconvincing Interview Performance
10%	Previous Immigration Issues
5%	Incomplete Documentation

40% - Failure to Demonstrate Ties to Chile

How to avoid: Prepare documents showing job stability, property ownership, family dependents, or ongoing business commitments in Chile.

30% - Insufficient Financial Evidence

How to avoid: Provide 6 months of bank statements showing consistent income and adequate savings for your trip.

15% - Unconvincing Interview Performance

How to avoid: Practice answering common questions clearly and confidently. Be honest and consistent with your application.

10% - Previous Immigration Issues

How to avoid: Be honest about past issues and demonstrate how your circumstances have changed.

5% - Incomplete Documentation

How to avoid: Double-check all documents before your interview. Ensure information matches across all paperwork.

Frequently asked questions

Do Chilean citizens need a visa to visit the United States?

Yes, Chilean citizens require a B1/B2 visitor visa to travel to the United States for tourism or business. Chile is not part of the Visa Waiver Program, so all Chilean travelers must apply for a visa at the U.S. Embassy.

How much does a U.S. tourist visa cost for Chileans?

The B1/B2 visitor visa application fee is US$185. This is a non-refundable Machine Readable Visa (MRV) fee paid before your interview appointment.

How long does U.S. visa processing take from Chile?

After your embassy interview, visa processing typically takes 3-4 weeks. However, interview appointment wait times vary by season. Check the embassy website for current wait times.

Is an interview required for a U.S. visa from Chile?

Yes, most applicants must attend an in-person interview at the U.S. Embassy in Santiago. Some applicants may qualify for interview waiver if renewing a visa that expired less than 12 months ago.

What should I bring to my U.S. visa interview?

Bring your valid passport, DS-160 confirmation page, appointment confirmation, passport photo, and supporting documents including financial proof, employment letter, and evidence of ties to Chile.

How long can I stay in the U.S. on a B1/B2 visa?

The visa allows stays of up to 6 months per visit, but the actual length is determined by the immigration officer at entry. You must depart before your authorized stay expires.

Can I extend my stay in the U.S.?

You can request an extension through U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) before your authorized stay expires. Extensions are granted on a case-by-case basis.

What is the approval rate for U.S. visas from Chile?

The approval rate for Chilean applicants is approximately 78%. Strong ties to Chile, stable finances, and clear travel plans improve your chances significantly.

Apply for United States tourist visa online

Sources

U.S. Embassy Chile - Nonimmigrant Visas

https://cl.usembassy.gov/nonimmigrant-visas/

U.S. Embassy Chile - Visa Fees

https://cl.usembassy.gov/visas/important-visa-information/

U.S. Visa Appointment Service - Chile

https://ais.usvisa-info.com/en-CL/niv

U.S. Department of State - Visitor Visa

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/tourism-visit/visitor.html

At a glance