Australian nationals must obtain visa for business, tourism travel

IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the change? Chile will soon require Australian business and tourist visitors to apply for and obtain an electronic visa before travel.

What does the change mean? Beginning May 16, 2020, Australian nationals will need to obtain an e-visa (E-Vistur) before traveling to Chile for short-term business or tourism. The visas will be valid for up to 90 days, renewable for an additional 90 days in Chile. Starting Monday, Dec. 16, Australian nationals will be waived from paying the current visa reciprocity fee of $117 upon arrival in Santiago airport.

• Implementation time frame: May 16, 2020.
• Visas/permits affected: E-Vistur visas (valid for tourism or business activities).
• Who is affected: Australian nationals traveling to Chile for business or tourism.
• Business impact: Australian business travelers should factor in the additional time when planning travel to Chile on and after May 16.

Additional information: Chilean officials said they are imposing the requirement on Australian nationals in reciprocation of Australia’s policy toward Chilean nationals. Currently, Chile extends Australian nationals visa-waived status, but Australia requires Chilean nationals to obtain visas for business or tourism.

Under the new policy, Australian nationals transiting through Chile to a third country will be exempt, provided they depart Chile within eight hours of arriving and do not pass through immigration control.

Analysis & Comments: The visa requirement will apply to all Australian business and tourist visitors traveling to Chile on or after May 16, 2020. Australian nationals should factor in the additional step when planning travel on or after that date. The Chilean government is expected to release guidance soon with details on the E-Vistur application process.

Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication. © 2019. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.