IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the change? Chile has begun requiring Venezuelan nationals to obtain a visa before entering the country.

What does the change mean? Venezuelan nationals planning travel to Chile must obtain a residence or tourist visa at a Chilean consulate before departing.

  • Implementation time frame: Immediate and ongoing. The change took effect Saturday.
  • Documents affected: Residence, tourist visas (issued with a maximum validity of 90 days).
  • Who is affected: Venezuelan nationals traveling to Chile.
  • Impact on processing times: The process of obtaining a visa may delay travel plans for some Venezuelan nationals.

Background: Several Latin American countries have changed immigration and entry procedures for Venezuelans because of the political and economic situation in their home country. Peru, for example, recently imposed a visa requirement for Venezuelan nationals after previously allowing them to use Venezuelan ID cards as the basis for obtaining visas-on-arrival in Peru. Chilean officials have now taken similar action with the issuance of Decree N°237, which requires Venezuelan nationals to obtain a visa at a Chilean consulate before traveling to Chile.

Analysis & Comments: Employers should make sure Venezuelan national employees or business visitors obtain the required visa before traveling to Chile. They may need to adjust time lines because of the time it takes to obtain a visa. Venezuelan nationals who have already booked travel to Chile without a visa are encouraged to contact their immigration provider about their best options for traveling to Chile.

Source: Deloitte LLP. Deloitte LLP is a limited liability partnership registered in England and Wales with registered number OC303675 and its registered office at 1 New Street Square, London EC4A 3HQ, United Kingdom.