For travelers departing from the narrow, beautiful corridors of Chile to the bustling streets of Vietnam, understanding the 2026 entry protocols is essential. Whether you are a digital nomad in Santiago, an entrepreneur in Valparaíso, or a tourist from Concepción, the way you secure your entry has changed.
While the bilateral relationship between Chile and Vietnam offers unique perks, the Visa on Arrival (VOA) remains a critical tool for specific travel needs. This guide explains the “how-to,” the “why,” and the local nuances of applying from the Southern Cone.
1. The Bilateral Advantage: 90-Day Visa Waiver
Before applying for a Visa on Arrival, Chilean citizens should note a major benefit: Chile and Vietnam share a reciprocal visa waiver agreement.
The Rule: Holders of ordinary Chilean passports can enter Vietnam for tourism for up to 90 days without a visa.
When do you need a VOA? You only need to apply for a visa (VOA or E-visa) if:
You plan to stay longer than 90 days.
You are entering for specific business/work purposes not covered by the waiver.
You are a foreign resident in Chile (e.g., a Venezuelan, Colombian, or US expat) holding a non-Chilean passport.
2. What is the Vietnam Visa on Arrival (VOA)?
In 2026, the VOA is a “pre-approved” sticker visa. You cannot simply fly to Vietnam and ask for a visa at the gate. You must first obtain a Visa Approval Letter while still in Chile.
Why choose VOA over E-visa in 2026?
Emergency Processing: If you need to fly out of Arturo Merino Benítez Airport (SCL) in the next 24 hours, VOA agencies can often provide approval letters in 1–4 hours.
How to Apply for Vietnam Visa on Arrival in Chile: The 2026 Definitive Guide Complex Stays: For multiple entries over a long period or specific business sponsorships that the standard E-visa portal cannot handle.
3. Step-by-Step Guide: Applying from Chile
Step 1: Secure the Approval Letter
Since there is no physical “online” VOA government portal, you must use a verified agency like Visaonlinevietnam.com.
Provide your passport scan (must be valid for 6 months).
Specify your arrival airport (Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, etc.).
Pay the service fee online via international credit card.
Step 2: The “SCL” Checklist
Before boarding your flight from Santiago, ensure you have:
A printed copy of the Approval Letter (Airlines like LATAM, Qatar, or KLM will check this).
Two 4x6cm passport photos (white background, no glasses).
USD Cash for the stamping fee.
Step 3: Landing and Stamping
Upon arrival at a Vietnam International Airport, head to the “Landing Visa” counter.
Stamping Fee: $25 USD (Single Entry) | $50 USD (Multiple Entry).
Geo-Tip: Ensure your USD bills are “pristine” (no tears or marks), as Vietnamese immigration is notoriously strict about currency quality.
For Expats in Santiago
If you are an expat living in the Providencia or Las Condes districts but hold a passport from a country not on the waiver list (like India or China), the VOA is your primary path. You do not need to visit the Vietnamese Embassy unless you are seeking a long-term diplomatic visa.
Embassy of Vietnam in Chile: Eliodoro Yáñez 2897, Providencia, Santiago. (Use this only for physical sticker visas or document legalization).
Transit Considerations
Flights from Chile to Vietnam usually transit through Los Angeles (USA), Sydney (Australia), or Dubai (UAE).
Alert: Ensure you have the necessary transit visas for these countries. If transiting through the USA, your Vietnam Visa Approval Letter must be ready to show the airline staff at the start of your journey in Santiago.
5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I pay the stamping fee in Chilean Pesos (CLP)? A: No. Vietnam immigration only accepts USD or VND (Vietnamese Dong). It is best to exchange your pesos for USD at a Casa de Cambio in downtown Santiago before you fly.
Q: Is the 90-day waiver for Chileans valid for multiple entries? A: Generally, the waiver allows for a single 90-day stay. If you plan to leave Vietnam and come back frequently, applying for a 90-day Multiple Entry E-visa is the safer, more modern choice in 2026.
Q: What if I am in Chile but my passport expires in 5 months? A: You will be denied entry. Your passport must have 6 months of validity. Renew your passport at the Civil Registry (Registro Civil) in Chile before applying for the visa.
