visas and paperwork

One of the first things you'll need to do in preparing for your move is to secure the necessary travel documents and complete other paperwork that may be required for prolonged stays abroad. At the top of the list are a passport for every member of the family and, in most cases, visas. 

A passport is essentially an identity document issued by governments to their citizens for travel outside the home country. A passport is an official verification of the nationality of the holder and, with a few exceptions, is required to enter another country.

A visa is an authorization by the government of another country permitting a foreigner to enter that country for a specified purpose and period of time. It is usually stamped in the passport of the visitor, although in some instances may be on a separate paper. It may authorize only one visit to the country or multiple entries. Most countries of North America and Europe no longer require visas for tourist and even some business visits of limited duration, typically up to 90 days.

Records and Personal papers  

In addition to passports and visas, other types of documentation may be required during your stay abroad in establishing identity, applying for permits and licenses, verifying legal arrangements, paying taxes, and fulfilling other obligations required by your own government or that of the host country. It is advisable to have multiple copies made to take with you. Do not pack them away with belongings being shipped. Keep them with you in the event they may be needed while traveling or during the settling-in period. 

• Descriptive data page of each family member's passport 
• Birth certificates of each family member 
• Marriage certificate 
• National driver's license 
• Passport-size photographs of each family member 
• Certificates of citizenship for naturalized individuals 
• Adoption papers 
• Divorce and child custody papers 
• Medical insurance coverage 
• Medical records, where appropriate 
• Dental records 
• Property insurance records, especially for autos 
• Income tax records for several previous years 
• Wills 
• Power of attorney 
• Lease or rental agreement for housing in the new country 

Tourist visa

If you make a preliminary visit, to find housing and to visit schools, you will need a tourist visa. Short-term visitors are issued a tourist card, usually by the airline carrier, at the port of entry. It is valid for 90 days and must be surrendered when exiting Chile. A thirty day extension is sometimes granted. 

Temporary or work visa

Those planning to stay for longer than 90 days and those planning to work in Chile must secure a one-year, renewable work or temporary resident visa within thirty days of arrival. This process is begun by registering with the International Police and supplying two photographs bearing the subject's name and proof of financial solvency. All married applicants who plan to work must supply a marriage certificate. 

There is no fee. The temporary resident visa is renewable in Chile, but the process of renewal can be lengthy. If an extension is needed, make application at least 60 days in advance with the International Police at: 

Anyone planning scientific, technical, or mountaineering activites in regions classified as frontier areas, except for portions of Antarctica claimed by Chile, must obtain authorization from the Chilean government at least 90 days before commencement of activities. 

Contract visa

Granted for a maximum of two years, a contract visa requires the presentation of a contract for a specific job which requires specific qualifications. It must be notarized and signed by both employer and employee or his representative in Chile. The visa may be renewed in Chile, but expires upon the completion of the contract. 

Making application for visas  

All applications for visas require: 

• A valid passport 
• A health certificate which includes evidence of an HIV/HTLV test for AIDS/HIV disease 
• A police certificate from the applicant's local police department stating that the applicant has no record of arrest 
• Four passport photos 
• The appropriate fee

Visa applications can be obtained in person from any Chilean consular office. Applications may be submitted by mail or in person, but one must appear in person to complete the procedure. Allow about one week for processing. Applications for visa renewal should be submitted to the Foreigners Office of the Ministry of the Interior at least 60 days prior to the expiration of the visa. Allow approximately 90 days for the renewal process.

Identification Card

Every person in Chile is required to carry a Carnet de Identidad or Chilean Identifcation Card, which can be obtained at the Chilean Passport Bureau for a small fee. Carry it with you at all times. 

The Chilean identification card must be carried with you at all times. It contains your full name, thumbprint, and an identification number. Married women may be asked for their mothers' maiden names for identification documents. 

You must apply for the carnet within 30 days of arrival or within 30 days of the date on your visa. Obtain the carnet from the Servicio de Registro Civil e Identificación . Take passport-sized photos and your documents with you and be prepared for long lines. If you speak Spanish or can take someone with you who does, the process will be easier. You will be finger-printed and should receive your carnet in about a week. For additional information contact the: 

Tourist Card

Citizens of Australia , New Zealand , Great Britain , Canada , the USA , South Africa , as well as most EU countries do not need a visa , just their passport. Upon entry, they will receive a "Tarjeta de Turismo" (Tourist Card) which is valid for 90 days and has to be presented when leaving the country. Find a safe place for this inconspicuous piece of paper! If you do loose it, get a replacement in plenty of time before your departure (Policía Internacional in Santiago, General Borgoño 1052, or at a police station in one of the regions.) Those trying to leave without the card will most likely miss their flight or be kept waiting at the border for a long time.

Citizens of most African , Asian and formerly Soviet States will need a tourist visa that can be applied for at any Chilean Consulate.

Other documents required

Once in Chile, the holder of any form of residence visa must register as a resident foreigner within 30 days of entry. Register with the international police; a registration document or Cédula de Identidad para Extranjeros , which proves that you are registered, will be issued. 

A RUT Number, which is identification for tax purposes, can be obtained from the tax office, Servicio de Impuestos Internos, nearest your residence. Present all documents that verify you status in Chile. You will be issued a number on a temporary piece of paper. The official card will be sent by mail. 

Your ID number and your RUT number are not the same. For most matters, you should supply the ID number. 

A certificate or Certificado de Cumplimiento Tributario para Extranjeros, is proof of payment of all domestic tax due; it is required if you plan to leave Chile and you are a permanent or temporary resident under contract. It is obtained from your nearest tax office. Telephone for information on the necessary documents and procedures.
 
Salvoconducto , an exit permit, is necessary to leave Chile unless you are traveling on a tourist card. It is obtained from the International Police; you will need to present all your documents to obtain this permit. 

Reingreso , a reentry permit, is needed to reenter Chile and retain your legal, working, or residential status. It is issued in two forms- simple and multiple -allowing either one trip or several trips, and is obtained from the Intendencia Regional Metropolitana. You will need to present all your documents to obtain this permit.

Sources and Resources

The consular office of your host country's embassy is the best place to start when determining what types of documents, including visas, permits and registration requirements, you'll need to relocate. Consulates can often provide information and advice on many other aspects of your move as well. 

Boarders

For travel from Peru, Bolivia or Argentina to Chile you can choose any of the border crossings. From May through September, inquire ahead of time about the road conditions for the Andean passes in Central and Southern Chile. Especially between Mendoza (Arg.) and Los Andes (Chile), you have to be prepared for snow drifts.

Fees

Citizens of the USA, Canada, Australia and Mexico have to pay an entry fee when travelling through Santiago airport (not at any other point) that corresponds to the amount Chileans are charged when travelling to the respective country:

Extension

The Tourist Card is easiest extended by leaving and re-entering the country (can be done on the same day.) Many foreigners use this loophole to extend their stay in Chile with this totally legal procedure that can theoretically be repeated virtually forever. However, there have been cases in which the border officials became suspicious the third or fourth time, started asking uncomfortable questions, and renewed the Tourist Card only for 30 days.

An official extension through a police station (without leaving the country) is only meant to be done once for another 90 days, and it has to be applied for one month before the card expires from the Extranjería in Santiago or any Regional capital. The price is USD 100.00.

Luggage

Most airlines will now let you check two pieces of luggage at 32 kg each in addition to one piece of carry-on luggage - but do inquire beforehand to make sure! This means that you might be able to check a surfboard or a bike as your second piece. Taking them as additional luggage will cost about USD 70.00-90.00. Make sure to find out from your airline in plenty of time what requirements they might have for such items; e.g., bikes will generally need to be boxed, and you need to prepare for the required disassembly and assembly.

Customs Regulations

You can bring the following items into the country duty-free: unlimited amounts of cash, 400 cigarettes, 2 1/2 Liters of spirits, as well as all personal use items. Illegal are fresh food such as fruit, vegetables and milk products, as well as illegal drugs, and pornography. Plants and animals require a special permit from the health authorities, which has to be applied for in advance from any Chilean Consulate.