Obtaining the Chilean Passport: A Practical Guide

Published on April 23, 2026 and written by Cyril Jarnias

Getting a passport can seem like a complex process, especially when it involves a foreign country like Chile. Whether you want to explore the breathtaking landscapes of Patagonia or discover the vibrant history of Santiago, having the right travel document is essential.

In this article, we provide a detailed guide to easily securing your Chilean passport, familiarizing you with the steps to follow, the required documents, and any potential obstacles to overcome.

Break down all the steps, from submitting the application to receiving it, so you can calmly plan your next Chilean adventure.

Steps to Obtain a Chilean Passport

Detailed Steps to Obtain a Chilean Passport

1. Gather Required Documents

To obtain your Chilean passport, you must gather the following documents:

• Chilean ID Card (RUN): essential for any administrative procedure.
• Recent Passport Photo: passport format, meeting Chilean standards (white background, clear face).
• Proof of Residence: electricity bill, lease, or accommodation certificate.
• Previous Passport: if renewing.
• Apostilled and Translated Documents: for supporting documents from abroad.

Required Document	Detail
Chilean ID Card	Valid RUN
Passport Photo	Passport format, recent, white background
Proof of Residence	Bill, lease, or accommodation certificate
Previous Passport	If renewing
Foreign Documents	Apostilled and translated by a sworn translator

2. Associated Fees and Payment Methods

• Passport Fee: amount varies by type (standard or express).
• Accepted Payment Methods:
  • Online payment by credit card (if applying through the official portal).
  • Cash or card payment at Civil Registry offices.
• Keep the payment receipt until the passport is delivered.

3. Steps to Submit the Application

Online:

• Create an account on the official Civil Registry portal (ClaveÚnica required).
• Fill out the application form and upload scanned documents.
• Schedule an appointment for physical document submission and photo.

In Person:

• Go to a Civil Registry office with all original documents.
• Fill out the form on-site and make the payment.
• Photo taken on-site.

Scheduling an Appointment: highly recommended, especially during peak periods (end of year, school holidays).

4. Where the Application Can Be Made

In Chile:

• Civil Registry offices, located in all regions.
• List and hours available on the official Civil Registry website.

Abroad:

• Chilean consulates and embassies (address and procedures on the consulate’s website).
• Note that processing times and fees may vary by country.

Region	Main Civil Registry Address
Santiago	Huérfanos 1560, Santiago Centro
Valparaíso	Av. Argentina 1236, Valparaíso
Concepción	Barros Arana 955, Concepción
Consulate Paris	2, avenue de la Motte-Picquet, Paris

5. Average Processing Time

• Standard Time: generally 7 to 15 business days.
• Express Time: possible option at some major offices, subject to availability.
• Tip: Submit your application outside of school holidays or end-of-year periods when processing times are often longer.

6. Steps to Collect the Passport

• Notification by SMS or email when the passport is ready.
• Pick up in person at the office or consulate where the application was submitted, presenting your ID card and payment receipt.
• Verify the information’s accuracy on-site.

Special Recommendations

• Check the validity period of your passport before starting the process: it must be valid for at least 12 months from the application date.
• Keep original documents and copies safe throughout the process.
• Scan all your documents and store them on a secure device.
• Plan ahead to avoid delays, especially before a trip or important deadline.
• Regularly check the status of your application via the official portal or at the relevant office.
• In case of loss or theft of the passport, immediately report the incident to the Civil Registry or consulate to prevent fraudulent use.

For any procedure, prioritize scheduling an appointment and carefully preparing documents to speed up processing.

Keep the payment receipt safe and never share your personal information with unauthorized third parties.

Check the updated list of offices and consulates on the official website before traveling.

Documents Required for the Passport Application

Detailed List of Required Documents for a Chilean Passport Application

• Previous Chilean passport (for renewal) or none if it’s a first-time application.
• Valid Chilean ID card (Cédula de Identidad).
• Proof of residence (utility bill, residence certificate, or rental contract).
• Original birth certificate (especially for a first-time application or for minors).
• Copy of the birth certificate or family record book (often required for minors).
• For minors: notarized parental authorization or legal guardianship decision. If a parent is deceased, provide the death certificate.
• Proof of payment of application fees.
• Passport photo meeting official criteria.

Specifics by Applicant

Category	Specific Documents to Provide
Adult (first application)	Chilean ID card, birth certificate, proof of residence, photo, application fee.
Adult (renewal)	Previous passport, ID card, proof of residence, photo, application fee.
Minor (first application)	Minor’s ID card, birth certificate, notarized parental authorization, proof of residence, photo, application fee.
Minor (renewal)	Previous passport, minor’s ID card, notarized parental authorization, proof of residence, photo, application fee.
Special case (guardianship, death)	Court guardianship decision, parent’s death certificate, notarial authorizations, proof of residence, photo, application fee.

Requirements for ID and Supporting Documents

• Chilean ID card: must be valid and original.
• Birth certificate: original, issued by the Civil Registry.
• Proof of residence: recent bill, official certificate, or contract.
• Guardianship documents: court decision, notarial authorizations, death certificate if needed.
• Previous passport: required for renewal.
• Proof of payment: receipt or payment confirmation of fees.

Criteria for Passport Photos

• Format: 4 x 4 cm (Chilean standard).
• Background: white and plain, no shadows.
• Pose: face forward, neutral expression, mouth closed, no tinted glasses or accessories covering the face.
• Quality: recent photo, sharp, unretouched.

Application Fees and Payment Options

Application Type	Cost (approx.)	Payment Methods
Adult passport	89,660 CLP	Cash, credit card, online payment
Minor passport	89,660 CLP	Cash, credit card, online payment

• Fees may vary slightly by region or Civil Registry office.
• Payment required at the time of application submission.

Processing Times

• Average time: 5 to 10 business days for passport receipt.
• Times may be longer in some regions or during high demand periods.
• Option to pick up at the Civil Registry office or have it mailed home (depending on regional availability).

Regional Variations

• Some regions require more specific proof of residence (certificate issued by the local municipality).
• Slightly longer processing times in rural areas.
• Physical presence sometimes required for photo at the counter in some municipalities.

Key Takeaways

Always check specific local requirements with the relevant Civil Registry office or Chilean consulate. Documents must be original and accompanied by copies if requested.

Cost and Processing Times for Obtaining a Chilean Passport

Chilean Passport Application Fees (2023)

Applicant Category	Standard Cost (CLP)	Standard Cost (EUR)
Adult (of legal age)	89,890	96
Minor over 15 years old	48,690	52
Minor under 15 years old	25,280	27
Delivery by honorary consul	7,490	8

Payment Methods

• Credit or debit card (excluding American Express)
• Cash in Chilean pesos
• Single payment (no installment plans)

Processing Times

Processing Type	Typical Duration
Standard	2 to 3 weeks
Priority/Express	Not available nationwide

Additional Fees for Expedited Service

As of now, expedited or express service is not officially offered for Chilean passports. Processing time may vary depending on office workload, but there is no specific pricing for priority processing.

Regional Variations

Costs are uniform across all Chilean territory, regardless of where the application is made.

Processing time variations may occur depending on local workload, especially in large cities or high-demand regions.

Discounts and Exemptions

• Minors under 15 years old: reduced fee.
• Minors over 15 years old: intermediate fee.
• Seniors and students:
  • No specific discount for seniors noted in current official fees.
  • Foreign students traveling to France may qualify for a half-rate for certain consular documents, but not for the Chilean passport itself.
• First-time national ID card application: free.

Required Documents for the Application

• Completed application form
• Proof of identity
• Proof of residence
• Two recent passport photos

Note: Processing times and fees may change based on national administrative decisions; it is recommended to check updated information with consulates or official services before applying.

Benefits of Having a Chilean Passport

International Mobility and Passport Strength

The Chilean passport is ranked between 12th and 16th globally according to major indices in 2025.

It allows travel without a visa or with a visa on arrival to 162 to 175 countries.

Some examples of destinations accessible without a visa or with a visa on arrival:

• European Union (Schengen)
• United Kingdom
• United Arab Emirates
• Russia
• United States
• Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay, Paraguay (MERCOSUR)
• Australia, New Zealand

Holders must obtain a visa for some countries like China, India, or Kuwait.

Global Ranking	Number of Countries Accessible Without Visa or Visa on Arrival	Examples of Visa-Free Countries
12 to 16	162 to 175	UK, Schengen, Russia, USA

Access to International Programs

The Chilean passport facilitates participation in university exchange programs, research, or international cooperation.

Many bilateral and multilateral agreements allow Chileans easier access to scholarships, internships, and professional opportunities abroad.

Freedom of Movement and Work within MERCOSUR

Chilean citizens benefit from the freedom to work, reside, and settle in MERCOSUR member countries (Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay) without needing a specific visa.

This enables facilitated professional and family mobility within the region.

Specific Government Rights and Services

Chileans have priority access to consular services (protection, assistance in emergencies abroad).

Access to national health, education, and social security programs, and in some cases regional ones, through international agreements.

Cultural and Economic Benefits

The Chilean passport opens the door to numerous cultural experiences, thanks to the ease of travel and immersion in different societies.

It fosters economic opportunities: exports, imports, business creation, and access to foreign markets.

Holders can develop a broader international network, facilitating academic, cultural, or commercial partnerships.

Key Statistics and Data

• 2025 Ranking: 12th to 16th globally according to indices
• Mobility Score: 162 to 175 countries accessible without visa or with visa on arrival
• Global Reach: approximately 81% of global destinations accessible without a prior visa

In Summary

The Chilean passport combines very high freedom of movement, international professional and academic advantages, the ability to easily reside and work within MERCOSUR, and specific rights abroad, while offering major cultural and economic benefits to its holders.