Travel to Chile for Tourism as Cuban: what you need to know

Traveling to Chile for tourism as Cuban is a process that may seem complicated from the outside, but with adequate information, patience and documents in order, it is totally attainable.

For many Cubans residing in the United States, facilitating this trip to a relative has become a goal full of hope and opportunities.

This updated guide will explain everything you need to know: requirements, process from Cuba, air connections, common errors and, above all, what it means to a Cuban to put a foot in Chile and start seeing life with other eyes.

Content index

Cubans need visa to enter Chile as tourists?

Yes. If you are a Cuban citizen and want to visit Chile for Tourism, you must request a consular visa of transitory permanence before traveling.

It is not an automatic visa or is managed at the airport. The application must be made online, through the official portal of the Chile’s Foreign Ministry.

This visa allows a stay of up to 90 days, not extendable, and does not authorize you to work or request change of status within the country.

In case of wanting to stay more for study, work or family reunification, you will have to process a temporary residence from outside Chile, on the Portal of the Sermig (National Migration Service).

Where is the visa requested from Cuba?

The consular section of the Chilean Embassy in Havana has been clear: all visa requests are managed exclusively online, without exceptions. Do not make queues, or take physically papers to the consulate.

The process is carried out from any device with the Internet on the portal: Proces.Minrel.gov.cl

There you must create a profile and select the option «Request prior visa or authorization.» The system will guide you step by step.

The key is to gather all the required documents and load them to the SAC system clearly, legible and well organized.

Once you have the complete package, it’s time to upload everything, to the consular care system portal (SAC). If you skip or disorder the files, you can complicate the process, so better to do it calmly and precision.

What documents do they ask?

The documentation that a Cuban must present to travel to Chile for tourism can vary slightly as the case may be (if you go invitation, if you travel with minors, etc.).

But in general, the requirements of the Consulate of Chile in Havana include:

• Passport type photo (white background, clear clothing).
• Current passport with minimum 6 months.
• Cuban identity card.
• Application form completed online.
• Letter addressed to the consul explaining the reason for the trip.
• Notarized invitation letter in Chile, or hotel/itinerary reservations.
• Documentation of the guest: Chilean card, temporary or permanent residence.
• Criminal record certificate legalized by Minrex (current).
• Letter from the work center or studies.
• Justification of economic means (accounts, remittances, employment).

For minors: birth certificate and travel authorization legalized by both parents.

All this must be uploaded to SAC with scanned documents, in PDF format, and well appointed. Many rejections occur by illegible, poorly organized or incomplete files.

Are there direct flights from Cuba to Chile?

Unfortunately, there are no direct flights between the island and Chile. But not everything is lost. There are options with scales through airlines such as Avianca, Wingo, Copa Airlines or Bolivian Aviation.

• Copa Airlines via Panama: demands transit visa to Cubans. This measure is in force at least until July 31, 2025.
• Avianca via Colombia: does not require transit visa if it remains in the international zone less than 24 hours.
• Mexico: Since October 2023, Mexico requires visa even for connections. It is only exempted if you have a valid visa/residence from the USA., Canada, Japan, United Kingdom or Schengen space.
• Randot Dominican Republic: Visa is generally required. Always verify with the consulate and the airline.

Upon arriving in Chile

Once the visa is approved, and after arriving at the airport in Chile, you will receive a transient permanence permit for 90 days. In border they give you a single migratory card (TUM), which is essential to conserve.

This permission cannot be extended or changed within Chile. If during your stay you decide to opt for a residence, you must return to Cuba and do the process from abroad.

Go up all clear files and order; Prepare invitation, hotel, funds and legalized background. If your plan changes to more than 90 days, check temporary residence of the Sermig.

Why choose Chile as a destination?

In addition to the opportunity to know incredible landscapes, such as the Atacama desert or Patagonia, Chile represents for many Cubans a real alternative of life with dignity.

Also, access to basic goods, respect for law, transport quality, abundant food and human treatment stand out.

Conclusion

Traveling to Chile for tourism as Cuban is a demanding, but completely possible process.

With the right documents, patience and help from abroad, many have managed to visit, study or even start a new life in that country.