Okay, so I finally got around to applying for my Chilean passport. Here’s how it went down.
First off, I made sure I was eligible. You gotta be a Chilean citizen, obviously. I was born there, so that was no problem. Even if you weren’t born in Chile, you might still be eligible if you’ve got a Chilean parent or grandparent, or if you’ve been a resident for a while. Also, if you’re married to a Chilean for at least two years you can also get it!
Next, I gathered all the documents I needed. This included my old ID and some recent passport photos. Make sure these photos meet the specific requirements, or they’ll just send them back. You can find these details with a quick search. I also gathered my birth certificate.

Then came the application itself. I went to the official website to begin the application. It was pretty straightforward, just filling in basic info and such. The website lets you fill out a form called “Chile Passport Application Form”. I made sure to double-check everything before submitting it. This was all done online, which was super convenient.
After submitting, I had to pay the application fee. There was information about the fees on the website. It wasn’t too expensive, thankfully. I think they accept a variety of payment methods.
The next step was just waiting. They say it takes a few weeks to process. I made sure to check the status online from time to time. Once it was approved, I got a notification. This whole waiting period took about 3 weeks for me.
Finally, I went to pick up my new passport. I just needed to show my ID. I got my old passport back, too, with a clipped corner to show it’s no longer valid. I had to go in person to the consulate to get it. It was pretty quick and easy.
Things to Remember
- Eligibility: Make sure you’re actually a Chilean citizen!
- Documents: Gather your ID, photos, and birth certificate.
- Application: Fill out the form online, double-check everything, and pay the fee.
- Waiting: It takes a few weeks for processing.
- Pickup: Go get your passport when it’s ready!
With this new passport, I can now travel to over 160 countries without needing a visa beforehand. That includes the US, Canada, and most of Europe. It is really convenient!
Overall, it wasn’t a bad experience at all. The online system made things pretty easy. If you’re a Chilean citizen, don’t put it off any longer. Go get your passport and start planning your next trip!