ESTA Visa for Chileans: Step-by-step guide to traveling to New York without a visa

If you're Chilean and planning your trip to New York, there's a big advantage you might not have known about: you don't need a US visa. Chile is part of the Visa Waiver Program, which means you can enter the United States for tourism without going through the visa process. However, you do need to apply for an electronic authorization called ESTA before boarding your flight.

In this guide, we explain everything step-by-step, with the most up-to-date information for 2026.

What is ESTA and why do Chileans need it?

ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) is an electronic system used by the United States to assess whether you meet the requirements to enter the country without a visa. It works exclusively for tourism, business, and transit trips, is granted only for ordinary Chilean electronic passports, and authorization is received online within a maximum of 72 hours. Authorization is granted for a maximum of 2 years, and the permitted period to stay in the U.S. is 90 days per visit.

In short: ESTA replaces the visa. It's much faster, cheaper, and entirely online from Chile.

How much does ESTA cost in 2026?

As of September 30, 2025, the ESTA fee increased from USD 21 to USD 40. The current cost is USD 40.27, effective January 1, 2026, due to inflation adjustments.

Note: that is the only official cost. If you find websites charging USD 80, USD 100, or more, they are intermediaries taking a commission. We'll explain how to avoid this trap later.

Who can apply for ESTA?

To qualify, you need to meet the following:

Have a valid Chilean passport with an electronic chip (biometric passport). Travel for a maximum of 90 days for tourism, business, transit, or family visits. Have a round-trip ticket or show proof of onward travel to another destination outside the United States. Not have been arrested or had prior immigration problems in the United States. Not have visited certain countries in recent years, such as Iran, North Korea, Syria, or Iraq. Have a credit or debit card to pay the processing fee.

Who CANNOT use ESTA?

You cannot apply for ESTA if you have been arrested, have a criminal record, carried certain diseases, have been previously denied entry, have been deported, or have overstayed your authorized period of stay in the United States. If you traveled to Cuba after January 1, 2021, your ESTA will also be rejected.

In these cases, you must apply for a B1/B2 visa at the U.S. Embassy in Santiago.

Step-by-step: how to apply for ESTA

Step 1 — Go to the official website

The only official link to apply is https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov, accessible from anywhere in the world. Be wary of any other sites that appear on Google, especially those that show up as paid ads. Many are intermediaries that charge double or triple.

Step 2 — Create your application

Once inside, select "Apply for individual ESTA" or "Apply for group ESTA" if you are traveling with family. You will need to enter:

• Personal data (full name as it appears on the passport, date of birth, country of birth)
• Passport number and expiration date
• Country of residence and address in Chile
• Your travel information (flight, accommodation in NY)
• Answer an eligibility questionnaire with questions about criminal history, health, and previous visits to the U.S.

Step 3 — Pay USD 40.27

Payment is made with an international credit or debit card. Visa, Mastercard, and American Express are accepted. Make sure your card has international purchases enabled.

Step 4 — Wait for the response

Travel authorization can take up to 72 hours. In most cases, it arrives in minutes or a few hours. There can be three possible responses: Authorization Approved (you can travel), Pending (wait a few more hours), or Not Authorized (you must apply for a visa).

Step 5 — Save your authorization

Once approved, save your ESTA authorization number. You will not receive any physical document or stamp in your passport. The authorization is electronically linked to your passport, and the airline will verify it at check-in.

When should I apply for ESTA?

DHS recommends that travelers apply for ESTA as soon as they begin planning a trip to the United States. Ideally, do it at least a week before the trip to allow time to react if there are any problems with the application. Don't leave it until the last day.

How long does ESTA last?

Authorization is granted for a maximum of 2 years, or for a shorter period if the passport is valid for less than two years. The permitted period to stay in the U.S. is 90 days per visit, with no possibility of extension. If a person overstays the authorized period and remains for more than 90 days, they may have problems re-entering the United States, even if their authorization is still valid.

When should I renew ESTA?

You must apply for a new ESTA if:

• Your passport expired, and you got a new one
• You changed your name or gender
• You changed your nationality
• You answered any of the questionnaire questions differently (for example, if you had any legal issues since your last application)

The most common mistake: fake ESTA websites

One of the most frequent problems Chilean travelers encounter is paying for ESTA on intermediary sites that appear on Google as if they were the official site. They look very similar but charge between USD 80 and USD 150. The extra money goes directly to them, not to the U.S. government.

The golden rule: the only official URL is https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov. If the address is different, close your browser.

What if my ESTA is rejected?

If your ESTA is rejected, don't panic. It means you must apply for a B1/B2 visa at the U.S. Embassy in Santiago. The process is longer (weeks or months depending on demand) and has an additional cost, but it is perfectly possible to obtain it if you meet the requirements.

Do I need anything else besides ESTA to enter the U.S.?

ESTA authorizes you to travel, but at New York airport, you will also be asked for:

• Valid biometric passport
• Customs declaration form (they give it to you on the plane or you fill it out in the CBP One app)
• Address where you will be staying in New York
• Return ticket

The immigration officer may ask you questions about the purpose of your visit, how much money you are carrying, and where you will be staying. Answer calmly and truthfully.

Do you have questions about your ESTA or your trip to New York?

Applying for ESTA is just the first step. Once you land in New York, the real questions begin: how do I get out of the airport? What do I do if I get lost? Where do I exchange dollars without getting ripped off?

At InfoLatino, we are with you from before you board the plane until you return home. Our Pro Pack includes personalized visa advice, 24/7 WhatsApp support during your stay, and much more, all in Spanish and for less than the cost of an Empire State Building ticket.