Chile is part of New Zealand's visa-waiver programme — and the closest South American country to New Zealand. With LATAM's direct Santiago–Auckland service, the journey has never been easier.
Chile and New Zealand are mirror-image nations — both long, narrow countries hugging the southwestern fringes of their respective hemispheres, both shaped by volcanic activity, both gifted with extraordinary landscapes from fjords and glaciers in the south to wine country and beaches in the north. For Chilean travellers, New Zealand feels simultaneously familiar and breathtakingly exotic. The shared culture of outdoor adventure, quality wine, and connection to indigenous heritage creates an immediate bond between the two nations' people.
Chile holds a unique geographical distinction: it is the closest South American country to New Zealand. LATAM Airlines operates direct flights between Santiago's Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport (SCL) and Auckland (AKL), with a flight time of approximately 12–13 hours. This makes Chile one of the shortest transatlantic journeys to New Zealand from any South American city, and the route continues to grow in popularity among Chilean travellers seeking adventure in the South Pacific.
Chilean citizens need an NZeTA before travelling to New Zealand. Apply online — takes under 10 minutes.
The New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) is a mandatory pre-travel requirement for all Chilean passport holders flying to or transiting through New Zealand. It is a digital travel authorisation that is electronically linked to your Chilean passport — not a visa in the traditional sense. There is no physical stamp or document; approval is stored in New Zealand's immigration system and verified automatically at the airline check-in desk.
The NZeTA replaced the old visa-on-arrival arrangement and must be secured before your flight departs. The online application takes approximately 5–10 minutes. Once issued, the NZeTA is valid for two years or until your passport expires, whichever is earlier, and allows unlimited entries to New Zealand for stays of up to 90 days per visit. Apply at least 72 hours before travel — most applications are approved within 24–72 hours.
Enter your personal details, Chilean passport information, and travel purpose. Takes 5–10 minutes on any device.
Provide your Chilean passport number, issue and expiry dates. No physical passport upload is required.
Pay securely by credit or debit card. The fee includes the NZeTA processing charge and the IVL conservation levy.
Most applicants receive NZeTA approval within 24–72 hours. Keep the confirmation email for check-in.
Chilean travellers — with their love of Andean landscapes, wine culture, and patagonian adventures — will feel right at home exploring these New Zealand highlights.
Most LATAM flights from Santiago arrive into Auckland. The city's harbour, Sky Tower, and diverse food culture make a perfect first impression. Explore the North Shore beaches and take a scenic drive up the Hibiscus Coast.
For Chilean travellers who love Patagonia, Queenstown delivers a similar drama — the Remarkables and Cecil Peak rivalling the Torres del Paine in grandeur — paired with world-class adventure sports, ski fields, and award-winning Pinot Noir vineyards.
New Zealand's volcanic heartland offers steaming geysers, bubbling mud pools, and the chance to experience authentic Māori culture. A highlight for Chilean travellers who appreciate the deep connection between indigenous peoples and their ancestral lands.
Fiordland National Park's Milford Sound is New Zealand's answer to southern Chile's fjordland — arguably even more dramatic, with sheer 1,200-metre cliffs, permanent waterfalls, and abundant wildlife including dolphins and fur seals.