Travel Authorization Letter to Chile: 2026 Requirements

Chile is one of the most developed countries in South America and a destination visited both for tourism and family visits. The Chilean community in the United States is concentrated mainly in California, Florida, New York, and Texas.

Chile has one of the strictest systems in Latin America for controlling minors' departures. The Investigations Police (PDI) verifies documentation for minors at Santiago Airport and at border crossings.

⚠️ Important notice: Multi Servicios 360 is a self-help document preparation software. We are not attorneys or licensed document preparers. This article is for informational purposes only. Consult the Chilean consulate or an attorney for your specific situation.

What does Chile require?

Chile's Law 16.618 on Minors and its amendments establish that minors under 18 leaving the country without one or both parents need a notarial authorization. This is one of the most well-known and strictly enforced requirements in Chile.

The authorization must come from the parent who is not traveling. If the minor leaves with only one parent, the other must authorize in writing before a notary.

Airports and entry points

• •Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport (SCL) — Santiago de Chile (the most important; PDI enforces strict controls here)
• •El Loa International Airport (CJC) — Calama
• •Diego Aracena International Airport (IQQ) — Iquique
• •Los Libertadores border crossing — border with Argentina (access to Mendoza)
• •Chacalluta border crossing — border with Peru (access to Arica-Tacna)

What should the letter include?

The authorization for minors in Chile must contain:

Minor's information: full name, Chilean RUN (if applicable) or US passport number, date of birth. Authorizing parent/guardian's information: full name, Chilean RUN (if applicable) or US passport, address and contact phone number. Companion's information: full name, RUN or passport, relationship. Travel details: departure and return dates from Chile, destination, airline. Notarized signature: the signature must be certified by a notary public.

Apostille: an important requirement for Chile

For a US-notarized authorization to be valid in Chile, an Hague Apostille is generally required. Chile recognizes the apostille as equivalent to Chilean notarial authentication.

The apostille is obtained through the Secretary of State's office in the state where the document was notarized. This is a critical step that many families skip and that can cause problems at Santiago airport.

Special situations

Dual citizenship: If your child was born in Chile or has a Chilean RUN, Chilean authorities consider them a Chilean citizen. This means all restrictions under the Chilean Minor Law apply. Sole custody: If you have legal sole custody, bring the court judgment apostilled and translated into Spanish (if in English). Child adopted in Chile: Requirements may be different. Consult with a lawyer specializing in adoptions. Minors traveling alone: LATAM Airlines has a specific "unaccompanied minor" service with its own fees and forms. Confirm directly with the airline.

Airlines with flights to Chile

The main airlines with flights between US cities and Chile are LATAM Airlines, American Airlines, Delta, and United Airlines. Most direct flights depart from Miami, Los Angeles, and New York.

Don't skip the apostille — prepare everything in advance

At Multi Servicios 360, we generate your travel authorization letter for Chile in minutes. The document is correctly formatted in Spanish and English to meet Chilean PDI requirements, and ready to take to the notary and obtain the apostille.

We are a self-help software — you provide the details, we generate the document. We do not provide legal advice. → Prepare your travel authorization letter — $49

---

Multi Servicios 360 is a self-help document preparation software. We are not attorneys and do not provide legal advice. For complex situations, please consult a qualified attorney.

---

También te puede interesar:

• •Carta de autorización de viaje para menores: guía completa
• •Documentos para viajar con menores por Latinoamérica 2026
• •Cuándo necesitas carta de autorización en California
• •Preparar mi Carta de Autorización — Desde $49