Chile visa application - bizarre

[JoRob]

Thanks for your reply. I eventually managed to speak with someone at the Consulate in Sydney who told me if I don't have a contact just write NOT APPLICABLE in all the relevant fields. I have submitted the form so fingers crossed. The whole process made me wish we weren't going. We still may not be if I have made any errors.

 

[kpc]

Just a FYI...when we were in Serengeti recently, we met a couple from Santiago ..they warned us that walking around Santiago is very unsafe now...lots of robbery aimed at both tourists and richer locals...she was robbed at gunpoint in her own house. All began with:

2019–2022 Chilean protests - Wikipedia

en.m.wikipedia.org

Quite different to when we were in Santiago in 2012.

 

[clifford]

Just a FYI...when we were in Serengeti recently, we met a couple from Santiago ..they warned us that walking around Santiago is very unsafe now...lots of robbery aimed at both tourists and richer locals...she was robbed at gunpoint in her own house. All began with:

2019–2022 Chilean protests - Wikipedia

en.m.wikipedia.org

Quite different to when we were in Santiago in 2012.

When I was in Santiago in 1998 on a diplomatic trip, I was warned not to travel on public transport as I might get a knife placed against me during a robbery (it could go quite wrong for me). Made Buenos Aires look positively safe and peaceful...

So nothing new.

 

[Port Power]

I received an email from the Chilean Consulate today asking for payment, which indicates that my visa application has been approved. Yay! Now to see how long it takes for the actual visa to be issued.

 

[Lat34]

I received an email from the Chilean Consulate today asking for payment, which indicates that my visa application has been approved. Yay! Now to see how long it takes for the actual visa to be issued.

We were leaving AUS 24 Jan for USA first with Chile entry around 10 Feb (for 15 Feb cruise) so didnt want to be chasing anything by phone from overseas. thankfully, not necessary

Late 2022/ early 2023 timeline:

Lat34
12/12/2022: email - Tourist Visa for Chile has been authorized incl payment details
21/12/2022: paid Tourist Visa Fee (then a delay... maybe becuase of Christmas/ new Year??)
04/01/2023: electronic eVoucher email then a bit later that day, VISA ELECTRÓNICA email containing the actual eVisa

Lat34+1
06/01/2023: email - Tourist Visa for Chile has been authorized incl payment details
06/01/2023: paid Tourist Visa Fee
14/01/2023: electronic eVoucher email
16/01/23: VISA ELECTRÓNICA email containing the actual eVisa

 

[courtney96]

Well I’m travelling to SCL tomorrow and still no visa issued…

I called two weeks ago, took down my details … nothing changed.
Called this morning, took down my details … nothing again.

En espera. Very stressful.

how did this go for you? I imagine i'm about to encounter a similar situation.

 

[Lat34]

how did this go for you? I imagine i'm about to encounter a similar situation.

Things worked out ok… Look back one page to post #33

 

[courtney96]

Well I’m travelling to SCL tomorrow and still no visa issued…

I called two weeks ago, took down my details … nothing changed.
Called this morning, took down my details … nothing again.

En espera. Very stressful.

How did this pan out? I’m about to encounter the same issue I imagine.

 

[Port Power]

Welcome to AFF. You might need to spend time reading through various threads for the information you are interested in; it is usually there.

 

[RooFlyer]

Another thread covering post-application happenings here:

Obtaining a visa for Chile

I started another thread about what I saw as the bizarre process for applying for a visa for Chile. Starting this new one as I think it best to have a clear explanation of the process post application that I and others have experienced. One was my Travel Agent's boss, who had exactly the same...

www.australianfrequentflyer.com.au

 

[mameimo]

Visa status is currently 'Visto Bueno Consul'. What does this mean thanks

 

[RooFlyer]

Visa status is currently 'Visto Bueno Consul'. What does this mean thanks

Literally, it means “consulate approval“.

Unfortunately, without any more description, can’t tell whether it means needing or waiting on consulate approval or has got consulate approval.

Where and when did you apply?

 

[RuralRanga]

Hey,
I've applied for a 72 hour visa in Chile in Oct 2023 and still haven't received it. I fly out on 23rd March.

On the application process it says
Validar Antecedentes which translates to validate background.

What do I need to do? Any advice ? I'm based in Melbourne

 

[anchew]

I haven't seen that before. I'd suggest giving them a call. They're open 9am-2pm Mon-Fri
Ph: 03 9866 4041

 

[RuralRanga]

Thanks Anchew - I. keep calling and just goes to voicemail. Is it best I just go into the office?

 

[anchew]

Yes, you can also go to the office in person too

 

[RooFlyer]

Thanks Anchew - I. keep calling and just goes to voicemail. Is it best I just go into the office?

Definitely. Turn up 20 minutes before they open the door and I’m sure by the end of visit you’ll get your Visa. The Melbourne office is simply hopeless at keeping track of Visa applications but once you front up they will do it. If you haven’t paid the fee, and it doesn’t sound as though you’ve been asked to, then you can pay it there and then.

Obviously, take all your documentation and evidence of your prior application.

 

[rachelevs90]

Hi all, I've put in an application for a chile visa for a trip in October. Sounds like it likely wont get processed til closer to the time, but did you have to attend the Melbourne consulate in Person to get it? I live in Perth so this could be an issue if it's not issued til last minute!

Appreciate any advice!

 

[SYD]

Hi all, I've put in an application for a chile visa for a trip in October. Sounds like it likely wont get processed til closer to the time, but did you have to attend the Melbourne consulate in Person to get it? I live in Perth so this could be an issue if it's not issued til last minute!

Appreciate any advice!

Which consulate did you nominate?

In theory, you shouldn’t need to attend. Canberra and Sydney seem to have a decent process, apparently Melbourne - not so good unless it’s improved.

Sydney processing and approval was several weeks prior to travel.

 

[RooFlyer]

Hi all, I've put in an application for a chile visa for a trip in October. Sounds like it likely wont get processed til closer to the time, but did you have to attend the Melbourne consulate in Person to get it? I live in Perth so this could be an issue if it's not issued til last minute!

Appreciate any advice!

Welcome to AFF. Perth has a Chilean consulate so were you not directed to apply there?

If you applied to Perth and don't have your visa within 2 weeks of travel, go in. If your visa application happened to be directed to Melbourne, plan to fly there 2 weeks prior to your tip to get it for sure. If you manage to get them on the phone, they will tell you its OK, but there are cases where it definitely wasn't.