UK ETA for Chilean Citizens

Valparaíso’s hillside murals splash colors across dawn’s first light, and somewhere between the scent of sopaipillas and the cry of distant gulls, a dream stirs: trading South America’s bohemian harbor for the cobblestone theatres of London. Planning the leap feels like rehearsing for a carnival—costumes, choreography, and one critical ticket: the UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). Without it, the parade stalls. With it, you waltz past immigration like the star of the show.

What Exactly Is the UK ETA?

Imagine a digital doorman dressed in a bowler hat. He checks your name against the guest list, nods politely, and swings open Britain’s mahogany doors. The UK ETA is that doorman — a pre‑travel clearance that screens Chilean visitors before they board. It’s valid for multiple entries over two years and grants stays up to six months at a time, perfect for tourism, family visits, or brisk business meetings where PowerPoints duel with English breakfast tea.

Eligibility: Who Gets an Invitation?

• Chilean passport holders traveling for tourism, business meetings, short study, or family visits.
• Trips lasting no more than 180 days per entry.
• Travelers with a clean record—no serious criminal convictions or recent immigration breaches.
• Those not planning to work or settle in the UK long‑term.

The Feather‑Light Checklist

What do you need? Little more than your passport, a recent photo where you’re not blinking, a payment card, and an inbox that isn’t overflowing with unread newsletters. Toss in proof you won’t be busking on the Underground for lunch money, and voilà—application ready.

UK ETA Step‑by‑Step Application

Here is how you can get your UK ETA:

Step 1: Begin Your Application on the ETA Platform

Visit the ETA portal and start with your UK ETA Application Form.

Step 2: Complete Your Personal Information

Fill out the online application form with your personal details just as you would see them on your passport. This would involve your full name, date of birth, nationality, as well as your passport details (passport number, date of issue and date of expiry, etc.). 

Be patient and recheck for any errors. Erroneous typing is one of the primary reasons for ETA delays or rejection.

Step 3: Offer Travel Information

Fill in the initial details of your visit. You will be required to state the purpose of your visit (tourist, business, study, transit, etc.) as well as your planned journey dates (the date you expect to enter the UK and how long you will be staying).

Do not be afraid if you do not have your plans 100% settled — an ETA is not based on specific dates, but do include a reasonable estimate. If you do have an itinerary, use those dates as your guide. Be prepared to provide the address of your accommodations in the UK (if known, like that of a hotel or a friend’s home).

Step 4: Select Your Processing Time (Speed)

You will be asked for processing options in the application. Normal processing is usually quick. Expediting is available for additional cost. In your options, you may have Standard, Rush, or Super Rush processing. Standard could be several working days, but Super Rush is about 24 hours for urgent things.

Step 5: Required Documents Upload

As part of this form, you'll be asked to upload a scanned passport as well as a passport photograph of yourself. Please follow instructions carefully for successful upload – the system will generally validate clear images.

Step 6: Pay the ETA Fee

Then, you’ll be asked to make the payment of the application fee. It is usually paid using credit/debit card or any other acceptable electronic payment. Currently, there is a standard ETA fee, but be advised that effective 9 April 2025, the fee is scheduled to be higher. Ensure you receive a payment receipt or proof of payment.

Step 7: File Your Application

After you finish filling in all fields and making payment, submit your application. Upon submission, you will get an acknowledgment that your application has been received. This may contain a reference number or application ID – store this so that you can Check your UK ETA Application Status later if need be.

Step 8: Get and Record Your ETA Approval

You will receive an email notice once your ETA is processed. If approved, congratulations – your ETA is granted! The notice or your ETA approval number will usually be in the email, along with your validity period. You generally will not receive any paper document.

Processing Times & Costs

Regarding fees, everything is clear and upfront. You'll pay a single fee that covers the processing of your ETA, and approval usually takes just a few business days or even less.

Typically, the Standard application is completed within 1-6 Working Days. If you're in a rush for an upcoming departure, you can choose one of the faster options to speed up your approval.

Below are the three processing options available and who they are best for:

Fees vary slightly with exchange rates but hover around the cost of an evening of terremotos and street‑corner choripanes—except this hangover comes with Big Ben views.

The UK ETA Fee page lists all the charges in advance, so you’ll know what to budget for.

Experience the ETA Comfort

• Camila, Concepción:“I filed the form between Zoom calls. By the time I unmuted myself, approval was in my inbox.”
• Diego, Punta Arenas:“Transparent pricing, zero bureaucratic tango. The ETA was simpler than photographing penguins—they never stay still!”
• Valentina, Antofagasta:“Budget airlines should learn from this process. Five clicks, one payment, done. Overhead‑bin drama not included.”

Why the ETA Is a Traveler’s Ally

• Speed & Convenience – No embassy lines, no paper cuts. With quick processing options.
• Security – Pre‑screening keeps everyone safer without stealing time on arrival.
• Flexibility – Multiple entries mean weekend hops to Dublin or quick detours to Barcelona between UK stints.
• Affordability – Competitive fee leaves room in the wallet for West End tickets or extra scones.

Insider Tips for Chilean Applicants

• Apply at least a week ahead—rainy‑day buffer.
• Use the exact name spelling on your passport; accent marks count.
• Keep digital and printed copies of the approval.
• Remember: ETA ≠ Work Visa. Dream of working? Different paperwork, amigo.

Navigating UK Borders

At immigration, present your passport and perhaps a cheeky grin. Officers scan, nod, and welcome you to the realm of red phone booths and endless hedgerows. Keep your ETA handy; rarely requested, often reassuring.

Conclusion: Your Passport to British Stories

From Valparaíso’s graffiti‑kissed alleys to London’s literary fog, the journey is stitched together by one unassuming document—the UK ETA. Secure it, pocket it, and let curiosity chart the rest. Adventure loves the prepared, and Britain awaits with kettle on and castles primed for daydreams.

Frequently Asked Questions