Select Language:
Chile’s Passport Power: A Journey Through the Years

Chile’s passport strength has experienced notable fluctuations since the mid-2000s, reflecting global political changes, visa agreements, and diplomatic relations. Here’s a detailed look at its journey from 2006 to 2026:
1. Early Growth: Steady Climb from 2006 to 2018
Chile’s passport was steadily gaining global recognition over these years. Starting at an encouraging 20th position in 2006, the country’s passport rank improved each subsequent year, reaching as high as 9th in 2018 and 2019. This rise was driven by Chile’s increasing diplomatic engagements and closer ties with countries that relaxed visa restrictions for Chilean travelers.
- 2006: 20th
- 2007: 19th
- 2008: 18th
- 2009: 17th
- 2010: 16th
- 2011: 15th
- 2012: 15th
- 2013: 14th
- 2014: 13th
- 2015: 12th
- 2016: 11th
- 2017: 10th
- 2018: 9th
- 2019: 9th
During this period, Chile’s passport became increasingly valuable — granting its passport holders visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to many countries around the world.
2. A Notable Dip and Partial Recovery (2020-2026)
Following its peak in 2018/2019, the Chilean passport’s rank experienced some turbulence. In 2020, the pandemic and its impact on international travel heavily influenced global visa policies, causing Chile’s rank to drop to 13th. This trend persisted into 2021 and 2022, maintaining a 14th place ranking for two consecutive years.
- 2020: 13th
- 2021: 14th
- 2022: 14th
- 2023: 13th
- 2024: 13th
- 2025: 14th
- 2026: 12th
Despite the setbacks, Chile recovered slightly from its lowest point (12th in 2026), indicating renewed diplomatic efforts and potential new visa agreements expanding access for Chilean travelers.
3. Shifts in Global Visa Landscape and Diplomatic Relations
Chile’s passport ranking is influenced by many factors such as:
- International agreements: Expansion of visa-free access through bilateral negotiations
- Regional politics: Chile’s position within Latin America fosters regional cooperation, boosting passport strength
- Global travel trends: The COVID-19 pandemic caused temporary restrictions that impacted overall rankings
Chile consistently ranks among the top 15 globally in 2025, demonstrating a resilient diplomatic presence and a growing global footprint.
4. Chile’s Diplomatic Strategy and Future Outlook
Chile’s consistent efforts to strengthen its international ties have proved fruitful, with ongoing negotiations promising more visa-free pathways for its citizens. The government’s focus on diversifying diplomatic relations and expanding access points seems poised to solidify Chile’s standing in global passport power rankings in the coming years.
5. Future Predictions for Chile’s Passport Power
Based on current trends, Chile’s passport rank is expected to fluctuate but maintain a position within the top 15 globally. The strategic focus on regional alliances like Mercosur, along with increased diplomatic outreach, points toward a strengthening passport over the next few years, potentially reaching the top 10 by 2030.
In conclusion, Chile’s journey from 2006 to 2026 underscores a nation steadily carving out its place on the global travel map. With diplomatic initiatives ongoing and international partnerships expanding, Chile’s passport power is projected to remain a significant asset for its citizens traveling worldwide.
Note: The above data reflects the evolving nature of global diplomatic relations and visa policies, which can shift rapidly depending on geopolitical and health crises.





