Key Takeaways
• US may remove Chile from Visa Waiver Program, forcing Chileans to apply for visas and attend interviews.
• Chile withdrew military attachés from Israel on May 28, 2025, citing humanitarian concerns about Gaza.
• Possible US sanctions include higher tariffs on Chilean exports, suspension of student visa interviews, and consulate closure.
Tensions between the United States 🇺🇸 and Chile 🇨🇱 have reached a new high as the US government considers imposing visa and trade sanctions in response to Chile’s recent moves to distance itself from Israel 🇮🇱. This diplomatic standoff, which has unfolded rapidly over the past week, could have far-reaching effects on travel, trade, and the lives of ordinary Chileans, students, and businesses. Here’s a detailed look at what’s happening, why it matters, and what it could mean for people in both countries.
What Sparked the Crisis?
On May 28, 2025, Chile’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Defense announced they would withdraw all military, defense, and air attachés from the Chilean embassy in Israel. These attachés are military officers who help manage defense relations between countries. The Chilean government said this decision was based on humanitarian reasons, accusing Israel of carrying out “disproportionate and indiscriminate” military actions in Gaza and blocking aid to civilians.
The attachés and their families have already been told to return home, with tickets purchased for their travel. This move is seen as a strong signal that Chile is willing to take serious steps to protest Israel’s actions in Gaza.
How Is the United States Responding?
The United States 🇺🇸, under President Trump’s administration, has reacted strongly to Chile’s actions. According to sources inside the administration, “everything is on the table” when it comes to possible ways to respond. The US sees Chile’s decision as a threat to its close partnership with Israel and is considering several tough measures.
Possible US Sanctions Against Chile
The main options being discussed include:
- Ending Chile’s participation in the US Visa Waiver Program
Chile is currently the only country in the Southern Cone of South America whose citizens can travel to the United States for up to 90 days without a visa, thanks to the Visa Waiver Program. If this privilege is removed, Chileans would have to apply for a visa and attend interviews at the US embassy or consulate, making travel much harder and more expensive. - Raising tariffs on Chilean exports
The US could increase taxes on goods imported from Chile, such as fruit, wine, and copper. This would hurt Chile’s economy and could lead to higher prices for US consumers. Suspending student visa interviews
Chilean students planning to study in the United States might find it impossible to get a visa if interviews are paused or canceled. This would disrupt educational plans and could damage academic ties between the two countries.Closing the US consulate in Santiago
Shutting down the consulate would be a major diplomatic step, making it much harder for Chileans to get US visas or receive other consular services.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio made the administration’s stance clear at a recent international conference, saying, “The United States will stand with the Jewish people. We have implemented a vigorous new visa policy that will prevent foreign nationals from coming to the United States to foment hatred against our Jewish community.”
Why Is Chile Taking These Steps?
Chile’s government, led by President Gabriel Boric since 2022, has been moving away from close ties with Israel for some time. Here are some of the key actions taken:
- Delayed welcoming the Israeli ambassador during Boric’s first year in office.
- Banned Israeli companies from the 2024 FIDAE aerospace fair, a major event for the defense and aviation industry.
- Recalled Chile’s ambassador from Tel Aviv in November 2023 and left the position vacant.
- Withdrew military attachés from Israel on May 28, 2025.
The Chilean Foreign Ministry says these steps are a response to the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza. They accuse Israel of using too much force and blocking aid to civilians. Chile says it is acting out of respect for international humanitarian law, which sets rules for how countries should behave during war to protect civilians.
What Could Happen Next?
Chilean media reports suggest President Boric may use his upcoming Cuenta Pública—a major speech to Congress on June 2, 2025—to announce a full break in diplomatic ties with Israel. If this happens, it would be a dramatic shift in Chile’s foreign policy and could set off a new round of US sanctions.
The United States is watching closely. Officials have said they are ready to take steps as tough as those used against Colombia earlier this year, when Colombia’s president also cut ties with Israel. This could mean serious economic and diplomatic consequences for Chile.
What Is the Visa Waiver Program and Why Does It Matter?
The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) is a special agreement that lets citizens of certain countries travel to the United States for up to 90 days without needing a visa. Chile is the only country in South America with this privilege. The program makes it much easier for Chileans to visit family, do business, or go on vacation in the United States.
If the US removes Chile from the VWP:
- Chilean travelers would need to apply for a B-1/B-2 visitor visa. This process involves filling out Form DS-160, paying a fee, and attending an interview at the US embassy or consulate.
- Wait times for interviews could be long, especially if the US consulate in Santiago is closed or short-staffed.
- Travel costs would rise, and some people might be denied visas for various reasons.
This change would affect thousands of Chileans who travel to the United States every year for tourism, business, or to visit family.
How Would Trade Sanctions Affect Chile?
The United States is one of Chile’s biggest trading partners. Chile exports large amounts of copper, fruit, wine, and seafood to the US. If the US raises tariffs or puts other trade barriers in place:
- Chilean exports could become more expensive in the US, making them less competitive.
- Chilean businesses could lose money, and some might have to lay off workers.
- US consumers might pay more for products from Chile, such as grapes, apples, and wine.
Trade sanctions could also hurt US companies that do business in Chile or rely on Chilean products.
Impact on Students and Academic Exchange
Many Chilean students dream of studying in the United States. Each year, hundreds apply for student visas to attend American universities and colleges. If the US suspends student visa interviews:
- Chilean students may have to delay or cancel their studies in the United States.
- Universities in the US could lose talented students and the tuition they pay.
- Academic partnerships and research projects between Chilean and US institutions could suffer.
This would be a setback for educational and cultural exchange between the two countries.
What Does This Mean for Ordinary People?
For regular Chileans, these changes could make it much harder to visit the United States, whether for tourism, business, or family reasons. People with relatives in the US might find it difficult to attend important events like weddings, graduations, or funerals. Businesspeople could face new hurdles in meeting partners or closing deals.
For Chilean students, the dream of studying in the United States could become much harder to achieve. Families who rely on trade with the US might see their incomes drop if exports are hit by new tariffs.
Regional and Global Context
Chile’s actions are part of a wider trend in South America, where some countries are moving closer to Iran and taking a tougher stance against Israel. For example, Bolivia recently signed new weapons deals with Iran. If Chile cuts ties with Israel, it would deepen this trend and could make relations with Western countries, including the United States, more difficult.
The Trump administration has made it clear that it will support Israel and take action against countries that break ties with it. This is part of a broader policy to stand with Israel in international disputes, especially those involving the conflict in Gaza.
What Are the Possible Outcomes?
As reported by VisaVerge.com, the situation is still developing, and much depends on what President Boric says in his June 2 speech. If Chile goes ahead and breaks diplomatic ties with Israel, the United States is likely to respond quickly with visa and trade sanctions. This could lead to:
- Longer wait times and more paperwork for Chileans wanting to visit the US
- Higher costs for Chilean exporters and US importers
- Reduced academic and cultural exchange
- A cooling of relations between Chile and the United States
On the other hand, if Chile stops short of a full break with Israel, the US might hold off on the harshest measures. However, the trust between the two countries has already been damaged, and it may take time to repair.
What Should Chileans and US Stakeholders Do Now?
If you are a Chilean citizen planning to travel to the United States, it’s important to:
- Check the latest updates from the US embassy in Santiago and the US Department of State for any changes to visa rules.
- Prepare for possible delays in visa processing or changes to travel requirements.
- Stay informed about developments in Chile’s foreign policy and US responses.
For Chilean businesses that export to the United States:
- Monitor news about tariffs and trade rules
- Consider diversifying export markets in case US trade becomes more difficult
- Stay in touch with trade associations and government agencies for guidance
For students and academic institutions:
- Watch for announcements about student visa interviews
- Explore alternative study destinations or online programs if US options become limited
- Maintain communication with US partner institutions to understand the latest requirements
Conclusion: A Critical Moment for Chile, Israel, and the United States
The current standoff over visa and trade sanctions is about much more than paperwork or tariffs. It reflects deep disagreements over foreign policy, human rights, and international alliances. The decisions made in the coming days and weeks will affect not only governments but also the daily lives of people in Chile, the United States, and beyond.
As the situation develops, it’s crucial for everyone affected—travelers, students, businesses, and families—to stay informed and be ready to adapt. Official government websites, such as the US Visa Waiver Program page, provide the most up-to-date and reliable information on visa policies and travel requirements.
The world will be watching President Boric’s June 2 address for signs of what comes next. Whether Chile chooses to fully break with Israel or not, the impact on visa and trade relations with the United States will be significant, and the effects will be felt by many.
For ongoing updates and expert analysis on these developments, readers can turn to trusted sources like VisaVerge.com, which continues to monitor the situation closely and provide clear guidance on what these changes mean for individuals and businesses alike.
Learn Today
Visa Waiver Program → Agreement allowing citizens of certain countries, like Chile, to enter the US for 90 days without a visa.
Military Attaché → A military officer assigned to an embassy to manage defense and military relations between countries.
Tariffs → Taxes imposed on imported goods to increase their cost and protect domestic industries or express political pressure.
Student Visa → A US visa type allowing foreign students to study at accredited academic institutions in the United States.
Consulate → A government office abroad that assists citizens with visas, passports, and other diplomatic services.
This Article in a Nutshell
US-Chile tensions rise after Chile withdraws military attachés from Israel. The US considers visa and trade sanctions possibly ending Chile’s Visa Waiver status. These actions risk disrupting travel, trade, and student exchanges, affecting many Chileans and signaling a major shift in diplomatic relations amid humanitarian concerns in Gaza.
— By VisaVerge.com
