Key Takeaways
• ESTA system failure stranded many Chilean travelers at U.S. airports on June 4, 2025.
• Chile’s Visa Waiver Program status faces suspension amid concerns over theft tourism and crime groups.
• New U.S. immigration policies have increased screenings, detentions, and halted CBP One app usage.
Chilean Citizens Face Uncertainty at U.S. Airports Amid ESTA System Failure and Visa Waiver Program Scrutiny
As of June 4, 2025, many Chilean citizens have found themselves stranded at airports across the United States 🇺🇸. The main cause is a sudden failure in the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), which is the online system that allows travelers from certain countries, including Chile 🇨🇱, to enter the United States 🇺🇸 without a traditional visa. This technical problem has left travelers unable to complete their entry process, causing confusion, delays, and growing anxiety. The situation is made worse by recent political tensions and increased scrutiny of Chile’s participation in the U.S. Visa Waiver Program (VWP).
This article explains what has happened, why it matters, and what Chilean citizens and other travelers need to know. It also looks at the broader context of U.S. immigration policy changes, the impact on tourism, and what steps affected travelers can take right now.
What Happened: ESTA System Failure Leaves Chilean Citizens Stranded
On June 4, 2025, a widespread technical failure hit the ESTA system. ESTA is the online platform that travelers from Visa Waiver Program countries use to get permission to travel to the United States 🇺🇸 for short visits without a visa. When the system went down, many Chilean citizens who had planned to enter the U.S. suddenly found themselves unable to complete their travel authorization. As a result, they were stuck at airports, unable to board flights or, in some cases, unable to leave the airport after landing.
The timing of the ESTA system failure is especially troubling. It happened on the same day that new, stricter requirements for ESTA applications were announced. However, the full details of these new requirements have not yet been made public. This has added to the confusion and left travelers and immigration lawyers scrambling for answers.
Why Is This Happening Now? Scrutiny of Chile’s Visa Waiver Program Status
The ESTA system failure comes at a time when Chile’s participation in the Visa Waiver Program is under serious review by U.S. officials. The Visa Waiver Program allows citizens from approved countries to travel to the United States 🇺🇸 for up to 90 days without a visa, using the ESTA system. Chile 🇨🇱 is currently the only country in Latin America with this privilege.
In recent months, several U.S. lawmakers and officials have raised concerns about Chile’s continued participation in the program. On March 17, 2025, Representative Young Kim called on the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to suspend Chile’s VWP status. The main reason cited was the rise in so-called “burglary tourism” and the activities of South American Theft Groups (SATGs). According to Representative Kim, more than 880,000 Chilean nationals entered the U.S. through the VWP during the 2022 and 2023 fiscal years.
Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer also spoke out in January 2025, warning that organized crime groups from Chile 🇨🇱 were exploiting a “dangerous loophole” in the ESTA system. He claimed that these groups could enter the United States 🇺🇸 multiple times over a two-year period without proper background checks.
Recent Deportations and Security Concerns
The pressure on Chilean citizens traveling to the United States 🇺🇸 has been building for some time. On May 22, 2025, a flight carrying 45 Chilean migrants deported by the United States 🇺🇸 landed in Santiago. During processing, Chilean authorities discovered that three of these individuals had active arrest warrants in Chile 🇨🇱 and handed them over to the courts.
At the same time, the U.S. Embassy in Santiago has warned American citizens about rising crime in Chile 🇨🇱, including pickpocketing and theft of passports at Santiago International Airport and other busy locations. The State Department currently advises travelers to “exercise increased caution” in Chile 🇨🇱, classifying it as Level 2 on its travel advisory system. For more details, travelers can check the U.S. State Department’s official travel advisory for Chile.
Political Tensions: U.S. Considers Sanctions Against Chile
The situation is further complicated by diplomatic tensions between the United States 🇺🇸 and Chile 🇨🇱. On May 30, 2025, reports emerged that the Trump administration is considering sanctions against Chile 🇨🇱 because of worsening relations between Chile 🇨🇱 and Israel 🇮🇱. One of the options being discussed is removing Chile 🇨🇱 from the Visa Waiver Program. If this happens, Chilean citizens would need to apply for a regular visa before traveling to the United States 🇺🇸, a process that is more time-consuming and expensive.
Tougher Immigration Enforcement and Screening
Chilean citizens are not the only ones feeling the effects of stricter U.S. immigration policies. Since President Trump returned to office on January 20, 2025, there have been several major changes:
- The CBP One cellphone application, which had allowed nearly one million people to enter the U.S. legally, was shut down.
- A new visa policy was introduced to prevent foreign nationals from “fomenting hatred against our Jewish community,” according to Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
- There has been a sharp increase in the detention of foreign travelers at U.S. ports of entry, even those with valid visas or ESTA authorizations.
Travelers now face more thorough screening at the border. This includes checks of social media accounts, private messages, and even political comments. Some travelers have reported that U.S. officials seized and searched their electronic devices without a warrant. In some cases, people have been detained for days or even weeks without formal charges.
Impact on Tourism and International Travel
The combination of the ESTA system failure, increased scrutiny of the Visa Waiver Program, and tougher border enforcement has led to a noticeable drop in tourism to the United States 🇺🇸. According to reports, fewer visitors are coming from countries like Canada 🇨🇦, Germany, Brazil, Mexico, Italy, and Australia. Many travelers are worried about being detained, questioned, or denied entry, even if they have all the right paperwork.
Chilean citizens, in particular, are now facing a high level of uncertainty. Some have canceled or postponed trips, while others are stuck in limbo at airports, unsure if they will be allowed to enter the United States 🇺🇸 or forced to return home.
How the ESTA System Works and What the Failure Means
The ESTA system is a key part of the Visa Waiver Program. It allows travelers from approved countries to apply online for permission to visit the United States 🇺🇸 for up to 90 days without a visa. The process is usually quick and simple. Travelers fill out an online form, pay a fee, and receive an answer within minutes or hours. The official ESTA application can be found on the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website.
When the ESTA system fails, as it did on June 4, 2025, travelers cannot complete their applications or check the status of existing ones. Airlines may refuse to let passengers board flights to the United States 🇺🇸 without proof of ESTA approval. Those who arrive in the U.S. without a valid ESTA may be detained, questioned, or sent back to their home country.
What Should Chilean Citizens Do Now?
For Chilean citizens planning to travel to the United States 🇺🇸, the current situation is challenging. Here are some practical steps to consider:
- Check the ESTA system status before making any travel plans. If the system is down, delay your trip if possible.
- Gather all necessary documents to prove the purpose of your visit, such as hotel reservations, return flight tickets, and proof of funds.
- Prepare for longer questioning at the border. Be ready to answer questions about your travel plans, background, and even your social media activity.
- Stay informed about possible changes to Chile’s Visa Waiver Program status. The U.S. government could suspend Chile’s participation with little notice.
- Contact the Chilean consulate if you are stranded or face problems at a U.S. airport. Consular officials can provide support and advice.
For those already stranded at U.S. airports:
- Remain calm and cooperative with immigration officials.
- Request to contact your consulate for assistance.
- Keep all travel documents and receipts in case you need to explain your situation later.
What Happens If Chile Loses Visa Waiver Program Status?
If the United States 🇺🇸 removes Chile 🇨🇱 from the Visa Waiver Program, Chilean citizens will no longer be able to use the ESTA system for short visits. Instead, they will need to apply for a B-1/B-2 visitor visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate. This process involves:
- Filling out the DS-160 visa application form
- Paying a non-refundable visa fee
- Scheduling and attending an interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate
- Providing fingerprints and other biometric information
The process can take weeks or even months, depending on demand and security checks. Travelers should plan well in advance and be prepared for possible delays.
Broader Implications for Stakeholders
The current situation affects several groups:
- Chilean citizens: Face uncertainty, possible travel delays, and the risk of being denied entry or detained.
- U.S. tourism industry: May see fewer visitors from Chile 🇨🇱 and other countries, leading to economic losses.
- Employers and students: Those who rely on the Visa Waiver Program for business or study trips may need to adjust their plans.
- Families: Family members separated by travel restrictions may face longer waits to reunite.
Security and Crime Concerns in Chile
The U.S. government’s concerns about crime in Chile 🇨🇱 have played a role in the current scrutiny of the Visa Waiver Program. The U.S. Embassy in Santiago has warned about pickpocketing, robberies, and theft of passports, especially at busy locations like airports and shopping centers. The State Department’s Level 2 advisory means travelers should be extra careful but does not recommend avoiding travel altogether.
Recent Changes in U.S. Immigration Policy
Since President Trump took office in January 2025, U.S. immigration policy has become stricter. Key changes include:
- Ending the CBP One app: This app had allowed many people to enter the U.S. legally. Its shutdown has made legal entry harder for many.
- New visa policies: The U.S. is now more selective about who can enter, especially those suspected of spreading hate or linked to certain political activities.
- More detentions: There has been a rise in the number of people detained at the border, even those with valid documents.
These changes have created a climate of uncertainty for all travelers, not just Chilean citizens.
Looking Ahead: What to Expect
The situation remains fluid. The ESTA system could be restored soon, or the problems could continue. The U.S. government may decide to suspend Chile’s participation in the Visa Waiver Program, or it may keep the current system in place with stricter checks.
Travelers should:
- Monitor official government websites for updates on the ESTA system and Visa Waiver Program status.
- Consider postponing non-essential travel until the situation becomes clearer.
- Stay in touch with consular officials for the latest advice and assistance.
Conclusion: Practical Guidance for Chilean Citizens
Chilean citizens hoping to visit the United States 🇺🇸 face a challenging and uncertain environment. The ESTA system failure, combined with political tensions and tougher immigration enforcement, has created real obstacles for travelers. It is important to stay informed, prepare for possible delays, and seek help from consular services if needed.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, the current climate means that even travelers with valid documents can face unexpected problems at the border. By following official guidance, keeping documents in order, and staying alert to changes, Chilean citizens can reduce their risk and make more informed decisions about travel to the United States 🇺🇸.
For the most up-to-date information on travel requirements and advisories, always refer to the U.S. State Department’s official travel website.
Key Takeaways:
- Check the ESTA system before traveling.
- Prepare for stricter screening and possible delays.
- Stay informed about changes to the Visa Waiver Program.
- Contact your consulate if you face problems.
- Plan ahead if you may need to apply for a visa in the future.
By staying prepared and informed, Chilean citizens can better manage the risks and uncertainties of traveling to the United States 🇺🇸 during this period of change.
Learn Today
ESTA → Electronic System for Travel Authorization; online platform allowing visa-free short visits to the U.S. under the Visa Waiver Program.
Visa Waiver Program → U.S. initiative permitting travelers from approved countries to visit the U.S. for up to 90 days without a visa.
CBP One app → Mobile application facilitating legal entry processing by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, recently shut down in 2025.
South American Theft Groups → Organized crime rings exploiting U.S. visa programs to commit burglaries and other crimes.
DS-160 → Online visa application form required for individuals applying for U.S. nonimmigrant visas, including B-1/B-2 visitor visas.
This Article in a Nutshell
On June 4, 2025, Chilean travelers experienced a major ESTA system failure disrupting travel to the U.S. Coupled with increased Visa Waiver scrutiny, stricter border policies cause delays and uncertainty, impacting tourism, security, and diplomatic relations between Chile and the United States.
— By VisaVerge.com
