Trip planning guide
How to Get to Easter Island: Flights from Santiago, Entry Rules and Buffers
Planning a trip to Easter Island (Rapa Nui)? Flights leave from Santiago, so the journey usually starts with a long-haul flight to Chile. This guide explains the flights, Chile's entry form and accommodation rules for the island, the national park ticket, and why a night in Santiago either side of the island flight is worth it.
In short: Fly to Santiago, then take LATAM's flight to Easter Island. Complete Chile's Single Entry Form (FUI) online, book validated accommodation and keep your stay within 30 days. LATAM recommends arriving at Santiago airport four hours before Easter Island flights; we also suggest a night in Santiago either side.
Written by Marshall Jones, co-founder of Catchaflight
Published Last updated
Flights to Easter Island
From Australia, both LATAM and Qantas fly Sydney to Santiago nonstop, and LATAM also flies Melbourne to Santiago. From the US, LATAM flies New York to Santiago nonstop from JFK, with connections from other cities.
Flights to the island don't necessarily operate every day, so check the schedule for your exact dates before committing to hotels and tours. Don't assume there'll be another convenient flight if yours is disrupted.
LATAM recommends arriving at Santiago airport four hours before a flight to Easter Island, longer than for its other domestic flights.
For LATAM fares, Premium Business and South American connections, see our LATAM Airlines flights guide.
Entry requirements for Easter Island
- Complete Chile's Single Entry Form (FUI) online and show the confirmation email at the airport.
- Book accommodation validated by Chile's tourism authority, Sernatur, or hold an invitation letter from a Rapa Nui resident.
- Keep your stay within 30 days; your ticket dates are checked against that limit.
- Carry the passport or ID you travel on.
These requirements apply on top of Chile's usual entry rules for your passport. Check the current requirements before travel.
Visiting the archaeological sites also needs a Rapa Nui National Park ticket. From 1 October 2025 it costs US$100 for international adult visitors and is valid for 10 consecutive days, so time your stay with that in mind.
Buffer nights in Santiago
We allow a night in Santiago before flying out to the island, and at least an overnight buffer after returning before an important international departure. That's breathing room, not a guarantee against disruption.
Read every date in local time: crossing the date line from Australia makes it easy to book the wrong night.
Advice from our travel experts
Answers from our travel experts to the questions travellers ask us most.
How should I plan the flights to Easter Island?
We check the flights for your exact dates before committing to hotels and tours. Don't assume a route operates every day or that there'll be another convenient flight if yours is disrupted.
What should I do on my first day in Santiago?
Keep the first day light. Don't plan a major excursion or a long drive straight after landing. Arrange an easy transfer, check when your hotel room will be available, and leave room to rest.
Before you book Easter Island flights
- Island flight schedule checked for your exact dates
- Night in Santiago before the island flight
- Overnight buffer after returning before an international flight
- Single Entry Form (FUI) completed online
- Validated accommodation booked
- Stay kept within 30 days
- National park ticket budgeted (valid for 10 days)
Frequently asked questions
How do you get to Easter Island?
Fly to Santiago, then take a LATAM flight to the island.
Do I need a permit to visit Easter Island?
You need to complete Chile's Single Entry Form (FUI) online and hold validated accommodation or a resident's invitation. Stays are limited to 30 days.
How early should I get to Santiago airport for an Easter Island flight?
LATAM recommends four hours before departure.
Should I stay a night in Santiago before flying to Easter Island?
We suggest it, plus an overnight buffer after returning before an important international flight.
Is there a fee to visit the sites on Easter Island?
Yes. A Rapa Nui National Park ticket is needed for the archaeological sites; from October 2025 it costs US$100 for international adults and is valid for 10 consecutive days.
Do flights to Easter Island run every day?
Not necessarily. Check the schedule for your exact dates before booking hotels and tours.
Sources and review
About this guide: This guide combines our practical booking experience with information checked against LATAM's published Easter Island travel-document and airport guidance. Entry rules and schedules change, so travellers should confirm current requirements before travel.
Catchaflight is an independent travel agency that helps travellers compare itineraries, understand fare conditions and arrange flight bookings. Our guides draw on practical booking-assistance experience and are checked against current airline and other relevant official sources before publication.
Policies can change; confirm current details with the official provider before relying on them.
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