Students across the country are facing a critical deadline to maintain their discounted transit fares. The window to revalidate the 2026 Tarjeta Nacional Estudiantil (TNE) closes this Sunday, May 31, with those who fail to complete the process facing a mandatory shift to adult fares starting June 1.
Who Needs to Revalidate?
Not all students are required to undergo the revalidation process. Those who have recently entered 5° básico, 1° medio, or the first year of higher education are exempt, as their TNE cards were issued with the 2026 seal already incorporated.
Regional Revalidation Procedures
The method for updating the TNE varies significantly depending on the student’s location and the type of transport used. In the Región Metropolitana, users of Metro de Santiago and the Red Movilidad system must use a technological process.
These students must insert their card into any grey Bip! totem until the screen displays the message pase extendido
. Failure to complete this specific step will result in the validator charging the full adult fare.
For those in other regions or those using interurban transport within the RM, the process requires a physical 2026 seal, which must be applied at an enabled TNE module or office. Students in regions using urban transport benefit from automatic technological revalidation.
Users of Metro Valparaíso follow a different protocol; they must be registered by their educational establishment and then wait between 3 and 5 business days for the process to finalize.
Costs and Appointments
The cost of the 2026 TNE depends on the level of education. For students in basic and middle education, the process is free. Students in higher education must pay $1.100, a fee paid directly to their respective house of studies.
Higher education students should note that after payment and system enrollment, there is a mandatory waiting period of 3 to 5 business days before they can visit a totem or seal point. Appointments for revalidation can be reserved through the official TNE website at this link.
Handling Damaged Cards
Physical damage to the card can prevent the 2026 seal from being applied. This includes cards with cracked plastic, visible chips, or old seals that are no longer legible.
In these instances, a replacement is required. The cost for a replacement card is $3.600 for higher education students, while it remains free for those in basic and middle education. This process can be initiated via the Junaeb virtual office on the official TNE site here.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I do not revalidate my TNE by May 31?
Students who do not complete the process by the deadline will begin paying the adult fare starting June 1, without exception.
How much does the 2026 TNE cost for university students?
The cost for higher education students is $1.100, which is paid directly to their educational institution.
What should I do if my TNE card is broken or the chip is visible?
If the card is damaged, you must request a replacement through the Junaeb virtual office. This is free for basic and middle education students and costs $3.600 for those in higher education.
Have you already verified if your TNE shows the “pase extendido” message or has the 2026 seal?
