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Colombia Visa Information

Colombia visa in passport

Colombia's visa policy allows citizens of many countries to visit without a visa for tourism and short business trips, while others require a visa before travel. Understanding the visa requirements that apply to your nationality and travel purpose is essential for planning your trip to Colombia.

Note: Visa requirements and policies may change. Always verify the latest information with official sources before planning your trip.

Do I Need a Visa for Colombia?

Whether you need a visa for Colombia depends primarily on your nationality, purpose of visit, and intended length of stay:

Visa-Free Entry

Citizens of many countries can enter Colombia without a visa for tourism, short business visits, or cultural activities for up to 90 days per calendar year:

North & South America

  • United States
  • Canada
  • Mexico
  • Argentina
  • Brazil
  • Chile
  • Ecuador
  • Peru
  • Uruguay
  • And others

Europe, Asia & Oceania

  • All European Union countries
  • United Kingdom
  • Switzerland
  • Norway
  • Australia
  • New Zealand
  • Japan
  • South Korea
  • Israel
  • And others
Important: Even if you're eligible for visa-free entry, you must still complete the Check Mig pre-registration before travel.

Visa Required

Citizens of many countries must obtain a visa before traveling to Colombia. Some examples include:

Africa

  • Most African countries
  • (Some exceptions like South Africa)

Middle East

  • Most Middle Eastern countries
  • (Some exceptions like UAE)

Asia

  • China
  • India
  • Pakistan
  • Bangladesh
  • And many others

Other Regions

  • Various countries based on bilateral agreements

Visa Requirement Check

To verify if your nationality requires a visa for Colombia, visit the Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website or contact your nearest Colombian consulate.

Visa-Exempt Countries

If you're a citizen of a visa-exempt country, you should be aware of these important details:

Length of Stay

  • Initial entry permit: Up to 90 days
  • Possible extension: Additional 90 days
  • Maximum stay: 180 days per calendar year

Entry Requirements

  • Valid passport (6+ months validity)
  • Completed Check Mig form
  • Return/onward ticket
  • Proof of accommodation
  • Sufficient funds for your stay
Note: Upon arrival, immigration officials will determine the exact number of days granted for your stay. This is typically 90 days but may be less at the officer's discretion. Always check your entry stamp to confirm the authorized length of stay.

Extending Your Stay

If you wish to extend your stay beyond the initially granted period (but within the 180-day annual limit):

  1. Visit a Migración Colombia office before your authorized stay expires
  2. Complete the extension application form
  3. Pay the extension fee (varies based on nationality)
  4. Provide required documentation (passport, proof of financial means, etc.)

Tip

Apply for your extension at least 5 business days before your authorized stay expires to allow for processing time.

Types of Colombian Visas

Colombia offers several visa categories based on the purpose of your visit:

Visitor Visa (V)

For tourism, short business trips, medical treatment, and other temporary activities:

  • Tourism (V-T): For leisure travel
  • Business (V-B): For business meetings, conferences
  • Medical (V-M): For medical treatment
  • Events (V-E): For attending events, conferences

Validity: Up to 2 years (multiple entries)

Stay: Up to 180 days per year

Migrant Visa (M)

For longer-term stays with specific purposes:

  • Work (M-W): For employment in Colombia
  • Marriage (M-M): For spouses of Colombian citizens
  • Investment (M-I): For investors
  • Retirement (M-R): For retirees with pension
  • Student (M-S): For full-time students

Validity: Up to 3 years

Stay: Continuous stay permitted

Resident Visa (R)

For long-term or permanent residence in Colombia:

  • After 2 years with certain Migrant visas
  • Investment of significant capital
  • Parent of Colombian citizen by birth
  • Specific long-term residency situations

Validity: 5 years (renewable)

Stay: Permanent residence permitted

Tourist Visa Requirements

If you need a tourist visa for Colombia, you'll typically need to provide:

Required Documents

  • Passport: Valid for at least 6 months with blank pages
  • Application Form: Completed online visa application
  • Photo: Recent passport-sized photo with white background
  • Itinerary: Flight reservations and travel plans
  • Accommodation: Hotel reservations or invitation letter
  • Financial Proof: Bank statements showing sufficient funds
  • Travel Insurance: Covering your entire stay in Colombia
  • Return Ticket: Proof of onward travel

Financial Requirements

You must demonstrate sufficient funds for your stay in Colombia:

  • Approximately $50-100 USD per day of your planned stay
  • Recent bank statements (last 3 months)
  • Credit card statements with available credit
  • Sponsorship letter (if applicable)

Tip

Bank statements should show a stable financial history and sufficient balance to cover your entire trip. Statements should be on official bank letterhead or with bank stamps.

Business Visa Requirements

For business activities in Colombia, you'll need these additional documents:

  • Invitation Letter: From a Colombian company detailing:
    • Purpose of your visit
    • Duration of stay
    • Who will cover your expenses
    • Company contact information
  • Company Letter: From your employer stating:
    • Your position and length of employment
    • Purpose of your trip to Colombia
    • Financial responsibility for your trip
  • Business Registration: Of the Colombian company inviting you
  • Financial Documents: Company bank statements or financial statements
Note: Business visas are for meetings, conferences, and negotiations. If you plan to work in Colombia, you'll need a work visa instead.

Work Visa Requirements

To work legally in Colombia, you'll need these specific documents:

  • Employment Contract: Signed by you and the Colombian employer
  • Company Support Letter: Explaining why they need to hire a foreigner
  • Company Registration: Certificate of existence and legal representation
  • Educational Credentials: Diplomas and certificates (apostilled)
  • Professional Experience: Resume and work certificates
  • Tax ID: Colombian company's RUT (tax identification)
  • Financial Statements: Of the hiring company

Work Visa Tip

Foreign credentials typically need to be apostilled or legalized and may require official translation into Spanish by a certified translator in Colombia.

Visa Application Process

The process for applying for a Colombian visa involves several steps:

1. Online Application

  • Visit the official visa application website
  • Create an account and complete the application form
  • Upload required documents (passport scan, photos, supporting documents)
  • Pay the visa study fee (non-refundable)

2. Application Review

  • Colombian authorities review your application
  • This typically takes 3-15 business days
  • You may be contacted for additional information
  • Check your application status online

3. Visa Approval & Payment

  • If approved, you'll receive notification
  • Pay the visa issuance fee online
  • Fees vary by visa type and nationality
  • Print the electronic visa or visit a consulate for visa stamping

4. Registration in Colombia

  • For stays over 3 months, register with Migración Colombia within 15 days of arrival
  • Obtain a foreign ID card (Cédula de Extranjería)
  • This requires additional fees and documentation
  • Failure to register can result in fines

Plan Your Colombian Adventure

Whether you need a visa or qualify for visa-free entry, understanding the requirements will help ensure a smooth journey to Colombia.