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.
Whether you need a visa for Colombia depends primarily on your nationality, purpose of visit, and intended length of stay:
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:
Citizens of many countries must obtain a visa before traveling to Colombia. Some examples include:
To verify if your nationality requires a visa for Colombia, visit the Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website or contact your nearest Colombian consulate.
If you're a citizen of a visa-exempt country, you should be aware of these important details:
If you wish to extend your stay beyond the initially granted period (but within the 180-day annual limit):
Apply for your extension at least 5 business days before your authorized stay expires to allow for processing time.
Colombia offers several visa categories based on the purpose of your visit:
For tourism, short business trips, medical treatment, and other temporary activities:
Validity: Up to 2 years (multiple entries)
Stay: Up to 180 days per year
For longer-term stays with specific purposes:
Validity: Up to 3 years
Stay: Continuous stay permitted
For long-term or permanent residence in Colombia:
Validity: 5 years (renewable)
Stay: Permanent residence permitted
If you need a tourist visa for Colombia, you'll typically need to provide:
You must demonstrate sufficient funds for your stay in Colombia:
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.
For business activities in Colombia, you'll need these additional documents:
To work legally in Colombia, you'll need these specific documents:
Foreign credentials typically need to be apostilled or legalized and may require official translation into Spanish by a certified translator in Colombia.
The process for applying for a Colombian visa involves several steps:
Whether you need a visa or qualify for visa-free entry, understanding the requirements will help ensure a smooth journey to Colombia.