Thinking of visiting Colombia? Great choice! It’s a beautiful country with stunning landscapes and vibrant cities. But before you pack your bags, you’ll need to know about the visa requirements. This guide will take you through everything you need to know about visas for Colombia. We’ll cover the types available, the application process, and which countries don’t need a visa.
Visa-exempt countries
If you’re from certain countries, you’re in luck: you don’t need a visa to visit Colombia as a tourist for up to 90 days. Some of those countries are:
- United States
- Canada
- Australia
- United Kingdom
- European Union countries (Schengen). Some examples include France, Germany, Spain, and Italy.
- Brazil
- Argentina
- Mexico
If you’re from one of these countries, you can simply show up with your passport and get stamped into the country. You don’t need to apply for anything in advance.
Stay duration
For visa-exempt travelers, stays are limited to 90 days. You can extend your stay for an additional 90 days (so 180 days total per calendar year). The extension can usually be done online with Migración Colombia or by visiting their offices in person once you’re in the country.
Important tips for visa-exempt travelers
Your passport must be valid for at least six months from your arrival date. Some airlines might deny you boarding if this requirement isn’t met, so make sure your passport is up to date before you fly.
Also, you may be asked to show proof of onward travel, like a return ticket or a ticket to another country. Having this printed out can save you some headaches at the airport.
Tourist visa
If you’re not from a visa-exempt country, you’ll need to apply for a “Type V” tourist visa. This allows you to stay in Colombia for 90 days, and it can be extended for another 90 days after you arrive.
Application process for the tourist visa
You can apply for the tourist visa online through the Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website. The process is pretty straightforward, but you’ll need to supply the following documents:
- Valid passport (with at least six months validity)
- Passport-sized photo in color (with a white background)
- Completed visa application form (available on the website)
- Proof of financial solvency (like bank statements or pay stubs)
- Proof of onward travel or a return ticket
Submit the application, and it usually takes around 5-10 business days for approval. The visa will be sent to you electronically, and you just need to print it and show it at the border when you arrive. The processing fee for a tourist visa is around $82 USD, though this can change.
Work visa
Planning to work in Colombia? You’ll need to get a Type M (Migrant) work visa. This visa is for people hired by companies in Colombia or those working as freelancers but have confirmed clients in the country.
Application process for a work visa
The process for a work visa is similar to the tourist visa. The key difference is that you’ll need an employment contract or proof of a steady income from freelance work in Colombia. Here’s what you will probably need:
- Valid passport
- Colombian employment contract (or proof of freelance clients in Colombia)
- Proof of professional qualifications or relevant job certifications
- Completed visa application form
- Recent passport-sized picture
- Police background check from your home country
Processing for the work visa can take slightly longer than the tourist visa. It’s a good idea to apply a few months before your planned move. Once approved, the visa is typically valid for up to three years.
Student visa
If you are planning to study in Colombia, you will need a Type M student visa. The visa covers people attending university, language schools, or some other official educational programs in Colombia.
Application process for the student visa
You’ll need to submit the following documents to apply for a student visa:
- Proof of enrollment in a recognized educational institution in Colombia
- Valid passport (with six months of validity)
- Recent passport-sized photo
- Proof of financial solvency (like bank statements showing you can support yourself during your stay)
Student visas are typically valid for the length of your course (up to two years in most cases). You can also renew it if your studies continue.
E-visa for Colombian visas
If you’re required to get a visa but don’t want to visit a consulate or embassy, Colombia offers an e-visa option. With the e-visa, you apply online, and if approved, you receive the visa electronically.
This is available for tourist, business, and short-term work visas. The process is fully online, and it saves you the stress of booking in-person appointments. You just fill out the application form, upload your documents, pay the fee, and wait for the email confirmation. Once you get the email, you print out your visa and carry it with you when you travel.
Special cases and exemptions
Some travelers have special circumstances that could affect their visa situation, such as minors, people traveling on diplomatic passports, or those visiting Colombia for humanitarian reasons.
Diplomatic passports
If you’re traveling with a diplomatic or official passport, you are usually exempt from Colombian visa requirements. However, this depends on agreements between your country and Colombia.
Minors
Traveling with kids? Children also need to meet the visa requirements for their nationality. Visa-exempt minors don’t need a visa, but it’s important that they all have valid passports. If both parents aren’t traveling together, you might need written permission from the non-traveling parent.
Humanitarian reasons
If you’re coming to Colombia for humanitarian reasons, such as participating in a relief mission, you might qualify for a special visa. For this, you’ll need support from an official organization or the Colombian government. Consult with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to see if you qualify.
Can you overstay your visa?
No, it’s really not a good idea to overstay your visa in Colombia. Immigration authorities take overstays seriously, and you can be fined. The fines aren’t cheap, and they increase if you overstay by a large amount of time.
Make sure to watch the expiration dates. You can extend most visas for another 90 days while you’re in the country, so take advantage of this if you think you’ll need more time. Extensions are done online or at Migración Colombia offices.
Final thoughts
Visas for Colombia are fairly easy to navigate once you know what’s required. If you’re from a visa-exempt country, great: just bring your passport and proof of onward travel. If you need a visa, apply through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website, and you should be set in a week or two.
Just make sure you check your specific country’s requirements, and don’t let any of the paperwork stress you out. With everything sorted, you’ll be enjoying Colombia’s beaches, cities, or jungle in no time!
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