How to get a Colombian visa?

Colombia offers various visa categories depending on your travel purpose. Tourist visas are ideal for sightseeing and leisure, while business visas cater to professional activities. 

However, not all nationalities require a visa for Colombia. Citizens of certain countries may be visa-free for stays shorter than 90 days. 

There are two main ways to obtain a Colombian visa:

1. Online Application (if eligible): Colombia offers a convenient online application system for certain visa types. This streamlines the process by allowing you to submit the application form and some documents electronically.
   • Complete the online application form.
   • Select the type of visa you are applying for.
   • Pay the fee.
   • Upload all the necessary documents.
   • Wait for your visa.
2. Application at a Colombian Consulate or Embassy: This method applies to all visa types and those not eligible for online application. You’ll need to gather the required documents, submit them in person at the nearest Colombian consulate or embassy, and attend an appointment (if required) for biometrics or further verification.
   • Contact your nearest Colombian consulate or embassy.
   • Gather the required documents
   • Schedule an appointment and submit your application
   • Attend a visa interview (may be required)
   • Collect your passport and visa upon approval

If you are eligible for a Colombian eVisa, Visas for Future can assist you in obtaining it smoothly. You just need to fill out our easy form, and our team of visa experts will carefully review it and apply on your behalf to minimize the risk of rejection.

Additionally, everyone entering or leaving Colombia, regardless of nationality or visa status, must complete the Check-MIG form.

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What We’re Offering

If you want to travel to Colombia, you need a Colombia eVisa. We offer Colombia Visitor (type V) eVisa for various purposes, such as airport transit, tourism, business, student, and medical. We can help you with the application process, which takes up to two business days for us to review and submit your form.¹

• Visa validity, duration, number of entries, and requirements depend on the traveler’s purpose.²
• $198.80 fee.

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If you want to travel to Colombia, you need a Colombia Check-MIG Form. Our Check-MIG processing service ensures you receive it in your mailbox within 24 hours. This mandatory requirement applies to all air travelers entering or departing Colombia, including Colombian nationals.³

• Serves as a health declaration form.³
• It does not replace a visa, if you require one.
• $38.95 fee.

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Different types of Colombia visas and their application processes

Colombia offers various visas depending on your purpose of visit and intended stay. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the main types and application processes for both embassy and online methods:

Visitor Visa (V)

• Eligibility: Ideal for short stays for tourism, business visits, or visiting family/friends. Popular subcategories include:
  • Tourist Visa (V-SL): Up to 180 days.
  • Business Visa (V-NEP): Business purposes like meetings.
  • Temporary Resident Visa (V-PTP): Volunteering or language studies (limited availability).
  • Digital Nomad Visa (V-TIC): Remote workers with stable foreign income (currently in the pilot stage).

Online Application Process:

Step 1: Check eligibility and click on the “Get Colombia eVisa now” button if eligible.

Step 2: Fill out the order form with your personal information and travel details.

• Name
• Email address
• Phone number
• Nationality
• Visa category

Step 3: Pay the Colombia Visitor (Type V) visa cost of $198.80.

Step 4: Answer the intake form correctly.

Step 5: Upload the required documents.

Step 6: Review your details before and click on submit.

Step 7: Wait for your Colombia Visitor (Type V) visa review.

Embassy Application Process:

1. Contact your nearest Colombian consulate or embassy
2. Gather the required documents.  These will vary slightly by visa type, but common requirements include:
   • Valid passport (with at least six months validity remaining)
   • Completed visa application form
   • Two recent passport-sized photos
   • Proof of sufficient financial resources (bank statements, credit card statements)
   • Return flight ticket (or onward travel ticket)
   • Travel health insurance
   • Depending on the visa type: letter of invitation from a Colombian company (Business Visa), proof of enrollment (Temporary Resident Visa)
3. Schedule an appointment and submit your application. Fees typically apply, so inquire about the cost beforehand.
4. Attend a visa interview (may be required). Be prepared to answer questions about your trip and the purpose of your visit.
5. Collect your passport and visa upon approval. Processing times can vary, so factor this into your travel plans.

Migrant Visa (M)

• Eligibility: For stays exceeding short visits, typically for work, studies, or retirement. Common subcategories:
  • Work Visa (M-TE): Requires a job offer and Ministry of Labor authorization.
  • Student Visa (M-SE): Needs acceptance letter from a Colombian institution and financial proof.
  • Investor Visa (M-RI): Invest a minimum of US$350,000.
  • Retiree Visa (M-RE): Proof of pension/income exceeding 4x Colombian minimum wage and health insurance.

Application Process (Embassy Only):

Migrant Visas are not currently available for online application. The process is similar to Visitor Visas but with additional requirements specific to your visa type.

1. Contact your nearest Colombian consulate or embassy.
2. Gather the required documents, which include those for Visitor Visas, along with:
   • Employment contract (Work Visa)
   • Acceptance letter from a Colombian school/university (Student Visa)
   • Proof of investment (Investor Visa)
   • Proof of pension/income and health insurance (Retiree Visa)
3. Submit your application and the required fees.
4. Attend a visa interview (likely required).
5. Collect your passport and visa upon approval.

Resident Visa (R)

• Eligibility: For those seeking permanent residence. Common subcategories:
  • Investor Visa (R-TI): Similar investment requirement (US$350,000) as Migrant Investor Visa.
  • Marriage Visa (R-TY): You must have been Married to a Colombian citizen for at least 2 years and meet income requirements.

Application Process (Embassy Only):

Resident Visa applications are complex and involve first obtaining a Migrant Visa and then meeting specific residency criteria. Consulting an immigration attorney is highly recommended.

Required documents

Colombia categorizes visas into three main types: Visitor (V), Migrant (M), and Resident (R). Each type has subcategories depending on your purpose of stay. Here’s a breakdown of the most common types and their required documents:

Visitor Visa (V)

• Ideal for short stays for tourism, business visits, or visiting family/friends.

Subcategories and Required Documents:⁴

• Tourist Visa (V-SL) (Up to 180 days):
  • Photo of Passport Bio-page (Validity must be six months at the time of application).
  • Recent photo of the applicant.
  • Proof of their residency status in the country.
  • Last three months’ bank statement
  • Health insurance that covers their trip to Colombia
  • Copy of the page of the passport with the most recent entry stamp.
  • Letter describing the purpose of the trip.
  • Ticket reservation for entering and leaving the country.
  • A written request from the person who invited you together with their Permanent Resident visa.
• Business Visa (V-NEP) (Business purposes):
  • Valid passport (with at least six (6) months validity remaining)
  • Completed visa application form
  • Two passport-sized photos
  • Proof of sufficient financial resources (bank statements, credit card statements)
  • Return flight ticket (or onward travel ticket)
  • Travel health insurance
  • Letter of invitation from a Colombian company

Migrant Visa (M)

• For stays exceeding short visits, typically for work, studies, or retirement.

Subcategories and Required Documents:

• Work Visa (M-TE):
  • Valid passport (with at least six (6) months validity remaining)
  • Completed visa application form
  • Two passport-sized photos
  • Proof of sufficient financial resources
  • Employment contract with a Colombian company
  • Letter of authorization from the Colombian Ministry of Labor
• Student Visa (M-SE):
  • Valid passport (with at least six (6) months validity remaining)
  • Completed visa application form
  • Two passport-sized photos
  • Proof of sufficient financial resources
  • Employment contract with a Colombian company
  • Letter of authorization from the Colombian Ministry of Labor
  • Acceptance letter from a Colombian school/university
  • Proof of financial resources to cover tuition and living expenses
• Investor Visa (M-RI):
  • Valid passport (with at least six (6) months validity remaining)
  • Completed visa application form
  • Two passport-sized photos
  • Proof of sufficient financial resources
  • Employment contract with a Colombian company
  • Letter of authorization from the Colombian Ministry of Labor
  • Proof of investment of at least US$350,000 in a Colombian company or property
• Retiree Visa (M-RE):
  • Valid passport (with at least six (6) months validity remaining)
  • Completed visa application form
  • Two passport-sized photos
  • Proof of sufficient financial resources
  • Employment contract with a Colombian company
  • Letter of authorization from the Colombian Ministry of Labor
  • Proof of pension/income exceeding 4x Colombian minimum wage
  • Proof of health insurance

Resident Visa (R)

• For those seeking permanent residence.

Subcategories and Required Documents:

• Investor Visa (R-TI) (Similar investment requirement as M-RI):
  • Consult an immigration attorney due to complexity.
• Marriage Visa (R-TY) (Married to a Colombian citizen):
  • Consult an immigration attorney due to complexity. Generally involves:
    • Valid passport (with at least six (6) months validity remaining)
    • Completed visa application form
    • Two passport-sized photos
    • Proof of sufficient financial resources
    • Employment contract with a Colombian company
    • Letter of authorization from the Colombian Ministry of Labor
    • Proof of marriage to a Colombian citizen (at least two (2) years)
    • Evidence of cohabitation
    • Proof of meeting income requirements

Eligibility requirements

Colombia visas are categorized into three main types: Visitor (V), Migrant (M), and Resident (R). Each category has its own set of subcategories depending on your purpose of travel to Colombia. Here’s a rundown of the different types of Colombia visas and their eligibility criteria:

Visitor Visa (V)

A Visitor Visa is for those who intend to stay in Colombia for a short period, usually for tourism, business, or to visit family and friends. There are several subcategories of Visitor Visas, each with its own specific requirements. Here are some of the most common Visitor Visas:

1. Tourist Visa (V-SL): This is the most common type of Visitor Visa, and it is valid for up to 180 days. To be eligible for a Tourist Visa, you must have a valid passport, a return ticket, and proof of sufficient financial resources to cover your stay in Colombia.
2. Business Visa (V-NEP): This visa is for foreigners traveling to Colombia for business purposes, such as attending meetings or conferences. To be eligible for a Business Visa, you must have a letter of invitation from a Colombian company and proof of your business affiliation.
3. Temporary Resident Visa (V-PTP): This visa is for foreigners who plan to stay in Colombia for a longer period, such as to volunteer or study Spanish. To be eligible for a Temporary Resident Visa, you must have proof of enrollment in a volunteer program or Spanish language course and sufficient financial resources to cover your stay.
4. Digital Nomad Visa (V-TIC): This is a new visa category that was created in 2022 to attract remote workers to Colombia. To be eligible for a Digital Nomad Visa, you must be a citizen of a country with a visa waiver agreement with Colombia and have a demonstrably stable income from abroad.

Migrant Visa (M)

A Migrant Visa is for foreigners who intend to live in Colombia for a longer period of time, typically for work, study, or retirement. There are several subcategories of Migrant Visas, each with its own specific requirements. Here are some of the most common Migrant Visas:

1. Work Visa (M-TE): This visa is for foreigners who have a job offer from a Colombian company. To be eligible for a Work Visa, you must have a valid employment contract and a letter of authorization from the Colombian Ministry of Labor.
2. Student Visa (M-SE): This visa is for foreigners who have been accepted into a Colombian educational institution. To be eligible for a Student Visa, you must have a letter of acceptance from the Colombian school or university, as well as proof of financial resources to cover your tuition and living expenses.
3. Investor Visa (M-RI): This visa is for foreigners who are investing a significant amount of money in Colombia. To be eligible for an Investor Visa, you must invest at least US$350,000 in a Colombian company or property.
4. Retiree Visa (M-RE): This visa is for retired foreigners with a monthly income of at least four times the Colombian minimum wage. To be eligible for a Retiree Visa, you must have proof of your pension or other source of income, as well as proof of health insurance.

Resident Visa (R)

A Resident Visa is for foreigners who want to live in Colombia permanently. There are several subcategories of Resident Visas, each with its own specific requirements. Here are some of the most common Resident Visas:

1. Investor Visa (R-TI): This visa is for foreigners who are investing a significant amount of money in Colombia. To be eligible for an Investor Visa, you must invest at least US$350,000 in a Colombian company or property.
2. Marriage Visa (R-TY): This visa is for foreigners who are married to Colombian citizens. You must have been married to a Colombian citizen for at least two years and meet certain income requirements to be eligible for a marriage visa.

Cost, validity, and duration

Visa Type	Cost (USD)	Validity	Duration per Entry
Tourist Visa (V-SL)	198.8	Up to 1 year	Up to 180 days (extendable)
Business Visa (V-NEP)	198.8	Up to 1 year	Up to 180 days (may not be extendable)
Temporary Resident Visa (V-PTP)	107	Up to 1 year	Varies
Digital Nomad Visa (V-TIC) (pilot stage)	NA	NA	NA
Work Visa (M-TE)	107	Up to 3 years	As per the study program
Student Visa (M-SE)	107	Up to 3 years	As per study program
Investor Visa (M-RI & R-TI)	Varies	Up to 3 years	As per immigration status
Retiree Visa (M-RE)	107	Up to 3 years	As per immigration status
Marriage Visa (R-TY)	Varies	Permanent	N/A

Who can enter Colombia without a visa?

Visa-free entry for 90 days:

All European Union member states

Citizens of Cambodia, China, India, Macau, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam: Visa-free entry for 90 days if you have a valid short-stay visa or residency permit issued by the USA or any Schengen Area country.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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1. Cancillería. (2023, December 5). Classes or categories of visas in Colombia. www.cancilleria.gov.co. <https://www.cancilleria.gov.co/en/tt_ss/1-classes-or-categories-visas-colombia> [↩]
2. Riaño , N. A. M. (2020). Visa Guide Consulate General in Frankfurt am Main. www.cancilleria.gov.co. <https://frankfurt.consulado.gov.co/sites/default/files/FOTOS2020/visa_guide_octubre_2020.pdf> [↩]
3. Migración Colombia. (2022). Check-Mig, Migracioncolombia.gov.co, Retrieved January 23, 2024 <https://apps.migracioncolombia.gov.co/pre-registro/en> [↩] [↩]
4. TEMPORARY VISITOR’S VISA | Cancillería. (2023, December 5). Www.cancilleria.gov.co. <https://www.cancilleria.gov.co/en/temporary-visitors-visa-0> [↩]

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Cite this article

MLA Style

Samortin, Jenilyn. "How to get a Colombian visa?." Visas For Future, https://www.visasforfuture.com/how-to-get-a-colombian-visa/. Accessed on 23 March 2024.

Chicago Style

Samortin, Jenilyn. "How to get a Colombian visa?." Visas For Future. March 23, 2024. https://www.visasforfuture.com/how-to-get-a-colombian-visa/.