Ruth Haines
Colombia offers a range of visa options, including tourist, student, work, marriage, and migrant visas. Citizens of certain countries are exempt from obtaining a visa if they do not plan to stay longer than 90 days. Those who require a visa can apply for one online, and the Colombian government has 30 days to respond to the application. The visa fee depends on the type of visa, ranging from $73 to $300. If you are transiting in a Colombian airport, you must apply for a V – Transit Visa, which is valid for up to 30 days and allows a maximum stay of 24 hours in the airport.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Visa-exempt countries | Citizens of certain countries, including Cambodia, India, Nicaragua, Myanmar, China, Thailand, Taiwan and Vietnam, can visit Colombia without a visa for up to 90 days. |
| Visa-exempt duration | Visa-exempt visitors can stay in Colombia without a visa for 90 days. |
| Visa types | Visitor Visa, Transit Visa, Migrant Visa, Marriage Visa, Work Visa, Student Visa, Investment Visa, Digital Nomad Visa, Retirement Visa |
| Visa validity | Visitor Visa: up to 2 years; Transit Visa: up to 30 days; Migrant Visa: up to 3 years; Digital Nomad Visa: up to 2 years |
| Visa requirements | Valid passport, proof of funds, proof of accommodation/address, marriage certificate (if applicable), etc. |
| Visa fees | Vary by visa type, ranging from $73 to $300; Tourist Visa: $82; Study fee: $50 |
| Visa processing time | The Colombian government has up to 30 days to respond to the application. |
| Visa application process | Online or at the nearest Colombian embassy or consulate |
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What You'll Learn
Transit visas
If you are transiting in a Colombian airport, you need to apply for a V – Transit Visa at a Colombian embassy or consulate abroad. A V Airport Transit Visa allows for multiple transits in Colombian airports and is valid for up to 30 days, with a maximum stay of 24 hours in the airport. You need a flight ticket proving onward travel to a third destination. If your connecting flight is further than 24 hours away or you intend to leave the international area of the airport, you must apply for a Colombian short-stay visa (i.e. Visitor Visa).
To apply for a Colombian Transit Visa, you must submit several documents, including a valid passport with at least six months remaining from the date of travel. You must also make a copy of the main page of your passport (holding your biographical information). All documents must be in Spanish. If they are not already in Spanish, you must have them translated by a translator certified by the Colombian government.
The Colombian government has introduced electronic visas (e-visas) for short-term visitors. The e-visa is valid for tourism, business, and transit, and the holder can stay in Colombia for 90 days or less. The application for an e-visa is approved within 24-72 hours. However, it is recommended to apply for the visa at least 30-60 days prior to your trip. The Colombian Visa cost varies by the visa and subtype, with most visas having a study fee of around $50 USD. For the tourist visa, the government entity will charge $82 after approval.
It is important to note that not all routes are open to e-visa visitors. If you are a transit visitor, you must use the approved international airports for your entry. Colombian border control agents may question you about your visit, and you are expected to answer truthfully. An officer of the law can deny you entry into the country if you cannot clearly explain the purpose of your visit or if your answers differ from what your visa suggests.
Additionally, US citizens transiting through Colombian airports do not require a transit visa.
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Visa requirements for US citizens
US citizens do not require a visa for short-term visits to Colombia, typically for tourism, business, or family visits. They can stay in the country for up to 90 days without needing a visa, with the possibility of extending their stay for an additional 90 days, subject to Colombian migration regulations. However, it is important to carry a valid passport with at least six months remaining from the date of travel.
Before travelling to Colombia, US citizens must complete the mandatory Check-MIG pre-registration form. This form must be filled out between 72 hours and 1 hour before the scheduled flight. The Check-MIG form details the traveller's journey, including dates and flight numbers.
If you are a US citizen transiting through Colombian airports, a transit visa is not required. However, if your layover is longer than 24 hours, you may need a short-term visa.
For long-term stays in Colombia, US citizens can apply for visas such as the Digital Nomad Visa, Investment Visa, or Retirement Visa. Fees for Colombian visas differ based on the visa category, and it is recommended to check the fees and acceptable payment methods for your desired visa type.
When travelling between the United States and Colombia, dual citizens must carry both their US and Colombian passports to adhere to each country's entry and exit requirements.
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Visa fees
It is important to note that citizens of certain countries need to present a tourist visa to enter Colombia. These visas can be processed at Colombian embassies and consulates abroad. The type of visa you need depends on your purpose of travel.
Visitor Visa
The Visitor Visa, also referred to as the Tourist Visa, is issued to foreigners who will stay in Colombia for a short period of time. The first Visitor Visa must be processed at Colombian consulates abroad. The visa is usually issued for a maximum of 90 days, but can be issued for up to two years in certain cases, at the discretion of the Consular or Immigration authorities. The cost of the visa is USD 45, excluding certain countries. There is also a USD 50 fee for the visa study.
Transit Visa
The Transit Visa is for travellers who will be transiting in a Colombian airport. The visa is issued for up to 30 days and allows a maximum stay of 24 hours in the airport. The cost of the visa is USD 100, which includes a USD 45 stamp tax.
Migrant Visa
The Migrant Visa is issued to foreigners who intend to live in Colombia for a longer period of time or set up a temporary or permanent residence. The visa is issued for a maximum of three years and is renewable.
Marriage Visa
The Marriage Visa is issued to the spouses or registered/long-term partners of Colombian residents or citizens.
Work Visa
The Work Visa is issued to foreigners who have found a job in Colombia.
Student Visa
The Student Visa is issued to foreigners who have been accepted into a Colombian educational institution or academic program.
Investment Visa
The Investment Visa is issued to foreigners who invest a substantial sum in Colombia, which is approximately 350 times the minimum wage in the country.
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Visa-exempt countries
Visitors to Colombia must obtain a visa from one of the Colombian diplomatic missions or online unless they are from one of the visa-exempt countries. The Colombia Visitor Visa is typically issued for a maximum of 90 days, but it can be extended for another 90 days and is valid for up to 180 days within one calendar year. Upon arrival, visitors with visa exemption will have their passports stamped with a PIP (Permiso de Ingreso y Permanencia) entry permit stamp by an immigration control officer.
The visa-exempt countries whose nationals are allowed to enter Colombia for tourism without a visa include:
- Canada: Canadian citizens must pay an entry fee of 256,000 Colombian Pesos (equivalent to CAD$85) upon arrival. Passengers older than 79 or younger than 14 are exempt.
- Nicaragua: Citizens of Nicaragua who are residents of the North Caribbean Coast Autonomous Region and South Caribbean Coast Autonomous Region may enter Colombia without a visa.
- Kazakhstan: A visa-free agreement for holders of diplomatic and service passports was signed in December 2019 and is yet to be ratified.
- Chile, Mexico and Peru: Holders of permanent resident cards issued by these member nations of the Pacific Alliance are granted visa-free access for tourism for up to 180 days.
- The United States or a Schengen Area country: Visa exemption is granted for a maximum of 90 days for holders of passports from these countries or territories who also hold visas or residence permits. This also applies to Green Card holders but not to holders of C1 visas issued by the U.S.
It is important to note that citizens of certain countries, such as those transiting in a Colombian airport, may need to apply for a V – Transit Visa or a Colombian short-stay visa, depending on the length of their stay in the airport and their purpose of travel.
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Long-term visas
Long-term Colombian visas are available for those who wish to stay in the country for more than 180 days. These include the Migrant Visa, Marriage Visa, Work Visa, Student Visa, Investment Visa, and Retirement Visa.
The Migrant Visa is for foreigners intending to live in Colombia for a longer period of time or to set up temporary or permanent residence. This visa can be issued for a maximum of three years and is renewable. The Marriage Visa is issued to spouses or registered/long-term partners of Colombian residents or citizens. The Work Visa is for foreigners who have secured employment in Colombia. The Student Visa is for those who have been accepted into an academic program at a Colombian educational institution. The Investment Visa is for foreigners who invest a substantial sum in Colombia, equivalent to approximately 350 times the minimum wage. The Digital Nomad Visa is another option for those who wish to work remotely from Colombia.
To apply for a long-term visa, individuals must submit their application through the online application service available on the Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website. The application fee ranges from $73 to $300, depending on the visa type. Applicants must possess a valid passport with at least six months of validity remaining. In some cases, proof of funds to cover the trip may be required. All documents must be in Spanish or translated by a translator certified by the Colombian government. If submitting official or public documents, such as marriage certificates, applicants must legalize them through an Apostille stamp. If the applicant's country is not included in the Apostille Convention/Treaty, notarization before a public notary is necessary, followed by signature at the Colombian Consulate.
It is recommended to apply for the visa at least 30-60 days before the trip. The Colombian government has 30 days to respond to the application, and the visa becomes active immediately upon approval.
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Frequently asked questions
Citizens of certain countries need to present a tourist visa to enter Colombia. However, individuals from more than 100 countries can stay in Colombia for up to 180 days per year without needing a visa.
Colombia offers a range of visa options, including Visitor Visa, Migrant Visa, Marriage Visa, Work Visa, Student Visa, and Investment Visa.
You can start the application process online. The Colombian government also issues special substitute visas to visitors who have visas or resident permits issued by a Schengen country or the United States.
