If you, like me, fell in love with Colombia, having a visa is a must. Whether it’s for realizing your dreams of exploring, living, working, or investing in the country, the correct visa opens the door.
Understanding the different visa options and their requirements gives you control over your journey. From tourist visas to residency and investment visas, this knowledge allows you to confidently navigate the process and transition smoothly into Colombian society or its thriving business ecosystem.
Colombia has a visa for everyone! Whether you’re a digital nomad seeking vibrant cities, a retiree desiring affordable coastal or rural living, or an entrepreneur exploring new markets, there’s a visa path for your dreams.
The Colombian visa process is getting easier! After a strict period in 2023, we’re seeing positive changes with fewer excessive requirements. While some rules remain frustrating, things move in the right direction for a smoother experience.
My Colombian visa journey in 2019 started rough. I had to travel to Bogota for my first visa for my initial interview, but I encountered a dysfunctional system that forced me to reschedule. My second visa application, amid the height of the pandemic, almost led to my deportation because my application “disappeared.” Fortunately, I had all the necessary documents to support my case.
Applicants have observed that documents frequently become outdated during review because of differing processing times. Nonetheless, there has been an improvement in early 2024, marked by faster processing and increased approval rates compared to the prior year.
From 2022 to 2023, they brought considerable obstacles to visa renewals and applications, with office shutdowns and new rules coming into effect. Applicants should note that the busiest time for visa processing typically runs from late May to August. During this peak period, processing times can extend up to three months and might include extra fees. Nevertheless, preparing in advance can reduce some of the stress and uncertainty, leading to a more streamlined application process.
Additionally, the visa application window is only 30 days, after which the application times out, requiring additional payments to proceed.
This guide is designed to offer a comprehensive understanding of Colombian visa applications and to arm you with the knowledge and tactics needed to manage the process successfully. Whether you are a first-time applicant or renewing your visa under new regulations, grasping the current situation is essential for anyone planning to travel, reside, or invest in Colombia.
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Extending Your Tourist Visa in Colombia
Suppose an individual is presently in Colombia on a 90-day tourist visa and wishes to prolong their stay. In that case, it is necessary to apply for an extension by visiting the Colombia Immigration website and completing an application. It is important to note that the application form is exclusively available in Spanish. The form is accessible online and is an easy process. If you have any questions, it is advisable to enlist the services of an immigration lawyer who specializes in visas to assist you in navigating the process.
Overview of Colombian Visa Categories
The Colombian government offers plenty of options for those who wish to stay longer than 90 or 180 days.
There are three visa categories: V for visitor, M for migrant, and R for resident.
Colombian Visitor Visas (type V)
Colombia offers various Visitor Visas (type V) for those intending to visit or stay temporarily in the country but not permanently. Proof of financial solvency (income or savings) is often required.
According to visa lawyers, individuals applying for visas will soon be required to attend an in-person interview at the Ministry of Foreign Relations. This was the standard procedure prior to the pandemic. Reintroducing in-person interviews adds an additional step to the process of obtaining a visa.
These visas range from 1 week to 3 years in duration and do not lead to long-term residency like the M visa.
Student Visa (V): This visa is available to students who can prove their enrollment at an accredited institution and have sufficient funds. It allows you to stay and study for up to two years. To be eligible for a student visa, you must enroll with an educational establishment and take at least 10 hours of classes per week. The accredited institutions in Medellin are the University EAFIT in El Poblado, UPB in Laureles, and Universidad de Medellin in Belen. Additionally, there are two schools, Elefun and Olsa. Please remember that LCN used to be a cheap option, but they have lost their license.
Digital Nomad Visa (V): A few years ago, a new visa option was introduced for foreign remote workers and online entrepreneurs interested in living and working in Colombia. This visa has become one of the most popular options for those who meet the monthly income requirement of at least three times the Colombian minimum wage, which is 3.9 million COP (approximately 1000 USD). The visa is valid for up to two years.
TPA Entrepreneurs Visa (V): This visa aims to facilitate the mobility of entrepreneurs and business persons in accordance with commitments made by Colombia under Trade Promotion Agreements signed with other States. This visa category is intended for foreigners who hold passports from any of the countries that Colombia has subscribed to a free trade agreement with, such as the USA, Canada, European Union, United Kingdom, Israel, South Korea, Mexico, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Jamaica, etc. This visa allows you to stay in Colombia for up to two (2) years.
Business Visa (V): This visa is designed for foreign nationals not exempt from a short-term visa and wishes to engage in business activities, market research, direct investment plans, commercial representation, contract signing, or establishing a company in the country. It also applies to those exempt from a short-term visa but requires a more extended stay. The visa is valid for up to two years.
Medical Treatment Visa (V): If you seek medical treatment in Colombia, you can apply for a visa to bring a companion. This visa category is designed for those who need assistance as a patient or want to accompany someone to medical appointments, procedures, or treatments. It is granted for specific therapies, prioritizing those that are part of the exportable medical services offered to foreigners and have a particular duration.
This visa is commonly used by tourists who have undergone a medical procedure in the country and require more than six months of recovery. The services covered by this visa include cardiology treatment, cosmetic surgery, dental treatment, and others. The visa can be valid for up to one year.
Rentier (Annuity) Visa (V): If you have a legal source of periodic and variable income and can provide evidence of it, you are eligible for this visa. For instance, if you own rented properties and receive rent on a monthly basis, you can apply for this visa, which may be granted for a maximum of two years.
Religious Visa (V): This visa is for individuals coming to Colombia for religious purposes associated with a recognized church or religious group.
Tourist Visa (V): For nationals from countries not eligible for entry with an airport stamp.
Colombian Migrant Visas (type M)
This visa is designed for foreigners who intend to settle in Colombia permanently but do not meet the requirements for a Resident Visa (type R). It allows you to accumulate residency time. After holding this visa continuously for five years, you will be eligible to apply for a resident-type visa.
Marriage Visa (M): If you are married to a Colombian national, you may apply for a Colombian marriage visa. This visa permits you to reside in Colombia for three years. However, please note that the government may conduct separate interviews with both spouses to determine if the marriage is based on genuine love or merely to obtain a “green card.”
Civil Union Visa (M): If you have been in a registered civil union (common law marriage – Unión Marital de Hecho) with a Colombian national for over a year, you can apply for a Colombian civil union visa. This visa allows you to stay in Colombia for up to one year, after which you must apply again.
Employee Visa (M): If you have secured a job offer or employment contract with a company in Colombia willing to sponsor your application, you are eligible for this visa. This visa permits you to stay in Colombia for three years.
Founder or shareholder Visa (M): If you establish a company in Colombia or purchase shares in an existing Colombian company worth at least 100 minimum wages (which is approximately 130 million COP or 32,000 USD), you may be eligible for a visa that allows you to live and work in Colombia for up to three years, specifically for your own company.
Independent professional Visa (M): Foreigners who wish to work in a regulated profession or an unregulated activity of interest to the country can apply for this visa, which allows them to live and work in Colombia for up to three years.
Investor Visa (M): This visa category is open to any foreigner who has purchased a property in Colombia or has invested in the Colombian stock market. This certificate needs to show that you have purchased the property for a price of at least 350 Colombian minimum wage. Therefore, the minimum is 455 million Cop (116,000 USD) for 2024.
Retirement Visa (M): You are eligible for this visa if you receive a monthly pension from your home country’s government that amounts to at least 3.9 million Colombian Pesos (ca 1000 USD) per month. This visa allows you to stay and live in Colombia for up to three years.
Colombian Resident Visas (R)
Resident Visas (R) in Colombia are intended for those wishing to start or establish their permanent residency there. This visa permits you to reside and work in Colombia for up to five years and provides a pathway to obtaining Colombian citizenship.
Qualified Migrant Visa / Accumulated Time (R): This category is for migrants who have lived in Colombia for 2-5 years (depending on the visa) and are eligible for full residency.
By Colombian Nationality Renounce (R): Foreigners who have renounced their Colombian nationality, whether by birth or adoption, can apply for this visa to work and live in Colombia for up to five years.
Living in Colombia on a Visa
Visa holders in Colombia can access public services like healthcare and education, but the level of access depends on their visa type and specific situation. Those with Migrant (M) or Resident (R) visas generally have greater access compared to those with temporary Visitor (V) visas. Additionally, visa holders can work (if their visa permits), contribute to the economy, and live in Colombia. These rights come with the responsibility to obey local laws, pay taxes, and uphold the terms of their visa. Understanding these rights and responsibilities is essential for a smooth and legal stay in Colombia.
Acquiring Colombian citizenship
Becoming a Colombian citizen offers a deep connection to the country’s culture and community. This process is generally available to foreign nationals with a Resident (R) visa for five years while living continuously in Colombia (reduced to two years if married to a Colombian or parent of a Colombian child). Applicants must prove their understanding of Colombia’s history, culture, and Spanish language through exams. A detailed application demonstrating residency, financial stability, and good character is also required. Citizenship brings benefits like voting rights, more accessible travel within specific countries, and complete legal rights equal to native-born Colombians, including access to public services and jobs.
Colombian passport holders have some advantages when it comes to international travel. They can enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to approximately 107 countries. This includes destinations like Russia (up to 90 days), Iran (up to 15 days), and Belarus (up to 30 days), where Americans and most Europeans would face visa requirements. Additionally, Colombians often have easier access to several African countries than US or European citizens, with visa-free or visa-on-arrival arrangements in places like Kenya and Mozambique. Due to their associate member status, Colombians enjoy simplified visa requirements when traveling to Mercosur countries for tourism, work, or residency.
Colombian Visa Agencies Can Make Your Life Easier
While you can apply for Colombian visas online, the process can be confusing. Agencies know the system inside and out, minimizing the risk of the common mistakes many people make. If you want to save time, avoid frustration, and increase your chances of success, consider hiring a Colombian visa agency.
However, if you prefer to do it all yourself, here is a step-by-step guide and some crucial tips:
How to Apply for a Colombian Visa?
Applying for a Colombian visa requires a systematic approach that can be effectively managed through prudent preparation and meticulous attention to detail. For your convenience, we have compiled a step-by-step guide to assist you throughout the application procedure.
Step 1: Determine the Type of Visa You Need
To determine the type of visa you need, it is essential to identify the purpose of your trip first. The purpose of your visit can be tourism, study, work, investment, marriage, or family reunion, among other reasons. You can select the appropriate visa category based on the purpose of your trip. For example, if you are visiting for tourism, you can choose a Tourist (V) visa. If you are planning to migrate, you can go for a Migrant (M) visa, and if you intend to stay as a resident, you can select a Resident (R) visa.
Step 2: Gather Required Documentation
To apply for a Colombian visa, you must prepare your passport, passport-sized photos, and other essential documents required for all visa types. Additionally, depending on the type of visa you are applying for, you may need to provide additional documents such as proof of financial means, employment contracts, marriage certificates, investment proof, etc. It is essential to carefully review the specific requirements for the visa you are applying for and gather all the necessary documents accordingly.
Step 3: Complete the Online Application Form
You can access the online visa application form on the Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website. Provide accurate information that matches your documents.
Step 4: Submit Required Documents Online
Upload clear and complete copies of all required documents to ensure timely processing of your visa application. Double-check for accuracy to avoid delays.
Step 5: Pay the Visa Fee
Visa fees vary based on visa category and applicant’s nationality. Payment is made online through credit card or bank transfer.
Step 6: Schedule and Attend the Visa Interview (if required)
Interview Notification: Not all visa categories will require an interview. However, if your visa category requires an interview, you will be notified to schedule an appointment. Before your interview, review your application and documents thoroughly to be prepared to answer any questions related to your trip and intentions in Colombia.
Step 7: Track Your Application
To check the status of your visa application, you can use the tracking feature available on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website. Please note that processing times for visa applications can vary, so it’s essential to be patient and wait for a decision.
Step 8: Collect Your Colombian Visa
Once your Colombian visa is approved, you will receive instructions on how to collect it. Depending on the embassy or consulate, you may need to collect it in person or receive it by mail.
Step 9: Plan Your Travel
Before making travel arrangements, review your visa’s validity, entry requirements, and any conditions. Gather documents such as your visa, return ticket, and proof of accommodation to present at immigration.
Tips for a Smooth Application Process
Starting the visa application process early is highly recommended, as it can help accommodate delays. To ensure a smooth and successful application process, it is essential to carefully follow the instructions provided by the Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
If you encounter any difficulties during the process, seeking assistance from a Colombian visa agency or contacting the consulate/embassy can be helpful. By following these tips and preparing thoroughly, you can complete the Colombian visa application process and look forward to a memorable visit to Colombia.
How to Avoid These 14 Frequent Visa Errors
Getting a Colombian visa can be tricky. After identifying common errors, here are fourteen mistakes to avoid. My experience living in Colombia, conversations with expats, and insights from visa offices highlight how misunderstandings and delays cause problems. A professional visa agency can streamline the process. Here’s what not to do:
Not planning your visa extension early
Upon entering Colombia, many visitors get a 90-day tourist permit, which can be extended to 180 days total in a year. Please don’t confuse this permit with a formal visa; it is a separate process.
Remember, you cannot stay longer than 180 consecutive days within a calendar year. Plan to exit and re-enter if needed. Overstaying your permit will result in fees. If you must leave unexpectedly within 15 days of an overstay, get a “salvoconducto” from Migracion Colombia.
Applying for the Wrong Visa
A standard error is applying for the wrong visa type. It’s crucial to thoroughly research and understand the available visa options, ensuring you choose the correct category that aligns with your purpose.
Health Insurance a Must-Have
Don’t risk your Colombian visa application! Having valid health insurance for all visa types would be best, or you could face delays or rejection. Your policy must cover accidents, death, and repatriation to be approved.
Don’t delay your visa registration and Cedula application!
After your Colombian visa is approved, you have only 15 days to register it with Migración Colombia and apply for your Cedula (if staying longer than three months). Failing to do so can result in hefty fines. We offer a detailed guide on obtaining your Cedula.
Don’t Let Your Colombian Visa Expire While Abroad!
Spending too much time outside Colombia can invalidate your visa. Migrant visas (M visas) expire after six months abroad, and Resident visas (R visas) after two years. Many expats are unaware of this rule and must reapply for their visas after returning. Track your time outside Colombia carefully to avoid this hassle!
Outdated Documents = Rejected Visa
Colombia requires all visa application documents to be under three months old. This is especially important for birth and marriage certificates, which are updated in Colombia to reflect life changes. Don’t risk rejection—get fresh copies! If getting documents from your home country is difficult, ask friends or family for help.
Invalid passport
For Colombia, when applying for a visa, your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the duration of your planned stay. This is a common requirement in many countries to ensure that travelers do not encounter issues with passport expiration during their visit.
However, did you know that visa applications might also be denied if the passport is not in sound, presentable condition?
Don’t Forget to Apostille Your Documents!
Documents issued outside of Colombia must be apostilled for your visa application. This proves the document is legal and valid for international use. If your country isn’t part of the Apostille Convention, you’ll need additional steps (notarization and Colombian consulate certification). Need help? Visa agencies and specialized companies can often assist with obtaining apostilles.
Non-Spanish Documents Need Translation!
All documents for your Colombian visa application must be in Spanish. Use a certified translator and make sure they include the translation date. Most Colombian visa offices offer access to certified translation services to make this process easier.
Bank statement problems
Demonstrating that you possess sufficient funds for your travels is straightforward, yet the method of proving it can be problematic. Sometimes, Migracion demands that the bank statement be in Spanish.
Don’t Wait! Start Your Visa Application/Renewal Early
Colombian visa processing can take time, especially if you need documents from abroad. Start your application or renewal at least 1-2 months in advance. Need it faster? A “salvoconducto” (emergency extension) may be an option, but planning ahead is best to avoid this hassle. And don’t forget to keep your passport up-to-date too!
Missing or Incorrect Documents = Visa Trouble.
Double-check the required documents for your visa type – missing paperwork is a common reason for delays or rejection. Requirements can change, so use up-to-date guides (like those on the Medellin Guru website). Also, make sure every detail on your application matches your passport exactly!
Mismatched details
It’s beneficial to thoroughly review your application two or three times before submitting it, and consider having a friend check it over to ensure you haven’t overlooked any fundamental errors. Any discrepancies, whether deliberate or accidental, can lead to the rejection of your application.
Not Being Truthful
Even a tiny falsehood on a visa application can severely damage your chances. Immigration authorities have extensive experience with applicants who distort information on their applications. If you believe you’ve found a clever way to bend or conceal the truth, think again. The consequences of dishonesty are severe. Even if your visa is initially granted, any lies you tell can resurface and lead to the cancellation of your visa, potentially even years after the fact.