Do you have questions about the COLOMBIAN VISAS process?

There are general and specific requirements depending on the type of visa. Below are the general requirements:

• Valid passport The passport must be valid for at least 6 months and have blank pages available for visa stamping.
  

• Visa application form It must be completed online through the official website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs: https://www.cancilleria.gov.co
  

• Recent photograph Passport-style photo with a white background and 3x4 cm in size.
  

• Proof of immigration status in Colombia If you are in Colombia on a tourist visa, you must show the last entry stamp, the extension of stay, or previous visas.
  

• Visa study fee and issuance payment if approved
  

• Verify that your nationality does not require a visitor visa to enter Colombia

• Types of Visas for Colombia:

Tourist Visa (Type V):

• For tourism purposes. Requires a passport, itinerary, and proof of accommodation.

Work Visa (Type V or M):

• For employment in Colombia. Requires a work contract and proof of experience.

Student Visa (Type V or M):

• For studying purposes. Requires an acceptance letter and proof of tuition payment.

Residence Visa (Type R):

• For permanent residency in Colombia. Requires having held an M visa for 2 consecutive years.

Spouse Visa (Type M):

• For spouses or partners of Colombian citizens. Requires proof of marriage or union.

Immigrant Visa (Type M):

• For economic migration. Requires an employment or business letter.

Investor Visa (Type M or R):

• For those investing in Colombia (minimum of US$150,000). Requires proof of investment.

Courtesy Visa (Type V):

• For official or diplomatic visits. Requires an invitation from the Colombian government.

Refugee Visa (Type M):

• For individuals displaced by violence. Requires proof of refugee status.

Stateless Person Visa (Type R):

• For individuals without nationality. Requires a certificate of statelessness.

• You must apply for a Colombian visa in the following cases:

• If you plan to stay in Colombia for more than 180 days.

• If you are going to engage in work, academic, or business activities in Colombia.
  

• If you wish to reside permanently or as an immigrant.

• If you are not a citizen of a visa-exempt country and wish to enter for tourism, work, or study purposes.

• When to apply:
  

• Before your trip: Apply for the visa well in advance, as the process may take several days or weeks.
  

• If you need to change your status: If you are already in Colombia and need to change your visa or immigration status, you must do so before your legal stay expires.

• The Cédula de Extranjería is an official identification document issued by the Colombian government to foreigners residing in Colombia for an extended period. It is a requirement for foreigners holding a residence or migrant visa and serves to:

  • Identify the foreigner within Colombian territory.

  • Carry out legal procedures such as opening bank accounts, signing contracts, obtaining public services, among others.

  • Demonstrate the legality of the foreigner's stay in Colombia.

• Nationalities that require a visa to enter Colombia (according to current immigration policies): Afghanistan

• Saudi Arabia

• Bangladesh

• Iraq

• Kenya

• Nigeria

• Pakistan

• Syria

• Somalia

• Yemen

Nationalities that require a visa to enter Colombia (according to current immigration policies): Afghanistan

Saudi Arabia

Bangladesh

Iraq

Kenya

Nigeria

Pakistan

Syria

Somalia

Yemen

• The estimated time to process a Colombian visa is up to 30 calendar days, starting from the payment for the application review.

• The factor that may take the most time is the collection of the required documents.

Renewing an American passport from Colombia usually takes between 2 to 3 weeks, depending on the type of service you choose (regular or expedited). It’s important to schedule your appointment in advance.

Degree validation in Colombia is managed by the Ministry of National Education. You need to submit your degree, an official translation (if required), and pay the necessary fees. The process can take several months depending on the complexity of the degree.

The apostille process in Colombia typically takes between 2 to 5 business days, depending on the number of requests and the documentation provided. It’s a straightforward process when all requirements are met.

To work in the United States as a Colombian, you will need a work visa. Common options are H-1B (for specialized jobs) or L-1 (for intra-company transfers). Each visa type has specific requirements.

The process for a U.S. student visa typically takes between 3 to 5 weeks. This includes preparing documents, paying fees, and the consular interview, so it’s important to start early.

Yes, foreigners can register a company in Colombia. This requires fulfilling immigration and legal requirements, such as obtaining the RUT (Unique Taxpayer Registry) and presenting a foreigner ID or passport if you don’t have one yet.

If you wish to extend your tourist visa in Colombia for an additional 90 days, you must start the process at least 7 days before your current visa expires. This will allow Migración Colombia enough time to approve the request.

The digital nomad visa allows foreigners to live and work in Colombia temporarily. Benefits include the ability to establish temporary residence, access financial services, and enjoy an extended stay without needing a local job.

To apply for health insurance in Colombia as a foreigner, you will need a foreigner ID. You’ll also need to prove your legal residence, and some health insurances may require proof of employment in Colombia.

To apply for a spouse visa in Colombia, you must provide proof of marriage or a stable relationship with a Colombian citizen. The process involves evaluating the relationship, and sometimes additional proof of cohabitation is required.

A pensioner or rentista visa in Colombia requires proving a pension or stable income that meets the minimum amount set by Colombian authorities. This visa is for individuals who wish to reside in Colombia with passive income or investments.