ABC Visas Colombia

Colombia Visa Procedure

The procedures for all types of visas in Colombia can be completed digitally through the official website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

If the applicant is outside Colombia, the application must be submitted to the Consular Office whose jurisdiction corresponds to their country of residence or to a third country where they hold a temporary or permanent residence permit. If the applicant is in Colombia, they must submit their application through the online platform by selecting “Bogotá Office” from the options menu, which only handles visa applications from foreigners with regular migratory status in the country.

Although the application is submitted online, the Visas and Immigration Authority may require the physical and original presentation of the required documentation.

General Requirements for All Visa Applications

1. Complete the electronic visa application form available on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.
2. Provide a recent color digital photograph with a white background.
3. Hold a passport, travel document, or Laissez Passer valid for at least six (6) months at the time of the visa application, in good condition and with blank pages for the visa sticker.
4. Foreigners applying for a visa while in Colombia must submit a copy of the passport page bearing their most recent entry stamp or an equivalent entry authorization issued by the Special Administrative Unit Migration Colombia, or a safe-conduct to prove their regular stay in the territory.
5. Citizens of nationalities exempt from short-stay visas under Resolution 5488 of 2022 who apply for their visa outside their country of nationality must provide a copy of the document proving their legal stay. Citizens of nationalities not exempt from short-stay visas who apply for a visa outside their country of nationality must provide a copy of the document proving their resident status.

Stages of the Process

1. Application review
   Once the electronic form is submitted and the documents are digitized, the platform generates a reference number. The applicant must pay the corresponding fee within ten (10) calendar days. After payment, the Visas and Immigration Authority has up to thirty (30) calendar days to issue a decision, which may be extended if consultations with other entities are required. (The application review fee is non-refundable and does not guarantee visa issuance.)
2. Visa issuance
   If the visa is approved, the holder has ten (10) calendar days to make the final payment. Within ten (10) business days of that payment, the Visas and Immigration Authority will issue and send the electronic visa to the applicant’s registered email address.

Fees for each stage vary depending on the visa type and the applicant’s activity/occupation. Check the costs of each stage here.

Types of Visa

Visitor Visa (Type V)

This visa is intended for short- to medium-term stays in the country and does not grant temporary or permanent resident status. Subtypes include:

Tourism Visa

Valid for up to 1 year; does not allow employment in Colombia.

Business Visa

Valid for up to 2 years; does not allow enrollment in Colombia’s social security system. Intended for business meetings, market research, direct investment processes, company formation, contract negotiations, or commercial representation.

Student Visa

Required when the stay in Colombia exceeds 180 calendar days; valid for up to 2 years. Allows postgraduate students to work up to 20 hours per week.

Courtesy Visitor Visa (Type V)

Applies to specific cases such as diplomats, participants in ICETEX academic programs or events, individuals protected under the Film Law, foreigners for whom CONARE requests complementary refugee measures, and other legally contemplated cases.

Migrant Visa (Type M)

This visa is for foreigners seeking to establish temporary residence in Colombia for up to 3 years. Subtypes include:

Spouse Visa

For foreigners married to a Colombian citizen seeking to live together in Colombia; grants an open work permit.

Worker Visa

For individuals employed by a Colombian legal entity under an employment contract; work permit is tied to the specific position, entity, profession, or activity for which the visa was issued.

Investor Visa

For foreigners who have made a Foreign Direct Investment or purchased real estate in their own name and maintain such investment or ownership during the visa’s validity.

All visas in this category count toward the minimum residence time required to apply for the Resident Visa.

Resident Visa (Type R)

For foreigners who wish to settle permanently in Colombia; grants full resident rights and benefits.

Beneficiary Visa

For the spouse, permanent partner, and dependent children under 25 years old (or older with a qualifying disability) of a principal visa holder; allows them to accompany the principal holder with legal migratory status.

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References

• Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Visa