Courtesy visa pursuant to international cooperation agreement or treaty

A courtesy visa will be granted by virtue of an agreement, valid for up to 2 years and completely free of charge, to foreigners who enter and/or stay in the national territory under conditions, qualities or cases contemplated by law, or in development and compliance with international cooperation agreements or treaties in force.

This visa grants a work permit exclusively for the development of the agreement or treaty under which the visa is granted, but allows to freely carry out business negotiations, market studies, direct investment plans or procedures and the creation of companies.

General requirements for the courtesy visa under agreement

They will depend on whether or not the application is made with the support of an institution, as follows:

• Personal application or with the support of a natural person: Written communication from the applicant and/or natural person supporting the application with:
  • Full identification of the applicant and/or natural person.
  • Succinct explanation of the relationship or link between the foreigner and the natural person, if any.
  • Detailed explanation of the activity that the foreigner intends to carry out in national territory.
  • Statement of financial responsibility for the expenses inherent to the travel and stay of the foreigner.
  • Proof of liquidity of the applicant and/or the natural person by means of bank statements corresponding to the 6 months prior to the application.
• Application with institutional support: Written communication signed by the legal representative of the legal entity containing:
  • Full identification of the legal entity and contact details.
  • Complete identification of the foreigner.
  • Detailed explanation of the activity that the foreigner intends to carry out in national territory.
  • Explanation of the relationship or link with the foreigner and of the special qualification or expertise of the foreigner, if any.
  • Statement of financial responsibility for the expenses inherent to the travel and stay of the foreigner.
  • Proof of liquidity of the legal entity by means of bank statements corresponding to the 6 months prior to the application, except in the case of a public entity.
  • Certificate of existence and representation or equivalent document in case the legal entity supporting the application is private and incorporated abroad.

To take into account:

• Documents (except for identity and travel documents) must have been issued no more than 3 months prior to application
• Foreign documents must have been legalized or apostilled.
• If the documents are in a language other than Spanish, they must have an official legalized or apostilled translation.
• The Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs may request judicial background information.

Specific requirements for the courtesy visa under the agreement

• Letter of request signed by the person, official entity, international organization of public law or diplomatic mission promoting the foreigner’s visit, stating the activity proposed to be carried out in the national territory, program or agenda foreseen.