Processing of Colombian visas for foreigners

As of December 15, 2017, a new visa regulation for foreigners took effect in Colombia, thanks to Resolution 6045 of 2017 issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This change simplified the system, reducing the number of visa types from 21 to just three: Visitor (V), Migrant (M), and Resident (R), in addition to the special Special Peace Resident (RES) visa.

The primary goal of this restructuring was to streamline the traditional visa system, which had become overly complex over the last two decades, making it difficult to identify the migration profile of each foreigner.

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Who Needs a Visa to Enter Colombia?

Resolution 10535 of 2018 lists 97 countries whose citizens do not require a visa to enter Colombia. This list includes countries like the United States, Venezuela, Germany, and Italy. In principle, citizens from countries not on this list would need to apply for a visa. However, there are exceptions. For example, citizens of the People's Republic of China do not need a visa if they have a residence permit in a Schengen Area member state or the United States, or if they hold a Schengen or U.S. visa valid for a minimum of 180 days upon entry.

Citizens of countries that do not require a visa can stay in Colombia for 90 days, with the possibility of extending their stay for another 90 days. These individuals only need to present their passport, which will be stamped as a "tourist visa" by immigration.

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Types of Visas in Colombia

According to Resolution 6045 of 2017, the three types of visas are:

1. Visa Type V (Visitor): For foreigners who wish to visit or stay temporarily in the country without settling.
2. Visa Type M (Migrant): For those who intend to settle in Colombia but do not meet the conditions for a Type R visa.
3. Visa Type R (Resident): For those who aim to establish permanent residency in the country.

All three visa types allow for multiple entries, exits, and transits. Any visa with a validity of 180 days or more also permits the holder to study during the authorized stay.

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Requirements for Visa Application

General Requirements for the Principal Applicant

These are the general requirements for all visa applications:

• A valid passport or travel document in good condition with free space for visas.
• A completed electronic visa application form.
• All required documents, other than identity or travel documents, must have been issued no more than three months before the application.
• All documents from abroad must be apostilled or legalized and have an official translation into Spanish if not already in that language.
• Bank statements may be submitted without apostille, legalization, or translation if their content can be clearly understood by the visa officer.
• For criminal record certificates, the requirements depend on where the application is submitted.
• If applying from within Colombia, you must prove regular migratory status. If applying at a consulate abroad, you must provide a copy of the document proving your regular stay in that country.

Requirements for Beneficiaries

A beneficiary visa is granted to "economic dependents who are part of the family of the principal visa holder," such as a spouse or permanent partner, parents, or children under 25 (or older children with a disability preventing economic independence). This visa is available for dependents of holders of M, R, RES, and certain V visas.

In addition to the general requirements, beneficiaries must submit:

1. A copy of the principal visa holder's visa.
2. An authentic copy of the birth or civil registry record proving the family link.
3. A visa application letter signed by the principal holder, declaring dependency and financial responsibility for the beneficiary's travel and stay in Colombia.

It's important to note that a beneficiary visa does not permit the holder to work, and its validity cannot exceed that of the principal holder's visa.

Requirements for Minors

If the visa application is for a minor, the following are required:

1. A document proving the names of the parents or guardians (e.g., birth certificate, court order).
2. A written visa application from one of the parents or guardians, specifying who will be responsible for the minor's personal care in Colombia.
3. If the person responsible for the minor's care is not a parent or guardian, a written acceptance of this responsibility from that person is needed.

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Specific Requirements by Visa Type

Visitor (V) Visa

This visa is generally valid for 2 years (though this can vary) and is for those who want to visit temporarily for activities such as tourism, business, studies, medical treatment, or journalism. The specific requirements for each category are detailed in the resolution.

Migrant (M) Visa

Valid for up to 3 years (or less depending on a contract or study period), this visa is for those who want to settle in Colombia. Categories include spouses or children of Colombian nationals, workers, business owners, students, religious workers, and more. Specific requirements are outlined in the resolution.

Resident (R) Visa

With an indefinite validity, this visa is for those seeking permanent residence. It applies to individuals who have renounced Colombian nationality, parents of Colombian nationals by birth, those with accumulated residency time, or through direct foreign investment. The specific requirements for each category are detailed in the resolution.

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Visa Application Process

The visa application can be submitted virtually or in person at a Colombian consulate or the Bogotá office. The virtual process is as follows:

1. Fill out the electronic application form online, attaching the required documents as PDFs.
2. Pay the study fee within 15 calendar days. This fee is non-refundable.
3. The visa authority has 5 business days to make a decision (authorize, deem inadmissible, or reject). This period can be extended to 30 days if additional information is required.
4. Once the visa is authorized, you have 30 calendar days to pay the expedition fee.
5. After payment, the visa authority will issue and send the e-visa to your email address within 3 days.
6. You can request to have the visa printed and stamped in your passport at the consulate where you applied or at the Bogotá office.

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Visa Processing Costs

The Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs provides a cost calculator on its website that details the study and expedition fees for each visa type and category. It also specifies available payment methods. Note that certain nationalities, such as Ecuadorian, Japanese, Korean, Peruvian, Bolivian, and Spanish, may have fee exemptions or reductions.

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Impact of Coronavirus on Visa Applications

Due to the current Coronavirus contingency, Resolution 0408 of March 15, 2020, temporarily restricts entry to Colombia to nationals and foreigners with Migrant (M) and Resident (R) visas and their beneficiaries. Additionally, no visa applications submitted at consulates will be processed, and applications from foreigners outside the country will not be studied in Bogotá.