Religious visa in Colombia How to obtain it?

Colombia Religious Visa: A Complete Guide

The Colombian religious visa is ideal for foreigners traveling to Colombia as religious personnel or missionaries representing a church or religious entity recognized in the country. The required visa for these purposes is the visa type M, which has a vigency of three years. If you wish to know more about the different types of visas a foreigner can apply for in Colombia, we invite you to read our related article. If you're wondering What is the Easiest Visa to Obtain in Colombia?, we also have information on that topic.

General Requirements

Several documents are required for all visa applications. These are the general requirements for Colombian visas:

• Valid passport or travel document in good condition with space for a visa.
• Copy of the main page of the passport or travel document (biographical data).
• If currently in Colombia, proof of regular immigration status (latest entry, exit stamp, or safe conduct).
• If outside Colombia, a copy of the document proving regular residency in that country.
• Recent passport-style photograph (3x4 cm), color, white background, facing forward, JPG format, maximum 300 KB.

Important Considerations:

• Documents must have an issuance date less than 3 months prior to submitting the application (except for identity and travel documents).
• Documents from abroad must have an apostille or legalization.
• Documents in languages other than Spanish must have an official translation into Spanish, apostilled or legalized.
• The Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs may request criminal record information.

Specific Requirements

Additionally, if you are a religious person or missionary, you must attach the following to your application:

• Document certifying the recognition and legal representation of the religious congregation, order, or corporation (issued by the competent Diocese/Arquidiócesis or the Ministry of the Interior).

Requirements Checklist

Documents needed for a Colombian religious visa application:

Costs of the Colombian Religious Visa Process

The Colombian religious visa process involves two costs:

1. First, a payment corresponding to the processing fee. This payment must be made when submitting the application and may vary depending on the location.

   • If the application is processed from Europe and Cuba, the cost is €40.00; from Colombia and the rest of the world, it is US$52.00.
   • For Ecuadorian nationals, the cost is €23.00 if applied for in Europe and Cuba, and US$30.00 in the rest of the world.
   • Spanish nationals are exempt from this processing fee.

2. Second, once the application is approved, a fee for visa issuance must be paid.

   • If paid in Europe and Cuba, the cost is €177.00; from Colombia and the rest of the world, it is US$230.00.
   • Nationals of the Republic of Peru residing in the Amazon and Putumayo river basins, Ecuadorians, Spaniards, Japanese, and Koreans are exempt from the visa issuance fee.

Formas de Pago

Several payment options are available:

1. In-person at public service offices located in Bogotá and Colombian consulates abroad.
2. Online via the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website using PSE or VISA and MasterCard credit cards.
3. SERVIBANCA ATMs located in Colombia.
4. GNB Sudameris bank branches.

Processing Time

The processing time depends on two phases: application and e-visa issuance.

• Application: Initially, the application is submitted, followed by payment. The visa authority has up to 5 business days to issue an opinion. However, this period may extend to 30 calendar days if additional information is required. If you're wondering what happens if your visa application is denied in Colombia, we have an article that can help.
• Issuance: Subsequently, the authority has up to 3 business days to issue and send the e-visa.

Applying for a Colombian Religious Visa Online

For a faster and more convenient application, go to www.cancilleria.gov.co, look for "trámites y servicios" (procedures and services), then "visa," and finally "online visa application." Follow the instructions, fill out your personal information as it appears in your passport. The "application registration number" field should be filled in with the application number sent to your email if you have a previously registered application. If it's your first application, leave this field blank.

Upon completing the form, the system will assign a number that you will receive in your email.

Next, select an option from each dropdown menu, for example: visa type, application type, etc. It's essential that no field is left blank.

Then, proceed to complete all requested information accurately and avoid typing errors.

Next, attach a recent passport-style photograph in JPG format, color, white background, facing forward, and weighing a maximum of 300 KB.

After this, upload the supporting documents in order, as they appear in the list. Remember that the required documents are those requested for the type of application and must be in PDF format.

Finally, select the office where you want your visa application processed and choose your payment method.

It is crucial to check your email as you will receive the application number and all notifications concerning the process. For a general overview of the Colombian visa process for foreigners or a Complete Guide to Applying for a Colombian Visa: Steps, Requirements, and Tips 2025, consult our guides.

Can I Apply for the Visa if I'm Outside Colombia?

Yes, you can apply for a religious visa in Colombia online through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website or at a Colombian consulate.

Can I Work with This Visa?

Individuals granted a type M visa for religious or missionary purposes are not permitted to work in Colombia. If you are interested in other options, you can explore the Colombian work visa.

Contact Us

At Servicio Legal, we have expert immigration lawyers who provide the legal advice you need for your Colombian religious visa application. We also advise on important requirements such as health insurance in Colombia, a requirement for the Colombian visa and EPS affiliation for foreigners with a type M visa in Colombia. Our Immigration Lawyers, Alien Law, or Foreigners Law experts are ready to assist you.

Contact us, our lawyers are ready to help you.