V-Type Visa for Vessel Crew or Offshore Platform Workers

To enter and work in Colombian jurisdictional waters as a vessel crew member or on an offshore platform, foreigners must apply for this visa, which is valid for 2 years. This visa grants permission to work only on the vessel or platform specified in the visa approval but also allows activities such as business dealings, market research, investment plans, and company creation.

General Requirements for the V-Type Visa as Vessel Crew

These requirements depend on whether the application is made with the support of an institution or not:

Personal Application or Supported by a Natural Person

A written communication from the applicant and/or the natural person supporting the application, including:

• Full identification of the applicant and/or the supporting natural person.

• A brief explanation of the relationship or link between the foreigner and the natural person, if any.

• A detailed explanation of the activity the foreigner intends to carry out in Colombian territory.

• A declaration of financial responsibility for the foreigner's travel and stay expenses.

• Proof of liquidity from the applicant and/or supporting natural person through bank statements for the 6 months prior to the application.

Application with Institutional Support

A written communication signed by the legal representative of the legal entity supporting the application, which should include:

• Full identification of the legal entity and contact information.

• Full identification of the foreigner.

• A detailed explanation of the activity the foreigner intends to carry out in Colombian territory.

• Explanation of the relationship or link with the foreigner and the foreigner’s special qualification or expertise, if applicable.

• Declaration of financial responsibility for the foreigner’s travel and stay expenses.

• Proof of liquidity from the legal entity through bank statements for the 6 months prior to the application, unless it is a public entity.

• A certificate of existence and representation or an equivalent document if the supporting legal entity is private and incorporated abroad.

Important Notes:

• Documents (except for identity and travel documents) must have been issued no more than 3 months before the application.

• Foreign documents must be legalized or apostilled.

• If documents are in a language other than Spanish, they must be translated officially and legalized or apostilled.

• The Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs may request criminal background checks.

Costs for the V-Type Visa as Vessel Crew

There are two payments to be made:

At the time of application for processing:

• If the application is made from Europe or Cuba, the fee is €40.

• If the application is made from Colombia or the rest of the world, the fee is €52.

• If an Ecuadorian national applies from Europe or Cuba, the fee is €23.

• If an Ecuadorian national applies from Colombia or the rest of the world, the fee is US$30.

• A Spanish national does not incur a fee.

• If the vessel or platform operates in areas near San Andrés, Providencia, and Santa Catalina, there is no fee.

At the time of visa approval for issuance:

• If the application is made from Europe or Cuba, the fee is €131.

• If the application is made from Colombia or the rest of the world, the fee is $170.

• A Peruvian national establishing themselves in the Amazon and Putumayo river basins, or an Ecuadorian, Spanish, Japanese, or Korean national, has no fee.

• If the vessel or platform operates in areas near San Andrés, Providencia, and Santa Catalina, there is no fee.

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