If you are thinking of traveling to Colombia, you are probably wondering what kind of visa you need to enter and stay in the country. In this article we will provide you with all the information you need to obtain the Colombian Visa easily and quickly.
Complete Guide to the Colombian Visa: Types, Requirements and Procedures
Types of Colombian Visa
There are different types of visas in Colombia, depending on the purpose of your trip. The most common are:
Tourist Visa
This visa is granted to foreigners who wish to visit Colombia for a maximum period of 180 days. It is important to note that this visa does not allow you to work in the country.
Work Visa
This visa is granted to foreigners who wish to work in Colombia for a period longer than 180 days. To obtain it, it is necessary to have a job offer from a Colombian company.
Student Visa
This visa is granted to foreigners who wish to study in Colombia for a period of more than 180 days. A letter of acceptance from a Colombian educational institution is required.
Business Visa
This visa is granted to foreigners who wish to carry out commercial activities in Colombia, such as attending business meetings, signing contracts, etc.
What is required to obtain a Colombian Visa?
The requirements to obtain the Colombian Visa vary according to the type of visa you wish to obtain. However, in general, the following documents are required:
- Valid passport with a minimum validity of six months.
- Visa application form duly completed.
- Recent passport size photo.
- Proof of payment of the corresponding consular fee.
- Documents supporting the reason for your trip, such as a letter of invitation, a job offer, a letter of acceptance from an educational institution, etc.
How much does it cost to apply for a Colombian Visa?
The cost of the Colombian Visa process varies according to the type of visa you wish to obtain. In general, the cost of fees ranges from US$50 to US$300. It is important to note that this cost does not include fees for additional services provided by third parties.
How long does it take to process a Colombian Visa?
The waiting time for obtaining the Colombian Visa also varies according to the type of visa you wish to obtain. In general, the application process can take up to 30 business days on average.
However, it is important to keep in mind that on some occasions, the process may take longer, especially in times of high demand.
How is Colombian Nationality acquired by Marriage?
To acquire Colombian Nationality by Marriage, it is necessary to comply with the following requirements:
- Have been married to a Colombian citizen for at least two years.
- Demonstrate that you have lived in Colombia continuously for the last two years.
- Demonstrate that you have a good criminal record.
- Pass a test on basic knowledge of Colombia and its culture.
Who grants Visas in Colombia?
In Colombia, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is in charge of granting visas. It is important to note that the visa application process is done through the Colombian embassies and consulates abroad.
How long can I stay as a tourist in Colombia?
Foreign tourists may stay in Colombia for a maximum period of 180 days, for countries that are exempt from applying for a tourist visa.
However, it is important to note that this stay cannot be extended and work is not allowed during this period.
How to obtain the Colombian Passport for Foreigners?
A passport is an identification document issued to citizens of a country.
A foreigner may obtain a Colombian passport as long as he/she complies with the requirements established for this purpose.
To obtain a Colombian passport it is necessary to be a Colombian citizen or have Colombian nationality.
It is important to note that foreigners residing in Colombia may apply for Colombian nationality after complying with the requirements established by law, such as having resided legally in Colombia for a certain period of time.
Once the foreigner has acquired Colombian nationality, he/she may apply for a Colombian passport.
How much does it cost for a foreigner to obtain a passport in Colombia?
The cost of passport processing for a foreigner in Colombia varies according to the exchange rate and the length of time the passport is valid. Currently, the cost to obtain a Colombian passport is around 250,000 COP (approximately 65 USD) for a passport.
Recommendations to foreigners who wish to visit Colombia and stay on a regular basis.
- Make sure you have all the necessary documentation to obtain the corresponding visa.
- Find out about entry and exit requirements, as well as work or study permits if you need them.
- Research about Colombia’s most important tourist sites, customs and traditions.
- Keep your passport and important documents in a safe place.
- Always carry a copy of your passport and travel documents with you in case you lose them.
- Find out about safety recommendations for foreign travelers in Colombia.
If you are planning to visit Colombia for tourism, work, study or business, we recommend that you find out more about the different types of visas and the specific requirements for each of them.
By following these recommendations, you will be able to enjoy all that Colombia has to offer and make your trip an unforgettable experience.
Foreigners visiting Colombia
According to statistics from the Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Migración Colombia, in 2022 the main countries of origin of foreigners visiting Colombia and requesting visas were: Mexico, Argentina, the United States and Brazil.
As for the first quarter of 2023, the main countries of origin of foreigners visiting Colombia and requesting visas were: Mexico, the United States, Argentina and Peru.
Top 10 countries of foreigners visiting Colombia in 2022 and January-March 2023, according to the Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Migración Colombia.
Main countries of origin of foreigners visiting Colombia in 2022:
- United States
- Mexico
- Argentina
- Chile
- Brazil
- Peru
- Spain
- Ecuador
- Canada
- France
Main countries of origin of foreigners visiting Colombia in January-March 2023:
- United States
- Mexico
- Argentina
- Brazil
- Chile
- Peru
- Spain
- Canada
- Ecuador
- France
As for the types of visas most requested by foreigners visiting Colombia in 2022 and January-March 2023, according to the Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, they are as follows:
Main types of visas requested in 2022:
- Business Visa
- Tourist Visa
- Work Visa
- Student Visa
- Temporary Visa
Main types of visas requested in January-March 2023:
- Tourist Visa
- Business Visa
- Work Visa
- Temporary Visa
- Student Visa
It is important to note that data may vary depending on the source and the time period analyzed.
Nevertheless, these statistics can be useful to have a general idea of the main countries of origin and visa types of foreigners visiting Colombia.
Business Visa for Colombia
The Business Visa, also known as the Temporary Visitor Visa for Business (V Visa) in Colombia, is a type of visa that allows foreigners to carry out business-related activities in Colombia, such as attending business meetings, conducting commercial activities, participating in business events, among others.
This visa is issued for a maximum stay of 180 days and can be extended once for a similar period.
Investor Visa for Colombia
As for the Investment Visa, this is a type of visa that is aimed at those foreigners who want to invest in Colombia and who meet certain requirements established by the Colombian authorities.
This visa allows foreigners to carry out business activities in Colombia, including the creation of companies, the making of investments and the development of investment projects.
It is important to mention that the Business Visa and the Investment Visa are different types of visas, although both are related to the business and entrepreneurial field.
References
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Colombia: https://www.cancilleria.gov.co/
National Civil Registry Office: https://www.registraduria.gov.co/
Migración Colombia: https://www.migracioncolombia.gov.co/
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