Colombia tourist visa: application guide

This comprehensive guide provides essential information for international travelers planning to visit Colombia for tourism. It covers the need for a Colombia tourist visa, eligibility criteria, application procedures, required documentation, processing times, fees, and restrictions. It also addresses common questions regarding extending the tourist visa and the possibility of working in Colombia with this visa type. This guide aims to assist travelers in navigating the visa process smoothly and understanding their rights and obligations while visiting Colombia as tourists.

Hailed as one of South America’s most bio-diverse countries, Colombia is a sought-after holiday destination among international travelers who wish to connect with nature. The Latin American nation is a prime location to spot wildlife and experience the unique culture and quaint countryside.

Most foreign travelers who wish to visit Colombia need a Colombia tourist visa. A visitor visa for tourism is the legal permission granted to citizens of visa-required countries. Read on to know more about Colombian short-term visas for tourism.

Colombia visa for tourism

The government of Colombia issues Type V (visitor) visas for foreigners who plan to come to the country for various purposes, including tourism, business, medical treatments, journalism, and participating in sporting, cultural, or religious events.

A Colombia visa for tourism can be granted for trips as short as one week to three years and also for single and multiple entries.

Who needs a visa for tourism in Colombia

International travelers from all visa-required countries need a Colombia tourist/visitor visa to travel to the country. Travelers from about 102 countries, including the USA, UK, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, and most Schengen nations, do not need a visa to enter Colombia for short-term stays related to tourism.

Visitors from these countries can stay up to 180 days in the South American nation in a calendar year without a visa. They have to, however, get an extension within 90 days of arrival. Foreign travelers from all visa-required nations, such as India, Sri Lanka, and Cambodia, should get a Colombian tourist visa (type V) to visit the country for tourism.

Who is eligible for a tourist visa for Colombia

Genuine tourists who meet the character and health requirements to apply for the visa are eligible for it. They need to provide proof of economic solvency and declare their intentions to leave the country after the permitted period of stay.

How to apply for a Colombian tourist visa

Foreign travelers planning to obtain a Colombian tourist visa must follow these steps:

• Where to Apply: Apply at the nearest Colombian embassy or consulate. If already in Colombia, applications can be submitted at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs office in Bogotá, provided a valid passport is available.
• Start Online: Begin by completing the online application form on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website. Provide accurate personal details such as:
• Additional Information: Answer questions about the purpose of the visit, travel itinerary, accommodation, and any previous visa denials. Honesty is crucial to avoid denial.
• Time Limit: The online session expires in 30 minutes, so gather all necessary documents beforehand to complete the form on time.
• Document Submission: Attach scanned copies of required documents and select the nearest consulate for submission. Make the payment online.
• Schedule Appointment: After submitting the application, book an appointment at the chosen consulate.
• In-Person Visit: During the appointment:
• Visa Notification: The embassy will notify applicants of their visa status via email. Approved visas can either:
• Special Note for Applications in Colombia: If applying within Colombia, select the Ministry of Foreign Affairs office in Bogotá as the application location. Approved visas can be collected from this office.

Documents required for a Colombia tourist visa

All applicants should submit the following documents:

• A passport that is valid for a minimum of six months
• A copy of the information page of the passport (for online application)
• Details of previous Colombian visas (If any)
• Passport-size photographs in jpeg format (If uploading online). It should be a recent photo taken against a white background.
• Bank statements from the last six months as proof of funds
• Details of travel itinerary, including the flight tickets
• Accommodation details.
• If the applicant is visiting a family member in Colombia, he/she should submit proof of their relationship.

Note that travelers arriving from countries with a risk of yellow fever should submit a yellow fever certificate. Applicants should complete the visa application procedure within 15 days of the online submission of the application forms. In most cases, the personal interview date is scheduled within seven days of completing the application form.

What is the processing time for the Colombian tourist visa

The processing time for the visitor visa for Colombia varies from consulate to consulate. However, most Colombian missions complete the process within five business days. It can go up to 30 days. Various factors, such as a high volume of applications and errors in the application forms, can cause delays.

What is the visa processing fee

The processing fee for a Colombia visitor visa for tourism differs from country to country. The cost of the visa varies from 19 USD (in Algeria) to 45 USD.

Applicants can make online payments using approved credit or debit cards. If the applicant is in Colombia at the time of application, they can make the payment through the Servibanca ATM or banks approved by the government of the country.

In a few Colombian missions, applicants will have to pay at the embassy at the time of personal interview as there is no online payment facility. Applicants are encouraged to contact the embassy for the latest fee updates.

Visa extension

Foreign nationals staying in the country with a tourist visa for Colombia can extend their stay. They can apply for an extension at the nearest office of Colombian immigration. All major cities of Colombia have immigration centers. It is important that the Colombian immigration form (aka Check Mig) is applied for prior to arrival.

Applicants should make sure to apply for the extension before the expiry of their current visa. If they apply afterward, they will be asked to pay fines for overstaying their visa validity period.

Can I work with my tourist visa for Colombia

Travelers arriving in Colombia on a visitor visa for tourism cannot engage in paid employment in the country. Foreigners should apply for an M (Migrant) category work visa to be able to work in Colombia.

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Conclusion

Colombia is a sought-after destination for international travelers seeking to connect with nature and experience unique culture and quaint countryside. While visitors from about 102 countries can enter Colombia for short-term stays related to tourism without a visa, travelers from all visa-required countries must obtain a Colombia tourist visa. Eligible tourists must provide proof of economic solvency, declare their intentions to leave the country after the permitted period of stay and submit a range of documents such as bank statements, accommodation details, and proof of relationship with family members if visiting. The visa processing time and fee vary, and tourists cannot engage in paid employment in the country with a tourist visa.