Colombia Tourist Visa

Colombia is a popular tourist destination that offers a diverse range of attractions, including pristine beaches, bustling cities, and rich cultural heritage. Visitors from all over the world come to Colombia to explore its natural beauty, enjoy its vibrant nightlife, and experience its unique cuisine. To enter Colombia for tourism or short-term visits, visitors are required to obtain a Colombia Visitor Visa, also known as a Short-term Colombia Tourist eVisa.

The Colombia Visitor Visa is a travel authorization that allows visitors to enter Colombia for tourism or business purposes for a maximum stay of 90 days. It's a single-entry visa, which means that visitors must apply for a new visa if they leave Colombia and wish to re-enter the country. The visa is valid for 180 days from the date of issue, giving visitors ample time to plan their trip.

The Colombia Visitor Visa is an electronic visa, which means that the application process can be completed entirely online. This makes it more convenient for travelers as they can apply for the visa from the comfort of their homes or offices, without having to visit an embassy or consulate. The application process is straightforward and requires applicants to provide basic personal information, travel details, and passport information.

To be eligible for a Colombia Visitor Visa, applicants must have a valid passport with at least six months of validity remaining from the date of entry into Colombia. They must also have a return ticket or a ticket to continue their journey to another country. Additionally, visitors must have sufficient funds to support themselves during their stay in Colombia and must not have a criminal record.

The Colombia Visitor Visa application process typically takes around 3-5 business days to complete, although it's advisable to apply well in advance of the intended travel date. Once the visa is approved, visitors will receive a digital copy of the visa via email, which they must present to Colombian immigration officials upon arrival in the country.

Eligibility for Colombia Tourist eVisa

To be eligible for a Colombia Tourist eVisa, applicants must meet certain requirements set by the Colombian government. These requirements include:

Purpose of Visit: The eVisa is issued to individuals traveling to Colombia for tourism or business purposes only. Those who wish to study, work or live in Colombia must apply for a different type of visa.

Passport: Applicants must have a valid passport with at least six months of remaining validity from the date of entry into Colombia.

Travel itinerary: Applicants must provide a travel itinerary, including flight details and accommodation reservations.

Proof of funds: Applicants must show proof of sufficient funds to cover their expenses during their stay in Colombia.

No criminal record: Applicants must not have a criminal record or be associated with any criminal activity.

Health requirements: Visitors must have the required vaccinations and medical certificates, if applicable, to enter Colombia.

Consular jurisdiction: Applicants must apply for the eVisa through the Colombian embassy or consulate in their country of residence or nationality.

It's important to note that meeting the eligibility criteria does not guarantee the issuance of an eVisa. The Colombian government reserves the right to deny an eVisa application if it believes the applicant does not meet the requirements or poses a threat to national security. Therefore, it's advisable to carefully follow the application guidelines and provide all the necessary documentation to increase the chances of a successful application.

Documents Required for Colombia Tourist eVisa Application

The following are the documents required for a Colombia Tourist eVisa application:

Passport: A valid passport with at least six months' validity from the date of entry into Colombia.

Personal information: You need to provide your personal information, including your full name, date of birth, nationality, and contact information.

Travel information: Details of your itinerary, including your travel dates, accommodation, and intended destinations in Colombia.

Flight itinerary: A confirmed round-trip flight itinerary that shows your arrival and departure from Colombia.

Photograph: A recent, color photograph of yourself with a white background.

Payment: A valid credit or debit card to pay the visa processing fee.

Proof of financial means: You may be required to provide evidence of sufficient funds to cover your expenses during your stay in Colombia.

Travel insurance: Some applicants may be asked to provide proof of travel medical insurance that covers the duration of their stay in Colombia.

It is important to note that additional documents may be required depending on the applicant's nationality, purpose of travel, and other factors. 

How to Apply for Colombia Tourist eVisa

To apply for a Colombia Tourist eVisa, follow these steps:

Visit the official website: Go to the Colombia eVisa application portal and select "Tourist" as the visa type.

Fill out the application form: Fill out the online application form with your personal, travel, and passport details. Make sure all information is accurate and matches the details on your passport.

Upload documents: Upload all the required documents, including a copy of your passport, a recent photograph, and a round-trip flight itinerary.

Pay the fee: Pay the visa processing fee using a valid credit or debit card.

Submit the application: Review your application and submit it online.

Check your email: After submitting your application, you will receive a confirmation email with your application number.

Wait for processing: Your application will be reviewed by the Colombian authorities, and you will be notified of the status of your application by email.

Receive the eVisa: If your application is approved, you will receive your Colombia Tourist eVisa by email. Print out a copy of the eVisa and carry it with you when you travel to Colombia.

It is important to apply for the Colombia Tourist eVisa well in advance of your planned travel dates, as processing times may vary depending on the volume of applications and other factors.

Colombia Tourist Visa through Embassy

If you are planning to visit Colombia for tourism or business purposes and do not meet the requirements for an eVisa, you can apply for a Colombia Tourist Visa through the Colombian embassy or consulate in your country of residence or nationality.

To apply for a Colombia Tourist Visa through the embassy, you will need to provide the following documents:

  • A valid passport with at least six months of remaining validity from the date of entry into Colombia.
  • A completed visa application form, which can be downloaded from the embassy or consulate's website.
  • Two recent passport-sized photos.
  • A copy of your flight itinerary.
  • Proof of funds to cover your expenses during your stay in Colombia.
  • A letter explaining the purpose of your visit to Colombia and your itinerary.
  • A criminal background check.
  • A medical certificate, if applicable.

Once you have gathered all the required documents, you will need to schedule an appointment with the embassy or consulate to submit your application. 

If you are not eligible for a Colombia Tourist eVisa, you may need to apply for a Colombia Tourist Visa through the Colombian embassy or consulate in your country. 

Here is an overview of the application process:

Check the requirements: Check the website of the Colombian embassy or consulate in your country to determine the specific requirements for a Colombia Tourist Visa. These may vary depending on your nationality, country of residence, and purpose of travel.

Gather documents: Gather all the required documents, which may include your passport, a visa application form, a passport photo, proof of travel arrangements and accommodation, proof of financial means to support your stay, a criminal record check, and other supporting documents as required.

Schedule an appointment: Contact the Colombian embassy or consulate in your country to schedule an appointment to submit your visa application. Some embassies may allow you to submit your application by mail.

Submit your application: Attend your scheduled appointment or send your application by mail. Make sure to provide all the required documents and pay any fees associated with the application.

Wait for processing: Wait for your visa application to be processed. Processing times may vary, so check with the embassy or consulate for estimated processing times.

Collect your visa: Once your visa application has been approved, you can collect your visa from the embassy or consulate or have it mailed to you.

Enter Colombia: With your visa, you can now enter Colombia for the purpose of tourism. Make sure to adhere to the conditions of your visa, including the duration of stay and any restrictions on employment or study.

Difference between Colombia Tourist eVisa & Tourist Visa through Embassy

The main difference between a Colombia Tourist eVisa and a tourist visa obtained through the Colombian embassy is the application process and the time it takes to obtain the visa.

A Colombia Tourist eVisa can be applied for online and usually takes a few business days to process, while a tourist visa through the embassy requires an in-person appointment and can take several weeks to process.

Additionally, the requirements for each visa may vary slightly. For example, the documents required for a tourist visa through the embassy may differ from those required for a Tourist eVisa.

Another difference is the cost; a tourist visa through the embassy may have higher fees and additional expenses such as travel to the embassy, while the Tourist eVisa has a standard processing fee and can be applied for from anywhere with an internet connection.

However, both visas offer the same duration of stay and validity periods. A Colombia Tourist eVisa is valid for 90 days and can be extended for up to 180 days, while a tourist visa obtained through the embassy is also valid for 90 days and can be extended for up to an additional 90 days.

Ultimately, the choice between a Colombia Tourist eVisa and a tourist visa through the embassy will depend on personal preference, convenience, and individual circumstances.

Processing Time for Colombia Tourist eVisa

The processing time for a Colombia Tourist eVisa can vary depending on a few factors such as the number of applications being processed and the accuracy and completeness of your application. Generally, the processing time for a Colombia Tourist eVisa is around 3 to 5 business days. However, it is always recommended to apply well in advance of your travel date in case there are any delays or issues with your application. If you have any concerns about the processing time for your Colombia Tourist eVisa

Validity and Duration of Stay for Colombia Tourist eVisa

The validity and duration of stay for a Colombia Tourist eVisa are as follows:

Validity: The Colombia Tourist eVisa is valid for 90 days from the date of issue. This means that you must enter Colombia within 90 days of the eVisa being issued, or the eVisa will expire.

Duration of stay: Once you enter Colombia with a Tourist eVisa, you are allowed to stay for a maximum of 90 days. This period starts from the date of your entry into Colombia and cannot be extended beyond the 90-day limit.

If you wish to stay in Colombia beyond the 90-day limit, you will need to leave the country and re-enter using a new visa. Alternatively, you may be able to apply for an extension of your stay with the Colombian immigration authorities while you are in the country. However, extensions are not guaranteed and are subject to the discretion of the authorities.

It is important to note that overstaying your visa in Colombia can result in fines, deportation, and difficulties in obtaining visas for future visits. It is always best to adhere to the visa regulations and ensure that you have the appropriate documentation before traveling to Colombia.

Extension of Colombia Tourist Visa

If you wish to stay in Colombia for longer than the duration permitted by your Colombia Tourist Visa, you may be able to apply for an extension.

To apply for a Colombia Tourist Visa extension, you will need to visit the Migración Colombia office or the nearest Colombian embassy or consulate. You must apply for the extension at least 15 days before your visa expires.

The following documents are generally required for a Colombia Tourist Visa extension:

  • A valid passport with at least six months of remaining validity from the date of entry into Colombia.
  • A copy of your current Colombia Tourist Visa.
  • Proof of financial means to cover your expenses during your extended stay in Colombia.
  • Proof of a return or onward ticket or evidence of sufficient funds to purchase one.
  • A letter explaining the reasons for your extension request and your itinerary.

It's important to note that approval of a visa extension is at the discretion of the Colombian authorities and is not guaranteed. Additionally, the length of the extension and the fees can vary depending on the reason for the extension and the applicant's nationality.

It's recommended to apply for the extension well in advance of your visa expiration date to avoid any issues or travel disruption.

Restrictions and Prohibitions for Colombia Tourist eVisa Holders

While traveling to Colombia with a Tourist eVisa, there are some restrictions and prohibitions that visitors must adhere to. These restrictions are put in place to ensure the safety and security of tourists, locals, and the country as a whole. Here are some of the key restrictions and prohibitions for Colombia Tourist eVisa holders:

Employment: Holders of a Colombia Tourist eVisa are not allowed to engage in any employment activities while in Colombia.

Extension of stay: Tourist eVisa holders can only stay in Colombia for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Overstaying your visa can result in fines, deportation, or even legal action.

Criminal activities: It is illegal to participate in any criminal activities while in Colombia. Violations of local laws can result in severe punishment, including imprisonment.

Drug trafficking: Drug trafficking is a serious crime in Colombia and is strictly prohibited. Visitors caught participating in drug trafficking activities can face severe legal consequences.

Weapons and ammunition: Bringing weapons or ammunition into Colombia is strictly prohibited without proper authorization from Colombian authorities.

Political activities: Tourists are not allowed to engage in any political activities while in Colombia, including participating in protests, rallies, or demonstrations.

Cultural heritage items: It is illegal to purchase or export any cultural heritage items from Colombia without proper documentation and authorization from Colombian authorities.

It's essential to follow all of these restrictions and prohibitions while visiting Colombia with a Tourist eVisa. Failure to do so can result in severe legal consequences, including fines, imprisonment, and deportation.

Frequently Asked questions

Citizens of certain countries are eligible to apply for a Colombia Tourist eVisa. The full list of eligible countries can be found on the Colombian government's immigration website.

Processing times for a Colombia Tourist eVisa typically take a few business days, but can take up to 10 business days in some cases.

A Colombia Tourist eVisa is valid for 90 days from the date of issue.

The maximum duration of stay allowed with a Colombia Tourist eVisa is 90 days.

Yes, a Colombia Tourist eVisa can be extended for up to 90 days. However, extensions are not guaranteed and are subject to the discretion of the Colombian immigration authorities.

No, a Colombia Tourist eVisa does not allow you to work in Colombia. If you wish to work in Colombia, you will need to obtain a work visa.

No, a Colombia Tourist eVisa does not allow you to study in Colombia. If you wish to study in Colombia, you will need to obtain a student visa.

No, a Colombia Tourist eVisa is a single-entry visa. If you leave Colombia and wish to return, you will need to obtain a new visa.

No, you must apply for a Colombia Tourist eVisa before entering Colombia. If you are already in Colombia, you will need to leave the country and apply from outside.

You will receive an email notification once your Colombia Tourist eVisa application has been processed. You can also check the status of your application on the Colombian government's immigration website.