Colombia Visa Policy

Colombia is a country located in South America known for its rich culture, stunning landscapes, and diverse population. Whether you are visiting Colombia for tourism, business, or transit purposes, you may need to obtain a visa to enter the country. In this article, we will discuss the visa policy of Colombia and the eVisa program that allows travelers to apply for a visa online.

The visa policy of Colombia outlines the rules and regulations for foreign nationals entering the country. The policy is based on the principle of reciprocity, meaning that Colombia applies the same visa requirements to foreign nationals as those applied by their country of origin to Colombian citizens. Nationals of some countries may enter Colombia without a visa for short stays, while others will need to apply for a visa prior to their travel.

Citizens of countries such as the United States, Canada, and European Union member states are among those who can enter Colombia without a visa for stays of up to 90 days. However, nationals of other countries, such as China, India, and Russia, will need to obtain a visa prior to their travel. The type of visa required will depend on the purpose and length of the visit.

In addition to traditional visas, Colombia also offers an eVisa program that allows travelers to apply for a visa online. The eVisa program simplifies the visa application process by allowing travelers to complete the application and submit the required documents electronically. The eVisa application is processed online, and applicants can track the status of their application at any time.

The eVisa program is available for travelers entering Colombia for tourism, business, or transit purposes. The eVisa application process is generally faster than the traditional visa application process, and applicants can receive their visa electronically, eliminating the need to visit a Colombian embassy or consulate in person.

Whether you are planning to visit Colombia for tourism, business, or transit purposes, it is important to check the visa policy of Colombia and determine if you need a visa to enter the country. If you are eligible for the eVisa program, it can be a convenient and efficient way to obtain a visa and make your travel to Colombia smoother and more enjoyable.

Who Needs an eVisa for Colombia?

Not all travelers to Colombia need an eVisa. The eVisa program is available for citizens of select countries who wish to visit Colombia for tourism, business, or transit purposes. The list of eligible countries is subject to change, so it is important to check the current eVisa requirements before planning your trip.

As of 2021, citizens of the following countries are eligible for the Colombia eVisa program:

It is important to note that even if you are eligible for the eVisa program, you may still be required to apply for a traditional visa depending on the purpose and length of your visit. It is recommended to consult with the nearest Colombian embassy or consulate for guidance on the visa requirements for your specific situation.

Who Does Not Needs a Visa for Colombia?

Citizens of certain countries do not need a visa to enter Colombia for short stays. These countries are generally part of the visa waiver program, which means their citizens can enter Colombia without a visa for tourism or business purposes for a specific period. The length of the stay varies depending on the country and the purpose of the trip.

The following countries are part of the visa waiver program with Colombia:

Citizens of the countries mentioned above can enter Colombia using only their ID card and are not required to obtain a visa for tourism or business purposes for a specified duration. They can request permission to stay in the country for an additional 90 days, which allows them to extend their stay for up to 180 days without the need for a visa. It's important to note that it's not possible to request a second extension beyond the 180-day limit.

Entering Colombia With Another Type of Visa

If you hold a short-stay visa or residence permit issued by a Schengen country or the USA and are from one of the following countries, you can enter Colombia without a Colombian visa for a maximum of 90 days:

1. Cambodia
2. China
3. India
4. Macau (up to 180 days)
5. Myanmar
6. Thailand
7. Vietnam

It is important to note that your visa or residence permit must be valid for at least another 180 days from the date of arrival in Colombia. This allows you to enter and stay in Colombia for up to 90 days without the need for a separate Colombian visa.

Colombia's eVisa Program: Eligibility and Benefits

Colombia's eVisa program allows citizens of eligible countries to apply for and receive a visa electronically, without having to visit a Colombian embassy or consulate. Here are some key eligibility and benefits of Colombia's eVisa program:

Eligibility:

• The eVisa program is available to citizens of certain countries who wish to enter Colombia for specific purposes, including tourism, business, medical treatment, or to transit through the country.
• The eligibility criteria vary depending on the purpose of the trip and the applicant's nationality. To check whether you are eligible for an eVisa, you can visit the Colombian government's eVisa website or consult with a Colombian embassy or consulate.

Benefits:

• The eVisa application process is entirely online, which means you can apply for a visa from the comfort of your own home, office, or anywhere with an internet connection.
• The eVisa process is generally faster and more convenient than traditional visa application processes, which may require in-person appointments, additional paperwork, and longer processing times.
• Once your eVisa is approved, you can simply print out a copy of the eVisa or show it on your smartphone or tablet when you arrive in Colombia.
• The eVisa is valid for a specific period of time, allowing you to enter and exit Colombia multiple times during that period as long as you do not exceed the maximum allowed stay.
• The eVisa is a secure and reliable way to obtain a visa, as it is issued directly by the Colombian government and includes biometric information to prevent fraud or misuse.

Overall, Colombia's eVisa program offers a streamlined and efficient way to obtain a visa for eligible travelers, making it easier to visit the country for a variety of purposes.

Duration and Validity of Colombia Visas

The duration of a Colombia visa is determined by the type of visa and the decision of the Consular or Immigration Authorities. The following are the general guidelines for visa duration:

• Colombia Visitor Visas allow a stay of up to 90 days. In some cases, they can be granted for longer than 90 days, but not more than two years.
• Colombia Migrant Visas are granted for up to three years at a time and are renewable.
• Colombia Resident Visas are granted for five years at a time and are renewable.

It is important to note that the duration of stay allowed by your visa should be strictly followed to avoid any negative consequences. If you wish to extend your stay, you may apply for an extension with the immigration authorities, but the decision to approve or deny the extension request will be based on various factors.

Extension of Stay and Overstaying Consequences

If you are in Colombia and wish to extend your stay beyond the duration granted by your visa, you may apply for an extension with the Colombian immigration authorities. The extension request should be made at least 15 days before the expiration of the current visa, and you must provide a valid reason for the extension, such as a medical emergency or unforeseen circumstances.

If your extension is approved, the immigration authorities will issue a new entry stamp with an extended duration of stay. The duration of the extension will depend on the type of visa and the specific circumstances of your case. It is important to note that the immigration authorities may deny an extension request for various reasons, including failure to provide sufficient documentation or lack of a valid reason for the extension.

If you overstay your visa in Colombia, you may face consequences such as fines, deportation, or difficulty obtaining future visas. The fine for overstaying is currently set at around COP 104,000 per day (approximately USD 30). Additionally, if you overstay for more than 180 days, you may be banned from entering Colombia for a certain period of time, typically up to two years.

It is important to follow the rules and regulations regarding visa duration and extensions to avoid any negative consequences. If you are unsure about your visa status or have questions about extending your stay, it is recommended to consult with a Colombian immigration lawyer or the nearest Colombian embassy or consulate.