Colombia Visa Types

If you are planning to visit Colombia for tourism, business, or any other short-term purpose, you will need to obtain a temporary visa. The temporary visa allows foreign nationals to stay in Colombia for a maximum of 90 days. This visa is suitable for individuals who are visiting Colombia for sightseeing, attending cultural or sports events, visiting family or friends, or conducting short-term business trips.

To apply for a temporary visa, you will need to submit a visa application form, a valid passport, and other supporting documents, such as flight tickets, hotel reservations, or a letter of invitation from a Colombian citizen or company. The visa processing time varies, but it usually takes around 10 business days.

In addition to the temporary visa, Colombia also offers long-term or residence visas. These visas are suitable for individuals who want to stay in Colombia for an extended period for reasons such as employment, study, or research.

To apply for a residence visa, you will need to provide additional documents, such as a job offer letter or a letter of acceptance from a Colombian educational institution. The processing time for a residence visa can be longer than that of a temporary visa.

It is important to note that the visa requirements and application procedures may vary depending on the country of origin and the purpose of the visit. Therefore, it is advisable to check the specific requirements and regulations before submitting your visa application.

Obtaining a Colombia visa is essential for foreign nationals who plan to visit Colombia for any purpose. With the different visa options available, individuals can choose the visa that suits their needs and stay in Colombia legally for the duration of their visit.

Visa Types & Categories To Apply For Colombia

Colombia offers a range of visa types and categories for foreign nationals who wish to enter and stay in the country for various purposes, including work, study, tourism, and investment. The Colombian visa system is designed to facilitate the entry of foreigners into the country while maintaining security and order.

There are several types of visas available for those who wish to travel to Colombia, including tourist visas, student visas, work visas, and investment visas. Each visa type has its own specific requirements and restrictions, and the application process can vary depending on the type of visa and the applicant's country of origin.

Tourist visas are the most common type of visa issued by Colombia, and they allow foreign nationals to enter the country for a temporary stay of up to 90 days. Student visas are designed for those who wish to study in Colombia, while work visas are for individuals who have been offered a job in the country. Investment visas are available for those who wish to invest in Colombian businesses or make a significant financial contribution to the country.

In addition to these main visa types, there are also several other categories of visas available, such as the Special Administrative Unit of Migration (SAUM) visa, which is designed for those who work in the field of migration and border control, and the Special Temporary Visa (STV), which is issued to individuals who require special permission to enter the country for a short period of time.

Overall, the Colombian visa system offers a range of options for foreigners who wish to enter the country for various purposes, and understanding the different visa types and categories can help applicants choose the right visa for their needs and navigate the application process more easily.

  • Colombia Visitor Visa (V)
  • Colombia Migrant Visa (M)
  • Colombia Resident Visa (R)
  • Colombia Special Resident Peace Visa (Res)

Colombia Visitor Visa (V)

The Colombia Visitor Visa, also known as the temporary visa, is designed for foreign nationals who wish to visit Colombia for tourism, business, or other short-term purposes. This visa allows visitors to stay in Colombia for a maximum of 90 days.

The Visitor Visa is ideal for individuals who want to experience the vibrant culture, history, and natural beauty of Colombia. Visitors can explore the country's numerous attractions, such as the coffee plantations, colonial towns, and the stunning Caribbean and Pacific coasts.

To obtain a Visitor Visa, applicants need to complete a visa application form and provide supporting documents such as a valid passport, return flight tickets, and hotel reservations. The visa processing time is usually around 10 business days.

It is important to note that the Visitor Visa does not allow visitors to engage in any employment activities or study programs. If individuals want to stay in Colombia for a longer period for employment, study, or research purposes, they need to apply for a long-term or residence visa.

The Colombia Visitor Visa provides an excellent opportunity for individuals to experience the rich culture and natural beauty of Colombia. With the easy application process and reasonable visa requirements, obtaining a Visitor Visa is a straightforward process for those who wish to visit Colombia.

Colombia Migrant Visa (M)

The Colombia Migrant Visa (M) is a type of visa designed for foreign nationals who plan to establish residency in Colombia. This visa is ideal for those who intend to stay in Colombia for a prolonged period of time, as it provides a pathway to long-term residency in the country. With a Colombia Migrant Visa, you can live and work in Colombia without the need for additional work permits or visas.

The Migrant Visa is available to foreign nationals who meet certain eligibility requirements, including proof of financial stability and a clean criminal record. Applicants must also demonstrate that they intend to establish residency in Colombia and provide evidence of their purpose for doing so.

Once you obtain a Colombia Migrant Visa, you are required to register with the Colombian immigration authorities within 15 days of your arrival in the country. This registration process will allow you to obtain a Colombian national ID card (Cedula) and access to public services.

Overall, the Colombia Migrant Visa is a great option for foreign nationals looking to establish long-term residency in Colombia. With the visa, you can enjoy the many benefits of living and working in one of South America's most vibrant and dynamic countries.

Colombia Resident Visa ®

The Colombia Resident Visa, also known as the long-term visa, is designed for foreign nationals who want to stay in Colombia for an extended period for reasons such as employment, study, or research. This visa allows individuals to stay in Colombia for more than 90 days and up to three years, depending on the visa category.

The Resident Visa is ideal for individuals who wish to immerse themselves in the Colombian lifestyle and culture. It also provides opportunities for individuals to advance their careers, pursue higher education, or conduct research.

To obtain a Resident Visa, applicants need to complete a visa application form and provide supporting documents such as a valid passport, criminal record certificate, and evidence of financial means. The visa processing time may take longer than that of the Visitor Visa.

It is important to note that the requirements for obtaining a Resident Visa may vary depending on the specific visa category. For example, applicants for the Work Visa need to provide a job offer letter from a Colombian company or institution.

In summary, the Colombia Resident Visa provides an excellent opportunity for individuals to stay in Colombia for an extended period for employment, study, or research purposes. With the different visa categories available, individuals can choose the visa that suits their needs and enjoy the vibrant Colombian lifestyle and culture.

Colombia Special Resident Peace Visa (Res)

The Colombia Special Resident Peace Visa, also known as the RES visa, is a type of visa issued by the Colombian government to foreign nationals who wish to live and work in Colombia. This visa was introduced in 2017 as part of the government's efforts to promote peace and reconciliation following decades of armed conflict in the country.

The RES visa is specifically designed for individuals who have contributed to the peace process in Colombia or who have been victims of the conflict. This includes former combatants, human rights defenders, social leaders, and others who have made significant contributions to the peace process.

One of the key benefits of the RES visa is that it allows its holders to reside in Colombia for up to five years, during which time they are free to work, study, and travel within the country. RES visa holders are also eligible for Colombian citizenship after two years of residency, which can provide them with greater security and stability.

Overall, the Colombia Special Resident Peace Visa is an important tool for promoting peace and reconciliation in Colombia, and it provides valuable opportunities for individuals who have been affected by the conflict to build a new life in this vibrant and diverse country.

Frequently Asked questions

Colombia offers two main types of visas: the temporary or visitor visa and the long-term or resident visa. Within each of these categories, there are different visa types, such as the tourist visa, business visa, work visa, student visa, and retirement visa.

The visa requirements for entering Colombia depend on the country of origin. Some countries have visa-free entry agreements with Colombia, while others require a visa. It is advisable to check the visa requirements for your country of origin before traveling to Colombia.

The temporary or visitor visa allows foreign nationals to stay in Colombia for a maximum of 90 days. This visa is suitable for individuals who are visiting Colombia for tourism, business, or other short-term purposes.

No, individuals cannot work in Colombia with a visitor visa. If you wish to work in Colombia, you need to obtain a work visa.

The documents required to apply for a Colombia visa vary depending on the visa category and the purpose of the visit. Generally, applicants need to provide a valid passport, visa application form, and supporting documents such as flight tickets, hotel reservations, or a letter of invitation from a Colombian citizen or company.

The visa processing time varies depending on the visa category and the country of origin. Generally, it takes around 10 business days to process a visitor visa and longer for a long-term or residence visa.

Yes, individuals can apply for a visa extension if they wish to stay in Colombia for a longer period. The extension request must be submitted before the current visa expires.