What Are the Requirements for a Colombia Visa?

Colombia is a popular tourist and business destination for people from all over the world. Whether you are planning a short vacation or a long-term stay in Colombia, you will need to obtain the appropriate visa to enter and stay legally in the country. The specific requirements for a Colombia visa will depend on the purpose of your visit, the length of your stay, and your nationality.

In general, the requirements for a Colombia visa include a valid passport, a completed visa application form, proof of financial means, and any supporting documents related to the purpose of your visit, such as a job offer letter, proof of enrollment in a Colombian educational institution, or a letter of invitation from a Colombian resident. Additionally, all travelers to Colombia must show proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken no more than 72 hours before their departure.

Other requirements may include a police clearance certificate, medical certificate, travel itinerary, and travel insurance. It is important to carefully review the requirements for your specific visa category and ensure that you have all the necessary documents and information before submitting your visa application.

The visa application process typically involves filling out an online application form, scheduling an appointment at the Colombian embassy or consulate in your home country, and paying the applicable visa fees. The processing time for a Colombia visa can vary depending on the visa category and other factors, so it is recommended to apply well in advance of your planned travel date.

It is important to note that some nationalities are eligible for visa-free entry or visa on arrival in Colombia for short stays, while others may be required to obtain a visa in advance. Additionally, the requirements and processes for obtaining a Colombia visa may change from time to time.

Colombia Visa Requirements

Sure, here's a brief overview of the requirements for obtaining a Colombia visa:

Visa Categories: There are several visa categories available for entry into Colombia, including tourist, business, student, work, resident, investment, and religious visas.

Passport: A valid passport with at least six months of validity remaining is required for entry into Colombia.

Visa Application Form: Applicants must complete a visa application form with all required information and submit it online.

Proof of Financial Means: Applicants must demonstrate that they have sufficient financial means to support their stay in Colombia. This can be done by providing bank statements, income tax returns, or a letter from an employer.

Negative COVID-19 PCR Test Results: All travelers to Colombia must present a negative COVID-19 PCR test result taken no more than 72 hours before their departure.

Visa Fees: Visa fees vary depending on the type of visa being applied for and the nationality of the applicant.

Two Photos:The photos must be no more than 6 months old and show a clear frontal view of the face. The face should cover 70-80% (32-26mm) of the photo and not be obstructed by hair or glasses. The background must be uniform and white, and the size of the photo should be 3.5x4.5.

Residence Permit/Visa Copy (if applicable): If your country of residence and citizenship are different, you must provide a copy of your residence permit or visa. It must be valid for at least three months beyond the date of your departure from Colombia.

Photocopies: You must provide photocopies of the main page of your passport, previous visas, and the visa for your final destination (if applicable).

Travel Itinerary: You must provide a flight reservation and a valid hotel or accommodation booking with the full address, contact information, and booking reference.

Letter from Local Employer/Sponsor (Proof of Occupation): If you are employed, you must provide a letter from your employer that includes their name, postal address, and telephone number. The letter must also include details about your position, start date, salary, the timeframe of your work leave, and the purpose of your travel. If you own the company, you must provide a valid trade license copy and company ownership documents. If you are a student, you must provide a letter from your university. If you are a dependent, you must provide a copy of your sponsor's passport and residence visa.

Proof of Financial Means : You must demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to cover your stay in Colombia. This can be done by providing a personal bank statement for the last three months, credit card statements, cash, traveler's cheques, payslips, proof of employment, or a document attesting to your sponsor's willingness to cover your expenses. You can also provide proof of prepaid accommodation, transport, or other forms of financial means.

For Minors: If you are a minor, you must provide a copy and English or Spanish translation of your birth certificate, proof of adoption, or custody decree if your parents are divorced. If you are traveling unaccompanied, you must provide a letter of consent from your parent or legal guardian.

Documents to Verify Business Trip and Business Relations:

To verify a business trip and existing business relations in Colombia, you need to submit the following documents:

• Invitation Letter: The invitation letter from the company or authority in Colombia should contain the full address and purpose of the business trip, as well as its duration. If you are visiting an event or trade fair, the invitation letter should contain details of the organizer/host, full address of the event, and duration of the event. If the expenses of the business trip are covered by someone else, this information should also be included in the invitation letter.

• Event Information: If you are visiting an event or trade fair, you need to provide details of the event, such as exhibitor ticket, exhibitor invoice, or confirmation letter reflecting your status as a trade fair exhibitor.

Documents to Verify Artist/Cultural/Sports Association's Journey and Stay in Colombia:

If you are an artist or a member of a cultural or sports association traveling to Colombia, you need to provide the following documents:

• Local Association Letter: The letter from the local cultural or sports association should contain details of the organizer/host, full address of the event, purpose of the event, and information about who will cover the costs of travel and accommodation.

• Letter of No Objection: If you are under 18 years of age, you need to provide a signed letter of no objection from your school or university confirming your participation in the cultural/sports event.

Documents to Verify Visit/Accommodation:

To verify your visit and accommodation in Colombia, you need to provide the following documents:

• Invitation Letter: The invitation letter should be an official document containing details of the inviting person's status in Colombia and the purpose of your visit. If you are staying at the inviting person's home, documents about the house, such as a contract or payment for utilities, should also be provided.

• Proof of Kinship: If applicable, documents proving kinship with the inviting person should also be provided.

Documents to Verify Financial Means:

To verify your financial means, you need to provide the following documents:

• Scholarship Confirmation: If you have received a grant or scholarship from the relevant fund of Colombia, you need to provide confirmation of receipt.

• Personal Bank Statement: A personal bank statement indicating your financial movements for at least the last 3 months should be provided. Alternatively, you can provide a credit card, cash, traveler's cheques, payslips, proof of employment, or a supporting document to attest sponsor's readiness to cover your expenses during your stay.

• Prepaid Accommodation and Transport: Proof of prepaid accommodation and transport, such as a document about accommodation in private, should also be provided.

• Sponsorship Letter: If you are sponsored, the latest 3 months current account bank statement of the sponsor, showing the sponsor's name, end balance, and date of issue, as well as a sponsorship letter and a copy of the first page of the sponsor's passport with the data, should be provided.

If you are applying for a Colombian visa, you will need an employment letter from your employer in Colombia. This letter should be written on the official company letterhead and must include the stamp and signature of the company. It should clearly mention the full address and contact details of the company, as well as the name and position of the countersigning officer. The letter should provide details regarding your employment, such as your position, salary, and estimated duration of employment. Additionally, it should mention any additional conditions of employment, such as accommodation, transport, or living expenses.

If you are an employee who is being transferred internationally, you will also need a letter from your current employer confirming the transfer and approving your leave of absence.

Along with the employment letter, you will need to submit your Curriculum Vitae (CV) detailing your professional career and the certificates, diplomas, and qualifications you have obtained.

You will also need a medical certificate issued by a legally recognized physician. The certificate should state that you are not suffering from any disease or that you do not pose a serious public health risk.

Finally, you should include a cover letter that provides details of your travel plans to Colombia, including the purpose of your travel and your itinerary.