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Application for a Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa - TRV)

You need to give your biometrics.

In most cases, you now need to give your fingerprints and photo (biometrics) after you apply.

Find out who needs to give biometrics and how the new application process works.

Biometrics and the application process

We refer to your fingerprints and photo as biometrics. We collect biometrics for most applications. Find out what happens from when you submit your application to when you get to Canada and where biometrics fits in the process.

1. Apply for your visitor visa, study permit or work permit

If you want to visit, study or work in Canada, make sure you’re eligible to apply. Use our application guides to help fill out your application properly, then submit your application.

Avoid processing delays by sending us a complete application .

2. Get your fingerprints and photo taken

If you’re between 14 and 79 years old, you probably need to give your fingerprints and photo (biometrics).You only need to give your biometrics once every 10 years to make repeat trips to Canada easier.

• You must pay the  biometrics fee   when you submit your application.  Otherwise you may experience delays.
• Get this done  as soon as you get the letter  from us that tells you to give biometrics.
• You have  30 days  to do this from the date on the letter.

Find out who needs to give , how to give , and  where to give your biometrics .

COVID-19: Biometrics deadline

Some biometrics collection sites are closed. If the site closest to you is closed, we’ll extend your deadline to give your biometrics. Find out how COVID-19 is affecting biometrics .

3. We process your application

After we get your biometrics, we start processing your application. See how long it takes to process your application.

If we need more information from you, we’ll contact you.

4. We make a decision on your application

When we finish reviewing your application, we let you know if you’re approved to come to Canada. If you are, we issue your documents.

If your application is refused, we send you a letter that tells you why.

5. You travel to Canada (if you’re approved)

Make sure you travel with the documents we gave you. This includes travel documents like a visitor visa, study or work permits or an eTA (electronically linked to your passport).

Airline staff and border service officers at ports of entry will ask to see your travel documents. If you don’t have them, you may not be able to board your flight to Canada.

Make sure children under 18 travel with the right documents .

6. We check your identity when you arrive in Canada

When you arrive, we check your identity to make sure that you are the same person who was approved to travel to Canada. We may use your biometrics to do this.

If we can’t verify your identity, you may be detained by a border services officer. These officers help protect the health and safety of Canadians.

If the officer determines that you’re not admissible to Canada, you won’t be allowed to enter Canada. If you came by air, you’ll have to take a return flight to where you came from.

7. You’re allowed to enter Canada

If you pass the identity check and meet the entry requirements , the border services officer stamps your passport and lets you know how long you can stay in Canada. You’re normally allowed to stay in Canada for up to six months.

Children under 18 must meet the same entry requirements as adults. The border services officer may ask minor children to show other documents depending on whether the child is travelling alone or with someone.

Basic entry requirements

You must meet some basic requirements to enter Canada. You must:

• have a valid travel document, like a passport
• be in good health
• have no criminal or immigration-related convictions
• convince an immigration officer that you have ties—such as a job, home, financial assets or family—that will take you back to your home country
• convince an immigration officer that you will leave Canada at the end of your visit
• The amount of money you will need depends on how long you will stay and if you will stay in a hotel, or with friends or relatives.

Some people are not admissible to Canada, which means they are not allowed to enter the country. You can be inadmissible for several reasons, including being involved in:

• criminal activity
• human rights violations
• organized crime

You can also be inadmissible for security, health or financial reasons.

Find out more about inadmissibility .

Biometrics fee

• Individual  applicant: CAD $85
• Families applying at the same time : maximum total fee of CAD $170
• Groups of 3 or more performing artists and their staff  who apply for work permits at the same time: maximum total fee of $CAD 255

You can apply online or on paper (in specific situations) for:

• visitor visas (also known as temporary resident visas)
• super visas (for parents and grandparents)
• transit visas

Apply online

Before you apply, make sure you need a visa to enter Canada. Find out what document you need to enter Canada .

You must have both of these to apply online:

• access to a scanner or camera to create electronic copies of your documents to upload
• a valid credit card to pay with

How you apply depends on what you apply for. Select the document you want to apply for to get instructions:

Visitor visa : Option 1 of 3

Apply for a visitor visa

Super visa (for parents and grandparents) : Option 2 of 3

Apply for a super visa

Transit visa : Option 3 of 3

Apply for a transit visa

Apply on paper (in specific situations)

Before you apply , make sure you need a visa to enter Canada. Find out what document you need to enter Canada .

Read the instruction guide to get all the details to apply on paper.

• Instruction Guide 5256

Once you have read the guide, you can prepare your application package. You must select the country or territory from which you will apply to get your local visa office instructions.

Permanent residents of Canada

We do not issue temporary resident visas (TRV) to permanent residents (PR). If you are outside Canada without a valid PR card, you must apply for a permanent resident travel document (PRTD) instead. If you meet the requirements for a PRTD, you can return to Canada as a PR.

If you no longer want to be a PR, or if you know you do not meet the requirements to keep your PR status, you can voluntarily give up (renounce) your PR status to apply for a TRV.

Application for Temporary Resident Visa

You can’t fill out and save the application form using your Internet browser. To use the form, you need to:

• Use your computer (Mac or PC). The form won’t open on mobile devices (iPads, tablets, mobile phones, etc.)
• Install Adobe Reader 10 (or higher)
• Download the PDF file to your computer . Save the file in a place you can remember.
• Make sure you use Adobe Reader to open the form. Sometimes if you try to open the form directly, it will use your Internet browser to try to open it.

Note: If you are applying online , you don’t need to print and sign the form. Leave the signature section empty.

Get the form

• Application for Temporary Resident Visa [IMM 5257] (PDF, 556.66 KB) June 2019

Having issues with the form?

• I can’t open my visa application form in PDF format. What can I do?
• After clicking the “validate” button on my visa application form, nothing happens and I don’t see the barcodes. Why is this happening?

How-to video

Find out if you are eligible

Living in Canada tool

Do I need a visa to travel to Colombia?

Sep 23, 2023 • 5 min read

Find out if you need a visa to visit Colombia and how to get one if you do © F.J. Jimenez / Getty Images

Famed for its warm and welcoming atmosphere and its plethora of jaw-dropping national parks, sun-soaked beaches and dynamic cities, Colombia is fast becoming one of South America’s most popular travel destinations, drawing footloose backpackers and family vacationers in droves.

Adding to the appeal, visa requirements for Colombia are fairly straightforward, with visa-free travel available for a large number of countries, plus a simple online visa application process for those who need one.

As anywhere, requirements can change without warning, so it’s always important to double-check the latest guidance from your local Colombian embassy , but here are the most important things you need to know about visas for Colombia.

What are the entry requirements for Colombia?

Travelers from 102 countries and territories, including the USA, Canada, the UK, New Zealand and Australia, and most countries in the EU and EEA, can enter Colombia visa-free as tourists. Upon arrival, visitors from countries on the approved list receive a passport stamp granting a stay of up to 90 days.

There are a few conditions. You'll need a minimum of six months left on your passport before it expires and you may be asked to show proof of an onward ticket for travel out of Colombia at the end of your stay. Officials may also request evidence of a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you’re entering from another South American country.

You must complete the Check-Mig immigration form on the Migración Colombia website; this process was introduced during the pandemic and remains as a requirement to enter the country. It's available in English, Spanish and French, and the form must be filled out between 72 hours and one hour before departure for Colombia.

When leaving Colombia, there's a chance you may be charged an exit tax of US$35 at the airport. This tax is normally included in the cost of flight tickets, but you should confirm this when checking in for your inbound flight. 

Which countries need a visa for Colombia?

Citizens of most nations in Africa, Asia and the Middle East (plus some other countries) are not eligible for visa-free access and must apply in advance for a visitor visa to enter the country. There's a full list of countries and territories whose citizens require a visa on Colombia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs website. 

Applications for tourist visas should be filed online and the cost varies depending upon your nationality and the country where you are located when applying. Expect to pay around US$82 for the visa, which is usually valid for a stay of up to 180 days. Make sure you have all of your documents ready before you begin the application process online – the website times out after 30 minutes, deleting any progress you’ve made up until that point. 

Citizens of Cambodia, China, India, Macau, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam can enter Colombia visa-free for up to 90 days if they have an existing short-stay visa or residency permit issued by the USA or any Schengen Area country. This document must be valid for at least 180 days beyond the date of your arrival in Colombia.

Can I extend my Colombian tourist visa?

If you’re a citizen of a country that has visa-free access to Colombia, you can extend your stay by an additional 90 days by applying for an extension online (in Spanish) or at the offices of Migracíon Colombia (including in  Bogotá , Medellín , Cali and Cartagena ). If you have a 180-day visa, this cannot be extended, as this is already the maximum stay allowed.

The process of extending your entry stamp must be completed at least two weeks before your existing stamp expires in case of any processing delays. You will need to provide photocopies of the information page of your passport and your Colombian entry stamp, and proof of a booking for onward travel within the next 90 days to support your application.

Extending your tourist stamp allows you to spend a maximum of 180 days in total in Colombia in any 12-month period. Extending costs US$27 for most nationalities, but it’s free for citizens from a Schengen Area country. 

Visa requirements for working in Colombia

A temporary worker’s visa, known as a migrant (M) visa or M-5 is available for travelers who can prove they have a job lined up with a Colombian employer. This class of visa has a duration of up to three years, and your Colombian employer will need to provide several financial documents to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to support the process, including bank statements and proof of tax payments.

You can apply for this class of visa from abroad or while you are in the country on a tourist visit, making it easier to attend interviews with a local employer. While you can leave and enter the country on a working visa, it will expire if you leave Colombia for longer than six consecutive months.

It's not a cheap process, however. Expect to pay US$52 for the application process, and a further US$230 once it has been approved. You can apply online , although you may be required to show documents in person at your local consulate or embassy – there's a full list on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website .

If your application is successful, you’ll receive an electronic visa via email, which can be shown to border officials upon arrival and exit from Colombia. There is no legal requirement to have the visa printed in your passport unless you’re staying in Colombia for more than three months; however, it’s highly recommended that you get a copy printed at your local consulate as there’s always the possibility that passport officials may demand to see a physical copy.

This article was first published Mar 24, 2022 and updated Sep 23, 2023.

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Embassy of canada to colombia, in bogotá.

We provide services to Canadians visiting and living in Colombia.

We also provide services to Canadians in:

Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao, Venezuela

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Office information

Cra. 7, No. 114-33, Piso 14, Bogotá, D.C. Colombia

Telephone:  (57-601) 657-9800

Fax:  (57-601) 657-9912

Email:   [email protected]

Hours of operation:

Email:   [email protected]

Website: IRCC web form

Our representative

Marianick Tremblay Ambassador of Canada to Colombia

• Embassy of Canada to Colombia

Terms of service

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• @CanadaColombia

Office closures

These closures are subject to change in the event of a large-scale emergency. Emergency consular assistance for Canadians is always available 24/7.

Related links

• The Canada Fund for Local Initiatives

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Entry requirements by country or territory

You need to give your biometrics.

In most cases, you now need to give your fingerprints and photo (biometrics) after you apply.

Find out who needs to give biometrics .

What you need will depend on where you are from, how you are travelling, and what documents you are travelling with.

On this page

Canadian citizens, canadian permanent residents, u.s. citizens, lawful permanent residents of the u.s., eta exemptions, visa-required travellers, workers and students.

• Visiting your children and grandchildren in Canada

Canadian citizens, including dual citizens, need a valid Canadian passport . American-Canadians can travel with a valid Canadian or U.S. passport.

Canadian permanent residents need a valid permanent resident card or permanent resident travel document .

U.S. citizens must carry proper identification such as a valid U.S. passport.

As of April 26, 2022, lawful permanent residents of the United States must show these documents for all methods of travel to Canada:

• a valid passport from their country of nationality (or an equivalent acceptable travel document ) and
• a valid green card (or equivalent valid proof of status in the United States)

You need an official proof of status as a lawful permanent resident of the U.S., such as one of the following:

• valid permanent resident card (Form I-551)
• foreign passport with an unexpired temporary I-551 stamp (also known as an Alien Documentation, Identification and Telecommunication [ADIT] stamp)
• foreign passport with a temporary I-551 printed notation (“Upon endorsement serves as temporary I-551 evidencing permanent residence for 1 year”) on a machine-readable immigrant visa upon endorsement with a U.S. Customs and Border Protection admission stamp
• expired permanent resident card (Form I-551) with Form I-797 (Notice of Action) for pending Form I-751 (Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence) or Form I-829 (Petition by Investor to Remove Conditions on Permanent Resident Status)
• expired permanent resident card (Form I-551) with Form I-797 (Notice of Action) for pending Form I-90 (Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card [Green Card])
• valid re-entry permit (Form I-327)
• Form I-94 with an unexpired temporary I-551 stamp (ADIT stamp) and a passport-style photo

Visa-exempt (eTA eligible) travellers

The following travellers need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to board their flight to Canada. However, these travellers do not need an eTA if entering by land or sea – for instance driving from the U.S. or coming by bus, train, or boat, including cruise ship.

• British citizen
• British National (Overseas)
• British overseas citizen (re-admissible to the United Kingdom)
• British Virgin Islands
• Cayman Islands
• Falkland Islands (Malvinas)
• Pitcairn Island
• Saint Helena
• Turks and Caicos Islands
• British Subject with a right of abode in the United Kingdom
• Brunei Darussalam
• Czech Republic
• Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China, must have a passport issued by Hong Kong SAR.
• Israel, must have a national Israeli passport
• Republic of Korea
• Liechtenstein
• Netherlands
• New Zealand
• Papua New Guinea
• Romania ( electronic passport holders only )
• Solomon Islands
• Switzerland
• Taiwan, must have an ordinary passport issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Taiwan that includes the personal identification number
• United Arab Emirates
• Vatican City State, must have a passport or travel document issued by the Vatican.

Electronic passport holders only

Look on the front cover of your passport for the symbol of a rectangle with a circle in the middle. If you see this symbol, you have an electronic passport.

Foreign nationals with official Canadian documents

• Travellers with a valid Canadian visa.
• Travellers with valid status in Canada (e.g. visitor, student or worker) who re-enters Canada after only visiting the United States or St. Pierre and Miquelon.

Foreign nationals in the following situations

• French citizens who live in Saint Pierre and Miquelon and are flying directly to Canada from St. Pierre and Miquelon.
• Foreign nationals who are passengers destined to, or coming from, the United States on a flight that stops in Canada solely to refuel and
• have proper documents to enter the United States, or
• were lawfully admitted to the United States.
• Foreign nationals who are passengers on a flight that makes an unscheduled stop in Canada.
• Foreign nationals who transit through a Canadian airport under the Transit Without Visa or China Transit Program .

Travel and official representatives

• Flight crew, civil aviation inspectors, accident investigators who are or will be working while in Canada.
• Members of Armed Forces (not including the civilian component of an armed forces) of a country designated under the Visiting Forces Act coming to Canada to carry out official duties.
• Diplomats accredited by the Government of Canada.

The following travellers need a visa to come to Canada by any method of travel—plane, car, bus, train or cruise ship.

Note: Holders of a foreign national passport and stateless individuals need a visa to visit or transit through Canada.

• Afghanistan
• Antigua and Barbuda (Some citizens of Antigua and Barbuda may be eligible for an eTA if they meet certain requirements .)
• Argentina (Some citizens of Argentina may be eligible for an eTA if they meet certain requirements .)
• Bosnia-Herzegovina
• Brazil (Some citizens of Brazil may be eligible for an eTA if they meet certain requirements .)
• Burkina Faso
• Cameroon, Republic of
• Central African Republic
• China, People's Republic of
• Congo, Democratic Republic of
• Congo, Republic of
• Costa Rica, Republic of (Some citizens of Costa Rica may be eligible for an eTA if they meet certain requirements .)
• Dominican Republic
• El Salvador
• Equatorial Guinea
• Guinea-Bissau
• Israel, must have a valid Israeli “Travel Document in lieu of National Passport”
• Ivory Coast
• Korea, North
• Macao Special Administrative Region
• Maldives Islands
• Marshall Islands
• Mexico (Some citizens of Mexico may be eligible for an eTA if they  meet certain requirements .)
• Micronesia, Fed. States
• Morocco (Some citizens of Morocco may be eligible for an eTA if they meet certain requirements .)
• North Macedonia
• Palestinian Authority
• Panama (Some citizens of Panama may be eligible for an eTA if they meet certain requirements .)
• Philippines (Some citizens of the Philippines may be eligible for an eTA if they meet certain requirements .)
• Romania (holder of a non-electronic passport, such as a temporary passport)
• Sao Tomé e Principe
• Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of
• Seychelles (Some citizens of the Seychelles may be eligible for an eTA if they meet certain requirements .)
• Sierra Leone
• South Africa
• South Sudan
• St. Kitts and Nevis (Some citizens of St. Kitts and Nevis may be eligible for an eTA if they meet certain requirements .)
• St. Lucia (Some citizens of St. Lucia may be eligible for an eTA if they meet certain requirements .)
• St. Vincent and the Grenadines (St. Vincent) (Some citizens of St. Vincent and the Grenadines may be eligible for an eTA if they meet certain requirements .)
• Taiwan, must have a passport other than an ordinary passport issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Taiwan that includes their personal identification number
• Thailand (Some citizens of Thailand may be eligible for an eTA if they meet certain requirements .)
• Timor-Leste
• Trinidad and Tobago (Some citizens of Trinidad and Tobago may be eligible for an eTA if they meet certain requirements .)
• Turkmenistan
• Uruguay (Some citizens of Uruguay may be eligible for an eTA if they meet certain requirements .)

If you’re a worker or student, you must also meet Canada’s entry requirements. A work permit or study permit is not a visa. In most cases, you’ll also need a valid visitor visa or eTA to enter Canada.

If you’re applying for your first study or work permit

We’ll automatically issue you a visa or eTA if you need one and we approve your application. When you travel to Canada make sure you have:

• your letter of introduction
• if you’re visa-required, it must contain the visa sticker that we put in it
• if you need an eTA and you’re flying to a Canadian airport, it must be the passport that’s electronically link to your eTA.

If you already have a work or study permit

If you’re visa-required, make sure that your visitor visa is still valid if you choose to leave Canada and re-enter.

If you need an eTA and you’re flying to a Canadian airport, make sure you travel with the passport that’s electronically linked to your eTA.

You must travel with your valid study or work permit, a valid passport and travel document.

If you’re eligible to work or study without a permit

If you’re eligible to work or study without a permit, you’re considered a visitor to Canada. You must meet the entry requirements for travellers from your country of citizenship.

Visiting your child or grandchild in Canada

If you’re the parent or grandparent of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, you may be eligible for a  super visa . A super visa lets you visit your child or grandchild in Canada for 5 years at a time. Additionally, this visa allows for multiple entries to Canada and is valid for up to 10 years.

Popular Questions

Visit your children or grandchildren

Parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents have a new option for visiting Canada

Page details

Colombia Tourist Visa

• Table of contents

Traveling to Colombia

Who needs an colombia visa, colombia tourist visa validity, a valid passport, personal photos (2), proof of subsistence, invitation document, return or onward tickets, health insurance, colombia visa application steps, colombia tourist visa interview, colombia tourist visa fees, where to apply, colombia tourist visa processing time, approved visa applications, denied visa applications, colombia visa extension, colombia tourist visa faq.

With miles of stunning coastline, a vibrant arts scene, and beautiful rainforests, Colombia is a popular tourist destination. Due to the high volume of visitors that Colombia receives each year, they are well-equipped to accommodate and welcome tourists from all over the world.

Nationals from the following countries must apply for and obtain a Colombia tourist visa before arriving in the country:

Afghanistan, Algeria, Angola, Armenia, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Belarus, Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, China, Comoros, Congo, Congo (Dem. Rep.), Cote d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast), Cuba, Djibouti, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Haiti, India, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kenya, Kiribati, Kosovo, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Macao, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Mauritania, Mauritius, Moldova, Mongolia, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nauru, Nepal, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, North Korea, Pakistan, Palestinian Territories, Rwanda, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Africa, South Sudan, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Syria, Taiwan, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Togo, Tonga, Tunisia, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, Uganda, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Viet Nam, Yemen, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

A Colombia tourist visa is a type of Visitor Visa (Type V) intended specifically for travelers coming to Colombia for tourism purposes. Tourist visas are valid for up to one (1) year. The authorized duration of stay is 90 days, which is extendable for another 90 days. The maximum duration of stay (number of days) is 180 days within every 365 days from the date of issuance.

This visa type does not allow for dependents of the visa holder to apply for a Beneficiary Visa. It also does not allow for any type of lucrative work in Colombia.

Colombia Tourist Visa Requirements

To apply for a Colombian tourist visa, all applicants must submit the following required documents:

The applicant should hold a passport that is valid for at least six (6) months at the time of application and contains at least two blank visa pages.

The applicant must submit two recent personal photos, taken within the last 6 months, in color against a white background. The photo size should be 3cm x 4cm. The applicant must be shown clearly facing the camera.

Applicants must show that they have the financial capacity to support themselves for the duration of their stay in Colombia. This can be done using bank statements that demonstrate a regular monthly income from the last ten (10) months.

If the applicant was invited, they must provide a letter or document proving the financial solvency of the inviting party.

Applicants must provide a photocopy of their return or onward tickets clearly stating their name and date of departure from Colombia that falls within their visa expiration date. Immigration officials may request to see the departure ticket at the port of entry in Colombia.

The policy should cover accidents, illness, maternity, disability, hospitalization, death, repatriation, and more for the duration of the visa holder’s stay in Colombia. 

Applying for a Colombian visa is a straightforward process that can be completed online. Applicants can take the following steps to submit their visa application:

Applicants can complete the Visitor Visa application for tourism purposes through the official website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. During the application process, applicants must select the nearest Colombian Consular Office to their place of residence when prompted.

All required documents can be uploaded to the SITAC platform during the application process. Document files must be in PDF format, and photographs must be in JPG format with a maximum size of 300 kb. Documents must have been issued within three (3) months of the application date. 

After they submit the tourist visa application and upload the required documents, the applicant will receive a reference number. This number can be used to pay the study fee. The payment must be made within ten (10) days, or the application process will be terminated.

The Colombian Visa and Immigration Authority will receive the application once all information is submitted, and the study fee is paid. It usually takes five (5) business days to process a tourist visa application, but this processing time can be extended to 30 days if the Authority requests additional information/documents or an interview. 

Once the tourist visa application is approved, a second fee for the visa issuance must be paid. This fee must also be paid within ten (10) days, or the application is at risk of termination.

The relevant authorities in Colombia do have the right to conduct interviews and request additional documents if they feel the application is incomplete or they need more information. This can be conducted in person or through an appropriate means of communication. The method of communication and the location of the interview will depend on the applicant’s nationality and the nature of their application.

The Colombian tourist visa application process involves two fee payments. Fees are calculated based on the applicant’s nationality. The first, the study fee, will be paid before the application is processed by the Colombian Visa and Immigration Authority. The second is an issuance fee that must be paid after the visa application is approved. Applicants must pay the fees within ten (10) working days or forfeit their application.

Fees can be paid through one of the following options:

• PSE payment service
• GNB Sudameris BankPayment at consulates
• Payment with a valid VISA or Mastercard

All applications for Colombian Visitor Visas for tourism purposes must be completed online through the official website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The application will be processed by the Colombian consulate abroad, which is selected by the applicant during the application process.

The processing time for a Colombian Visitor Visa for tourism purposes will depend on the consulate the applicant selects, the applicant’s nationality, and the case's complexity. Once the study fee for the Colombian visa application is paid, applicants can expect to receive an answer within five (5) business days. If additional documentation or an interview is required, this processing duration may be extended up to 30 calendar days from the initial date of online application registration.

If the Colombian Visitor Visa application for tourism purposes is approved, the applicant has ten (10) business days to pay the issuance fee. Failure to pay this fee may result in the termination of the application. Once the issuance fee is paid, an electronic visa (eVisa) will be sent to the applicant’s email address within ten (10) days. It’s important to ensure that all information on the visa is correct and matches the applicant’s official documentation. Corrections can be made within 15 days of receiving the eVisa.   

If the visa application is denied, the applicant must wait six (6) months to submit another Visitor Visa application for tourism purposes.

It is possible to extend a Colombian tourist visa. Tourist visas are issued for an initial duration of stay of 90 days and can be extended for an additional 90 days. The number of days cannot exceed 180 days, continuous or discontinuous, within 365 days. 

The cost of a Colombian tourist visa will vary depending on the applicant’s nationality. There are two types of fees that must be paid in order for the application to be successful: the study fee and the issuance fee. Both fees must be paid within ten (10) days at their respective stages of the application process.

If you require a Colombian tourist visa, you can complete the entire application online at the official website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. All documents can be uploaded online and the application will be processed by the Colombian consulate nearest to your place of residence. You must select the correct consulate when you apply.

No, unfortunately, dependents of Visitor Visa (tourism purposes) holders are not eligible for a Beneficiary Visa.

Yes, you can extend your Colombian Visitor Visa for tourism purposes for up to 90 continuous or discontinuous days. The maximum number of days you can stay in Colombia on a tourist visa is 180 days within 365 days. 

Check if you need a visa for your next destination

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Colombia’s Entry Fee for Canadian Tourists Explained

In November 2023, Colombia reinstituted a reciprocal entrance fee for Canadians entering Colombia as tourists.

Most Canadian citizens traveling to Colombia for tourism have to pay this entrance fee with a few exceptions.

In this article, I’ll cover why Canadians have to pay an entrance fee to Colombia, who does and doesn’t need to pay it, how much Canadians have to pay to enter Colombia, when you pay the Canadian entrance fee to Colombia, and how to pay it.

Since I’m not Canadian, I’ve never had to pay this entrance fee, but I’ve researched everything you need to know about the entrance fee Canadians currently need to pay to enter Colombia.

So, I hope this will be useful to any Canadians currently planning a trip to Colombia (do also check out all the other content on the site about Cartagena and the rest of Colombia to help you plan too!).

*Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. I am a member of Amazon Associates, LLC and other affiliate programs and earn from qualifying purchases made after clicking those links. There is never any additional cost to you. To learn more please consult our Disclosure Policy.

Why Do Canadians Have to Pay an Entry Fee to Colombia?

Simply put, it’s because Canada charges Colombians a fee to Colombians to travel to Canada as tourists.

Technically called a reciprocity fee, this entry tax for Canadians to Colombia was originally instituted in December 2014 by the administration of Juan Manuel Santos. The reasoning was that Colombian citizens had to pay a biometric fee as part of the application for a tourist visa to visit Canada.

The fee was suspended in 2019 during the administration of Ivan Duque.

However, the current administration of Gustavo Petro announced the fee for Canadians entering Colombia would return in October 2023.

It officially went into effect on November 14, 2023.

Of course, Colombians applying for tourist visas to many other countries, such as the United States, also have to pay a fee for the visa. So, Canadians might rightfully point out they are being unfairly singled out.

It appears the Santos administration justified the charge (and the Petro administration has echoed it) because Canada itemizes the biometric charge, while I guess the US and other countries include it as part of an all inclusive visa application fee.

Mmm, yea, I think Canadians have a point there, and it seems a somewhat odd choice given Colombia has largely tried to promote tourism for economic growth.

But, I guess it is what it is.

If you are Canadian, I sure hope you’ll still consider coming to Colombia, and I’ll cover in the sections below everything you need to know about this surcharge for Canadians entering Colombia so that it’s clear what you’ll need to pay to enter the country (including some notable exceptions).

You can read more about the reimposition of the entry fee to Colombia for Canadian citizens in this article from Colombian newspaper El Tiempo and in this press release from Migración Colombia .

Does This Mean Canadians Need a Tourist Visa to Enter Colombia?

To be clear, no, Canadians do not need to apply for a special tourist visa.

Like citizens of most countries around the world, Canadians can enter Colombia as tourists at any time, and do not need apply for and receive a visa before hand. They just have to pay this fee when entering the country, and then they are given the stamp to remain in the country legally as a tourist like everyone else.

Do of course, keep in mind that to work or stay in Colombia longer than the customary 90 days granted upon entry (which can be extended to 180), you do need a work, retirement, investment, resident, or other type of visa.

Who Needs to Pay the Canadian Entry Tax for Colombia?

All Canadian citizens entering Colombia for tourism need to pay this entrance fee.

Note that Canadians who reside in Colombia and have a visa do not need to pay it. Same for diplomatic personnel and aircraft crew.

There are however, a few other notable exceptions.

Who Doesn’t Need to Pay?

The following Canadian citizens are excluded from needing to pay to enter Colombia:

• Minors under 14 years of age.
• Seniors over 79 years of age.

Also, if your only destination in Colombia is the archipelago of San Andres, Providencia, and Santa Catalina islands, you do not need to pay the fee to enter Colombia.

Do keep in mind that the islands charge their own entrance fee for all visitors, even Colombian nationals though. Feel free to check out my guide to San Andrés if you are planning to go there too by the way.

So there’s good news here if you are planning a trip to Colombia with young children or only going to San Andrés, but most visitors to Colombia from Canada will have to pay the Colombian entry tax for Canadians.

How Much is the Entry Fee to Colombia for Canadians?

The fee is set at $256,000 Colombian Pesos.

This is roughly equivalent to the fee of $85 Canadian Dollars Colombian citizens pay for the biometrics when getting a visa to visit Canada.

Therefore, you’ll see $85 CAD listed as the amount in lots of sources. However, keep in mind currency exchanges do fluctuate and the fee amount is officially set in Colombian pesos, not CAD.

When Do Canadians Need to Pay the Entrance Fee to Colombia?

The entrance fee is paid when entering the country via immigration at your port of entry to Colombia.

For most travelers, this likely at the airport when arriving in country. However, do keep in mind the fee also applies at land borders or for those entering the country via sea.

So, when you pass through immigration, be it at the airport or elsewhere, you’ll have to pay the surcharge to enter Colombia as a Canadian citizen.

How Can Canadians Pay the Entrance Fee to Colombia?

You’ll need to pay by credit or debit card at the Migración Colombia checkpoint.

The Migración Colombia website specifically says the fee has to be paid by a datáfono or card payment terminal at the immigration check.

Therefore, there doesn’t appear to be any way to prepay the fee or to pay by check or with cash.

Are There Any Other Requirements to Enter Colombia?

The only other current requirement to enter Colombia is to complete the Check Mig immigration form.

This digital form basically replaces the paper immigration forms of old. Commonly presumed to be a temporary measure due to Covid, it appears this form in digital form is here to stay.

All travelers to Colombia need to complete it, including Colombian nationals.

It is notoriously finnicky, however.

We’ve ran into a number of issues with it during our travels where it was temporarily down or it wouldn’t work right on one of our phones, for example.

So, I recommend completing it a day or two before your trip and not just before checking in for your flight (you can complete it up to 72 hours in advance). That way if it’s not working right, you can try again before departure.

It’s also worth pointing out that this form is free to complete.

However, there are a number of, at least in my opinion, websites of questionable repute that charge to complete it for you.

I don’t think it’s worth paying for this as you’ll need to give them the same information to input for you, and they don’t actually get it processed any faster.

If you’re having trouble with this form, I put together a step by step guide to the Colombia Check Mig form here . You can access the official and free version of the form here .

Want Some Additional Help Planning Your Trip?

If you are currently planning your trip, first, I hope this helped you understand the tax Canadians have to pay to enter Colombia.

I’d also like to invite you to check out all the other content on the site to help you plan your trip too!

There’s tons of great content on Cartagena (the site is called Cartagena Explorer, after all). Maybe you’d like to check out my complete guide to Cartagena , take a look at my picks for the best areas to stay , or read about visiting the nearby Rosario Islands , an absolute must on a visit to Colombia’s Caribbean.

I’ve also had the good fortune to travel to lots of other places in Colombia, even lesser traveled places like the beautiful multicolored river of Caño Cristales , the wildlife haven of Los Llanos , and Guaviare , my pick for Colombia’s best kept secret. See lots more places in the Other Destinations section of the site.

Finally, I’d like to take just a moment to tell you about BnB Colombia Tours, a travel agency I have a partnership with. If you think you’d like some expert help planning your trip to Colombia, they offer really great personalized packages that their agents tailor especially to your interests. They work with local guides English speaking guides that are well vetted and work hard to make every trip special for their clients. They’ll even give you a discount for being one of my readers. If you’d like to find out more about their services, fill out the form here .

Most importantly of all, I hope you have a wonderful time in Colombia!

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Travel advice and advisories by destination

COVID-19: travel health notice for all travellers

The Government of Canada’s official source of travel information and advice, the Travel Advice and Advisories help you to make informed decisions and travel safely while you are outside Canada. Check the page for your destination often, because safety and security conditions may change. See Travel Advice and Advisories – FAQ for more information.

Where are you going?

Take normal security precautions

Exercise a high degree of caution

Avoid non-essential travel

Avoid all travel

Travel advice from other countries

Travel advice is also provided by the governments of Australia , New Zealand , the United Kingdom and the United States .

Risk Levels

  take normal security precautions.

Take similar precautions to those you would take in Canada.

  Exercise a high degree of caution

There are certain safety and security concerns or the situation could change quickly. Be very cautious at all times, monitor local media and follow the instructions of local authorities.

IMPORTANT: The two levels below are official Government of Canada Travel Advisories and are issued when the safety and security of Canadians travelling or living in the country or region may be at risk.

  Avoid non-essential travel

Your safety and security could be at risk. You should think about your need to travel to this country, territory or region based on family or business requirements, knowledge of or familiarity with the region, and other factors. If you are already there, think about whether you really need to be there. If you do not need to be there, you should think about leaving.

  Avoid all travel

You should not travel to this country, territory or region. Your personal safety and security are at great risk. If you are already there, you should think about leaving if it is safe to do so.

Requirements for travel to Canada from Colombia – Complete Guide

There are several requirements for travel to Canada from Colombia, depending on the type of travel. Some of the general requirements include having a valid passport, obtaining an electronic travel authorisation (eTA) or visa, providing proof of vaccination against COVID-19 and having sufficient funds for travel. It is important to review the specific requirements for each type of travel and ensure compliance with all regulations. It is recommended to consult the official website of the Government of Canada and the Canadian Embassy in Colombia for updated and detailed information on travel requirements.

If you are a Colombian citizen and you are interested in travelling to Canada, it is important that you know the necessary requirements to enter the country. The following is a complete guide to the requirements for travel to Canada from Colombia:

• Passport: A valid passport is required to enter Canada. The passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of entry to Canada.
• Visa: Colombian citizens require a visa to enter Canada. It is necessary to submit the visa application online and provide the required documentation, such as passport, photograph, proof of funds and other documents depending on the type of visa requested. It is important to start the application process well in advance, as the approval process can take several weeks.
• Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA): Colombian citizens travelling to Canada for tourism or business purposes can apply for an electronic travel authorisation (eTA) online. The eTA is an electronic document that is required to board the plane, but does not guarantee entry into Canada, as the final decision is made by the immigration officer at the port of entry.
• Travel insurance: Although not a mandatory requirement, it is recommended to have travel insurance to cover medical and repatriation expenses in case of emergency.
• Proof of funds: Proof of sufficient financial resources to cover the cost of travel and stay in Canada is required. This can include a letter of invitation from a Canadian resident, a hotel reservation and a bank statement, among other documents.
• Medical examination: In some cases, it is necessary to present a medical examination to prove that you are in good health to enter Canada.
• Criminal record: It is important not to have a criminal record or have committed crimes that could be considered a threat to the security of Canada.

It is important to keep in mind that the requirements for travel to Canada from Colombia may change over time and that it is necessary to be aware of the latest updates and changes in requirements before planning your trip. In addition, it is important to allow sufficient time to complete the necessary formalities to ensure a smooth travel experience.

What type of travel do you want to do in Canada?

In order to guide you, the first thing to know is what type of trip you want to make in this country, because there are several ways to enjoy your stay, from a great holiday where you can see its beautiful and famous natural parks, including its beautiful aurora borealis and lakes, to an extended stay for several months or years, receiving training in its renowned educational institutions, getting a job and even settling down to live in Canada. This will determine the type of Canadian visa you apply for and the other decisions involved in making your travel arrangements.

Travelling to Canada as a tourist – tourist visa

The requirements for travelling to Canada from Colombia as a tourist are relatively simple, however you must be aware of the documents you must have in order to visit this country:

The first thing you must have is your valid passport, round-trip airline tickets and a detailed itinerary of the trip. It is essential that you take out travel insurance and prove your economic solvency to be in this country.

Colombians must apply for a visa if they wish to enter Canada. For the interview at the embassy, you must present a completed tourist visa form, 2 passport photographs, the last three receipts of income, and a bank balance certificate for the last three months.

You can choose to present a letter of invitation from someone living in Canada, if you do not have this resource, include the reservation of accommodation.

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Colombia tourist visa application, requirements, price, and processing time

Having to get a visa to Colombia takes all the fun out of traveling. We are here to get it back. Just apply online below and let us do the rest

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Colombia Visa Types

You can apply for a Colombian online visa by logging onto VisaHQ's application page to complete the application form. Our platform offers access to applicants who wish to apply for tourism, business, or transit e-visa. However, before you kickstart the process, you ought to know the features and requirements of the available visas. We review them below.

• n Tourist visa not required
• n Business visa not required

Visa is not required for a stay up to 90 days

All arriving passengers to Colombia should either have a negative result from a COVID-19 PCR test taken no more than 96 hours before departing; take a test upon arrival and quarantine while waiting for a negative result; or go into mandatory isolation for 14 days.

Unfortunately, at this time VisaHQ does not provide service for

A visa is not required for this destination.

• First, check the current validity of your passport.
• Second, make sure your passport has blank Visa pages.
• Confirm if transit visa is required for any connections. Check with your airline in case you have connecting flights overseas as part of your journey to Colombia. It may be the case that countries you pass through en route to your destination may require a separate transit visa. Please refer to visa requirements of the specific country

Colombia Tourist visa fees for citizens of United States of America

Colombia visa policy.

According to the Colombian government's visa policy, all visitors not from visa-exempt countries must obtain visas before they are allowed into the country. The policy is constantly being updated to reflect the demographical changes and needs of the country. Currently, visa-exempt visitors are allowed to stay in Colombia without visas for 90 days, but should they wish to stay for much longer, they will need visas.

Colombia Visa-Free Countries

The government of Colombia has a visa waiver program for visitors from visa exempt countries. Eligible visitors can stay in Colombia for 90 days without a visa if they come for tourism, business or are transiting through Colombia to another country. This visa free list is always updated yearly so foreigners who qualify for visa free entry this year may not qualify next year. That is why travelers are advised to consult the visa free list before every trip so they will not be caught unawares.

Substitute Visa

The Colombian government issues special substitute visas to visitors who have visas or resident permits issued by a Schengen country or the United States.  Citizens of Cambodia, India, Nicaragua, Myanmar, China, Thailand, Taiwan and Vietnam can visit Colombia without applying for online or consular visas as long as they are not staying for more than 90 days. Check the list to know if your country is on the approved list.

Colombian e Visa

The electronic visa is for short-term visitors. This visa is for tourism, business, and transit, and the holder can stay in Colombia for 90 days or less. The Colombian government introduced this visa program to ease the visa application congestion at foreign missions abroad. E visas are easy to apply for as they take only a few minutes to complete.  Also, the application is approved within 24-72 hours so you don't have to wait for weeks or months to get it.

The application is online so you can fill it anywhere and submit for approval. Interested applicants must meet the following eligibility criteria to apply for the Colombian e visa

• They must come from eligible countries
• They must have valid passports to cover their stay in Colombia
• They must have sufficient funds to cover their expenses

 If you are from an eligible country you may visit the nearest Colombian embassy to apply for a consular visa.

Key Information About Colombia e Visa and Trips To Colombia

Only Use Approved Routes : Although e-visas are valid for entry into Colombia but not all routes are open to such visitors. Always make sure you use approved routes for your travels. For instance, if you are a transit visitor, you are only allowed to use the approved international airports for your entry, and you may only be allowed through if you arrive at an approved airport.

You May Be Questioned : To combat illegal migration, Colombian border control agents may ask you about your visit, and you are expected to answer their questions truthfully. According to Colombians law, an officer of the law can deny you entry into the country despite having a visa if you cannot clearly explain the purpose of your visit or if your answers differ from what your visa suggests.

Additional Documentation For Minors:  Those traveling with minors must provide extra documents like original copies of birth certificates (to prove blood relationship if you are the parent) or a notarized letter of consent by both parents (if you are a legal guardian).

Travel With The Same Passport:  You must travel with the same passport used for the application, not a different one. Your electronic visa is linked to your passport, and the border control agents will scrutinize all your documents. You must use a different visa to be allowed into the country.

Not For Residency or Work

Electronic visas are short-term travel documents for tourism, transit, and business and not for long term residency or employment. If you wish to stay longer than the allotted time to secure a job in Colombia, you should visit the nearest Colombian foreign mission in your country to apply for a consular visa.

Visa Fee: The visa fee is not refundable and is a requirement for submitting your application for the visa. Without paying the fee your application will not be processed. The fee is paid with a credit or debit card, not with cash.

Apply At The Right Time: The visa becomes active the moment it is approved and sent to your email and the countdown will begin. If you wish to enjoy the visa to the fullest you must submit your application at least 4 days before the day you plan your trip. Since the application takes 3 days or less to process you should get it on time.  You want want to make sure that you leave the country before your visa expires or at least, on the day it expires not is illegal to stay in Colombia on an expired visa.

Colombia Visa Online – Get your Colombia e-Visa with VisaHQ

Your electronic visa application can be sorted out using VisaHQ's online services. Applicants for Colombian e visas can skip visiting an embassy or Consulate or going through the stress of waiting in line for Visas as they can submit their application online using our user-friendly website and system.

How To Apply For A Visa With VisaHQ

Did you know you will not need a travel agent or middleman to get your e visa if you use VisaHQ?In only a few steps, your application should be completed, and you can submit it with only a click of a button with our platform. If you would like to apply for any of these visas, please do the following.

Complete The Application Form:  Start by choosing the visa you want, then take your time to carefully fill out the form. There are sections for your personal, travel, and passport details. Ensure that all the information you provide is accurate and conforms with what is on your documents. Then pay the application fee and submit it for approval.

Get Your Colombian Visa:  If your application is approved within the next three days or less, the online visa will be forwarded to your email address. Please print out a copy and keep it safe for your trip.

Why Use VisaHQ

VisaHQ makes online visa applications easier, so it has become a trusted platform for eligible applicants.  We have been active for more than 2 decades and many have come to trust us for our value added services.  With offices in six countries and across two continents, we have built a rich network of professionals that can provide the support you need to get your online travel documents sorted out in no time.

When you use our platform you

• Enjoy all the support you need from our experts
• Your information is safe and secure
• Apply for as many visas as you want
• Save your data for future use
• Track your application status in real time

Applying for an online visa doesn't have to be hard; complete your application form in 20 minutes or less, submit it, and await your visa in under 72 hours.

Colombia COVID-19 travel restrictions

• Entry is open Colombia is open to travelers. Prior to arrival requirements Valid passport. Valid national passport with at least 6 month remaining validity after the date of departure. Valid visa. Please see the instructions above if visa is needed and apply. Health form : All travelers must complete the Check-Mig form online 24 hours before their flight. Second, travelers must download the CoronApp app. Upon arrival restrictions 😷 Masks are required in public spaces and transport.

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To read about Colombia Visas

• Colombia Tourist visa
• Colombia Business visa
• Colombia visa for Indians
• How long can you stay in Colombia without a visa
• Colombia visa processing time
• Do I need to be vaccinated to travel to Colombia

Frequently Asked Questions about Colombia visa

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Colombia has a budding tourism industry that welcomes millions of tourists from other South American countries, North America, and the rest of the world. From its budding resort towns to lovely beaches and amazing nightlife, there is a lot to see in Colombia should you choose to visit the Latin American country. But to enter Colombia, you will need to apply for a Colombia tourist visa.

Do You Need A Tourist Visa To Enter Colombia?

You definitely need a Colombian visa to enter Colombia unless you are from a visa-exempt country. To be sure, you can browse the visa-exempt countries to see if your country is on the list; if it is not, you will have to apply for a Colombia visa. The good news is the tourist visa application process is relatively easy to complete.

What Is A Colombia Tourist Visa, And Who Qualifies For One?

A tourist visa was designed by the Colombian government for foreign nationals who wish to spend their holidays in the country. Only applicants 18 years and above can apply for a tourist visa but minors may enter the country but their parents or legal guardians will have to apply for the visa on their behalf. The visa was established by resolution 5707 in the year 2008 to simplify the application process for foreigners who want to visit the country for tourist-related activities.

 There are two ways to apply for a tourist visa: the Colombian consulate application method and the online method.

The Colombian consulates application method is a complex method that requires the applicant to appear in person at the Colombian consulate and present physical copies of their travel documents. While this method works, it takes a longer time and is stressful.

How To Apply For a Tourist Visa Online?

Applying for a tourist visa online is the easiest route. You don’t have to visit the consulate in your country, nor do you have to send hard copies of your documents. The process is so easy that you don’t even have to apply through a third party. All you need to do is the following.

Visit VisaHQ to access the online Colombia visa application form

Select your country of citizenship and pick Colombia as your travel destination

Select “Tourist visa “ as your preferred visa of choice

Fill all the fields with accurate information

Attach all the necessary documents by scanning and uploading them

Submit the application form

Once you submit the completed application form visa VisaHQ, the Colombian authorities will take a few days to process the application, and if successful, they will forward the visa to the registered email you provided on the application form.

Also, note that a visa application fee must be paid using a credit or debit card. This fee is non-refundable even if your application is rejected.

Colombia Tourist Visa Requirements

Here are the tourist visa requirements you must meet to qualify for it.

Valid Passport: You must scan and upload the bio page of your Passport. The Passport must have at least 6 months of validity and contain nothing less than 2 blank pages for visa stamps by Colombian immigration.

Recent photograph: 2 recent photographs taken not later than 6 months before the day you use it. The applicant must face the camera, and their face must be clear on every side. The photo must also be in colored form against a white background.

Proof of funds: The applicant must scan and upload a signed and authorized bank statement of account showing transactions for the last six months and sufficient funds to cover their travel expenses during their stay in the country.

Invitation Letter: If the applicant is coming to Colombia on an invite, they must scan and upload the invitation letter sent to them by the Colombian resident or citizen. The letter must show the inviter’s contact address and the purpose of the visit.

Return Ticket: A scanned copy of the return ticket for the flight back to their home country

Note: Citizens of most EU countries and a few other countries may visit and stay in Colombia for a period of 90 days without a tourist visa. Residents of the US, India, China, Macau, Myanmar, Cambodia, Vietnam, and Thailand also enjoy some degree of visa waivers if they are coming for tourism.

 However, those who are simply transiting through Colombia do not need to apply for a tourist visa if their connecting flight out of Colombia leaves in less than 24 hours after they arrive in the country or if they don’t leave the Bogota Airport during their short stay in Colombian soil. But transit visa exemptions do not apply to Cubans and Palestinians.

You can apply for a Colombia tourist visa online, so visit VisaHQ to fill out and submit the application form.

Colombia is a South American country with a rich history dating back centuries before the first Spanish conquistadors landed. The country may have a terrible past of organized crime, but there is more to Colombia than drugs and war. This South American country is home to some of the most unique flora and fauna on the continent. It also has a very rich culture and an amazing social scene that draws millions worldwide. Many foreign nationals who visit Colombia do so with a Colombia business visa because it is a top business destination on the continent as well.

If you want to visit for a business-related activity, you need a business visa to get into the country. Keep reading to know how to successfully apply for the visa.

Do You Need A Colombia Business Visa To Enter Colombia?

You need a business visa to enter Colombia if you are coming for business-related activities. The only visitors who don’t require a business visa are citizens from visa-exempt countries.

What Is A Colombia Business Visa?

A business visa is a special travel document issued to foreigners for business-related activities. There are three categories of this Colombian business visa, and we briefly explain them below.

Business Owners Visa: This type is a visa with a 1-3 year validity and is the lower level version.

Investment Visa: This one is for investors who can make significant investments in the Colombian economy

Migrant Business Visa: The migrant Visa is for foreigners who can invest up to 100 million Pesos and above into the Colombian economy

Permanent Residency Visa: This one has a minimum requirement of 600 million Pesos of foreign investment and above and guarantees the holder a permanent stay in Colombia without limitations.

You should also know that the Colombian visa is also divided into two categories called the temporary and permanent visa class. All the visas, excluding the permanent residency visa, are under the temporary legal representative category.

The Validity of A Business Visa

The average temporary business visa is valid for three years maximum, and they start counting from the day they are used, regardless of whether you visit the country or not. However, they lose their validity automatically if you stay out of Colombia for more than 6 months at a time.

As for a permanent residency visa, you can enter and leave the country as you like, but you can’t stay for more than 2 years at a time; otherwise, you would violate the terms of the visa. Also, note that business visas are renewable a month before they expire.

Where Can You Apply For A Business Visa?

You can apply for a business visa at the Colombian consulate in your country or online. If you want a longer-term visa of one year and above, you may have to visit the consulate to kick-start the application process. For short-term visas, you can apply for it visa VisaHQ.  Just follow these steps.

Log onto VisaHQ

Choose Colombia as your destination and select your citizenship from among the list of countries on the portal

Complete the application form by filling in all the required fields with accurate data

Scan and upload the necessary documents where required

Pay the visa fee using a debit or credit card and submit it for processing

The Colombian authorities will take between 3-5 working days to process your application and send the visa to your registered email address if your application is successful. To avoid rejection or delay, endeavor to provide only valid documents and accurate information. Also, note that the visa fee is nonrefundable.

Documents Required For Colombia Business Visa

Here are the documents you must submit when applying for a business visa. Note that only valid documents are accepted.

Valid Passport: A copy of your passport bio page must be scanned and uploaded on the application form portal. Only passports with at least 6 months of validity are allowed.

Previous stamps/Visa: If you have visited Colombia before, you must provide a scanned copy of the old visa and a stamped page of your passport where the visa was affixed.

Recent Photograph: 2 copies of recent photographs showing your face clearly.

Proof of Funds: A statement of account showing proof of funds and sufficient balance to meet the financial requirements for the type of business visa you are applying for.

Letter of Request: A letter of request showing your company name, tax identification number, company address, certificate of incorporation, and other relevant documents.

Declaration Form: A foreign exchange declaration form

Note that other documents will be required of you besides the ones listed above. Kindly do your due diligence and compile all the documents you need before you start the visa application process.

For a short-term Colombia Business Visa that is obtainable online, visit VisaHQ to access the application form.

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Colombia Visa FAQs

When is the best time to apply for my Colombia visa? The best time to apply for your Colombia visa is 1-2 months before your travel date.

Do I have to send you my passport to get a Colombia visa? Is it safe to send a passport? Yes. You will need to send your actual passport, not a copy of it. The Colombia visa is stamped on your passport and will become one of your passport pages. Visa request cannot be processed without your original passport. Because of the importance of your passport, we strongly suggest that you send your application in a secure way, using a traceable courier such as FedEx.

Sample of Business Travel Requirements for a Colombia Visa for Canadian Citizens

Visa May Not Be Required

Individuals who hold a machine readable passport and are traveling to Colombia for tourism or as a temporary visitor DO NOT require a Visa to enter the country. Travellers will be issued a permit on arrival valid for a stay of up to 90 days. You may be required to pay an entry fee. Please refer to TEMPORARY VISITORS VISA for definition of Temporary visitor which includes doing business in Colombia, attending conferences or providing urgent technical assistance to Colombian companies: http://toronto.consulado.gov.co/

Yellow Fever Risk Area

Applicants travelling to a Yellow Fever risk area in Colombia or arriving from a Yellow Fever risk country must provide a Yellow Fever certificate showing vaccine administration at least 10 days prior entry into Colombia. A list of Yellow Fever risk countries and areas can be found at https://www.iamat.org/country/colombia/risk/yellow-fever .

Previous visits to China or other areas impacted by COVID-19

Colombia has temporarily suspended entry to travellers who have been to China or other areas impacted by COVID-19 in the last 14 days.

Sample of Tourist Travel Requirements for a Colombia Visa for Canadian Citizens

Visa Exempt

• Hold a passport valid at least six months on entry with one blank visa page
• Hold proof of onward/return flights
• Hold all documents required for the next destination
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The Secretary of State, following consultations with the Department of Homeland Security, has determined that the following categories of interview waivers are in the national interest.  Changes based on that determination are implemented by consular officers, who now have the authority and discretion to waive the in-person interview for:

• First time H-2 visa applicants (temporary agricultural and non-agricultural workers); and
• Were previously issued a nonimmigrant visa in any classification, unless the only prior issued visa was a B visa; and
• Are applying within 48 months of their most recent nonimmigrant visa’s expiration date.

In all cases, applicants must meet certain legal requirements to qualify for an interview waiver.  Implementation of this authority begins January 1, 2024, and will be reviewed annually.  This authority is in place until further notice.

As a reminder, applicants renewing a nonimmigrant visa in the same classification within 48 months of the prior visa’s expiration date continue to be eligible for interview waiver until further notice. 

To be eligible for an interview waiver, applicants must also meet certain criteria, including that they:

• apply in their country of nationality or residence.
• have never been refused a visa (unless such refusal was overcome or waived).
• have no apparent or potential ineligibility.

Consular officers may still require in-person interviews on a case-by-case basis or because of local conditions.  We encourage applicants to check embassy and consulate websites for more detailed information about visa application requirements and procedures, and to learn more about the embassy’s operating status and services. 

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International travel documents for children

See what documents a child needs to travel to or from the U.S. alone or with a parent or relative.

Children traveling to the U.S.

All children, including infants, must have their own travel documents such as a passport or document from a Trusted Traveler Program to enter the U.S. If you travel or are going to travel with a child, consider taking the following documents:

• If the child is traveling with only one of their custodial parents, they must have a letter of consent, preferably in English and notarized, from the other parent or signed by both parents. The letter should say "I acknowledge that my son/daughter is traveling outside the country with [the name of the adult] with my permission."
• If one parent has sole custody of the child, a copy of the custody document can take the place of the other parent's letter.
• Parents who frequently cross the border by land with a minor must always carry a letter of permission from the other parent.

U.S. citizen children traveling abroad

Ports of entry in many countries have security measures to prevent international child abduction . If you are traveling alone with your child, you may be required to present documentation proving you are the parent or legal guardian. You may also need a letter of permission from the other parent for your child to travel. 

If your child travels alone, depending on the country, they may be required to present a notarized letter from both parents or their legal guardian. If a minor is traveling abroad and is not accompanied by both parents or a legal guardian, contact the embassy or consulate of the country you will be visiting and ask about entry and exit requirements for that country.

LAST UPDATED: December 6, 2023

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