travel visa to colombia

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.

Explore related stories

Budget Travel

Jul 31, 2024 • 4 min read

Tipping etiquette confuses almost every traveler – what's appropriate and who should you tip? This is what you need to know about tipping in the Americas.

Jun 13, 2024 • 6 min read

May 28, 2024 • 9 min read

May 8, 2024 • 5 min read

Feb 29, 2024 • 8 min read

Feb 11, 2024 • 9 min read

Dec 23, 2023 • 6 min read

Dec 20, 2023 • 6 min read

Dec 15, 2023 • 7 min read

Oct 2, 2023 • 8 min read

Traducir a Español / Translate to English

Request Visa

*Required Fields

Identification Data

Personal data.

Complete this field only if you already had made a previous application. In that case enter the requested number

Application Data

Privacy notice and authorization to handle personal data in the integrated citizen processes system – sitac – in the ministry of foreign affairs.

• If you delete this application from the group you wont be able to modify it later, depending on the payment status of the study it will become INADMISSIBLE or CANCELED . To confirm the deletion of this application select Continue, otherwise select Return.

Visa Traveler

Exploring the world one country at a time

Colombia visa: Requirements and application procedure

Updated: July 2, 2021

Colombia visa requirements are simple and easy to understand. Colombia has a liberal visa policy offering visa exemption to most nationalities. Colombia offers eVisa to those who require a visa.

WHAT YOU WILL LEARN IN THIS ARTICLE You will learn everything about Colombia visa requirements, application procedure, documentation required, visa fee, payment methods, application status and entry/exit formalities at the airport. 

Colombia eVisa is available to many nationalities. The entire application process is online and a printable eVisa is issued. The only issue being the visa fee is quite steep and it needs to be paid in two payments. 

On the other hand, nationals from Cambodia, China, India, Macao, Myanmar, Nicaragua, Thailand and Vietnam holding a valid US or Schengen visa do not require a separate visa for Colombia.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Visa exempt nationalities, visa required nationalities.

• Visa EXEMPT with US or Schengen visa

Minimum passport validity required to enter Colombia

• Application procedure
• Documentation required

Methods of payment

• Processing time
• Application status
• eVisa approval
• eVisa validity

Pre-approved visa from the consulate

• Entering Colombia
• Exiting Colombia

COLOMBIA VISA REQUIREMENTS BY NATIONALITY

Passport must be valid for at least 6 months at the time of entering Colombia

• Maximum stay allowed 90 days each entry
• Can be extended for an additional 90 days online
• Maximum stay allowed 180 days in a calendar year
• Antigua and Barbuda
• Bonaire (Dutch territory)
• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Brunei Darussalam
• Czech Republic
• Dominican Republic
• El Salvador
• Liechtenstein
• Marshall Islands
• North Macedonia
• Netherlands
• New Zealand
• Papua New Guinea
• Philippines
• Saint Kitts and Nevis
• Saint Lucia
• Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
• Sint Maarten
• Solomon Islands
• South Korea
• Switzerland
• Trinidad and Tobago
• United Arab Emirates
• United Kingdom
• United States of America
• Vatican City
• Afghanistan
• Anguilla (British territory)
• Bermuda (British territory)
• Burkina Faso
• Cayman Island (British territory)
• Central African Republic
• Congo (Democratic Republic of)
• Congo (Republic of)
• Cote d’Ivoire
• Equatorial Guinea
• Faroe Islands (Danish territory)
• French Guiana (French territory)
• Greenland (Danish territory)
• Guadeloupe (French territory)
• Guinea-Bissau
• Martinique (French territory)
• North Korea
• Saint Martin (French territory)
• Sao Tome and Principe
• Saudi Arabia
• Sierra Leone
• South Africa
• South Sudan
• Timor-Leste
• Turkmenistan
• Turks and Caicos (British territory)

Visa EXEMPT with a valid visa from the US or Schengen

• Only following nationalities are eligible for visa exemption
• Only C-Type or D-Type Schengen visas are permitted
• All US visas are permitted, except C1 (transit)
• US or Schengen visa must be valid for at least 180 days from the day of arrival

RELATED: Besides Colombia, you can also travel to 48 countries VISA-FREE with a US visa

COLOMBIA VISA APPLICATION PROCESS

The visa category for tourists and visitors is Type-V.

Check if you need a Type-V visa to travel to Colombia from the list of visa EXEMPT or REQUIRED nationalities above. Alternatively, check if you need a visa at the Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.

Colombia tourist visa must be applied online. An eVisa is issued and sent to your email. You must print and present this eVisa at the first port of entry in Colombia. If you prefer a sticker visa, you can obtain one from your nearest consulate after your online application is approved.

Colombia eVisa

Evisa application procedure.

Start your Colombia visa application on SITAC (Sistema Integral de Trámites al Ciudadano) website. 

Colombia Ministry of Foreign Affairs has made a nice step-by-step guide on how to fill the online application. Refer to this guide if you need help filling the application. Unfortunately, this guide is only in Spanish.

At the end of your eVisa application submission, a registration code is displayed. This registration code is also emailed to you for records. You must retain this registration code. It’s required for your eVisa fee payment, application status tracking and inquiries. 

After your eVisa is approved, you will receive an electronic visa to your email. You will have to print this and present it on your arrival in Colombia. 

If you prefer to get a visa sticker in your passport, you can pay your eVisa fee at your nearest Colombian consulate and receive a visa sticker at no additional cost. 

Documentation Required

The following documentation is required

• Digital passport photo (JPG)
• Passport data/ID page (PDF)
• Passport pages with previous Colombian visa/stamps (if you have traveled to Colombia previously) (PDF)
• Visa or residence permit (if living in a country other than the country of your passport) (PDF)
• Round trip flight tickets
• Hotel bookings
• Bank statements for the last 3 months

Combine all additional documentation into one single PDF.

Colombia eVisa fee must be paid in two payments. 

• First payment: $52 USD
• Second payment: $82 USD

First payment: First visa fee payment of $52 USD must be made after submitting your Colombia visa application. This fee is for “visa study”, which means to process your visa application.

Second payment: The second visa fee payment of $82 USD must be made after your visa is approved. This fee is for “visa issuance”, which means to receive your eVisa. 

Though the eVisa fee is quite steep, you will only lose the first payment ($52) if your visa is denied. 

There are 3 ways to pay your Colombia eVisa fee 

• Pay with a credit card (Visa or Master card only)
• Pay at any Colombian consulate
• Pay in Bogota

1. Pay with a credit card: Paying with a credit card is a new feature that was introduced recently. It’s not streamlined with the eVisa application process yet. Therefore, you must select the option to pay (a) at a consulate or (b) in Bogota while submitting your eVisa application. Otherwise, you cannot submit your eVisa application. 

After you submit your eVisa application, you can make your first eVisa fee payment with a credit card on the payment portal , which is a separate website altogether.

Colombia Ministry of Foreign Affairs has made a nice step-by-step guide on how to use the credit card payment portal. Refer to this guide if you need any help. Unfortunately, the portal and this guide are only in Spanish. 

It’s fine to pay the eVisa fee with a credit card even though you have selected the option to pay (a) at a consulate or (b) in Bogota as your payment options in your eVisa application. Hopefully, they will add CC payment as an option to the visa application itself in the future to avoid confusion. But for now, you will have to make the visa fee payment on the payment portal.

A service charge of 2,200 COP will be charged in addition to the eVisa fee. 

2. Pay at any Colombian consulate: You can pay the eVisa fee at any Colombian consulate anywhere in the world. If there is one near you, that’s good. If not, you can have a friend or family member pay on your behalf if they have a Colombian consulate near them.

NOTE If you go to the consulate to pay your first eVisa fee, you can request the consul to process your visa immediately. In most cases, you can pay the second eVisa fee and pick up your visa sticker affixed in your passport.

3. Pay in Bogota: You can pay the eVisa fee in Bogota. For this, you must have a local Colombian bank account or have a local Colombian friend/agent help you pay the fee. This option is particularly not useful unless you have a local Colombian friend/agent who can help you.

IMPORTANT You are required to pay the first and second eVisa fees using the same method. For example, if you pay your first eVisa fee with a credit card, then you must pay your second eVisa fee also with a credit card. Similarly, If you make your first eVisa payment at a certain Colombia consulate, then you must make your second eVisa payment at the same Colombian consulate.

eVisa Processing Time

The current visa processing time is 5 business days. 

If additional documentation or an interview is required, then it can take up to 30 calendar days.

eVisa Application Status

While your visa application is being processed, you will receive a few emails notifying the current status of your application. Alternatively, you can check your visa status online on the SITAC website .

Below are various statuses and their meaning.

Approved: This status indicates that your visa is approved. You have to make the second visa fee payment in order to receive your approved eVisa to your email.

Required: This status indicates that the Colombian consulate requires additional information or documentation. The procedure to provide additional information or documentation will be in the email.

Rejected: This status indicates that your visa is denied. You can reapply after 6 months of waiting period.

Inadmissible: Similar to the above “rejected” status but you are eligible to reapply immediately.

eVisa Approval

After your eVisa is approved, you will be notified to make your second eVisa fee payment. Once the payment is made, you will receive an electronic visa to your email. You will have to print this and present it on your arrival in Colombia. 

If you prefer to get a visa sticker in your passport, you can visit your nearest Colombian consulate and receive a visa sticker at no additional cost. 

eVisa Validity

Colombia tourist visa (Type-V) is usually issued for 6 months and multiple-entry. There were instances where visas were issued for 3 months to 2 years depending on your itinerary. You can stay up to 180 days in each visit.

The procedure for a pre-approved visa from the consulate is the same as eVisa, except the fact that you would need to visit your nearest consulate to pay the visa issuance fee (second eVisa payment) and have the visa sticker affixed in your passport. 

ENTERING AND LEAVING COLOMBIA BY AIR

Entering colombia by air.

At your first port of entry in Colombia, you will pass through immigration and customs.

If holding an eVisa, make sure you present a print of your eVisa to the officer.

You will be asked about your purpose of travel and the number of days you plan to stay in Colombia. Your passport will be marked with an entry stamped.

The number of days you are allowed to stay may not always be marked on your entry stamp. It is assumed that you can stay up to 90 days. In doubt, ask to make sure you can stay 90 days.

As always, carry a copy of your return ticket and accommodation booking. If you are traveling on a one-way ticket, make sure to have proof of onward ticket .

Leaving Colombia by air

On exit, you will go pass through the passport control. Your entry stamp will be verified and a new exit stamp will be issued in your passport.

You will not be asked any questions while exiting the country unless you overstayed your visa. Just account for some additional time for the exit process.

Colombia visa requirements are simple and easy to understand. Most nationalities are exempt from visas. Colombian visa application process is online and an eVisa is issued. Passport holders from a few countries with a valid visa from the US or Schengen can enter Colombia without a visa. 

WRITTEN BY THIRUMAL MOTATI

Thirumal Motati is an expert in tourist visa matters. He has been traveling the world on tourist visas for more than a decade. With his expertise, he has obtained several tourist visas, including the most strenuous ones such as the US, UK, Canada, and Schengen, some of which were granted multiple times. He has also set foot inside US consulates on numerous occasions. Mr. Motati has uncovered the secrets to successful visa applications. His guidance has enabled countless individuals to obtain their visas and fulfill their travel dreams. His statements have been mentioned in publications like Yahoo, BBC, The Hindu, and Travel Zoo.

PLAN YOUR TRAVEL WITH VISA TRAVELER

I highly recommend using these websites to plan your trip. I use these websites myself to apply for my visas, book my flights and hotels and purchase my travel insurance.

01. Apply for your visa

Get a verifiable flight itinerary for your visa application from DummyTicket247 . DummyTicket247 is a flight search engine to search and book flight itineraries for visas instantly. These flight itineraries are guaranteed to be valid for 2 weeks and work for all visa applications.

02. Book your fight

Find the cheapest flight tickets using Skyscanner . Skyscanner includes all budget airlines and you are guaranteed to find the cheapest flight to your destination.

03. Book your hotel

Book your hotel from Booking.com . Booking.com has pretty much every hotel, hostel and guesthouse from every destination.

04. Get your onward ticket

If traveling on a one-way ticket, use BestOnwardTicket to get proof of onward ticket for just $12, valid for 48 hours.

05. Purchase your insurance

Purchase travel medical insurance for your trip from HeyMondo . HeyMondo offers a 5% discount to Visa Traveler readers (use the link above), and covers all medical and travel emergencies during your trip.

Need more? Check out my travel resources page  for the best websites to plan your trip.

LEGAL DISCLAIMER We are not affiliated with immigration, embassies or governments of any country. The content in this article is for educational and general informational purposes only, and shall not be understood or construed as, visa, immigration or legal advice. Your use of information provided in this article is solely at your own risk and you expressly agree not to rely upon any information contained in this article as a substitute for professional visa or immigration advice. Under no circumstance shall be held liable or responsible for any errors or omissions in this article or for any damage you may suffer in respect to any actions taken or not taken based on any or all of the information in this article. Please refer to our full disclaimer for further information.

AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. Please refer to our full disclosure for further information.

MORE VISA GUIDES

UNITED STATES

UNITED KINGDOM

VIEW ALL VISA GUIDES

• Cookie Policy
• Copyright Notice
• Privacy Policy
• Terms of Use
• Flight Itinerary
• Hotel Reservation
• Travel Insurance
• Onward Ticket
• Testimonials

Search this site

Editor's Choice

• Latest Articles
• How to Move Out of the U.S.
• Daily e-Letter
• All Destinations
• Best Places to Retire
• Our Experts
• Testimonials
• Real Estate

Guide to Visas and Residency Types in Colombia - Costs & Processes

By Michelle Thompson

Visa and residency in Colombia can be a complicated process, but it doesn’t have to be painful. In 2022, the government streamlined its immigration system and introduced new visa options, requirements, and fees for foreign nationals.

There are three main visa categories in Colombia to consider: Visitor or V-type, Migrant or M-type, and Resident or R-type. Each is meant to assist different categories of applicants, from retirees to spouses to real estate investors. The type of visa you decide to apply for depends on how long you plan to stay. Temporary visas and permanent residency are both useful at different times throughout the process of choosing Colombia as your permanent home.

If you’re considering living long-term or retiring in the country, the options below can help you decide what’s right for you. The article covers everything from tourist visa extensions to citizenship applications, and provides important details about cost, requirements, and documentation. The information is not meant to replace legal advice but to help you find the right resources and get a clear sense of what’s available to you as a retiree planning to live abroad.

Temporary Visas (V-Type Visa)

Visitor visas award any foreign national the right to visit Colombia temporarily, allowing them to stay for an extended period without the intention of establishing themselves permanently. There are many types of V class visas: tourist, rentista, religious, digital nomad, business, and more.

While retirees may ultimately want to obtain a longer visa period, the V-type visa can allow them to stay in the country for up to six months and learn more about Colombia. Consider the following four best options for retirees wishing to visit the country:

A tourist visa will allow you to stay up to 180 days per calendar year. Visitors from most countries , including the US, Canada, and the UK, can enter Colombia without a visa and typically receive a 90-day stamp upon arrival. To stay longer, you must apply for a 90-day extension before your initial stamp expires.

A rentista visa is intended for foreigners who receive regular passive income such as a pension, rental income, interest/dividends from investments, disability payments, an insurance settlement, or annuity payments. With this visa you can live in Colombia for up to two years but must not work nor generate business income while in Colombia. To qualify for a rentista visa you’ll need to prove a monthly income of at least $2,577.

The Business visa is a good choice if you’re planning to open a business in Colombia and would like to do some market exploration before committing. Business visas are valid for up to two years and will allow you to make multiple entries into the country.

Digital nomad can cover up to 2 years, but you’ll need to show that you make about $900 per month working remotely for a foreign company. You may be able to meet the income threshold by working part time. This option is ideal for semi-retired people who haven’t yet decided if they want to settle in Colombia but want to extend their stay and have the option to travel around the country and other parts of the globe.

Living in Colombia for several months can help you understand what it has to offer, how administrative processes work, and which parts of the country you prefer. If you’re undecided about moving to Colombia permanently, or still sorting out your finances back home, this should be your first step.

Documentation

The documentation you must provide will depend on the type of visa you apply for. For example, to extend your tourist visa, you will need a valid passport, proof of health insurance, a local address, and proof of your return ticket. You could also be asked to prove that you can cover your living expenses during your stay in Colombia. Rentistas have the same requirements as tourists, but must also submit a criminal background check and show they make at least $2,577 per month.

To obtain a business visa, you’ll need a valid passport, proof of health insurance, a local address, a business plan, bank statements to show you can cover your living expenses, and a letter explaining your business plans. As a digital nomad, you must provide the same documents as a tourist or rentista and will be asked to submit letters from your employer(s) and proof that you make more than $900 a month. A friendly tip: To get the best possible outcome, make sure your passport expiration date is passed the two-year duration of your potential stay.

Your visa should indicate how many days you can stay in the country and how often you can come and go. Overstaying is never a good idea even if expats with good intentions tell you otherwise. If you’ve stayed after your visa’s expiration, the immigration office will make you pay a fine when you leave. The amount will vary depending on the length of time you overstayed and the mood of the immigration officer. It may also impact how difficult it is to get another visa later on.

Permanent Residency (M-Type and R-Type)

Migrant visa (m type).

The M visa is meant for foreigners who want to enter Colombia with the intention of making it their long-term or permanent home. This visa allows people with beneficiaries, such as a spouse or child, to include them on their application. The M-type Visa offers those who don’t yet meet the conditions for an R-type visa a path toward permanent residency. The most common types of migrant visas are retirement, real estate, marriage, business, and retiree. The retirement visa (M-type) is one of the more attractive types of migrant visas available. Typically, migrant visas are granted for up to three years, but to keep the visa active you’ll need to be in the country at least once every six months.

Pensioner visas (retirement visas) allow applicants to migrate to Colombia and live off their retirement income. Real estate investor visas are for foreigners who have made a Foreign Direct Investment or purchased a property valuing more than 650 times the minimum monthly wage in Colombia. The minimum amounts needed to qualify for an M-type visa are subject to change and are based on formulas that take into account the rising minimum wage of Colombian citizens. You should always consult the official website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to confirm the current amount.

Resident Visa (R type)

Colombia’s R type visa is intended for foreigners who have lived there for several years and want to make it their permanent home. It has several benefits; for example, it can provide access to the national healthcare system and insurance program and doesn’t impose the same work restrictions V-type and M-type visas do. After three years of receiving a migrant visa (M-type), you can renew the visa and once you reach the five-year mark, you become eligible for permanent residency. R visa holders can work, invest money, and purchase and sell assets with far fewer restrictions than migrants and visitors.

In Colombia, you must accumulate time lived in the country before applying for permanent residency. There are a few scenarios where you can receive a resident visa: if you’re the parent of a Colombian citizen by birth, renounced your Colombian nationality in the past, accumulated time of permanence through other visa types, made a foreign investment in a Colombian company (investment visas), or your spouse is a Colombian citizen or permanent resident (marriage visa).

When it comes to your M-type and R-type visa application, you may want to work with a legal advisor who speaks English and Spanish and can guide you through the process of preparing and submitting the right documents. The basic requirements for the M-type visa application include your passport, digital photo (3x4 cm), bank statements, and your health insurance policy. Retirees applying for the pensioner visa must provide proof of their pension benefits, and real estate investors must share a copy of their registered foreign investment certificate.

For R-type visas, the following documents are needed:

A valid passport

A digital photo (3x4 cm)

A copy of your tourist stamps, extensions, and other visas received in the past

A copy of your foreigner ID card

A notarized letter certifying your pension benefits or monthly revenue

Criminal background checks from your home country and any countries you have resided in the past three years

A letter from a doctor certifying that you are in good physical and mental health (for the pensioner visa)

A health insurance policy

If applying for a visa from your home country, you may receive assistance from the nearest Colombian Embassy or Consulate and can pick up your visa after it is approved.

Citizenship

If you’ve lived in Colombia for several years, you probably consider it your home. Some foreign-born residents decide to apply for citizenship so they can have access to the same benefits Colombians do. In addition to giving you the right to vote, becoming a citizen protects you from deportation and can give you a sense of stability as you settle into your new life. As a Colombian citizen you can also move freely between Mercosur member states in South America using only your Colombian ID.

As a foreigner you must accumulate five years of residency under your M-type visa. Latin American or Caribbean citizens who have lived continuously in Colombia for one year are eligible to apply for citizenship. For Spanish citizens, the period is two years. If you marry a Colombian national or have Colombian children, you can apply after only two years. To start the naturalization process, you must prove that you are a legal resident.

Your citizenship application involves collecting several documents and answering questions about your decision to seek out Colombian citizenship.

Official application form submitted to the Minister of Foreign Affairs

The reasons motivating your request

Your most recent address

A police background check

Proof of civil status of any dependent if they are included in your applications

A certified copy of your Foreign ID card and Resident card

A notarized copy of your passport, birth certificate, or registration.

A letter from your employer (if this applies).

A copy of your Chamber of Commerce certificate if you are a business owner in Colombian

Copy of marriage certificate if married to a Colombian

Men under 50 years of age must comply with military status requirements

Five photographs (4x5 cm) on a blue background

Official translations of documents into Spanish

Basic knowledge of Colombia’s political constitution, history, geography, and language (Spanish).

Note that if you have a high school or university degree or are over 65, you are exempt from the last requirement on this list. Once you file your application, if you meet the requirements, you ‘ll be interviewed by an agent from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs who will decide whether or not to grant you citizenship.

Processing Time

All visa applications can be completed online through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores or Cancilleria) and you can check their status using the link and passcode in the confirmation email you receive. If you plan to apply for your V-type visa from inside Colombia, provide both the arrival stamp and the front page of your passport at the time of your visa application. Despite the government website saying otherwise, V-type visas may take 20 to 30 days to be approved. If any documents are missing, this will delay the process by about one week.

The approval for M- and R-type visas can be 30 to 60 days long. At a minimum, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will need one month to study and approve your application and another week to prepare the visa document. Once approved, you must register your visa in person within 15 days. You should complete a Formulario Unico de Tramites form online and schedule an appointment to obtain your Foreigner ID card. Your new ID card will take about 7 to 10 days to arrive.

The list below is not meant to be comprehensive and prices are based on the latest fee amounts listed on the official Immigration Colombia website. We have included only the visas mentioned in this article. If you need formation about workers, students, religious migrants, spouses, business owners, and parents of a Colombian national who seek a visa or citizenship visit the Cancilleria website here .

*Cubans and European nationals pay lower fees.

The initial processing fee can be paid by credit card or Colombian bank card through the PSE payment system. A link should be available on the application website before you complete the initial process. To pay your visa fee, follow the instructions provided in your response email. The immigration office does not accept cash payments but can provide a bank letter upon request payable at Servibanca or GNB Sudameris Bank. If you apply in your home country you should be able to pay using your credit card or debit card.

Video: Visa and Residency in Colombia: Pensionado, Rentista, Resident Visa, Etc.

You may have noticed that websites have conflicting information about fees and minimum income and investment amounts. In 2022, the Colombian government updated its immigration rules along with many of its fees. The best way to get the most up-to-date information is to visit the official government website or call the Ministry of Foreign Affairs customer service line. You can also go to your local immigration office in person if you’re already in Colombia. There are immigration offices located in cities throughout the country. A list of locations and hours of operation can be found on Migración Colombia’s website . You can also refer to the Colombian Consulates directory to find the office nearest to your home city if you haven’t arrived yet.

There are many roads you can take to get a visa and live in Colombia. If you’re still early in the process and unsure if Colombia is the right destination for you, a Visitor visa may be a good first step. If you’ve already decided and are ready to make a permanent move, consider starting with a Migrant visa, which is renewable, gives you more freedom, and can help you obtain permanent residency later on.

Featured Image Copyright: ©iStock/yenwen

Colombia Deep Dives

Colombia Fast Facts

Cost of Living in Colombia

Economy in Colombia

Healthcare in Colombia

Live in Colombia

Real Estate in Colombia

Renting in Colombia

Retire to Colombia

Traditions and Culture in Colombia

Weather in Colombia

Where is Colombia?

City and Area Guide

• Immigration

Colombian Visa: Your Complete Guide

Looking to get a visa for colombia here's everything you need to know. from visa types and requirements to the application process, we cover it all. whether you're visiting for tourism, work, or study, this guide will help you navigate the colombian visa system smoothly..

Quick Glance:

Learn about the visa requirements for traveling to Colombia, including different visa types and the application process. Obtain a tourist, business, work, or student visa through a streamlined online application and payment process. Ensure a smooth application by applying in advance, preparing accurate documents, and respecting visa conditions while in Colombia. If you’ve ever dreamed of exploring the vibrant culture, lush landscapes, and rich history of Colombia, you might be wondering about the visa process to enter this beautiful country. Whether it’s the bustling streets of Bogotá or the inviting beaches of Cartagena that are calling your name, understanding the visa requirements is the first step in your journey. Here’s a straightforward guide to help you navigate through the process of obtaining a visa for Colombia.

Types of Colombian Visas

Colombia offers different types of visas to suit various travel purposes, such as tourism, business, work, or study. Most travelers from countries like the United States, Canada, and many European nations don’t need a visa for short visits (usually up to 90 days). However, if you plan to stay longer or if your country isn’t on the visa-exempt list, you’ll need to apply for the appropriate visa.

The most common visas include:

• Tourist Visa (Type V): Ideal for visitors who wish to travel or attend events in Colombia.
• Business Visa (Type M): For those engaging in business negotiations, market research, or other business-related activities.
• Work Visa (Type M): Necessary for individuals who will be employed or providing services in Colombia.
• Student Visa (Type M/V): Designed for international students enrolled in educational institutions in Colombia.

Application Process

Also of Interest:

Guide to getting a panama visa – everything you need to know, china travel policy update: easier access for us citizens with visa relaxation.

The visa application process for Colombia has become quite streamlined, thanks to online platforms. It usually involves the following steps:

• Identification: Determine which type of visa fits your travel purpose.
• Documentation: Gather all required documents, such as passports, photos, and any supporting letters or invitations.
• Online Application: Fill out the application form on the official website of the Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
• Interview: In some cases, you may need to attend an interview at the nearest Colombian consulate.
• Fee Payment: Pay the visa application fee, which varies depending on the type of visa and your nationality.
• Processing: Wait for your visa to be processed, which can take a few days to a few weeks.

Visa Duration and Conditions

The duration of your visa will depend on its category. Some tourist visas may be granted for up to 180 days per year, while other visa types may extend for a year or more. Remember that holding a visa doesn’t automatically give you the right to enter Colombia; immigration officers at the port of entry will make the final decision based on the presented documents and adherence to Colombian laws.

Tips for a Smooth Application

To ensure a smooth visa application process, consider these tips:

• Apply well in advance of your intended travel date to allow for any delays.
• Make sure all your documents are up-to-date and translated into Spanish if necessary.
• Double-check the accuracy of your application to avoid any potential issues.

After Arrival

Once in Colombia, it’s important to respect the conditions of your visa. Overstaying or violating visa terms could lead to fines or deportation. If you need to extend your stay, you can apply for an extension at a local immigration office in Colombia.

Getting Help and Additional Information

The visa process can seem daunting, but there’s plenty of help available. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website or contact the nearest Colombian consulate.

Navigating the world of visas doesn’t have to be complicated. By following this guide and doing your due diligence, you can embark on your Colombian adventure with confidence and peace of mind. So pack your bags, brush up on your Spanish, and get ready to immerse yourself in all the wonders that Colombia has to offer.

Well, there you have it! The ins and outs of securing a visa for Colombia in a nutshell. Now you can confidently plan your adventure without any visa-related headaches. But wait, there’s more! If you want to dive even deeper into the visa process or explore other exciting travel destinations, head over to visaverge.com for all the juicy details. Happy travels, amigos! 🌎✈️

FAQ’s to know:

FAQ 1: What are the different types of Colombian visas?

Colombia offers various types of visas to accommodate different travel purposes, including tourism, business, work, and study. The most common visa types include Tourist Visa (Type V), Business Visa (Type M), Work Visa (Type M), and Student Visa (Type M/V).

FAQ 2: What is the process for obtaining a visa for Colombia?

The visa application process for Colombia is straightforward and can be done online. The steps typically involve identifying the appropriate visa type, gathering the required documents, filling out the application form online, attending an interview if necessary, paying the visa fee, and waiting for the visa to be processed.

FAQ 3: How long is a Colombian visa valid for?

The duration of a Colombian visa depends on its category. Tourist visas can be granted for up to 180 days per year, while other visa types may allow for a year or more. It’s important to note that holding a visa doesn’t guarantee entry into Colombia. The final decision lies with the immigration officers at the port of entry, who consider the presented documents and adherence to Colombian laws.

What did you learn? Answer below to know:

• True or False: Travelers from the United States, Canada, and many European nations usually don’t need a visa to visit Colombia for up to 90 days.
• Which type of visa is suitable for international students enrolled in educational institutions in Colombia? a) Tourist Visa (Type V) b) Business Visa (Type M) c) Work Visa (Type M) d) Student Visa (Type M/V)
• What should travelers do to ensure a smooth visa application process? a) Apply well in advance of the intended travel date b) Keep all documents up-to-date and translated into Spanish if necessary c) Double-check the accuracy of the application d) All of the above

Verging Today

New USCIS Rules for H-1B Workers After Layoffs

USCIS issues guidelines for H-1B layoffs impacting immigrant workers at companies like Google and Walmart. Stay informed on visa terminations.

Trending Today

U.s. visa invitation letter guide with sample letters.

Learn how to write an invitation letter for a U.S.…

Top 10 B-1/B-2 Visa Interview Questions with Answers

Prepare for your B-1/B-2 Interview with these 20 sample questions…

Required Documents for a U.S. Visitor Visa Interview

When preparing for a U.S. visitor visa interview, it is…

Understanding the B1/B2 Visa 6 Month Rule: Stay Duration Explained for Multiple Entries

Learn about the B1/B2 visa 6 month rule and understand…

H1B to H4 Visa Transfer Process: Advantages, Disadvantages, and How to Do It

Learn the process of transferring from H1B to H4 visa,…

Canada Ends Policy Allowing Work Permits for Visitors

Canada has ended the policy allowing visitors to apply for…

B1 Business Visa Invitation Letter Samples

The B1 Business Visa invitation letter is crucial for the…

Visa Invitation Letter: Free Samples and Writing Tips

A Visa Invitation Letter, written by the host, assures accommodation…

Staying Legally in USA: Expired Visa but Valid Immigration Status

If your visa expires but you still have valid immigration…

Complete EB1A Visa Guide: Understanding the EB1A Green Card

The EB1A Visa offers a streamlined US immigration route for…

Sign in to your account

Remember me

Colombia Visa

This guide will teach you everything you need to know about Colombian Visas and the application process.

Your Complete Guide To Colombia Visas

Thinking about visiting the beautiful country of Colombia or even moving here? Figuring out the visa and entry requirements might seem tricky, but don’t worry—we’re here to help! This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about Colombia’s visa requirements for 2024.

Colombia offers a range of visa options to suit your travel plans, whether you’re visiting as a tourist or planning to live and work there. You can start the application process online, with fees ranging from $73 to $300, depending on the visa type. Just make sure you have a valid passport with at least six months left before it expires. In some cases, you might also need to show proof of funds to cover your trip.

Do You Need A Visa To Enter Colombia? 

Holders of the following passports are exempt from needing a short stay visa in colombia and they can stay in colombia up to 180 days per calendar year..

Albania Andorra Antigua and Barbuda Argentina Australia Austria Azerbaijan Bahamas Barbados Belgium Belize Bhutan Bolivia Bosnia and Herzegovina Brazil Brunei-Darussalam Bulgaria Canada Chile Costa Rica Croatia Cyprus Czech Republic Denmark Dominica Dominican Republic Ecuador El Salvador Estonia Fiji Finland France Georgia Germany

Greece Grenada Guatemala Guyana Holy See Honduras Hungary Iceland Indonesia Ireland Israel Italy Jamaica Japan Kazakhstan Korea (Republic of) Latvia Liechtenstein Lithuania Luxembourg Malta Marshall Islands Mexico Micronesia Moldova Monaco Montenegro Morocco Netherlands New Zealand North Macedonia Norway Oman Palau

Panama Papa New Guinea Paraguay Peru Philippines Poland Portugal Qatar Romania Russia (Federation of) Saint Kitts and Nevis Saint Lucia Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Samoa San Marino Serbia Singapore Slovakia Slovenia Solomon Islands Spain Suriname Sweden Switzerland Trinidad and Tobago Turkey Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland United States of America Uruguay Venezuela

Others:  Hong Kong – SAR Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China ‍ Sovereign Military Order of Malta

Individuals with passports from these countries AND a US Green Card or Schengen Visa valid for at least 6 months do not need a visa to enter Colombia.

Cambodia India Nicaragua Myanmar People's Republic of China Thailand Taiwan Vietnam It is important to note that there are many website online that state you are eligible to enter Colombia simply by having a Green card. This information is only accurate if you have a passport from one of the countries listed above. If you do not hold a passport form one of the countries listed above you will need a visa to enter Colombia.

Citation: Cancilleria's Website

Special Case Exemptions

1. Nicaraguans who prove they are natives of the Autonomous Region of the North Caribbean Coast and the Autonomous Region of the South Caribbean Coast will be exempt from a short-stay visa if they hold a valid residence permit in a Member State of the “Schengen Area” or in the United States of America; or if they are holders of a Schengen visa or a visa from the United States of America with a minimum validity of one hundred and eighty (180) days at the time of entry into the national territory. ‍ 2. Third-country nationals who are Permanent Residents in member states of the PACIFIC ALLIANCE will be exempt from a short-stay visa, provided that said activities do not generate payments for services, wages or salary in Colombia. 3. Non-EU permanent residents in countries of the ANDEAN COMMUNITY, based on reciprocity and in application of the Andean Migration Statute, will be exempt from a short-stay visa. 4. Nationals of those States with which Colombia signs agreements on visa exemption, under the terms of the respective international instrument.

Types of Visas in Colombia

Colombia has three types of visas. Visitor (Type V) visas, Migrant (Type M) Visas, and Resident (Type R) visas. Each visa type has it's own characteristics.

Visitor Visa

For short or temporary stays in the country.

Migrant Visa

For foreigners intending to live in Colombia for more than a few years.

Resident Visa

For individuals who have held a Migrant visa for at least a few years.

Colombian Visitor Visas

Colombian visitor visas are typically for foreign citizens who wish to visit Colombia for short periods of time. These visas can be granted for up to 2 years, while most are granted for 180 days or less. To apply for the visa, individuals must prove they are eligible to pay for the trip, describe their plans in the country, and sometimes complete an interview at the nearest embassy.

Common Types of Visitor Visas

There are many different types of visitor's visas. We will help you choose the right fit for you that gives you the best chance of success in obtaining a visa.

Tourist Visa

The tourist visa is for those who wish you visit Colombia for a vacation or short stay.

Student Visa

For foreign students attending an accredited institution in Colombia.

Annuity/Rentista Visa

For individuals with income from overseas investments.

Event or Convention Visa

For participants in special events or conferences in Colombia.

Crew Member Visa

Designed for members of international flight or maritime crews.

Digital Nomad Visa

For individuals who want to work remotely from Colombia.

Religious Visa

Granted to religious workers and missionaries.

Medical Treatment

Granted to those seeking medical treatment or procedures in Colombia.

Transit Visa

Allows travelers to pass through Colombian airports without entering the country.

Business Visa

Allows foreigners to engage in business activities within Colombia.

Explore More Colombian Visitor Visas

Colombian Visitor Visa Requirements

These are the basic requirements to apply for a Colombian Tourist Visa, however the Foreign affairs ministry may ask for additional documentation.

Contact Us Today and Get Approved

We will help you every step of the way, so you can focus on the enjoying everything Colombia has to offer.

Colombian Migrant Visas

Migrant Visas are great for foreign citizens seeking temporary residency in Colombia, with various categories available to accommodate different needs. To requirements for a migrant visa typically include something permanent keeping you in Colombia, like a marriage, a child, work, or retirement.

Types of Colombian Migrant Visas

Colombian marriage visa.

Otherwise known as a spouse or pernament partner visa , this visa is for individuals who are married to a Colombian National. Individuals who are in a civil partnership are eligible for the visa one year after registering.

Colombian Parent Visa

The Colombian parent visa is for individuals with a Colombian child. In order to qualify for the visa the applicants name will need to be on the child's birth certificate.

Colombian Work Visa

The work visa is designed for those with full time employment with a Colombian company. You'll need to secure employment from a Colombian company prior to applying and the employer will need to meet certain requirements.

Colombian Real Estate Investment Visa

The real estate investment visa is for foreigners who make a significant investment into real estate in Colombia. The foreigner will need to invest $406.000.000 COP or 350 times the Colombian minimum wage and legalize their investment with the central bank.

Colombian Business Visa

The business visa is for foreigners who invest in a Colombian company or a company they start in Colombia. The foreigner will need to invest at least 116.000.000 COP or 100x the Colombian minimum wage and legalize their investment with the central bank.

Colombian Resident Visa

Colombian Resident visas are for foreigners who have held a Colombian Migrant visa for a specific time frame which varies depending on the type of migrant visa. ‍ It is important to note that prior to October of 2022, foreigners could apply for a resident visa after investing a significant amount in Colombian real estate. The laws have since changed and foriegners will need to hold a migrant visa first.

Specific Requirements to apply for a Colombian Resident Visa

These are the specific requirements to apply for a Colombian Resident Visa however you may be required to submit additional documentation.

How to Apply For a Visa in Colombia

The online application process for a Colombia visa in 2023 can be initiated through the official Cancillera website. Each visa type is different with different requirements and processes, so it is important to be prepared prior to applying.

Obtain the Proper Documents

Prior to applying for the visa application you will want to gather all the necessary documents for your visa application. As documents vary by visa type, you'll want to consult the Cancilleria's website prior to applying or contact Colombian Visa Services to learn more.

Apply Online

All applications are now online through the Cancilleria's website. It is important to make sure you select the correct visa type and follow the directions exactly or you may be faced with delays or a visa denial. If you have not applied for a visa in Colombia before it is recommended to work with a professional. The Colombian government entity has 30 days to respond to your application.

Pay Application Fees

The Colombian government will charge a "study" fee to review your application. The study fee for the application is around $50 USD and your application will not be reviewed until you pay. Additionally, there will be an additional fee once your visa has been approved that can vary by visa type. These fees can range from $50 to $400 USD.

Respond to Follow Ups

The government entity will typically send you an email with requests for additional information or items that need to be corrected. You will want to respond to these requests as quickly as possible. Requests can include additional documentation, resubmission of documents, and more.

Recieve Your Visa

Once your visa is accepted you will get an email to pay your fee. Once you have paid your fee, you will recieve your electronic visa in the form of a PDF document to your email. You will not know how long the visa has been granted for until you receive the visa. Once you have your visa, if you are eligible, you can begin the process of obtaining your cedula de extranjeria.

Frequently Asked Questions

Learn more about what you need to obtain a Colombian Visa and how we can help.

Who needs a visa to enter Colombia?

The following countries need a visa to enter Colombia: Algeria, Armenia, Bahrain, Benin, Belarus, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cape Verde, Cameroon, Chad, Comoros, Congo, Ivory Coast, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Guinea Equatorial, Haiti, India, Kenya, Kyrgyzstan, Kiribati, Kosovo, Kuwait, Lesotho, Macedonia, Madagascar, Malaysia, Malawi, Maldives, Mali, Morocco, Mauritius, Mauritania, Moldova, Mongolia, Namibia, Nauru, Nepal, Nicaragua, Niger, Oman, Central African Republic, Rwanda, Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal, Seychelles, Swaziland, Thailand, Tanzania, Tajikistan, East Timor, Togo, Tonga, Tunisia, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Vietnam, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

Do I need a Visa to Enter Colombia if I have a US Green Card?

Yes, in most cases an individual will need a visa to enter Colombia even if they have a US Green Card. However, if you are a member of one of the following countries you can enter Colombia without a visa if you have a US Visa: Cambodia India Nicaragua Myanmar People's Republic of China Thailand Taiwan Vietnam.

Do I need a Visa to Travel Through the Airport? 

Yes, if you normally need a visa to enter Colombia, you will need to obtain a Transit Visa to travel through the airport. This is the case even if you are not leaving the airport.

Who does not need a visa for Colombia?

Individuals from more than 100 countries can stay in Colombia for up to 180 days per year without needing a visa.

Is There an E-Visa in Colombia?

Yes, all visas in Colombia are now electronic visas or E-visas. There is no need to go to Bogota or a consulate to get your passport physically stamped.

How Long Does It Take To Obtain A in Colombia?

The government entity in Colombia has 30 days to respond to your visa application. While the time can be shorter, we recommend applying for the visa at least 30-60 days prior to your trip.

What Does The Colombian Visa Cost?

The Colombian Visa cost can vary by the visa and visa sub type you are applying for. However, most visas have around a $50 USD study fee. For the tourist visa, the government entity will charge $82 after your visa has been approved.

What is the Easiest Visa To Obtain In Colombia?

The easiest visa to obtain in Colombia is the visa that you fit all of the requirements for. Typically if you are just wanting to visit Colombia, the Colombian Tourist Visa (Type V) is the easiest visa to obtain.

Your Partners

Daniela Cordoba is a lawyer specializing in immigration and commercial law. Daniela Cordoba has helped individuals and businesses live and operate in Colombia for over a decade. She also has training in compliance with the respective accreditations to serve as Compliance Officer.

Mike co-founded Colombian Visa Services after moving to Colombia from the United States and finding the process of obtaining a visa difficult and frustrating. Daniela helped make the process so simple and stress-free that he partnered with her to provide the to help others.

For the past decade we have been helping travelers secure visas to Colombia.

We work with you 1:1 to ensure you not only have the best chance of getting approval, but that you have every one of your questions answers.

You don't have to worry about having to translate emails or communication, our team is fluent in English and can help you with whatever you need.

Need Help Getting a Colombian Visa?

Contact us:.

Email: [email protected]

Phone USA: +1 (786) 933-9647

Phone Colombia: +57 (310) 791-6848

Cookies on GOV.UK

We use some essential cookies to make this website work.

We’d like to set additional cookies to understand how you use GOV.UK, remember your settings and improve government services.

We also use cookies set by other sites to help us deliver content from their services.

You have accepted additional cookies. You can change your cookie settings at any time.

You have rejected additional cookies. You can change your cookie settings at any time.

Entry requirements

This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of Colombia’s current rules for the most common types of travel.  

The authorities in Colombia set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Colombian Embassy in the UK (in Spanish). 

COVID-19 rules 

There are no COVID-19 testing or vaccination requirements for travellers entering Colombia. 

Passport validity requirements 

To enter Colombia, your passport must be valid on entry. However, Colombian immigration authorities recommend your passport has an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the date you plan to leave.  

Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.  

You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen. 

Dual nationals  

If you’re a British-Colombian dual national, you must enter and leave Colombia using your Colombian passport and Colombian identification card (Cedula). 

Visa requirements 

You can visit Colombia for up to 90 days without a visa for business or tourism, at the discretion of the Colombian immigration officer on arrival.  

You must be able to show an onward or return ticket valid within the 90-day period. 

If you have a Colombian visa with more than 90 days of validity, you must register the visa at a Migración Colombia office (in Spanish) or register the visa online within 15 days of arrival in Colombia. If you do not register, you may get a fine. Check the latest entry requirements with the Colombian Consulate General in London before you travel. 

You may be able to extend your stay once you are in Colombia by up to 120 days by applying at the immigration office Migración Colombia (in Spanish). As a visitor, you cannot remain in Colombia for more than 180 days in any 12-month period.

If you overstay your visa, you could be fined, or be deported at your own cost. 

Checks at border control 

Make sure you get your passport stamped. 

If you enter Colombia by land, sea or river, make sure the immigration authorities stamp your passport. If it is not stamped, you could get a fine when you leave. If the immigration office on the border is closed, go to the nearest office of Migración Colombia (in Spanish). 

You must fill in the ‘Check-Mig’ form between 72 hours and one hour before you travel to Colombia. You will receive a confirmation email that you will need to show to immigration officials when you arrive. 

Travelling through Colombia 

You can travel through Colombia on your way to another country as long as you meet  Colombia’s entry requirements . You do not need to fill in the ‘Check-Mig’ form for internal flights in Colombia, including transit flights. 

Travelling with children 

Children aged 17 and under who have resident status in Colombia and who are travelling on a British passport need a notarised letter of permission from any non-accompanying parents or parent (in Spanish). The letter must be authenticated by a notary or by a Colombian consulate. You can get more information from Migración Colombia (in Spanish) or by contacting the Colombian Consulate in the UK (in Spanish). 

San Andres Archipelago 

If you’re travelling to the islands of San Andres, Providencia or Santa Catalina, you must buy a tourist card from the boarding gate, on the day of the flight. You do not need one if you’re staying less than 24 hours. 

Departure tax 

Departure tax is usually included in the price of the airline ticket, but check with your airline.  

Vaccine requirements  

To enter Colombia, you must have a certificate to prove you’ve had a yellow fever vaccination if you are arriving from certain countries with a transmission risk.

For full details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Colombia guide .

Customs rules 

There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Colombia (in Spanish). You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty. 

Taking money into Colombia 

You can bring up to 10,000 US dollars-worth of any currency into Colombia. You must declare anything above this amount with the National Tax and Customs Directorate (DIAN) (in Spanish).  

Related content

Is this page useful.

• Yes this page is useful
• No this page is not useful

Help us improve GOV.UK

Don’t include personal or financial information like your National Insurance number or credit card details.

To help us improve GOV.UK, we’d like to know more about your visit today. Please fill in this survey (opens in a new tab) .

Your client portal login provides access to your organization’s preferred pricing and customized features

• About Us CIBTvisas Global Offices Immigration Services CIBTvisas Global Leadership CIBTvisas Careers Contact CIBTvisas In The News
• Travel Visas Do I Need a Visa? Expedited Visa Solutions ETA Travel Visa FAQs Corporate Travel Solutions
• Passports Expedited Passport Renewal Standard Passport Renewal First-Time Passport Lost or Stolen Passport Child Passport Name Change Second Passport Passport FAQs
• Document Services
• Resources CIBTvisas Travel Blog Destination Entry Requirements Podcast ETIAS White Papers Research Webinars
• Services A1 Compliance Global Immigration Services US Immigration CIBTvisas Service Directory Learn More About Our Services Corporations Cruise Lines Tour Operators Onsite Services All Partner Solutions Learn More About Our Client Solutions
• Your Order Check Order Status View Invoice Upload Documents

Get a Colombia Visa

Tourist application requirements for a colombia visa, visa exempt.

• Hold a passport valid at least six months beyond your date of country exit and with one blank visa page
• Hold proof of onward/return flights
• Hold all documents required for the next destination
• Hold proof of sufficient funds relative to your intended length of stay
• Confirm with your airline that boarding will be permitted without a visa as these conditions are subject to change

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://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/yellowbook/2020/preparing-international-travelers/yellow-fever-vaccine-and-malaria-prophylaxis-information-by-country/colombia#:~:text=Generally%20not%20recommended%20for%20travelers,the%20capital%20city%20of%20Bogot%C3%A1. .

Business Visa Application Requirements for a Colombia Visa

• Hold a passport valid for at least six months beyond your date of country exit and with one blank visa page
• Hold proof of onward and return flights
• Hold documents showing proof of travel purpose (e.g. business cover or support letter, conference registrations, etc.)
• It is recommended that you confirm with your airline that boarding will be permitted without a visa

Colombia Visa FAQ

When is the best time to apply for my colombia visa, do i have to send you my passport to get a colombia visa is it safe to send a passport, visa pre-check.

Have an urgent visa application that carries a tight deadline?   CIBTvisas can help you to save valuable time and avoid expensive delays.  A CIBTvisas expert will review all of your documents to confirm your application is accurate, complete and ready for submission. We will contact you personally to quickly handle any mistakes ensuring your application is submitted correctly.

Fast Track Your Visa

Need your visa processed quickly?   CIBTvisas can fast track your order and process it in the fewest days possible.

View A Sample Visa

Don't know what a visa for your destination looks like?

You can view a sample visa for your country of destination and see the information it contains.

About CIBTvisas

• Travel Visas

CIBT Around the World

• netherlands
• switzerland
• United Kingdom
• United States

Top Destinations

• Vietnam Visa
• Brazil Visa
• Australia Visa
• Indonesia Visa
• Saudi Arabia Visa
• 800-929-2428
• Learn More About Our Client Solutions
• Privacy Policy
• Terms & Conditions
• Copyright 2024
• Privacy Shield Compliant
• TRAC Certified
• As Seen in The New York Times

• Skip to main content

Additional menu

The Visa Project

A place for your visa experiences and more

An Absolute Guide to Colombia Visa Application, Types, Requirements, Overstay & More

See also: colombia visa experiences.

• Colombia Tourist Visa
• Extend Colombia Tourist Visa Online
• Colombia Work Visa

Colombia is one of the most beautiful and most diverse countries and is the only country in South America that has access to both the Atlantic and Pacific ocean. Starting from beautiful beaches in Santa Marta and Cartagena to quaint little towns, coffee farms, world-class cites, it is big one tourism and immigration.

You may or may not need to submit a Colombia visa application if you want to visit it. But, should you want to immigrate, there are many Colombia visa types to choose from.

In this article, we will cover everything related to Colombia visa requirements, types, extension process, and Colombia visa overstay.

Table of Contents

Who Needs a Visa for Colombia?

Right now there are 99 countries whose citizens can enter Colombia visa-free. Citizens from these countries get 90 days visa-free when entering Colombia, and can extend their stay for 90 more days online.

Visa-Free for Colombia with a Valid US Visa/Schengen Visa

Nationals of seven countries can enter Colombia visa-free and get a 90-day stay if they possess

• Any US visa except for a C1 or transit visa, valid for up to 180 days from the day of arrival.
• A C-Type or D-Type Schengen visa, valid for 180 days from the day of arrival.
• US green card.

Citizens of these countries don’t have to submit a Colombia visa application if they hold the any of the above-mentioned visas/ residence permits.

What Does Colombia Visa Look like?

Here is a Colombia visitor visa. Note that it is a visa with an older visa type called TP-11 which is a Colombia tourist visa or type V visa now.

Colombia Visa Types

There were many different types of visas prior to 2017. But starting from December 2017, Colombia changes its visa rules, reorganized all its visas, and changed the visa classification completely. Colombia has over 30 different categories of visas.

There are three main Colombia visa types now.

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

All these visas have their subcategories.

Colombia Tourist Visa- Visitor Visa

A foreign national can visit Colombia for different purposes by possessing a Colombia tourist visa. It’s a short term visa which can be issued for

• Tourism and vacation
• Studying Spanish
• Airport transit
• Business which involves events, conferences, seminars without the passport holder being employed.
• Short-term academic exchange program, training in arts, trades or graduate courses.
• Medical treatment
• Journalistic work
• Inter-corporate transfer
• Volunteering
• boat or cruise crew

The Colombia Tourist Visa for Colombia also referred to as a Colombian Tourist Visa, is issued to foreigners who will stay in Colombia for a short period. It is issued for the following purposes:

The Colombia Visitor Visa is usually issued for a maximum of 180 days, but can also be issued for up to five years in certain cases.

If you want to understand the detailed process for this, here is a step-by-step guide to getting a Colombia tourist visa .

Types of Colombia Migrant Visa

A Colombia Migrant (M) visa allows you to immigrate to Colombia by various means depending on the purpose. A migrant visa can be issued for up to three years.

There are 11 different conditions (categories) of Colombian M visas:

Types of Colombia Resident Visas

A Colombia resident visa gives the holder the previlege to be a permanent resident of Colombia, and a path to Colombian citizenship. If you leave Colombia for more than two years with an R visa, the visa expires and is no longer valid.

There are five categories of R visas:

1. Returning Colombian For Colombian citizens who have renounced their citizenship to become a citizen of another country.

2. Parents by birth Father or mother of a Colombian national by birth.

3. M visa holders

4. Beneficiary Visa Continuously held a beneficiary visa of type R for five years.

5. Investment A foreigner who has invested at least 650 times the minimum monthly wage in Colombia.

Colombia Visa Fees

For the majority of Colombian visas, there are two kinds of fees involved. When you submit the Colombia visa application, you need to pay for the visa study fees, and then if the visa is approved, you need to pay the visa processing fees.

Colombia Visa Processing Cost

The visa processing fees depend on the purpose for which you are putting in the Colombia visa application, and the type of visa. Depending on the purpose, you would need to pay more for the same type of visa.

1 . Colombia Tourist Visa /Visitor visa

2 . Colombia Migrant Visa

3. Colombia Resident Visa

All the Colombia resident visas have a processing fee of $230.

4. Special Resident Visa

The processing fees for the Colombia special resident visa are $246.

Notes:- 1. Nationals of Japan and South Korea don’t pay Colombia visa processing fees, although they pay for the study fees. 2. Spanish nationals don’t pay for study fees or processing fees. 3. Nationals of Ecuador can get the visas for free if applying from South America. If they are submitting Colombia visa application from any other parts of the world, they will pay much lesser fees.

There are various ways to pay the visa fees when you are turning in the Colombia visa application.

• If you are paying at a consulate, every consulate has its own way of receiving payment which can be a direct deposit in its bank account or an online payment or through a credit/debit card.
• If you are applying while inside Colombia, you can pay online via the PSE Electronic Service Provider or a Servibanca ATM or in Banco GNB Sudameris in Bogotá

You can check for the updated Colombia visa fees on the website of Colombia’s ministry of foreign affairs .

How to Submit a Colombian Visa Application

You can submit any Colombia visa application online. It’s a 7-step process.

• Choose the right Colombia visa type
• Fill in the application on the centralized website(SITAC)  
• Upload the required documents in PDF format and photos in JPG format.
• Pay the study fee for the visa (if applicable).
• Wait for visa approval.
• Once the visa is approved, pay the visa fees and receive the Colombia eVisa in your email.
• If you are submitting the Colombia visa application in Colombia, get the visa stamped in your passport in Bogota. If you are applying through Colombian diplomatic mission in any other country, get the stamping done there.

Colombia Visa Requirements

Colombia visa requirements would vary depending on the type of visa you are applying for. If you are submitting a Colombia visa application for any visa other than a tourist visa, there is a big chance that you would need to get some documents translated and/or apostilled.

Here are the requirements for a Colombia Tourist Visa .

• Valid passport
• Roundtrip flight tickets
• Hotel reservations for your stay
• Bank statements for the last six months, as well as other proof of financial stability. You must prove that you have a balance that’s more than 5 times the minimum wage of Colombia for each month.
• Travel insurance
• 3 X 4 cm color photo in JPG format not exceeding 300 kbs.

For minors:

• Birth certificate.
• If travelling unaccompanied: Letter of consent from the parent/s or legal guardian/s.

If invited :

• Letter of Invitation to attend an event or seminar, conference etc.

If you are visiting a family member/friend

• Proof of family relationship or an explanation of your relationship.

If visiting for an event or activity

• Details of the the program or the event, and letter of participation or invitation letter etc.

If travelling for business

• The letter of invitation from the company where you will be conducting business, mentioning your activities as well as the company’s registration documents.

Colombian Embassies/Consulates

In the U.S., Colombia has eleven consulates. They are in Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, Orlando, Newark, New York, San Francisco and Washington DC.

Colombia has consulates in a lot of countries in Europe, Asia, Africa and Oceania.

If there is no consulate of Colombia in your country, check with the consulate in the closest country and ask them whether you can put in your Colombia visa application there.

How Do I Receive my Colombian Visa?

Once your Colombia visa application has been approved and you have paid the corresponding approved visa fees, an email will be sent to the email address registered on the application.

The visa stamping can be done at the Consulate of Colombia where you filed your application or at the Office in Bogotá at Avenida 19 No. 98-03, Edifice Torre 100.

What is Colombia eVisa or Electronic Visa?

When your Colombia tourist visa is issued, you get an email containing the visa in Electronic format. If your visa has been issued for less than three (3) months, you can enter, stay, and leave the country showing your electronic visa, without printing it over the passport. Make sure to carry a print out when entering/exiting Colombia though.

But if it’s for more than 3 months, you need to get it printed in Bogotá visas office or from a Colombian consulate. And you should do that within 2 months from the date the visa is issued.

If you ask me, it’s much better to get it stamped to avoid any future mishaps. So if you got some time, just do it.

How to Extend a Colombia Visa?

If you entered Colombia visa-free, you must have received a stamp on your passport to allow you to stay in Colombia for 90 days. It’s not a sticker visa.

You can extend your stay in Colombia online for 90 more days, before your initial limit is over.

Colombia Visa Overstay

Unlike some other countries in latin America, Colombia doesn’t cut you slack if you overstay. In many other countries like Peru, you can simply pay a little fine and leave like nothing happened.

You will have to pay a fine before leaving the country. It’s better to pay the fine at the Migración office at least three days before your leave Colombia. Otherwise, you might get held up at the airport or land border crossing. Fines can start at 440,000 pesos and go up to 7 times the minimum wage of Colombia, depending on how long you overstay. There is no straight answer for this. And they might also ask you apply for a Salvo Conductado for 15 days.

Be part of the visa smart tribe

Up-to-date information on visas, and visa experiences from travelers, expats and immigrants.

• Travel Advisories |
• Contact Us |
• MyTravelGov |

Find U.S. Embassies & Consulates

Travel.state.gov, congressional liaison, special issuance agency, u.s. passports, international travel, intercountry adoption, international parental child abduction, records and authentications, popular links, travel advisories, mytravelgov, stay connected, legal resources, legal information, info for u.s. law enforcement, replace or certify documents.

Share this page:

Colombia Travel Advisory

Travel advisory january 2, 2024, colombia - level 3: reconsider travel.

Reissued with updates to the country summary.

Reconsider travel due to  crime  and  terrorism . Exercise increased caution due to civil unrest  and  kidnapping . Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.

Do Not Travel to:

• Arauca, Cauca (excluding Popayán), and Norte de Santander departments due to crime and terrorism.
• The Colombia-Venezuela border region due to crime, kidnapping, and risk of detention when crossing into Venezuela from Colombia.  

Country Summary: Violent crime, such as homicide, assault, and armed robbery, is widespread. Organized criminal activities, such as extortion, robbery, and kidnapping, are common in some areas.

Terrorist groups and criminal organizations continue operating and carrying out attacks in Colombia. They may attack with little or no warning, targeting transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, local government facilities, police stations, military facilities, hotels, clubs, restaurants, airports, other public areas, and U.S. government facilities.

Demonstrations occur regularly throughout the country and can be about a variety of political or economic issues. They can shutdown roads and highways, often without prior notice or estimated reopening timelines. Demonstrations and road closures may significantly reduce access to public transportation and may disrupt travel within and between cities. Protests can become violent and can result in fatalities and injuries.

U.S. direct-hire government employees must adhere to the noted restrictions:

• They are not permitted to travel by road between most cities.
• Colombia’s land border areas are off-limits to U.S. government personnel unless specifically authorized.
• They may not use motorcycles.
• They may not hail street taxis or use public buses.

Read the  country information page  for additional information on travel to Colombia.

If you decide to travel to Colombia:

• Avoid protest areas and crowds.
• Monitor local media for breaking events and adjust your plans based on new information.
• Keep a low profile.
• Be aware of your surroundings.
• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on  Facebook  and  Twitter
• Review the  Country Security Report  for Colombia.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the  Traveler’s Checklist .

Arauca, Cauca, and Norte de Santander Departments – Level 4: Do Not Travel

Violent crime, including armed robbery and homicide, is widespread. Terrorist groups are active in some parts.

The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens as U.S. government-personnel travel to these areas is severely restricted due to security concerns.

Colombia - Venezuela Border – Level 4: Do Not Travel

U.S. citizens are advised not to travel to the border of Colombia and Venezuela. U.S. citizens are at risk of detention when crossing into Venezuela.

The Colombia-Venezuela border is not clearly marked, and U.S. citizens should not go near the border due to the risk of crossing into Venezuela accidentally.

U.S. citizens attempting to enter Venezuela without a visa have been charged with terrorism and other serious crimes and detained for long periods. For more information, see the Venezuela Travel Advisory.

Visit our website for  Travel to High-Risk Areas .

Travel Advisory Levels

Assistance for u.s. citizens, colombia map, search travel advisories, external link.

You are about to leave travel.state.gov for an external website that is not maintained by the U.S. Department of State.

Links to external websites are provided as a convenience and should not be construed as an endorsement by the U.S. Department of State of the views or products contained therein. If you wish to remain on travel.state.gov, click the "cancel" message.

You are about to visit:

• Skip to main content
• Skip to "About this site"

Language selection

Search travel.gc.ca.

Help us to improve our website. Take our survey !

COVID-19: travel health notice for all travellers

Colombia travel advice

Latest updates: Editorial change

Last updated: September 6, 2024 13:12 ET

On this page

Safety and security, entry and exit requirements, laws and culture, natural disasters and climate, colombia - exercise a high degree of caution.

Exercise a high degree of caution in Colombia due to high levels of crime.

Border areas - Avoid all travel

• Caquetá, excluding the city of Florencia
• Cauca, excluding the city of Popayan
• Chocó, excluding the towns of:
• Bahía Solano
• Capurganá
• Nuquí
• within 50 km of the border with Venezuela, excluding the city of Cúcuta
• within 100 km of the border with Panama
• within 50 km of the border with Ecuador, excluding the border crossing at Ipiales
• Norte de Santander, excluding the city of Cúcuta
• the Port of Tumaco and the city of Buenaventura

Regional advisory - Avoid non-essential travel

• Jardín
• Córdoba, south and west of the city of Montería
• city of Cúcuta
• city of Florencia
• city of Ipiales and Ipiales border crossing
• city of Popayan
• Guainía
• Caño Cristales
• city of Villavicencio
• Nariño, excluding the city of Pasto
• Vaupés

If you intend to travel to any of the above excluded areas, do so by air.

Back to top

Dating applications

Online dating applications.

There has been an increase in deaths related to online dating applications used by criminals to identify and lure foreigners looking to meet people in Colombia.

Incidents occur most frequently in larger cities, including but not limited to:

Online dating applications are often used by criminals to identify and lure foreigners travelling alone and looking to meet local people. Victims often build virtual relationships and attend multiple dates with the same person, often in public places. Once trust is established, the victim is drugged with scopolamine or another incapacitating drug and is robbed and/or kidnapped. Drugging of victims has led to overdose and death.

If you are in Colombia:

• be cautious if using online dating apps
• avoid meetings in isolated locations
• don’t bring new acquaintances to your accommodations
• inform a family member or friend of your plans, including details of with whom and where your date is

Crime rates are high throughout the country, particularly in the main cities. In some cases, extreme violence leading to death has occurred.

Violent crime

Muggings and assaults occur even in the safer areas of Colombia’s cities. These incidents can turn violent. Firearms and other weapons are common in Colombia. Armed robberies are frequent and may occur in:

• restaurants
• shopping malls

Criminals won’t hesitate to use weapons on victims who refuse to co-operate.

• Avoid walking alone in isolated or deserted areas
• Avoid travelling alone after dark
• Dress down and avoid wearing jewellery or watches
• Keep cell phones, cameras and other electronic equipment out of sight
• Avoid carrying large amounts of cash
• Use ATMs inside banks, shopping malls and other public locations during business hours only
• If you're robbed, hand over cash, electronic devices and valuables without resistance

Petty crime

Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse and cell phone snatching, is common in all parts of the country. Drive-by snatching by thieves on motorcycles occurs regularly. They occur in both impoverished and wealthier parts of the country.

• Ensure that your belongings, including your passport and other travel documents, are secure at all times
• Stay in reputable accommodations with good security
• Keep windows and doors locked at all times

Scopolamine and other incapacitating drugs

Scopolamine is a drug that temporarily incapacitates victims leaving them disoriented and unable to make clear decisions for 24 hours or more. Once the victim is incapacitated, they are vulnerable to crime, including:

• express-kidnapping

Overdoes have also been reported.

Criminals often target those travelling alone and may put drugs into a variety of items, including: 

• food and drinks
• hand sanitizer
• women’s make-up

Incidents are most likely to occur:

• in nightclubs
• in bars and restaurants
• on public transportation, including taxis
• on the street

Criminals often work in teams, with women easing the victim into a false sense of security. Incidents occur most frequently in larger cities, including but not limited to:

• never leave food or drinks unattended or in the care of strangers
• be wary of accepting snacks, beverages, gum, cigarettes or anything else from new acquaintances or someone in the street

Vulnerable neighborhoods

Vulnerable neighborhoods (commonly known as “comunas”), are characterized by informal housing developments, crowded quarters, poorer conditions, and/or irregular construction.

Gang-related violence and organized crime are prevalent in these areas and police assistance is very limited.

Avoid renting accommodations in vulnerable neighborhoods, and travelling to these areas, even on a guided tour.

There is a risk of kidnapping for ransom in Colombia.

Armed groups may target foreigners in all parts of the country, especially those who work for oil and mining companies. Business travellers and Canadian companies establishing operations in Colombia should take enhanced security measures to protect both personnel and company assets.

Choose living accommodations that have significant security measures in place and modern office facilities.

Express kidnappings

Express kidnappings are frequent and often occur in affluent areas, as well as in tourist areas. Criminals kidnap the victim from the street or a taxi and force the person to withdraw funds from an ATM. The victim is sometimes held overnight so that a second withdrawal can be made the next day.

• Avoid hailing taxis on the street
• If you're threatened by armed criminals, stay calm and don’t resist

There is a threat of domestic terrorism. Terrorist groups are active in some parts of the country, often using explosives during periodic attacks.

Further attacks are likely. Targets could include:

• government buildings, including schools
• places of worship
• military and police stations and vehicles
• airports and other transportation hubs and networks
• infrastructure, including roads and energy facilities
• public areas such as tourist attractions, restaurants, bars, coffee shops, shopping centres, markets, hotels and other sites frequented by foreigners

Always be aware of your surroundings when in public places. Be particularly vigilant during:

• civic holidays
• public celebrations
• major political events, such as elections

Terrorists may use such occasions to mount attacks.

Illegal armed groups

Illegal armed groups pose a major risk to travellers. These groups carry out violent attacks, such as bombings, and finance themselves through extortions and kidnappings. Attacks often result in casualties.

• Remain on well-travelled roads and paths when visiting remote locations
• Be aware of your surroundings at all times

Credit card and ATM fraud occurs frequently. Card overcharging also happens, especially in popular tourist areas, where scammers target tourists by charging them elevated prices for services, food and drink. Ask for a printed price list before ordering.

When using debit or credit card:

• don’t accept assistance from strangers
• pay careful attention when others are handling your cards
• use ATMs located in well-lit public areas or inside a bank or business
• avoid using card readers with an irregular or unusual feature
• cover the keypad with one hand when entering your PIN
• check for any unauthorized transactions on your account statements

Fraudulent police officers

Individuals posing as police officers have approached foreigners to verify their documents or foreign currency with the intent to rob them.

If you face this situation:

• don’t hand over your money or documents unless you feel threatened
• request to provide your documents or currency at the nearest police station, your hotel or another public place

Overseas fraud

Demonstrations

Demonstrations and strikes take place regularly throughout Colombia, especially in large cities.

Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. They can also lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation.

• Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place
• Follow the instructions of local authorities
• Monitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrations

Mass gatherings (large-scale events)

Ayahuasca ceremonies

Spiritual cleansing and ayahuasca ceremonies, offered by shamans and other individuals, have led to serious illness, injury, assault and even the deaths of several tourists.

Ceremonies involve consuming substances that can cause medical complications and severely impair cognitive and physical abilities. They often take place in remote areas with no access to medical or mental health facilities or resources. Often, there is no access to communications with local authorities or emergency services. Facilities generally lack basic first aid or emergency plans to help those suffering from physical or psychological illness during these ceremonies.

Ayahuasca ceremonies are not regulated and individuals offering them are not licensed. There is no way to assess the safety of any of the services, the operators or the shamans.

Avoid participating in spiritual cleansing or ayahuasca ceremonies.

Women’s safety

Women travelling alone may be subject to some forms of harassment or verbal abuse.

Incidents of attacks and sexual assault, including rape, have been reported throughout the country, particularly in tourist areas.

• Always remain vigilant
• Avoid walking alone at night
• Keep your hotel doors and windows locked
• Do not accept offers of transportation from strangers

If you are a victim of a sexual assault or other crime, you may report it immediately to the nearest Canadian office.

Advice for women travellers

Water safety

Some beaches are unsupervised.  Many beaches do not have warning flags to alert of unsafe conditions. Lifeguard services do not always meet Canadian standards.  Tidal changes can cause powerful currents, and riptides are common.

• Respect the areas reserved for swimming
• Monitor weather conditions
• Avoid beaches and coastal areas if the weather forecast is poor
• Do not dive in unfamiliar waters as hidden rocks or shallow water can cause serious injury or death
• Consult residents and tour operators for information on possible hazards and safe swimming areas

Recreational boating

Due to unlicensed tour boats not meeting safety standards, boating accidents have occurred, including in:

• San Andrés
• Santa Marta

If you are planning to go boating:

• choose a reputable boating company
• ensure that your tour operator follows up-to-date safety regulations
• don’t board vessels that appear overloaded or unseaworthy

Water safety abroad

Adventure tourism

Outdoor activities can be dangerous if unprepared, such as:

• white water rafting
• scuba diving
• snorkelling
• mountain biking

If you intend to participate in adventure tourism activities: 

• share your itinerary with a friend or family member if hiking alone
• obtain detailed information on your activity and on the environment in which you will be setting out   
• buy travel insurance that covers incidents related to this type of recreational activity  
• monitor weather conditions and other possible hazards
• ensure that you have proper equipment and bring sufficient water

Road safety

Road conditions and road safety can vary greatly throughout the country, due to:

• road signs that are difficult to see or non-existent
• lack of lighting and guard rails
• livestock on the roadside in rural areas
• pedestrians walking on the street

Road conditions

Driving conditions may be particularly hazardous during the rainy seasons, from April to May and from October to November.

Road habits

Drivers are extremely aggressive and reckless. They often speed and are frequently distracted and ignore traffic controls.

Motorcycles are common and are often involved in traffic accidents.

Pedestrians don’t have the right of way, including at stop signs.

When travelling by car in Colombia:

• avoid driving at night
• avoid driving on secondary roads as they are often targeted by criminals
• don’t pick up hitchhikers
• keep your doors locked and windows closed at all times
• always place all belongings under your seat
• carry a cell phone
• park your car in a guarded parking lot when in a city

Local authorities may deny you entry to certain areas due to emerging security threats. Military checkpoints outside cities are common.

Strikes occur often in Colombia and associated roadblocks on major transit routes may cause significant travel disruptions.

Unauthorized roadblocks and bandits also pose a threat.

If you’re planning to travel by land in Colombia:

• dial 767 from your cell phone to receive advice on current road closures from the Colombian Highway Police information line (in Spanish)
• never hitchhike
• consult local media
• follow the instructions of local authorities

Public transportation

You should avoid public transportation.

Buses and coaches

City and rural buses are frequent targets for theft. Incidents of passengers being drugged and robbed have occurred.

• Don’t accept snacks, beverages, gum, or cigarettes from new acquaintances
• Avoid storing bags in the overhead compartment or under your seat  

Express kidnappings and assaults often occur in unlicensed taxis.

• Only use reputable taxi companies through establishments such as hotels or a ride-sharing app

If you have no choice but to hail a taxi on the street:

• avoid taxis without licence plates
• never enter a taxi if it already has a passenger
• note the licence plate number and name of the driver when you travel and immediately communicate this information to family or friends

El Dorado International Airport in Bogota allows only authorized taxis to pick up passengers at its terminals. 

Arrange pickup in advance with your travel agency or hotel.

We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.

Information about foreign domestic airlines

Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.

We have obtained the information on this page from the Colombian authorities. It can, however, change at any time.

Verify this information with the  Foreign Representatives in Canada .

Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you use for travel.

Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country’s entry rules.

Regular Canadian passport

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date you expect to leave Colombia.

Passport for official travel

Different entry rules may apply.

Official travel

Passport with “X” gender identifier

While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Other travel documents

Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Useful links

• Foreign Representatives in Canada
• Canadian passports

Tourist visa: not required for stays of up to 90 days Business or work visa: required Student visa: required

Electronic Immigration Form  

You must complete a free electronic immigration form (Check-Mig) within 72 hours to 1 hour before:

• boarding a flight to or from Colombia
• entering into Colombia via land, maritime or river crossings 

You will need the following information to complete the form:

• flight details
• a valid passport
• a valid email address
• the address where you will be staying in Colombia
• a phone number

Electronic Immigration Form  – Colombia Migration Agency

As of November 14, 2023, you must pay an entry fee equivalent to $85 CAD in Colombian Pesos upon arrival in Colombia. The payment must be made by credit card only upon entering the country during the immigration control process. There could be significant delays in making the payment, which could disrupt your travel plans.

You don't have to pay this entry fee if:

• your destination is the archipelago of San Andres, Providencia and Santa Catalina
• you have a valid Colombian visa
• you are less than 14 years of age or more than 79 years old
• you are a member of the crew of international transport means (conditions apply)

Failure to pay the entry fee could prohibit you from entering the country.

Entry fee for Canadian travellers starts on Nov 14, 2023  – Migration Colombia (in Spanish)

Entry stamp

You must obtain an entry stamp in your passport when you enter Colombia by land.

You may be fined if you fail to obtain an entry stamp

Length of stay for tourists

The immigration officer will determine the permitted length of your stay when you enter Colombia. As a tourist, you may be granted a stay up to 90 days.

You will be fined if you overstay the specified period on your entry stamp. You may apply for a stay extension at the nearest Colombian migration office. You may extend your stay up to a maximum of 180 days per calendar year. The final decision remains with the immigration authority.

Colombia migration  - Government of Colombia (in Spanish)

Other entry requirements

Customs officials may ask you to show them a return or onward ticket and proof of sufficient funds to cover your stay.

Archipelago of San Andrés, Providencia and Santa Catalina

If you plan to visit the Archipelago of San Andrés, Providencia and Santa Catalina, you must purchase a tourist card at the airport prior to  your arrival.

You must also show this card before you depart the island.

Drug screening

Colombia employs strict screening measures at its international airports to detect narcotics smuggling.

Customs officials may:

• search you and your luggage
• fingerprint you
• require you to undergo an X-ray inspection upon arrival or departure

Most airport customs inspectors speak only Spanish.

Ecuador entry restrictions

If you enter Ecuador from Colombia through land or river borders, you must present a criminal record check from your country of origin or residence. The original criminal record check and the Spanish translation must be apostilled and cover the past five years. Minors travelling with their family members are generally exempt.

If you cannot provide a criminal record check, the Ecuadorian Migration System will check to verify that you don’t have previous convictions.

Authentication of documents

Dual citizenship

Canadian citizens who also hold Colombian citizenship must enter and exit Colombia using the following documents:

• Colombian passport
• Colombian identification card

Although local immigration authorities will allow dual citizens to enter without Colombian documents, they will stamp their foreign passport indicating that they must leave using Colombian documents.

• Children and travel

Exit requirements for dual citizen children

Whether travelling to a domestic or international destination, underage Canadian-Colombian dual citizens must present:

If under 18 and travelling alone or accompanied by a single parent

• an authorization to travel from both parents, written in Spanish and notarized at a local notary public or at a Colombian embassy or consulate abroad; and
• a Colombian birth certificate, notarized at a local notary public, or a long-form Canadian birth certificate and its official Spanish translation

If one of the parents does not comply with child support obligations, his/her authorization can be waived. For this, the parent must be registered at the Colombian Child Support Debtors (REDAM).

If under 18 and travelling with both parents

• a Colombian birth certificate notarized at a local notary public; or
• a long-form Canadian birth certificate showing the parents' names, and its official Spanish translation.
• Authorization to travel for minors  - Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (in Spanish)
• Ministry of Foreign Affairs  - Government of Colombia (in Spanish)
• Colombian child support debtors - Government of Colombia (in Spanish)
• Travelling with children

Yellow fever

Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).

Relevant Travel Health Notices

• Global Measles Notice - 13 March, 2024
• Zika virus: Advice for travellers - 31 August, 2023
• COVID-19 and International Travel - 13 March, 2024
• Dengue: Advice for travellers - 26 August, 2024
• Oropouche fever in the Americas - 3 September, 2024

This section contains information on possible health risks and restrictions regularly found or ongoing in the destination. Follow this advice to lower your risk of becoming ill while travelling. Not all risks are listed below.

Consult a health care professional or visit a travel health clinic preferably 6 weeks before you travel to get personalized health advice and recommendations.

Routine vaccines

Be sure that your  routine vaccinations , as per your province or territory , are up-to-date before travelling, regardless of your destination.

Some of these vaccinations include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella (chickenpox), influenza and others.

Pre-travel vaccines and medications

You may be at risk for preventable diseases while travelling in this destination. Talk to a travel health professional about which medications or vaccines may be right for you, based on your destination and itinerary. 

Yellow fever   is a disease caused by a flavivirus from the bite of an infected mosquito.

Travellers get vaccinated either because it is required to enter a country or because it is recommended for their protection.

• There is a risk of yellow fever in this country.

Country Entry Requirement*

• Proof of vaccination is required if you are arriving from Angola, Brazil, Democratic Republic of the Congo, or Uganda, or have transited through an airport in one of these countries.

Recommendation

• Vaccination is recommended depending on your itinerary.
• Contact a designated   Yellow Fever Vaccination Centre   well in advance of your trip to arrange for vaccination.
• Discuss travel plans, activities, and destinations with a health care professional.
• Protect yourself from mosquito bites .

About Yellow Fever

Yellow Fever Vaccination Centres in Canada * It is important to note that   country entry requirements   may not reflect your risk of yellow fever at your destination. It is recommended that you contact the nearest   diplomatic or consular office   of the destination(s) you will be visiting to verify any additional entry requirements.

There is a risk of hepatitis A in this destination. It is a disease of the liver. People can get hepatitis A if they ingest contaminated food or water, eat foods prepared by an infectious person, or if they have close physical contact (such as oral-anal sex) with an infectious person, although casual contact among people does not spread the virus.

Practise  safe food and water precautions and wash your hands often. Vaccination is recommended for all travellers to areas where hepatitis A is present.

Malaria  is a serious and sometimes fatal disease that is caused by parasites spread through the bites of mosquitoes.   There is a risk of malaria in certain areas and/or during a certain time of year in this destination. 

Antimalarial medication may be recommended depending on your itinerary and the time of year you are travelling. Consult a health care professional or visit a travel health clinic before travelling to discuss your options. It is recommended to do this 6 weeks before travel, however, it is still a good idea any time before leaving.    Protect yourself from mosquito bites at all times:  • Cover your skin and use an approved insect repellent on uncovered skin.  • Exclude mosquitoes from your living area with screening and/or closed, well-sealed doors and windows. • Use insecticide-treated bed nets if mosquitoes cannot be excluded from your living area.  • Wear permethrin-treated clothing.    If you develop symptoms similar to malaria when you are travelling or up to a year after you return home, see a health care professional immediately. Tell them where you have been travelling or living. 

In this destination, rabies is commonly carried by dogs and some wildlife, including bats. Rabies is a deadly disease that spreads to humans primarily through bites or scratches from an infected animal. While travelling, take precautions , including keeping your distance from animals (including free-roaming dogs), and closely supervising children.

If you are bitten or scratched by a dog or other animal while travelling, immediately wash the wound with soap and clean water and see a health care professional. In this destination, rabies treatment may be limited or may not be available, therefore you may need to return to Canada for treatment.  

Before travel, discuss rabies vaccination with a health care professional. It may be recommended for travellers who are at high risk of exposure (e.g., occupational risk such as veterinarians and wildlife workers, children, adventure travellers and spelunkers, and others in close contact with animals). 

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease. It can spread quickly from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

Anyone who is not protected against measles is at risk of being infected with it when travelling internationally.

Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are fully protected against measles.

  Hepatitis B is a risk in every destination. It is a viral liver disease that is easily transmitted from one person to another through exposure to blood and body fluids containing the hepatitis B virus.  Travellers who may be exposed to blood or other bodily fluids (e.g., through sexual contact, medical treatment, sharing needles, tattooing, acupuncture or occupational exposure) are at higher risk of getting hepatitis B.

Hepatitis B vaccination is recommended for all travellers. Prevent hepatitis B infection by practicing safe sex, only using new and sterile drug equipment, and only getting tattoos and piercings in settings that follow public health regulations and standards.

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious viral disease. It can spread from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

It is recommended that all eligible travellers complete a COVID-19 vaccine series along with any additional recommended doses in Canada before travelling. Evidence shows that vaccines are very effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalization and death from COVID-19. While vaccination provides better protection against serious illness, you may still be at risk of infection from the virus that causes COVID-19. Anyone who has not completed a vaccine series is at increased risk of being infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 and is at greater risk for severe disease when travelling internationally.

Before travelling, verify your destination’s COVID-19 vaccination entry/exit requirements. Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are adequately protected against COVID-19.

 The best way to protect yourself from seasonal influenza (flu) is to get vaccinated every year. Get the flu shot at least 2 weeks before travelling.  

 The flu occurs worldwide. 

•  In the Northern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs from November to   April.
•  In the Southern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs between April and   October.
•  In the tropics, there is flu activity year round. 

The flu vaccine available in one hemisphere may only offer partial protection against the flu in the other hemisphere.

The flu virus spreads from person to person when they cough or sneeze or by touching objects and surfaces that have been contaminated with the virus. Clean your hands often and wear a mask if you have a fever or respiratory symptoms.

Safe food and water precautions

Many illnesses can be caused by eating food or drinking beverages contaminated by bacteria, parasites, toxins, or viruses, or by swimming or bathing in contaminated water.

• Learn more about food and water precautions to take to avoid getting sick by visiting our eat and drink safely abroad page. Remember: Boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it!
• Avoid getting water into your eyes, mouth or nose when swimming or participating in activities in freshwater (streams, canals, lakes), particularly after flooding or heavy rain. Water may look clean but could still be polluted or contaminated.
• Avoid inhaling or swallowing water while bathing, showering, or swimming in pools or hot tubs. 

Travellers' diarrhea is the most common illness affecting travellers. It is spread from eating or drinking contaminated food or water.

Risk of developing travellers' diarrhea increases when travelling in regions with poor standards of hygiene and sanitation. Practise safe food and water precautions.

The most important treatment for travellers' diarrhea is rehydration (drinking lots of fluids). Carry oral rehydration salts when travelling.

Typhoid   is a bacterial infection spread by contaminated food or water. Risk is higher among children, travellers going to rural areas, travellers visiting friends and relatives or those travelling for a long period of time.

Travellers visiting regions with a risk of typhoid, especially those exposed to places with poor sanitation, should speak to a health care professional about vaccination.  

Insect bite prevention

Many diseases are spread by the bites of infected insects such as mosquitoes, ticks, fleas or flies. When travelling to areas where infected insects may be present:

• Use insect repellent (bug spray) on exposed skin
• Cover up with light-coloured, loose clothes made of tightly woven materials such as nylon or polyester
• Minimize exposure to insects
• Use mosquito netting when sleeping outdoors or in buildings that are not fully enclosed

To learn more about how you can reduce your risk of infection and disease caused by bites, both at home and abroad, visit our insect bite prevention page.

Find out what types of insects are present where you’re travelling, when they’re most active, and the symptoms of the diseases they spread.

There is a risk of chikungunya in this country. The level of risk may vary by:

The virus that causes chikungunya is spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. It can cause fever and pain in the joints. In some cases, the joint pain can be severe and last for months or years.

Protect yourself from mosquito bites at all times.

Learn more:

Insect bite and pest prevention Chikungunya

American trypanosomiasis (Chagas disease)   is a risk in this country. It is caused by a parasite spread by infected triatomine bugs. The infection can be inactive for decades, but humans can eventually develop complications causing disability and even death.

Risk is generally low for most travellers. Protect yourself from triatomine bugs, which are active at night, by using mosquito nets if staying in poorly-constructed housing. There is no vaccine available for Chagas disease.

Cutaneous and mucosal   leishmaniasis   causes skin sores and ulcers. It is caused by a parasite spread through the bite of a female sandfly.

Risk is generally low for most travellers. Protect yourself from sandfly bites, which typically occur after sunset in rural and forested areas and in some urban centres. There is no vaccine or medication to protect against leishmaniasis.

• In this country,   dengue  is a risk to travellers. It is a viral disease spread to humans by mosquito bites.
• Dengue can cause flu-like symptoms. In some cases, it can lead to severe dengue, which can be fatal.
• The level of risk of dengue changes seasonally, and varies from year to year. The level of risk also varies between regions in a country and can depend on the elevation in the region.
• Mosquitoes carrying dengue typically bite during the daytime, particularly around sunrise and sunset.
• Protect yourself from mosquito bites . There is no vaccine or medication that protects against dengue.

Zika virus is a risk in this country. 

Zika virus is primarily spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. It can also be sexually transmitted. Zika virus can cause serious birth defects.

During your trip:

• Prevent mosquito bites at all times.
• Use condoms correctly or avoid sexual contact, particularly if you are pregnant.

If you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, you should discuss the potential risks of travelling to this destination with your health care provider. You may choose to avoid or postpone travel. 

For more information, see Zika virus: Pregnant or planning a pregnancy.

Animal precautions

Some infections, such as rabies and influenza, can be shared between humans and animals. Certain types of activities may increase your chance of contact with animals, such as travelling in rural or forested areas, camping, hiking, and visiting wet markets (places where live animals are slaughtered and sold) or caves.

Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, livestock (pigs, cows), monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats, and to avoid eating undercooked wild game.

Closely supervise children, as they are more likely to come in contact with animals.

Person-to-person infections

Stay home if you’re sick and practise proper cough and sneeze etiquette , which includes coughing or sneezing into a tissue or the bend of your arm, not your hand. Reduce your risk of colds, the flu and other illnesses by:

•   washing your hands often
• avoiding or limiting the amount of time spent in closed spaces, crowded places, or at large-scale events (concerts, sporting events, rallies)
• avoiding close physical contact with people who may be showing symptoms of illness 

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) , HIV , and mpox are spread through blood and bodily fluids; use condoms, practise safe sex, and limit your number of sexual partners. Check with your local public health authority pre-travel to determine your eligibility for mpox vaccine.  

Medical services and facilities

Good health care is limited but is available in major cities. Quality of care varies greatly throughout the country.

Private clinics offer emergency services. They typically require advance payment in cash or by credit card.

If you don’t have proof of travel insurance, you may be transferred to a public hospital, where medical care may not meet Canadian standards.

Doctors mostly speak Spanish.

Emergency and ambulance services are widely available. Response times may be slow in rural areas. 

Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.

Health and safety outside Canada

Medical tourism

Canadian citizens have died or had serious health complications following cosmetic or other elective surgeries in Colombia. 

Before leaving for medical travel, you should do your research, especially on:

• the health and financial risks
• the medical facility
• language barriers
• travel insurance coverage

You should discuss your medical plans with your primary healthcare provider in Canada before travelling. Most provincial and territorial health care programs are extremely limited in their coverage offered abroad.

• Make sure that the healthcare providers you choose are authorized by the Colombian health authorities
• Check the credentials of the healthcare provider with the Ministry of Health
• Obtain a written agreement detailing the proposed treatment or procedure

If a doctor is not registered and duly qualified by the Ministry of Health or the Colombian Society of Plastic Surgery, you should doubt their credibility. 

• Human resources registration platform – Ministry of Health (in Spanish)
• List of surgeons - Colombian Society of Plastic Surgery (in Spanish)
• Travelling outside Canada to receive medical care

Some prescription medication may not be available in Colombia.

If you take prescription medication, you’re responsible for determining their legality in the country.

• Bring sufficient quantities of your medication with you
• Always keep your medication in the original container
• Pack your medication in your carry-on luggage
• Carry a copy of your prescriptions

Altitude sickness

Bogotá is located at 2600 metres above sea level. In some parts of the country, you may experience health problems due to high altitudes.

Altitude sickness can be life-threatening. It may require immediate medical evacuation.

• Know about the symptoms of altitude sickness
• Find out how to prevent or reduce the effects of altitude sickness

Keep in Mind...

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety.

Be prepared. Do not expect medical services to be the same as in Canada. Pack a   travel health kit , especially if you will be travelling away from major city centres.

You must abide by local laws.

Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad .

Penalties for breaking the law in Colombia can be more severe than in Canada, even for similar offences. No transfer of offenders’ treaty exists between Canada and Colombia. If you’re convicted of a serious crime, you must serve your jail sentence in Colombia. You may also have to remain in Colombia for a parole period following your release.

Detention conditions may be below the standards of Canadian prisons.

• Overview of the criminal law system in Colombia
• Arrest and detention

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Convicted offenders can expect lengthy jail sentences and heavy fines.

• Pack your own luggage and monitor it closely at all times
• Never transport other people’s packages, bags or suitcases
• Never exchange money for strangers, as this is a common practice among money launderers

Drugs, alcohol and travel

It’s illegal to import firearms into Colombia.

Conviction may result in lengthy prison sentences.

Political activities

It’s illegal for foreigners to participate in local political activities, rallies or public demonstrations in Colombia.

Political involvement may result in your deportation.

It’s illegal to export certain cultural artifacts with historical value from Colombia, such as:

• original paintings

Child sex tourism

It's a serious criminal offence to have sex with minors in Colombia.

Conviction may result in a lengthy prison sentence.

Child Sex Tourism: It’s a Crime

2SLGBTQI+ persons

Colombian law does not prohibit sexual acts between individuals of the same sex.

However, 2SLGBTQI+ persons could be discriminated against based on their sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression or sex characteristics.

Travel and your sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics

Dual citizenship is legally recognized in Colombia.

If you are a Canadian citizen, but also a citizen of Colombia, our ability to offer you consular services may be limited while you're there. You may also be subject to different entry/exit requirements .

Dual citizens

International Child Abduction

The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is an international treaty. It can help parents with the return of children who have been removed to or retained in certain countries in violation of custody rights. The convention applies between Canada and Colombia.

If your child was wrongfully taken to, or is being held in Colombia, and if the applicable conditions are met, you may apply for the return of your child to the Colombian court.

If you are in this situation:

• act as quickly as you can
• contact the Central Authority for your province or territory of residence for information on starting an application under The Hague Convention
• consult a lawyer in Canada and in Colombia to explore all the legal options for the return of your child
• report the situation to the nearest Canadian government office abroad or to the Vulnerable Children's Consular Unit at Global Affairs Canada by calling the Emergency Watch and Response Centre

If your child was removed from a country other than Canada, consult a lawyer to determine if The Hague Convention applies.

Be aware that Canadian consular officials cannot interfere in private legal matters or in another country's judicial affairs.

• List of Canadian Central Authorities for the Hague Convention
• International Child Abductions: A guide for affected parents
• The Hague Convention – Hague Conference on Private International Law
• Canadian embassies and consulates by destination
• Request emergency assistance

Identification

Local authorities may ask you to show identification at any time.

• Carry photo identification at all times
• Keep a photocopy of your passport and visa or residence permit in a safe place, in case they’re lost or confiscated

You must carry a valid Canadian driver’s license. Your driver’s license will be accepted within your permitted length of stay.

In the event of a car accident:

• remain at the scene 
• if there are injuries, don’t move your vehicle until the authorities arrive
• if there are no injuries, move your vehicle to the side of the road to avoid fines

Failure to remain at the site may be considered an admission of guilt under Colombian law.

However, some accidents may attract a crowd that could turn hostile. If you feel unsafe:

• ensure your windows and doors are locked
• leave the area
• report the accident to the police and your insurance company as soon as possible

To get married in Colombia, you must provide several documents including:

• your birth certificate
• a copy of your passport
• your decree absolute certificate if divorced
• a death certificate for your spouse and a marriage certificate if widowed

All documents must be translated into Spanish and apostilized. Consult the Embassy of Colombia in Canada if you wish to marry in Colombia.

You cannot get married at a Canadian embassy or consulate in a foreign country, including Colombia. Canadian consular officials do not perform marriage ceremonies and are not required to attend your marriage.

Marriage outside Canada

The currency in Colombia is the peso (COP).

You can easily exchange Canadian dollars for pesos in currency exchange bureaus.

Credit and debit cards are widely accepted. In rural areas, ATMs may be limited in availability.

Colombia is subject to various natural disasters such as:

• forest fires
• earthquakes
• extreme heat
• torrential rains

Climate change

Climate change is affecting Colombia. Extreme and unusual weather events are becoming more frequent and may affect your travel plans. Monitor local news to stay informed on the current situation.

El Niño

The complex weather phenomenon called El Niño happens at irregular intervals of 2 to 7 years and can last 9 months to 2 years.

• Keep informed of regional weather forecasts before and during your travels and plan accordingly
• Ensure you have adequate insurance to cover the consequences of such events, including the disruption of travel plans 

Learn about  El Niño

Seismic activity

There are several active and potentially active volcanoes throughout Colombia.

Debris from erupting volcanoes may clog rivers and cause them to overflow, which could in turn cause flash floods and landslides. Ash clouds may also cause disruptions to domestic and international flights.

Earthquakes

Colombia is located in an active seismic area. Earthquakes occur frequently. Dangerous landslides can also occur, even after minor earthquakes.

• Colombian Geological Service  – Colombia’s government (in Spanish)
• Latest earthquakes  – U.S. Geological Survey
• Earthquakes - What to Do?

Rainy seasons

Colombia’s rainy seasons usually occur from March to June and from September to November. Incidents of flooding and mudslides can occur, especially in rural areas.

Seasonal flooding can hamper overland travel and reduce the provision of essential services. Roads may become impassable and bridges damaged.

Hurricane season

Hurricanes usually occur from mid-May to the end of November. During this period, even small tropical storms can quickly develop into major hurricanes.

These severe storms can put you at risk and hamper the provision of essential services. You could face serious safety risks during a hurricane.

If you decide to travel to a coastal area during the hurricane season:

• be prepared to change your travel plans on short notice, including cutting short or cancelling your trip
• stay informed of the latest regional weather forecasts
• carry emergency contact information for your airline or tour operator
• follow the advice and instructions of local authorities
• Severe storms outside Canada
• Large-scale emergencies outside Canada
• Active storm tracking and hurricane watches and warnings – U.S. National Hurricane Center

Local services

For emergency assistance, dial 123.

For non-urgent matters, you can reach the National Police by email at [email protected] .

Consular assistance

Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao, Venezuela

For emergency consular assistance, call the Embassy of Canada to Colombia, in Bogotá, and follow the instructions. At any time, you may also contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa.

The decision to travel is your choice and you are responsible for your personal safety abroad. We take the safety and security of Canadians abroad very seriously and provide credible and timely information in our Travel Advice to enable you to make well-informed decisions regarding your travel abroad.

The content on this page is provided for information only. While we make every effort to give you correct information, it is provided on an "as is" basis without warranty of any kind, expressed or implied. The Government of Canada does not assume responsibility and will not be liable for any damages in connection to the information provided.

If you need consular assistance while abroad, we will make every effort to help you. However, there may be constraints that will limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide services.

Learn more about consular services .

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.

Select Your Language

Select your currency.

• AED United Arab Emirates Dirham
• AFN Afghan Afghani
• ALL Albanian Lek
• AMD Armenian Dram
• ANG Netherlands Antillean Guilder
• AOA Angolan Kwanza
• ARS Argentine Peso
• AUD Australian Dollar
• AWG Aruban Florin
• AZN Azerbaijani Manat
• BAM Bosnia-Herzegovina Convertible Mark
• BBD Barbadian Dollar
• BDT Bangladeshi Taka
• BGN Bulgarian Lev
• BIF Burundian Franc
• BMD Bermudan Dollar
• BND Brunei Dollar
• BOB Bolivian Boliviano
• BRL Brazilian Real
• BSD Bahamian Dollar
• BWP Botswanan Pula
• BZD Belize Dollar
• CAD Canadian Dollar
• CDF Congolese Franc
• CHF Swiss Franc
• CLP Chilean Peso
• CNY Chinese Yuan
• COP Colombian Peso
• CRC Costa Rican Colón
• CVE Cape Verdean Escudo
• CZK Czech Republic Koruna
• DJF Djiboutian Franc
• DKK Danish Krone
• DOP Dominican Peso
• DZD Algerian Dinar
• EGP Egyptian Pound
• ETB Ethiopian Birr
• FJD Fijian Dollar
• FKP Falkland Islands Pound
• GBP British Pound Sterling
• GEL Georgian Lari
• GIP Gibraltar Pound
• GMD Gambian Dalasi
• GNF Guinean Franc
• GTQ Guatemalan Quetzal
• GYD Guyanaese Dollar
• HKD Hong Kong Dollar
• HNL Honduran Lempira
• HTG Haitian Gourde
• HUF Hungarian Forint
• IDR Indonesian Rupiah
• ILS Israeli New Sheqel
• INR Indian Rupee
• ISK Icelandic Króna
• JMD Jamaican Dollar
• JPY Japanese Yen
• KES Kenyan Shilling
• KGS Kyrgystani Som
• KHR Cambodian Riel
• KMF Comorian Franc
• KRW South Korean Won
• KYD Cayman Islands Dollar
• KZT Kazakhstani Tenge
• LAK Laotian Kip
• LBP Lebanese Pound
• LKR Sri Lankan Rupee
• LRD Liberian Dollar
• LSL Lesotho Loti
• MAD Moroccan Dirham
• MDL Moldovan Leu
• MGA Malagasy Ariary
• MKD Macedonian Denar
• MNT Mongolian Tugrik
• MOP Macanese Pataca
• MUR Mauritian Rupee
• MVR Maldivian Rufiyaa
• MWK Malawian Kwacha
• MXN Mexican Peso
• MYR Malaysian Ringgit
• MZN Mozambican Metical
• NAD Namibian Dollar
• NGN Nigerian Naira
• NIO Nicaraguan Córdoba
• NOK Norwegian Krone
• NPR Nepalese Rupee
• NZD New Zealand Dollar
• OMR Omani Rial
• PAB Panamanian Balboa
• PEN Peruvian Nuevo Sol
• PGK Papua New Guinean Kina
• PHP Philippine Peso
• PKR Pakistani Rupee
• PLN Polish Zloty
• PYG Paraguayan Guarani
• QAR Qatari Rial
• RON Romanian Leu
• RSD Serbian Dinar
• RUB Russian Ruble
• RWF Rwandan Franc
• SAR Saudi Riyal
• SBD Solomon Islands Dollar
• SCR Seychellois Rupee
• SEK Swedish Krona
• SGD Singapore Dollar
• SHP Saint Helena Pound
• SLL Sierra Leonean Leone
• SOS Somali Shilling
• SRD Surinamese Dollar
• SVC Salvadoran Colón
• SZL Swazi Lilangeni
• THB Thai Baht
• TJS Tajikistani Somoni
• TOP Tongan Pa anga
• TRY Turkish Lira
• TTD Trinidad and Tobago Dollar
• TWD New Taiwan Dollar
• TZS Tanzanian Shilling
• UAH Ukrainian Hryvnia
• UGX Ugandan Shilling
• USD United States Dollar
• UYU Uruguayan Peso
• UZS Uzbekistan Som
• VND Vietnamese Dong
• VUV Vanuatu Vatu
• WST Samoan Tala
• XAF CFA Franc BEAC
• XCD East Caribbean Dollar
• XOF CFA Franc BCEAO
• XPF CFP Franc
• YER Yemeni Rial
• ZAR South African Rand
• ZMW Zambian Kwacha

Colombia Visa: Entry requirements and pre-travel information for Colombia

Welcome to colombia.

• Colombia Check-MIG Form

Traveling to Colombia? You may need a visa – find out if you do, which type, and how to apply so you can get the paperwork out of the way and focus on your trip.

What’s the Colombia Check-MIG Form, and who’s it for?

Who’s the Colombian Check-MIG Form for?

All travelers must have completed this form before they board their flight to Colombia. You'll also need to complete the form on departure from Colombia.

What’s the purpose of the Colombian Check-MIG Form? This Check-MIG is meant to declare your visa status and any health issues before entering the country.

How long can you stay with a Colombian Check-MIG Form?

It’s valid for a Single entry to Colombia, so you’ll have to fill out the Check-MIG every time you want to enter or exit the country.

Learn more Get yours

What’s the Colombia Visitor Visa (Type V), and who’s it for?

Who’s the Colombian Visitor Visa (Type V) for?

This visa caters to travelers from countries needing a visa for Colombia or those wishing for a longer stay.

What’s the purpose of the Colombian Visitor Visa (Type V)? Tourism, retirement ( rentista ), airport transit, working in the country as a digital nomad, tourism, business transactions, journalism, study exchange programs, traineeships, medical treatment, volunteering, working holiday, and business.

How long can you stay with a Colombian Visitor Visa (Type V)?

The validity of the Embassy Visa is typically 90 days per entry , but in some situations, you can get it for up to two years.

At iVisa, we currently don’t offer the Colombia Visitor Visa (Type V), but you can find out more from the Colombia Embassy or Consulate near you.

What are the Colombian long-term visa options?

Colombia offers several long-term visa options for various purposes, such as employment, study, business, and residence. Here are some common long-term visas:

Colombia Migrant Visa (Type M): If you're considering making Colombia your home for an extended period, the Colombian Migrant Visa is for you. In this category, you’ll find various options, such as the Marriage Visa, Work Visa, Student Visa, Investment Visa, Retirement Visa, and Refugee Visa.

Colombia Resident Visa (type R): A Colombian Resident Visa is designed for those who want to live and work in the country permanently.

Staying healthy in Colombia: Here’s what you need to know

Colombia's healthcare system has made significant strides over the past few decades and is often regarded as one of the better systems in South America. Here's what travelers should know.

Make sure to stay updated on routine vaccines

Consider vaccines for diseases like measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) and diphtheria-tetanus-polio.

Depending on your country of origin, travelers staying in Colombia for a month or more should note that you may need an International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP) as proof of polio vaccination.

A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for travelers aged 1 year or older traveling from an area with a risk of yellow fever transmission, including layovers.

Keep updated with Colombia's COVID-19 requirements, such as quarantine, testing, or vaccine certificates, through your airline or the Colombian government website.

Medical facilities

Colombia's major cities like Bogotá, Medellín, Cali, and Cartagena have well-equipped, modern hospitals and clinics that offer various medical services, including specialized care.

Pharmacies are widespread and can be found throughout Colombia, even in smaller towns.

Colombia is a growing destination for affordable medical tourism, especially for procedures like cosmetic surgery and dental care.

Health insurance

We’d always recommend taking out health insurance before you travel anywhere from any destination.

All the major cities in Colombia will have private medical care, but it’s expensive. You should choose travel insurance with high medical limits.

Contact your insurance provider before traveling to make sure you have the right level of coverage.

Other things to consider:

Trip cancellation, delay, and interruption benefits.

Medical expenses and medical evacuation benefits.

Baggage coverage.

Things to be aware of when visiting Colombia

Keep an extra eye on the following to keep healthy and safe during your trip to Colombia:

1. Food and water safety: It's essential to drink bottled or boiled water, avoid ice, and eat well-cooked foods. Avoiding street food or unpasteurized dairy products can also reduce risk.

2. Mosquito-borne illnesses: Dengue fever and malaria are present, especially in the Pacific Coast, Amazon, and Orinoquía regions. Travelers should consider taking prophylactic medications and always use insect repellent, bed nets, and long-sleeved clothing in areas of risk.

Medication for personal use

Follow these tips to bring over-the-counter medicines into Colombia:

Declare all medications: Report all medication for personal use to customs authorities.

Original packaging: Always keep medicines in their original containers and in transparent bags in your hand luggage.

Prescription or doctor's letter: Present the medical prescription issued by your doctor or other competent authority, in English.

Check for restrictions: Call Colombia's embassy to verify that all of your prescription(s) are legal to bring with you.

Quantity aligned with itinerary: Bring only a reasonable quantity that aligns with your stay duration to avoid complications.

Illegal drugs: Don’t get involved with illegal drugs of any kind. Local drug trafficking detection methods are sophisticated, and anyone buying or trafficking drugs should expect to be arrested.

Related Articles

Do I need a covid test for Colombia?

Colombia Vaccine Requirements: Do I need a vaccine to travel to Colombia?

Colombia Check MIG application form is not working

1.2M  happy customers

24/7 support

+50,000 reviews

10  years of experience

98%  visa approval rate