Colombia Visa Guide

Whether you're planning a simple two-week vacation or planning to emmigrate, you'll need a Colombia visa. As with many countries, the visa process can sometimes be so overwhelming that it's enough to make you think "sod it!" and just stay at home.

But wait! Don't go cancelling your holiday/job/marriage plans just yet - help is at hand!

Having applied for (and been granted) various Colombian visas over the years, I've put together this helpful guide to, well, guide you through the process of applying for the most common Colombian visas foreigners require...

Tourist Visa

Citizens of most countries (including those in Europe and North America) do not need a visa to enter Colombia as a tourist. (for a full list of countries go to the bottom of the official Colombian Consulate visa page - in spanish).

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after you enter the country. Your passport must also have at least two blank visa pages.

Upon arrival (by either air or land) you will be given a stamp in your passport granting you a stay of up to 90 days. However, officials are not obliged to give you the full 90 days and will often grant you either 30 or 60 days. If you politely explain to the official that you plan to stay for more than 30 or 60 days they will often be willing to give you the full 90 days. Showing a return air ticket would help your case.

Once inside the country you can extend your stay in 30 day installments up to a maximum of 180 days in any calender year. You will need to go the Colombian Department of Administration and Security (DAS) to request the extension. Extensions are usually granted, although they are not guaranteed.

In theory you are expected to show proof of onward travel (eg a plane ticket out of the country), but this is rarely enforced.

If coming from a country which requires a Colombia visa you'll need to present yourself at a Colombian consulate and pay the visa fee which is around $50 (depending on current exchange rates).

Work Visa

(Coming soon)

The following link gives detailled information on how to apply for a Colombian Work Visa.

Resident Visa

(Coming soon)

The following link gives detailled information on how to apply for a Colombian Resident Visa.

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