How to apply and who needs a visa
A Colombian visit visa is a popular choice and is issued for a short temporary stay with no intention of residing in Colombia. This visa may be granted to individuals travelling to cover special events such as reporters, newscasters, or photographers from a registered news agency. People planning to travel in order to establish commercial and trade connections, attend academic seminars, conferences, expositions, short term studies, interviews for employment, medical treatment, or to participate in scientific, sporting and cultural events that will not be compensated, may also obtain this visa.
Processing time can take up to 10 days and it can be extended from within Colombia.
The following countries do not need a visa for stays of up to 90 days:
Argentina, Austria, Barbados, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Costa Rica, Chile, Denmark, Ecuador, El Salvador, Spain, United States, Finland, France, Guatemala, Italy, Japan, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Mexico, Norway, the Netherlands, Peru, Poland, Republic of Korea (South Korea), Germany, Sweden, Switzerland, Trinidad and Tobago, the UK, the United Sates, Uruguay, Venezuela and foreign residents of Canada and the United States.
Residents of these countries will receive an entry permit on arriving in Colombia and must be in possession of a return or onward travel ticket.
You will need the following documents to obtain a temporary tourist visa:
- Correctly filled-in application form
- Valid passport with at least two blank pages
- 2/3 passport-sized photos
- Your last three bank statements, to prove economic stability and the ability to support yourself while in the country
- Proof of a return or onward journey ticket
- A description of the activity you plan on doing in Colombia (an itinerary)
- A hotel reservation, or letter of invitation from a Colombian national with a copy of their cedula (ID card).
If you decide that you want to extend your trip, you need to visit your local DAS (Departamento Administrativo de Seguridad ) office in order to get an extension. They can grant you an extra stay between 30 to 60 days, however the total length of your trip cannot exceed 180 days.