Is a visa necessary for visiting Colombia?

Known for its inviting vibe, stunning national parks, sun-drenched beaches, and vibrant cities, Colombia is rapidly becoming one of the hottest travel spots in South America, attracting both adventurous backpackers and family travelers alike.

The visa process for Colombia is quite user-friendly, with many countries enjoying visa-free entry, and a straightforward online application available for those who require a visa.

As with any destination, regulations can change unexpectedly, so it's wise to verify the most current information from your local Colombian embassy. Here’s what you need to know about Colombia's visa requirements.

What are the entry regulations for Colombia?

Tourists from 102 countries and territories, including the USA, Canada, the UK, New Zealand, Australia, and most EU and EEA nations, can visit Colombia without a visa. Upon entry, visitors from these eligible countries receive a passport stamp allowing a stay of up to 90 days.

There are a few requirements to keep in mind. Your passport must have at least six months of validity remaining, and you may need to present proof of a return ticket when leaving Colombia. Additionally, if you're arriving from another South American country, officials might ask for a yellow fever vaccination certificate.

You are required to fill out the Check-Mig immigration form on the Migración Colombia website. This form, introduced during the pandemic, is still necessary for entry and can be completed in English, Spanish, or French. It must be submitted between 72 hours and one hour prior to your flight to Colombia.

When departing Colombia, you might encounter an exit tax of US$35 at the airport. This fee is often included in the airfare, so it's advisable to verify this when checking in for your return flight.

Which nationalities require a visa to enter Colombia?

Most citizens from Africa, Asia, and the Middle East (along with a few other nations) do not qualify for visa-free entry and must apply for a visitor visa beforehand. A comprehensive list of countries and territories whose citizens need a visa can be found on Colombia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.

Tourist visa applications should be submitted online, with fees varying based on your nationality and location during the application. The visa typically costs around US$82 and is valid for stays of up to 180 days. Ensure all your documents are prepared before starting the application, as the website will time out after 30 minutes, erasing any progress made.

Citizens from Cambodia, China, India, Macau, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam can enter Colombia without a visa for up to 90 days if they hold a valid short-stay visa or residency permit from the USA or any Schengen Area country, which must remain valid for at least 180 days beyond their arrival date in Colombia.

Is it possible to extend my tourist visa for Colombia?

If you’re from a country that enjoys visa-free entry to Colombia, you can extend your visit by an additional 90 days by submitting an extension application online (in Spanish) or visiting the offices of Migracíon Colombia in cities like Bogotá, Medellín, Cali, and Cartagena). However, if you hold a 180-day visa, it cannot be extended, as this is the maximum duration permitted.

To extend your entry stamp, make sure to complete the process at least two weeks prior to the expiration of your current stamp to avoid any processing delays. You’ll need to provide photocopies of the information page of your passport, your Colombian entry stamp, and proof of onward travel within the next 90 days to support your application.

Extending your tourist stamp allows for a maximum of 180 days in total within any 12-month period in Colombia. The extension fee is US$27 for most nationalities, but citizens from Schengen Area countries can extend their stay for free.

Visa requirements for employment in Colombia

A temporary worker's visa, also referred to as a migrant (M) visa or M-5, is available for individuals who can demonstrate they have secured a job with a Colombian employer. This visa can be valid for up to three years, and your employer must provide various financial documents, including bank statements and tax payment proof, to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to facilitate the application.

You can apply for this visa either from abroad or while visiting Colombia as a tourist, making it convenient to interview with local employers. While you can travel in and out of Colombia on a work visa, it will expire if you leave the country for more than six consecutive months.

However, the process can be costly. Anticipate a fee of US$52 for the application, plus an additional US$230 once it's approved. You can apply online, but you may also need to present documents in person at your local consulate or embassy—check the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website for the complete list of requirements.

If your application is approved, you’ll receive an electronic visa via email, which you can present to border officials upon entering and leaving Colombia. While it's not legally required to have the visa printed in your passport unless your stay exceeds three months, it’s strongly advised to obtain a physical copy at your local consulate, as there’s always a chance that passport officials might request to see one.