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Understanding Visas & Immigration

The visa requirements to come into Colombia as a tourist is easy and straightforward; you can enter Colombia visa-free for most countries including Australia, Canada, France, Germany, United Kingdom, and the United States. Upon arrival at the airport, you will be provided with the 90 Day Tourist Visa stamp.

For those countries that require a visa before entering into Colombia; will need to apply for the visa through Colombia Cancilleria website, to find out if your country requires a visa check here. We would recommend that you contact a lawyer to help you through the visa process as everything is in Spanish, and the process can get complicated.

This main church of the Archdiocese of Medellín is impressive to see and visit. You can even attend one of its masses since it is held at various times throughout the day, every day of the week.

Extending Your Tourist Visa in Colombia​

If you’re currently visiting Colombia on a 90 Day Tourist Visa and want to extend your stay, you will need to request an extension by going to Colombia Immigration website and applying. Note: The form is Spanish Only. Although; the form is online, we recommend you get a lawyer that specializes in Visas & Immigration to help you through the process.

Staying Longer in Colombia​

There are plenty of options you can choose from that will allow you to stay longer, some examples: work visa, participating in volunteer work, or for studies, etc.. just to name a few. Below is the breakdown on the type of Visas you can apply for and their categories.

Classes & Categories of Colombia Visas​

There are plenty of options you can choose from that will allow you to stay longer, some examples: work visa, participating in volunteer work, or for studies, etc.. just to name a few. Below is the breakdown on the type of Visas you can apply for and their categories.

Visitor / Tourist Visa (Type V): Allows the foreigner to temporarily stay in Colombia during a specific amount of time typically 90 Days to a Maximum of 180 Days of the Calendar year. The Type V tourist visa allows the foreigner to travel around Colombia freely, participate in events, medical procedures, work as a digital nomad / or freelance work, and so forth..

  • Tourism
  • Business
  • Student
  • Medical Treatments
  • Administrative Proceedings
  • Volunteer
  • Journalism
  • Digital Nomad

Migrant Visa (Type M): Migrant Visa is the most popular visa and provides the foreigner up to 3 years (depending on approval of the visa). The visa allows the foreigner to get a Colombia Cedula (ID card) and start their process of being an expatriate in Colombia. These are the different Categories of the Migrant Visa

  • Marriage
  • Common Law / Union Marriage
  • Work
  • Investment / Real Estate
  • Retirement
  • Religious
  • Refugee
  • Business

Resident Visa (Type R): Highest level Visa. This visa renews every 5 years and you don’t need to worry about re-applying for a Type M or Tourist Visa. You can obtain this visa by the following categories:

  • Holding Type M Visa for 5yrs
  • Returning Colombian
  • Investment of 650x the minimum wage in Colombia
  • Parent of Colombia Citizen by Birth

Visa-Free Entry for Certain Nationalities

There are several nationalities that can enter Colombia visa-free for tourism purposes. For example, citizens of most European Union (EU) countries, as well as countries such as Brazil, Chile, Israel, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, and Switzerland, can enter Colombia without a visa for tourism for a maximum of 90 days. This information can be useful for travelers from these countries who are considering visiting Colombia. Make sure to always look for an up to date list provided by the Colombian government or information from your ministry of foreign affairs.

Extending your tourist visa

If you’re already in Colombia on a 90 Day Tourist Visa and wish to extend your stay beyond the allowed period, it’s important to note that the extension process can be complex. You may need to provide proof of sufficient funds, a valid reason for the extension, and other documentation. It’s recommended to start the extension process well before the expiration of your current visa and seek legal assistance to ensure a successful extension.

Changes in Visa Regulations

It’s important to note that visa regulations and requirements in Colombia can change over time. It’s recommended to regularly check the official websites of Colombian government agencies, such as the Colombia Cancilleria and the Colombia Immigration, for up-to-date information on visa requirements, processes, and fees.

Getting Local Support and Resources

Navigating the visa process in Colombia can be challenging due to language barriers and complex documentation requirements. It’s advisable to seek assistance from reputable lawyers or immigration consultants who specialize in Colombian visas to ensure a smooth and successful application process. Additionally, there are expat communities, forums, and support groups in Colombia that can provide valuable advice and insights on the visa process, as well as living and working in the country.
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