Complete Guide to Applying for a Colombia Tourist Visa

Colombia issues Type V (visitor) visas for foreigners planning to visit for tourism, business, medical treatments, journalism, and cultural events. Most international travelers from visa-required countries must acquire a tourist visa, while tourists from approximately 102 countries can enter Colombia without one for short stays. Tourists need to meet character and health requirements, provide proof of economic solvency, and declare their intentions to leave the country after their visit.

To obtain a Colombian tourist visa, travelers must apply at their nearest Colombian embassy or consulate or, if already in Colombia, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs office in Bogotá. An online application form is required, along with accurate personal details and supporting documents, such as bank statements and travel itineraries. After submitting the application, an appointment at the consulate must be scheduled for an in-person visit, where the visa status will be communicated via email.

Visa processing times vary by consulate but typically take five business days, with fees differing based on the applicant’s country. Extensions for tourist visas are available, but applicants must apply before their current visa expires, or face penalties. It is critical to note that tourists cannot work in Colombia on a visitor visa and must apply for a separate work visa to gain employment legally.