Colombia, one of South America’s captivating tourist destinations, offers a plethora of attractions, from the mesmerizing Gold Museum and the stunning Rosario Islands to exciting activities like bird watching, whale watching, and the renowned Medellin Marathon. All of this can be explored with a Colombia tourist visa.

What is a Colombia Tourist Visa?

When planning a trip to any country, you must obtain the necessary permits to enter the nation legally. For tourists visiting Colombia, the key requirement is a tourist visa. Without one, you won’t gain entry into Colombia. This visa falls under the “Visitor (V)” category, allowing tourists to explore the country, visit friends and family, attend exhibitions or concerts, and more. The Colombia tourist visa is an electronic visa (E-visa) processed and received online, offering a 90-day validity, extendable as needed.

How to Apply for a Colombia Tourist Visa?

Before embarking on the Colombia tourist visa application process, you must ensure you meet the eligibility criteria. Carefully review whether your purpose aligns with the requirements set by Colombia Immigration. The application process is primarily conducted online, comprising several sub-procedures leading to the acquisition of the E-visa. Here are the steps:

1. Visit the official website of the Embassy of Colombia and navigate to the visa section.
2. Fill out the Colombia tourist visa application form following the provided guidelines.
3. Select the tourist visa category and attach scanned copies of the required documents.
4. Submit the form online to the embassy.
5. Pay the Acknowledgement fees as requested by Colombia Immigration.
6. Await verification and approval of your documents.
7. Attend an interview for final verification.

When completing the application form, it’s imperative to provide accurate and correct information consistent with your attached documents and passport details. Any false or unverifiable information may lead to visa rejection, impacting future visa applications for Colombia or other countries. Therefore, thorough preparation is essential before applying.

Eligibility Criteria

To proceed with the application process, certain parameters and criteria must be met, helping you understand visa requirements and the involved process. Some key eligibility criteria include:

• Proof of the purpose of your visit.
• If visiting acquaintances, you need an invitation letter from a resident in Colombia.
• Your visit should be for tourism or visiting acquaintances; employment-seeking is not permitted.
• Meeting health requirements, including providing relevant documentary proof through a medical test before traveling.
• Age limits may apply for work permits.
• Demonstrating good character and genuine intentions for working in Colombia, supported by relevant documentary proof, such as a Police Clearance Certificate (PCC).
• Possessing or having access to sufficient funds to cover your stay and expenses in Colombia, substantiated by bank statements or equivalent documents.

Required Documents

While specific document requirements may vary based on the purpose of your visit, there is a common set of documents necessary for the visa application process. Here are the Colombia tourist visa requirements:

• Original passport with at least 6 months’ validity beyond your travel date.
• Completed visa application form.
• Colored passport-sized photographs meeting specified criteria.
• A comprehensive cover letter providing essential details.
• Confirmed flight tickets.
• Proof of accommodation, such as an invitation letter or hotel reservation.
• Proof of sufficient funds, like bank statements or equivalent documents.
• Income Tax Returns (ITR) proof.
• Proof of identification and nationality (e.g., PAN card, Aadhaar card).
• Letter of recommendation from your employer, if applicable.
• Letter of invitation (if applicable).
• Copies of valid older visas, if any (e.g., USA, UK, Schengen, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Chile).

Note: Documents like bank statements, ITR, invitation letter, and other official records must be translated into Spanish by certified translators and may require an apostille sticker, as instructed by Colombia Immigration in Bogota or the Embassy of Colombia in New Delhi.

Colombia Tourist Visa Photo Specifications

• Provide two copies of your photos.
• Photo size: 1.5 inches x 2.5 inches.
• Submit colored copies.
• Ensure your face covers 60-70% of the frame.
• Position your head centrally.
• Use a photo taken within the last 6 months.
• Ensure a white background.
• Maintain a neutral expression.
• Glasses are not permitted.
• Headgear is only allowed for religious reasons.
• Avoid clothing that matches the background.

Processing Time

The processing time for obtaining a Colombia tourist visa is typically 4 to 5 business days. However, this duration may vary due to various factors affecting processing. The overall timeframe, from online registration to interview and document approval, can extend up to 30 calendar days.

Visa Fees

The fee for a Colombia tourist visa is split into two installments. First, you pay an acknowledgment fee when submitting the online application form. The second installment is paid after your documents are approved, and you have an embassy interview appointment. The total cost varies depending on the type of visa.

After Submission

After completing the application process, follow these steps:

• Wait for the approval of your documents and the application form.
• Attend an interview for final verification at the Embassy of Colombia, New Delhi.
• After the interview, the remaining processing is conducted, and the E-visa will be processed by Colombia Immigration, sent to your registered email ID.
• Only approved applications proceed to receive the E-visa.

If you encounter any additional requirements or need to make changes to your application, inform the embassy or agency promptly. Keep in mind that the visa fee is generally non-refundable.

Checking Visa Status

As the processes may take time, you may wish to check your visa status. To do so, visit the website of the Embassy of Colombia and provide your application details to check the status. This process is straightforward since the Colombia tourist visa is an E-visa. Visa statuses are presented at different levels.

Once You Have the Visa

After receiving your valid visa, it’s important to adhere to certain protocols and conduct yourself appropriately to ensure a smooth visit to Colombia. Here are some guidelines:

Before You Travel:

• Note the visa expiry date and the number of permitted entries; do not overstay.
• Travel to Colombia within your visa’s validity period.
• Carry copies of your passport and other essential travel documents.
• Obtain health and travel insurance from a certified company.

At the Border:

• Have your documents checked and your passport verified.
• Obtain an entry stamp on your passport.
• Consult airport authorities for any required assistance.
• Review your visa copy for guidelines and rules to follow.

When You Enter Colombia:

• Avoid engaging in any employment; volunteering is permitted.
• Stay away from tourist-prohibited areas.
• Ensure you do not overstay and apply for a visa extension if needed.