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Colombia is an attractive destination for tourists and business travelers alike. For those planning a short stay, understanding the visa application process is essential. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to obtain a short-term visa for Colombia.
Not all foreign nationals require a visa to enter Colombia. Citizens from Colombia visa-free countries can enter with just an ID card and stay up to 180 days, though they cannot extend this period further. For others, a short-term visa is required depending on the purpose and duration of the visit.
Colombia offers several types of short-term visas, commonly referred to as Visitor Visas (V visas), which cater to different purposes:
The typical validity of these visas is 90 days but can extend up to two years based on the discretion of the Colombian embassy or consulate handling the application.
Applicants must submit several documents, including:
Valid Passport: A copy of the biographical page, any previous Colombian visas, and the last entry or exit stamp from Colombia.
Passport-Sized Photo: A recent photo (3 cm x 4 cm, no larger than 300 KB, white background) in JPG format if applying online.
Proof of Financial Means: Bank statements from the last six months.
Travel Itinerary: Confirmed flight bookings.
Accommodation Proof: Details of intended residence in Colombia.
Invitation Letter: If visiting for business or family, an invitation from the host.
Event/Activity Details: If attending an event, details like the agenda and duration.
Educational or Training Enrollment: If the purpose is education or training, acceptance or enrollment proof is needed.
All documents should be in Spanish or translated by a certified translator, and legalized either through an Apostille stamp or by the Colombian consulate, depending on the applicant's home country.
To apply for a Colombia short-term visa:
Complete the Online Application: Fill out the visa application form on the Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.
Select the Appropriate Visa: Choose the correct visa category based on the visit's purpose.
Upload Required Documents: Attach all necessary documents in PDF format, along with the visa photo.
Choose Application Location: Specify where you'll submit your application, which could be a Colombian embassy, consulate, or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Bogotá if applying within Colombia.
Pay the Visa Fee: Complete the payment for the processing of the visa application.
Wait for Approval: You will receive an email notification regarding the status of your application. If approved, you must visit the selected embassy or consulate to collect your visa.
The processing time for a Colombia short-term visa generally takes about five working days, but it can extend up to 30 days if there are errors or missing documents. Typically, the visa is valid for 90 days but may be issued for up to two years in specific cases.
If you wish to extend your stay beyond the initial visa period, you must apply for an extension at a Migración Colombia office before your current visa expires. Extensions are granted at the discretion of the immigration authorities and should be sought well in advance to avoid penalties.
Generally, a Colombia short-term visa does not permit employment. To work in Colombia, you must obtain an appropriate work visa, such as a Work Visa, Marriage Visa, or Investment Visa. Special provisions apply for journalists or short-term transferees who are paid from abroad.
Understanding these steps and requirements will help ensure a smooth application process for anyone looking to visit Colombia on a short-term basis.
Prepared on the information from pickvisa.ru