Colombia - visitor
Visitor VisaV
The V (Visitor) visa is Colombia's short-to-medium-stay category for foreigners who do not plan to establish residence. It covers tourism beyond the standard stamp, short-term business, medical treatment, journalism, conferences and similar visits. Citizens of many countries (including the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, European Union and Australia) do NOT need a V visa for typical tourism of up to 90 days, extendable to 180 days per calendar year using only the passport stamp.
Who this visa is for
- Tourists planning to stay longer than the 180-day stamp limit allows
- Short-term business visitors attending meetings, conferences or trade events
- Patients traveling for medical treatment in Colombia
- Journalists covering temporary assignments
- Participants in cultural, sports or academic events
Requirements
- Valid passport
Minimum 6 months remaining validity with at least 2 blank pages.
- Passport-style photo
3x4 cm, white background, color, recent.
- Proof of economic solvency
Bank statements from the last 3 months showing sufficient funds for the stay.
- Visa purpose documentation
Invitation letter, event registration, medical appointment letter or equivalent supporting the reason for travel.
- Travel itinerary
Flight bookings or itinerary covering entry and exit.
- Health insurance
International coverage valid in Colombia for the entire stay.
Fees
| Fee | Amount | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Study fee | USD 52 | Non-refundable, paid at application. |
| Issuance fee | USD 82 - USD 232 | Depends on subcategory of V visa and nationality reciprocity table. |
Application steps
- 1. Create SITAC account
Register at https://www.cancilleria.gov.co/tramites_servicios/visa and create a user in the online visa system (SITAC).
- 2. Complete online application
Fill the V visa form, upload all scanned documents, photo and passport bio page.
- 3. Pay the study fee
Pay USD 52 through the online portal or designated banks.
- 4. Wait for evaluation
Receive a decision by email within 5 business days, or a request for additional documents (you have up to 30 days to respond).
- 5. Pay the issuance fee
If approved, pay the issuance fee online within the deadline given in the approval email.
- 6. Receive electronic visa
The visa is issued electronically (no passport sticker). Print it and carry with your passport.
- 7. Register on entry (if over 90 days)
If your visa is valid longer than 90 days, register at Migracion Colombia within 15 days of arrival and request a Cedula de Extranjeria (foreigner ID).
Official government source
Always verify the current fees, requirements and forms at the official source before applying:
Ask about the Visitor VisaV
Grounded on this page. Answers are informational, not legal advice.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a V visa if I just want to travel in Colombia for a few weeks?
Probably not. US, Canadian, UK, EU, Australian and most LATAM citizens get a free tourist stamp of up to 90 days on arrival, extendable to 180 days per calendar year. A V visa is only required for specific purposes or longer stays beyond 180 days.
Can I work on a Colombia Visitor Visa?
No. The V visa does not grant work authorization for a Colombian employer. Remote work for foreign companies on the standard tourist stamp is a grey area; for long-term remote work, apply for the V Digital Nomad subcategory instead.
How long does the Colombia Visitor Visa take to process?
Standard processing is 5 business days after a complete SITAC submission. If the Cancilleria requests additional documents, total time can extend to 30 calendar days.