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.
Related articles
Deeper reading on the money, tax and paperwork side of the Visitor Visa.