Colombia eVisa & Travel Information (2026)

Introduction

Colombia has transformed dramatically over the past two decades and is now one of South America's top destinations for tourism, business, and expat living. Medellín, Cartagena, Bogotá, and the Coffee Region (Eje Cafetero) are top attractions. Colombia has a visa-free policy for citizens of about 100 countries; others must apply through the online Cancillería portal. A digital nomad visa (Digital Nomad/Remote Worker — TP-13) was introduced in 2022.

Tourist & Short Stay

• Visa-Free (90 days, extendable to 180 days/year): USA, Canada, EU countries, UK, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Peru, and ~100 other nationalities. Present passport on arrival at Bogotá El Dorado or other POEs. Migration Colombia officer determines stay (90 days typical); maximum 180 days/year total.
• Extension: Apply online or at a Migración Colombia office (migracioncolombia.gov.co) for an extension up to 180 days/year total. Fee: COP 152,650 (approximately USD 38).
• Visa required: India, China, Pakistan, Russia, Bangladesh, most of Africa and Central Asia. Apply at apps.cancilleria.gov.co. Tourist visa (TP-6): single-entry, 90 days, USD 52; multiple-entry USD 93.

Business Visa

Business visits (meetings, conferences) are covered by the visa-free arrangement for most nationalities. For employment or commercial activity, a Business/Work visa (TP-4/TP-10) or Migrant visa (M) is required. Colombia offers favorable conditions for foreign investment — free trade zones (zonas francas) and investment via ProColombia.

Work & Long-Stay Visas

• Migrant Visa (M) — Work: Employer-sponsored; requires work permit from Ministry of Labour. Valid 1–3 years; renewable. After 5 years of continuous M visa, eligible for Resident Visa (R).
• Digital Nomad Visa (TP-13) — Temporary Worker: For remote workers employed abroad or freelancers. Requires proof of remote employment/contract and income equivalent to 3× monthly minimum wage (2024: COP 3.3M × 3 = ~USD 2,500/month). Valid 2 years. Apply at apps.cancilleria.gov.co.
• Investor/Business Visa: For those investing USD 100,000+ in a Colombian company. Leads to Migrant (M) visa pathway.
• Resident Visa (R): Permanent residence after 5 years on M visa, or after marrying a Colombian citizen, or for retirees with pension income.

Student Visa

Student Visa (TP-8). Requires enrollment letter from a Colombia-recognized institution, proof of funds (~USD 500/month), and medical insurance. Valid for the study duration. Apply at apps.cancilleria.gov.co.

Airport Transit

Most nationalities may transit through Colombian international airports without a visa if they remain airside. Passengers needing to clear immigration require a valid Colombian visa or visa-free eligibility.

Required Documents

• Valid passport (6 months validity)
• Return or onward ticket
• Proof of accommodation
• Proof of sufficient funds (min. USD 30/day or USD 1,000 total)
• Travel insurance (recommended; required for some visa categories)
• Yellow fever vaccination (required if arriving from or traveling to endemic regions of Colombia)
• For visa: digital photo, application form, purpose-specific documents (invitation letter, employment contract, etc.)

Visa Fees

How to Apply

1. Check if your nationality is visa-free at migracioncolombia.gov.co.
2. If visa-free: no advance application. Present passport on arrival.
3. If visa required or applying for Digital Nomad Visa: go to apps.cancilleria.gov.co. Create an account, complete the application, upload documents, and pay online.
4. Visa processing: 3–5 business days. Receive e-visa by email. Print or show digitally at airport.
5. On arrival: present passport and visa/FMM stamp at immigration. Declare any cash over USD 10,000.

Official Links

• migracioncolombia.gov.co — Migración Colombia
• apps.cancilleria.gov.co — Visa application portal
• procolombia.co — Investment & tourism promotion

Who Is Visa-Exempt for Colombia?

~100 nationalities are visa-exempt including all EU/Schengen states, USA, Canada, UK, Japan, Australia, South Korea, New Zealand, Israel, Switzerland, Norway, and all Mercosur/Latin American countries. Notable visa-required: India, China, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Russia, most of Africa and Central Asia. Check migracioncolombia.gov.co for your nationality.

Always verify current visa rules on official government sites before travel.