Visa & Entry Requirements by Country in Bucaramanga, Colombia
1. Colombian Visa for Tourists
Required for most international travelers. Granting stays of up to 90 days, extendable once. Colombia is known for its friendly visa policy.
- Ease of Application: Online application process is straightforward and relatively quick.
- Multiple Entries: Tourist visa allows multiple entries to Colombia within the validity period.
- Extension Option: Option to extend stay for an additional 90 days is available.
2. Emergency Travel Document (Colombia)
Issued in case of lost passport or other emergencies. Allows travelers to leave and re-enter Colombia until a new passport can be obtained.
- Temporary Travel Document: Replaces your regular passport during emergencies.
- Issuance Speed: Can be issued quickly, often within a few hours.
- Limited Validity: Valid for a limited period (usually up to 3 months) until you can obtain a new passport.
3. Transit Visa (Colombia)
Required for travelers who must change planes in Colombia and stay in the transit area of the airport. Not applicable to citizens of certain countries.
- Time-bound Transit: Allows a stay of up to 24 hours for transit passengers.
- Specific Eligibility: Applies only to travelers whose final destination is not Colombia.
- Single Use: Cannot be used for multiple transits in Colombia.
4. Work Visa (Colombia)
For foreigners looking to work or start a business in Colombia. Requires employer sponsorship and approval by Colombian authorities.
- Employer Sponsorship: Must be sponsored by a Colombian employer.
- Approval Process: Can take several weeks to obtain approval from Colombian authorities.
- Renewal Requirements: Work visas typically have a validity of one year and can be renewed as needed.
5. Student Visa (Colombia)
For foreigners wishing to study in Colombia for a specific period. Requires acceptance by an accredited Colombian educational institution.
- Institutional Acceptance: Requires acceptance by a recognized Colombian educational institution.
- Study Duration: Valid for the duration of your study program in Colombia.
- Renewal Process: Can be renewed upon completion of one academic semester.
6. Visa for Family Members (Colombia)
Allows family members to join a foreigner working or studying in Colombia. Requires proof of relationship and financial stability.
- Proof of Relationship: Requires official documents proving the family relationship.
- Financial Stability: Foreigner must demonstrate financial stability to support their family members.
- Validity Period: Visas are typically valid for the same duration as the foreigner's work or study visa.
7. Resident Visa (Colombia)
For foreigners wishing to permanently reside in Colombia. Grants permanent residency status and work authorization.
- Permanent Residency: Grants permanent residency status, allowing you to live in Colombia long-term.
- Work Authorization: Allows foreigners to work in Colombia without employer sponsorship.
- Pathway to Citizenship: Provides a pathway to Colombian citizenship after five years of residency.
8. Transit Without Visa (TWV) Countries
Certain countries can enter Colombia without a visa for a short stay, typically under 72 hours. Not applicable to all travelers or nationalities.
- Brief Stay Eligibility: Allows entry for stays of up to 72 hours.
- Specific Nationalities: Applies only to citizens of certain countries.
- No Work Permission: Does not allow work or long-term stay in Colombia.
9. Business Visa (Colombia)
For foreigners visiting Colombia for business purposes, such as meetings, conferences, or negotiating contracts. Requires invitation from a Colombian company.
- Business Invitation: Requires an official invitation from a Colombian company.
- Validity Period: Typically valid for the duration of your business visit in Colombia.
- Extension Possibility: May be extendable if additional business meetings or events arise.
10. Journalist Visa (Colombia)
For foreign journalists visiting Colombia to cover news and events. Requires accreditation from the Colombian Foreign Ministry.
- Accreditation: Requires accreditation from the Colombian Foreign Ministry.
- Temporary Status: Provides temporary status, usually valid for a specific period or project.
- Extension Options: Can be extended if the journalist continues working in Colombia.
11. Investor Visa (Colombia)
For foreigners investing in Colombian businesses or real estate. Requires significant financial investment and meets other eligibility criteria.
- Financial Investment: Requires a substantial investment in Colombian businesses or real estate.
- Eligibility Criteria: Must meet specific criteria regarding the nature and amount of investment.
- Permanent Residency Benefits: Grants permanent residency status, along with work authorization.
12. Retirement Visa (Colombia)
For foreign retirees looking to settle in Colombia. Requires proof of a pension or regular income.
- Pension or Income: Requires evidence of a regular pension or income.
- Age Requirement: Applicants must be aged 18 or older.
- Residency Benefits: Grants permanent residency status, along with work authorization.
13. Diplomatic and Official Visa (Colombia)
For diplomats, government officials, or their families. Requires accreditation from the Colombian Foreign Ministry.
- Accreditation: Requires accreditation from the Colombian Foreign Ministry.
- Temporary Status: Provides temporary status, usually valid for the duration of assignment.
- Extension Options: Can be extended if the diplomat or official continues their duties in Colombia.
14. Visa Waiver Countries (Colombia)
Citizens of certain countries can enter Colombia without a visa for stays of up to 3 months. Not applicable to all travelers or nationalities.
- Brief Stay Eligibility: Allows entry for stays of up to 3 months.
- Specific Nationalities: Applies only to citizens of certain countries.
- No Work Permission: Does not allow work or long-term stay in Colombia.
15. Travel Insurance (Colombia)
Required for some visa applications and recommended for all travelers. Provides coverage for medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and lost luggage.
- Visa Requirement: May be required for certain visa applications.
- Coverage Options: Offers various levels of coverage to suit different needs and budgets.
- Peace of Mind: Provides travelers with peace of mind during their trip.