Colombia derives its name from the Italian explorer who discovered America – Christopher Columbus. Colombia holds a glorious past as it is home to the mesmerizing history of Magdalena Valley civilizations which are more than 3000 years old. Many people believe that this is the mythical Golden City of Eldorado that existed hundreds of years back. The Muisca civilization was on par with their contemporary Aztec, Inca, and Mayan civilizations.

 Colombia connects the South America and North America continents, through Panama. On the North, Colombia is flanked by the Caribbean Sea, on the East side it neighbors Venezuela &Brazil and on the Southside, it shares a border with Ecuador and Peru. Colombia also has a majestic coastline with the Pacific Ocean on its West.

 Bogota D.C is the largest city and the capital city of Colombia. Apart from that Barranquilla, Medellin, Cartagena, Cali, Santa Marta, and Buenaventura are the major cities of Colombia. Bogota is a vibrant city teeming with hotels, restaurants, clubs, and breweries coming up all around the city. Also, there are many museums, art galleries, gardens, and monuments across Colombia that are must-visit places in Bogota. With the Amazon rainforests, Andes mountains, and the Pacific Ocean, Colombia is a haven for adventurers and researchers from around the world.

 Also, if you are really fond of running, the MEDELLÍN MARATHON is going to be held on 8th September 2019. This is the 25th anniversary of the sporting event and athletes from more than 100 countries are set to take part in this event. This can be an experience of a lifetime for you. The Colombia Travel and Visa Guide will explain the entire process of obtaining a visa for Colombia.

 Documents Required:

–          A scanned copy of the front page of your passport containing all the information or a scanned copy of another valid travel document with your personal details of the applicant and a scanned blank page of the passport. All these pages should be compiled in one PDF. The passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of travel.

–          A scanned copy of the last entry/exit Visa stamp or any other valid document showcasing the current migration status, if the current residence is different from the nationality furnished.

–          A scanned copy of the last Colombian visa was obtained. This is not required if the application is given with OCR.

–          If the Visa application is to be submitted or finalized by an appointed representative, attach a scanned copy of the notarized Power of Attorney document.

–          If the Visa application is sponsored by the applicant or some other individual, the following documents are required to be submitted…

1. A letter signed by the sponsor, confirming the identity of the sponsor (as per the valid passport or ID), details about the relationship with the applicant, the purpose of the visit to Colombia, and declaration of the economic responsibility for travel and living expenses of the applicants.

1. A scanned copy of the last 6 months’ bank statements of the applicant or the sponsor.

–          If the Visa application is sponsored by one or more organizations, the following documents are required to be submitted…

1. A scanned copy of the letter signed by the legal representative of the sponsor organization, depicting the name of the organization and contact details, identity confirmation of the applicant (as per the valid passport), details of the activity, duration, and agenda of the applicant in Colombia, details of the qualification & ties with the applicant, and declaration of the economic responsibility for travel and living expenses of the applicants. If the organization is legally constituted in Colombia, NIT is also to be included in the letter.

1. If the application is sponsored by a private institution or organization, legally not constituted in Colombia, the applicant must attach a scanned copy of duly apostilled or legalized certificate of existence & legal representation or any other equivalent document, as per the requirement. If this document is not in the Spanish language, then it should be translated into Spanish, and then it should be apostilled or legalized.

1. A scanned copy of the last 6 month’s bank statement, demonstrating the financial solvency of the sponsoring organization. Public entities do not need to furnish this document.

–          Depending upon the country of origin, if the details of criminal background certification are required, it can be attached along with the application, as per the individual case. A scanned copy of other documents required, such as round-trip ticket booking, can be attached in PDF format in the last category of the supporting documents.

 Types of Visas

There are many types of Visas available for Colombia and selecting the right category is the first and the most important step in getting Visa without any hassles. which makes the entire Visa process even easier. There are three types of Visas available for Colombia: Visitor Visa, Migrant Visa, and Resident Visa.

 Visitor Visa (Type V): This visa category applies to foreign nationals who wish to visit Colombia for various purposes and not settle as permanent residents of Colombia. The purpose of the visit could be tourism, education, medical treatment, volunteering, or any type of business purpose such as journalism, AV production, intra-corporate transfers, temporary service providers, etc.

 Resident Visa (Type R): This visa category applies to the people who want to establish or re-establish their permanent residency in Colombia. If you are a Colombian national who has renounced your nationality in the past, if you are a parent of a child born in Colombia, if you have accumulated enough time for permanent residency, and if you are interested in doing foreign direct investment in Colombia, you can apply for this category of Visa.

 Migrant Visa (Type M): This visa category applies to foreign nationals who wish to obtain permanent residency in Colombia for establishing themselves in Colombia, but doesn’t fall under the ‘Type R’ Visa. If you are a spouse of a Colombian national, parent or child of a Colombian national through adoption, students, professionals, entrepreneurs, a migrant as per Mercosur Agreement or a refugee, or anyone engaging in independent activities, you can get a Migrant Visa to settle in Colombia.

 Important Update for Indian citizens

If you hold an ordinary Indian passport and if you have a visa with at least 6 months validity from the USA or Schengen countries of Europe while entering Colombia; you don’t need a Visa for Colombia. This provision doesn’t include any type of Airport Transit Visa. Also, if you have a resident permit from the USA or Schengen countries of Europe, you don’t need a visa to enter Colombia.

 Fees for Colombian Visa:-

 The fee for maximum 90 days tourist Visa in Colombia is approx 200 USD.