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Bogota, Colombia

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Colombia: visa and passport requirements

Passport required Return ticket required Visa required
Australian Yes Yes No
British Yes Yes No
Canadian Yes Yes No
Other EU Yes Yes No/1
USA Yes Yes No
Passports: 

A valid passport is required by all nationals referred to in the chart above to enter Colombia. Your passport must be valid for at least 90 days after entering the country, but it is recommended that it is valid for at least six months. You should have at least two free pages in your passport.

Visas: 

Not required by nationals referred to in the chart above for stays of up to 90 days except the following:

1. nationals of Bulgaria.
Note: Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements.

Visa note: 

 

Nationals stated in the above chart will be issued with an entry stamp on arrival which will be valid for up to 90 days (this is at the discretion of the airport official; the stated nationals are often only given 30 or 60 days); extensions for up to a further 120 days (in 30-day instalments) are available from the Department of Administration and Security in Colombia; all stated nationals are permitted to stay for a maximum of 180 days in any 12-month period, though this is not an unconditional right and is not guaranteed.

 

Types and cost: 

Nationals should check with the embassy or consulate of Colombia for visa cost as fees are fixed according to the exchange rate.

The fee for a Tourist visa is generally £35. A Temporary Visitor visa costs £65 although the above nations are again exempt. Work and Business visas cost £130 whilst Student visas are £30. Payments for consular services have to be paid in cash at the Colombian Consulate.

Validity: 

Tourist and Temporary Visitor: Valid six months (multiple entry). Business: Valid four years for multiple entries with maximum stays of one year each. Work: Valid for two years with multiple entry. Student: Valid for one year with multiple entry.

Transit: 

Transit passengers do not require a visa or to pay departure tax providing they do not leave the airport and make their connecting flight within 24 hours of arrival.

Application to: 

Consulate (or consular section at embassy).

Schengen visas: 

Colombia is not part of the Schengen visa scheme.

Temporary residence: 

Enquire at the consulate for forms and details on how to obtain temporary residence in Colombia.

Working days: 

It is generally advised to allow plenty of time for applications, but visas should in theory be issued within five days.

Sufficient funds: 

You may be asked to provide proof of sufficient funds to cover your costs in Colombia. Up-to-date bank statements showing more than £1,000 will suffice. In practice, this is rarely requested.

Entry documents: 

Apart from your passport, you are theoretically required to show an onward or return ticket. In practice, this is rarely required.

Extension of stay: 

You may be able to extend your stay by up to 120 days. You should apply to the Department of Administration and Security once in Colombia.

Entry with children: 

No restrictions on entry with children; however children of Colombian nationality must have the written consent of both parents to travel without them, even if travelling on another nation’s passport.

Entry restrictions: 

Colombia has imposed travel restrictions on those with HIV/AIDS. Exemptions may be obtained; check with your country’s Colombian embassy. A Yellow Fever certificate may be necessary if you are planning to visit the jungle areas of Colombia.

Entry with pets: 

You can take your pet to Colombia provided they have been vaccinated against rabies (unless coming from a rabies-free country or under four months old), distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis and parvovirus, and they have a licensed vet’s certificate. However, for the purpose of travelling it is best to leave pets at home.

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