Following many years of civil unrest, travel to Colombia is now safe and easy. This country, known for its beautiful Caribbean beaches, often surprises visitors by its diversity. Modern cities filled with skyscrapers and a rich cultural heritage contrasts dramatically with the ancient ruins, Amazon rainforest, coffee plantations, and abundant animal and plant life. To enjoy all that this South American country offers, citizens of some countries are required to have a Colombia visa in order to visit.
You will need a different category of visa depending on your reason for entering the country. There are 10 classes of Colombian visas available. Whether you plan on visiting relatives or friends, are traveling for business, are just sightseeing or planning on working in the country you will need a visa specific to your reasons for being in Colombia. Make sure you apply for your Colombia visa before finalizing your travel arrangements, so that you'll know for sure if your application has been approved or not.
A tourist visa is valid for up to 6 months with multiple entries during that period. In addition to the two signed copies of the visa application form you will need to submit a valid passport, 3 recent passport photos, a copy of your return ticket, a most recent bank statement (copy and one original), confirmation of hotel booking, copies of all the above documents except the application. You will need to make an appointment with the Columbian consulate for a personal interview. Processing time can vary depending on the number of applications requiring attention; figure at least 5 working days.
A temporary visa is also valid for up to 6 months for multiple entries. This visa is normally granted to individuals who are entering the company to care for relatives, covering special events for news agencies, attending academic seminars or for short-term studies. Documents required are the same as for the tourist visa except a letter of invitation from a relative, conference organizer or relevant third party.
Business visas are valid for up to 4 years with multiple entries. This visa is granted to company executives and the like who are traveling to attend conferences, meetings or research. In addition to the documents required for such visas a letter of responsibility from the employee's company is required, a certificate of existence for the company which has been legalized by a notary.
Get a visa for Columbia the quick and easy way.
If you are a citizen of the United States or Canada, you are not required to apply for a Columbian visa. If you are a United States resident but not a citizen you will be required to present your Alien registration card or green card as well as your valid National Passport (passport from your country of birth). If you are a citizen of Britain, Australia, or Canada you are also exempt from having to obtain a Columbian Visa.
Once you have the visa and passport details of your trip taken care of you can relax and enjoy planning the 'fun and exciting' aspects of your travel to Columbia.
Visit often to learn more information from our updated Travel to Columbia.
