Colombia Visa for Indians: E-Visa & Requirements

Quick Overview

Do Indians Need a Visa for Colombia?	Yes, Indian citizens need a visa for Colombia.
Types of Colombian Visas	Visitor Visa (Type V), Migrant Visa (Type M), Resident Visa (Type R)
Visa Fees for Indians	Tourist Visa: USD 82 Business Visa: USD 252 Migrant Visa: USD 270 Resident Visa: USD 400
Processing Time	Visitor Visa: 5-10 working days Migrant Visa: up to 30 days Resident Visa: 10-20 days
How to Apply	Online via the Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website
Required Documents	Valid passport Recent photo Financial proof Visa application form

Types of Colombian Visas

Colombia offers various visa types depending on the purpose of your stay:

Visitor Visa (Type V)

Purpose: For short- to medium-term stays without granting permanent residency. Some allow work for specific activities or employers.
Common Uses: Tourism, business, student, medical treatment, volunteer work, digital nomad, religious work, technical assistance, etc.
Work Authorization: Certain visas under Type V, like the working holiday visa, provide an open work permit based on reciprocity.

Migrant Visa (Type M)

Purpose: For foreigners looking to establish themselves in Colombia, valid for up to 3 years.
Work Permit: Grants a work permit for the visa's duration, requiring compliance with Colombian labor laws.
Absence Limit: The visa is automatically terminated if the holder is absent from Colombia for more than 180 consecutive days within a year.
Common Categories: Spouse or partner of a Colombian national, refugee, worker, independent professional, pensioner, investor, etc.

Resident Visa (Type R)

Purpose: For foreigners who want to permanently settle in Colombia.

Work Authorization: Provides an open work permit, allowing the holder to engage in any lawful activity in Colombia.
Absence Limit: The visa is automatically terminated if the holder is absent from Colombia for more than two consecutive years.

Beneficiary Visa

Eligibility: Spouses, partners, and children (up to 25 years old or disabled) who are financially dependent on the primary visa holder.
Validity: Tied to the validity of the main visa holder's visa.
Work: Does not allow the beneficiary to work.

How to Apply for a Colombian Visa from India?

Applying for a Colombian visa from India is an entirely online process handled through the official website of the Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Check Eligibility: Visit the "I need a visa, requirements" section on the Ministry’s website to confirm if you need a visa based on your nationality and the purpose of your visit.
Review Costs and Processing Details: Check the "Costs, payments and processing offices" section to understand the fees associated with your visa type and where to submit your application if required.
Prepare Your Passport: Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months from the time of application, is in good condition, and has blank pages available.
Complete the Online Application: Access the visa application form on the Ministry's official website at Colombian Visa Application Form. Follow the step-by-step instructions provided in the video tutorial for assistance.
Choose a Consulate: If you are outside Colombia, select the nearest Colombian Consulate in your country of residence or a third country where you have legal status. If you are in Colombia, choose “Office in Bogotá.”
Attach Required Documents: Upload the necessary documents in PDF format and a recent photograph in JPG format (maximum 300kb) as specified by the requirements for your visa type.
Ensure Document Authenticity: All supporting documents, except passports, must be issued within three months prior to your application and must be clear, complete, and accurate. Any foreign document must be apostilled or legalized and translated into Spanish, if not already in the language.
Submit and Pay Application Fees: After submitting the application form, you will receive a reference number to pay the application fee within 10 calendar days. The application will only be considered officially submitted once the payment is completed. Failure to pay within the specified period will result in the termination of the application process.

Colombia Visa Requirements for Indian Citizens

The following are the general requirements for all types of Colombian visa applications:

Online Application Form: Complete the visa application form on the official Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.
Photograph: Upload a recent, clear, high-resolution digital photograph in JPG format (maximum 300kb) with a white background, taken in color with the face centered and a neutral expression.
Passport Copy: Provide a copy of the main page of your passport or equivalent document with at least six months of validity, in good condition, and with blank pages.
Proof of Legal Stay: If applying from outside your home country, provide documentation of your legal stay in the country where you are applying.
Additional Requirements: Depending on the visa type, additional documents such as proof of financial means, travel insurance, or specific invitations may be required.
Minors and Persons with Disabilities: For applications involving minors or individuals with disabilities, additional documents such as proof of parental authority or guardianship must be provided. Written consent from parents or guardians, as well as from the individual responsible for their care in Colombia, is also required.

Colombia Visa Processing Time

The processing time for a Colombia visa varies depending on the type of visa and individual circumstances:

Visitor Visa (Tourist, Business, etc.): Typically processed within 5 to 10 working days.
Migrant Visa: Processing may take up to 30 working days.
Resident Visa: Usually processed within 10 to 20 working days.

However, delays can occur if additional documentation is required, or during peak application periods, so it’s advisable to apply well in advance of your planned travel.

How to Check Colombia Visa Status Online?

To check the status of your Colombia visa application online, you can easily use the government portal to track progress. The process is simple and requires only a few details such as your passport number and application registration number. Follow the steps below to check the current status of your visa application:

Visit the Government Portal: Go to the official Colombian visa application website.
Navigate to the Status Section: Find and click on the 'Check Your Visa Application Status' option.
Select Document Type: Choose the type of document you want to use to check your status. For an easier process, select Passport Number.
Enter Your Passport Number: Input your passport number and select your nationality.
Enter Application Registration Number: Fill in the application registration number you received after submitting your visa application.
Click 'Consult': Press the 'Consult' button to view your visa application status.

Colombia visa application status portal online

Reasons for Colombia Visa Rejection

Violation of Immigration Regulations: Visa applications may be rejected if the applicant has previously violated Colombian immigration laws. This includes:

Illegal entry into the country by evading immigration checkpoints.
Entering the country without the required visa or entry permit.
Facilitating the illegal entry of another foreigner into Colombia.
Overstaying a visa or residing illegally in the country.

Incomplete or Missing Information: If the visa application is incomplete or missing required documents, the Visa Authority may request additional information. The applicant is given up to 10 calendar days to provide the necessary documentation through the SITAC platform. Failure to comply within this period can lead to rejection.

Failure to Pay the Fees: After completing the online application and receiving a reference number, applicants have 10 calendar days to pay the visa study fee. If the payment is not made within this timeframe, the application will be considered withdrawn and the process will be terminated.

Lack of Communication: Applicants must regularly check the registered email for communication from the Visa Authority. Missing important requests for additional information or updates can result in a denied or rejected application.

Ensuring all requirements are met and being responsive to official requests can help avoid delays or rejections.

Conclusion

Securing a Colombia visa for Indians is a simple process once you understand the requirements and available options. The Colombia e-Visa is ideal for short stays, while the Colombia Migrant Visa or Investment Visa are suitable for those planning longer stays or investing in Colombia. Make sure to gather all necessary documents in advance, such as proof of finances and travel plans, to meet the Colombia visa requirements. After submitting your application, you can easily check your Colombia visa status online. Whether you’re visiting for tourism, work, or investment, having the right visa will ensure a smooth entry and enjoyable stay in Colombia.

Related article: Liechtenstein visa for Indians

FAQs

Do Indian citizens need a visa to travel to Colombia?

Yes, Indian citizens need a visa to visit Colombia. Depending on the purpose of your visit, you can apply for various types of visas, such as a Tourist Visa, Business Visa, or Work Visa.

What is a Colombia e-Visa, and how can Indian citizens apply for it?

The Colombia e-Visa allows Indian citizens to apply online for short-term stays like tourism or business. You can apply through the official Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website by submitting the required documents and paying the fee.

How long does it take to process a Colombia visa for Indian citizens?

The processing time varies by visa type. Tourist and business visas usually take 5 to 10 working days, while Migrant and Resident visas can take 10 to 30 days.

What documents do Indian citizens need to apply for a Colombia visa?

General documents include a valid passport, recent photo, visa application form, proof of legal stay (if applying from a third country), and specific documents depending on the visa type, such as proof of financial means or invitation letters.

How much does a Colombia visa cost for Indian citizens?

Visa fees vary by type: Tourist Visa costs USD 82, Business Visa is USD 252, Student Visa is USD 51, Migrant Visa is USD 270, and Resident Visa is USD 400.

Can I check my Colombia visa status online?

Yes, you can check your visa status online through the Colombian government portal by entering your passport number, nationality, and application registration number.

What are the common reasons for Colombia visa rejection?

Visa rejections may occur due to immigration violations, incomplete applications, failure to pay fees on time, or lack of communication with the Visa Authority.

Can I apply for a Colombia visa from India online?

Yes, you can apply online through the official Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website by filling out the application form, submitting documents, and paying the required fees.

What is the validity of a Colombia Tourist Visa for Indian citizens?

The Tourist Visa is generally valid for 90 days, allowing a short-term stay in Colombia for tourism, business, or related purposes.

Colombia Visa for Indians: E-Visa Options and Requirements Explained