Track Your Colombia Visa Application Status: A Comprehensive Guide

Colombia has become an increasingly popular destination for travelers worldwide. Whether you’re planning a vacation or a business trip, navigating the Colombia visa application process is a crucial step to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the entire process, helping you avoid common pitfalls and delays.

From understanding the application process to checking your Colombia visa application status online, this guide aims to provide all the essential information you need to obtain your Colombia visa successfully. With our expert tips and advice, you’ll be one step closer to exploring Colombia's beauty and charm.

Key Takeaways

• Thoroughly prepare for the Colombia visa application process by gathering necessary documents, completing forms and meeting passport photograph requirements.
• Understand status updates to ensure accuracy of your application and be aware of common reasons for delays.
• Familiarize yourself with safety, legal considerations, customs regulations and Global Entry program prior to arrival in Colombia.

Understanding the Colombia Visa Application Process

Your journey to Colombia starts with clearly comprehending the visa application process. Here are the key points to know:

• The government entity can take up to 30 calendar days to respond to your application. If the government entity takes longer than 30 days, you need to contact them. 
• You can check the status of your application using Cancilleria’s website. 
• It is important to regularly check the status of your application to prevent any delays. 

The Colombia visa application process comprises three main stages: preparing your visa application, submission and payment, and receipt and processing. Each stage significantly contributes to a successful outcome, and understanding each step benefits a smooth process.

Checking Your Application Status Online

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While waiting to process your visa application, you should monitor the status of your application regularly. Thankfully, you can quickly check the status of your Colombia visa application online by visiting the Cancilleria’s website. 

You can check the status of your application using this link: https://tramitesmre.cancilleria.gov.co/tramites/enlinea/consultarEstadoSolicitud.xhtml

How To Check The Status of Your Colombian Visa Application 

To check the status of your Colombian visa application, you’ll need first to locate your application number and information. This information can be found in the email the Cancilleria sends you after submitting your application. 

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To check the status of your application, you’ll need the following information: 

• Type of document (most likely your passport) 
• Document Number (This is the number of the document or passport you used in your application)
• Nationality 
• Your Colombian Visa Application Number

Interpreting Status Updates

Understanding the different status updates you may receive is essential for managing your expectations and addressing any issues that may arise. Standard status updates include:

Registrada En Linea: Your visa application has been successfully submitted and recorded in an online system or database by the Colombian immigration authorities.

En Tramite: Or In process means that your visa application is currently being processed or is in the middle of the application procedure. The Government entity is reviewing your application. 

Formalizada: Your application has been processed and is awaiting a decision. 

Autorizada: This status indicates that your visa application has been reviewed and approved by the relevant authorities.

Pagada: This status indicates that the required fees associated with your visa application need to be paid or are in the process of being paid. 

Tramitada: This status indicates that you have paid for the visa and the visa is being processed in order to be sent to your email. 

Impresa: This means that the visa has been sent to your email address. 

Colombian Visa Decisions and What They Mean: 

Apart from the typical visa status, there are a few more statuses and updates that you can receive from the Colombian government entity. 

Aprobada: Your visa has been approved. If you receive an email that says your visa has been approved you’ll need to pay your final visa fees to receive the digital copy of your visa. 

Negada: Your visa has been denied and you are not eligible to apply again for 6 months from the date of the decision. 

Inadmitida: Your visa application has been denied but you are eligible to reapply for the visa immediately. 

REQUERIDA: The government entity has requested additional information about your application. 

Desistido: Your application is considered abandoned as the government entity did not receive payment or a response from a requirement in the appropriate time frame. 

By interpreting these status updates accurately, you’ll be better equipped to address any issues promptly and ensure a smoother visa application process.

Common Reasons for Visa Application Delays

While the visa application process may seem straightforward, delays can occur for various reasons. Some common causes include:

• Submitting the application too early or too late. 
• Mistakes on the application form
• Delays in payment
• Delays in responding to requests for additional information 
• Submitting incorrect or incomplete information 
• Delays from the government entity 
• Increased volume of visa applications

Awareness of these possible delays and taking appropriate precautions can help you reduce the likelihood of facing problems in your visa application process. It is important to apply for the visa at least 45-60 days before you need it. 

What to Do if Your Visa Application is Pending

If your visa application is pending, it means that the visa authority is still assessing your application and has not yet reached a decision. The average duration for a Colombia visa application to remain in pending status is five working days, although this can vary greatly. The Colombian government entity has 30 days to respond to your application and it is not abnormal for your application to be pending for a majority of the 30 days. 

Visa Application Issues and Resolutions

Despite careful preparation, some visa applicants may encounter issues or setbacks during the application process. Common issues include incorrect or incomplete applications and lost or delayed documentation. Addressing these issues promptly and effectively can help you get back on track and successfully obtain your Colombia visa.

The next sections will offer solutions for these common visa application issues, guiding you through potential challenges to increase your chances of approval.

Incorrect or Incomplete Applications

If you’ve submitted an incorrect or incomplete application, it’s important to rectify the issue as soon as possible. However, once your application has been submitted you are not able to edit any documents or information. 

For example, if you accidentally type the wrong number in your passport number, your application will likely be rejected. 

1. Your best option is to not pay your visa application fee and wait about 10 days for your application to be withdrawn. 
2. If you have already paid your application fee, you’ll need to wait until your application is reviewed and eventually admitted. 

If your application is incomplete, the government entity can either give you an admitted decision or request additional information. It is best to submit all the requested information from the start of your application.  

By proactively addressing any errors or omissions in your application, you can help prevent delays and improve your chances of a successful visa approval.

Delayed Visa Processes

The government entity has 30 days to respond to your application. If it has been more than 30 days since your application was submitted and you suspect something has gone wrong, you will need to submit an official petition in order to recieve a response. 

This is important because you cannot submit a new application until the current application is resolved one way or the other.

• Submit an official petition to the government entity. 
• Describe the timelines from the moment of the payment of the visa application until today and how the entity has exceeded the 30 days to resolve your visa application
• The petition needs to be submitted in Spanish. 

The government entity can take up to 15 business days to respond to your petition so it is important to send the petition as soon as possible. 

Common Reasons For Visa Denials in Colombia

We submit dozens of visa applications every month at Colombian Visa Services and rarely ever get a visa denied. However, here are a few reasons a visa application may be denied. 

Discretionality: The government entity can deny your visa application for any reason at any time. This means that if the government entity is overwhelmed with applications or there is a small mistake on your application, you can be denied. This means that if you submit an application and receive an “inadmitted” decision, you could apply again with the same information and be accepted by reapplying. 

Incorrect or Incomplete Information: The government entity reviews your application in a very black-and-white fashion. If the information you have submitted is not 100% complete and accurate, you may be denied. 

Something in Your Criminal Background: Colombia wants to keep it’s country as safe as possible. If the government entity reviews your application and finds something in your background, even if you did not submit a criminal background check, they may deny your application. 

Incorrect Official Documentation: The government entity is very strict when it comes to how documents are presented, what notarization or apostille is necessary, and when and how documents are officially translated. If any of this is done incorrectly your application may be denied. 

Summary

Navigating the Colombia visa application process may seem daunting, but with the right information and guidance, you’ll be well on your way to exploring this captivating country. From understanding the application process to checking your application status online, this comprehensive guide has provided you with all the essential information and tips to successfully obtain your Colombia visa.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do U.S. citizens need a visa to visit Colombia?

U.S. citizens do not need a visa to visit Colombia, as they are allowed entry for tourist of 180 days or less per calendar year.

What is the average processing time for a Colombian visa application?

On average, a Colombian visa application can a few weeks or up to 30 calendar days to process.

How can I check the status of my Colombia visa application online?

You can check the status of your Colombia visa application online by visiting the Cancilleria’s website. 

What are some common reasons for visa application delays?

Common causes of visa application delays include applying too early or late, errors in the application, and government discretionality.