Colombian Visa For Indian Citizens: Everything You Need To Know

If you're an Indian citizen planning to visit Colombia, you must apply for a visa before your trip. Applying for a Colombia visa may seem daunting, but it can be a straightforward process with the right information and preparation. In this guide, we'll walk you through the steps for obtaining a Colombia visa as an Indian, including the requirements, documents, application process, processing time, and tips for success.

Special Circumstances In Which An Indian Citizen Does Not Need a Visa

According to the Colombian Government, Indians with a valid residence permit from a Schengen country or the United States may not need a visa to enter or remain in Colombia. However, it's important to always check with your local consulate, the Colombian Immigration Office, or a Colombian Immigration attorney before traveling.

Types of Visas

Colombia has three different types of visas grouped by how long they allow a foreigner to remain in the country. These are grouped by visitor visa, migrant visa, and resident visa. For most Indians planning to visit Colombia for less than 180 days, the Visitor visa will be the best Colombian visa option.

If you're traveling to Colombia and want to stay longer than 180 days, you'll need to explore Migrant Visa options.

Visitor Visa (Tourist Visa):

Visitor Visas, sometimes called tourist visas, allow a foreigner to remain in Colombia for 90 days at a time, with the option to renew for up to 180 days.

Visitor Visas are a great option for many Indian citizens who want to visit Colombia for less than six months. While this visa is typically used for tourism purposes or for those looking to visit for vacation, There are over 25 different types of Visitor Visas in Colombia that allow foreigners to do many different activities. A few examples are:

• Tourism
• Healthcare
• Event
• Business for short periods
• Religious Missionary Trips
• Student

Visitor Visa Requirements:

The documentation required can vary depending on the type of visa you are applying for. However, the following documentation will be required for almost every visitor visa type in Colombia.

When submitting the online visa application form, all the documents required will need to be in PDF format unless stated otherwise.

Valid Passport:

You'll need to provide a copy of the first page of your passport to complete the visa application. At the time of application, your passport should have at least six months until its expiration date in order to enter Colombia.

Proof of Exit From Colombia: 

When filling out the online visa application form, applicants will need to provide proof of onward travel in the form of a ticket to another country. This ticket does not necessarily need to be a return ticket to India, but you must show that you have plans to leave the country.

Proof of Accommodation: 

Applicants will need to prove that they have booked accommodation in Colombia as one of the visa requirements. Suppose you're staying with a friend or family member as opposed to staying in a hotel, Airbnb, or hostel. In that case, you'll need to provide a letter from the individual that you're staying with that includes their address and contact information.

Signed Letter Stating the Purpose of Your Trip:

The applicant must write and sign a letter stating their motivation for entering Colombia, their plan, and where they are staying.

6 Months of Bank Statements

The foreigner must provide a certified bank statement showing their income to prove they have sufficient funds. By showing the bank statements, you are proving to the Colombian government that you can sustain yourself while visiting the country, or the applicant has at least $2,400 USD in their bank statement at the time of application. (Sometimes, if the applicant has less than $2,400 USD, they may still be approved if they can show they are supported by someone else).

Health Care With International Coverage in Colombia:

All foreigners applying for a visitor visa must show they have international healthcare coverage for their stay in Colombia.

Often we will receive questions about the specific requirements for the healthcare plan. However, the law states that the insurance plan must cover all risks in case of accident or injury for the duration of their time in Colombia, but not a specific dollar amount.

"Health policy with coverage in the national territory against all risks in case of accident, illness, maternity, disability, hospitalization, death or repatriation, for the time foreseen for their stay in the country."

Passport Style Photo:

The passport photo must be on a white background, facing the camera, in color, and without any shadows. As your visa will be submitted online, you must provide a digital copy of the photo and not a photocopy.

Visa Fees:

You'll need to pay the online application fees when you apply online or at an embassy. To submit the visa application, the cost will be about $55 USD. Once your visa has been approved, you'll need to pay an additional fee depending on the visitor visa you are applying for.

A typical tourism visa costs $82 USD but can go as high as $250 USD for a business visitor visa.

For example, the total payment for a Visitor Visa for Tourism would be $137 USD.

These fees are payable for credit or debit cards.

Visa Application Process 

Gathering Documentation:

Before submitting your online application, you'll want to gather all your travel documents so your application can be as smooth and efficient as possible.

Submitting Your Application 

When submitting your online application form, you'll want to ensure all of your details are accurate for your application to be processed correctly. Your application may be denied if any information is incorrect on the form, from minor details to a date or number.

Waiting For and Responding to Any Requests By The Colombian Government 

Typically the Colombian Government will ask questions regarding your application. This can include asking for an additional travel document, details of your visit, or additional background on the person visiting. You'll need to respond to these promptly and clearly.

Receiving Your Visa

Processing times for visa applications can vary, but legally you should receive a response from the Colombian government within 30 days of applying. If you are still waiting to receive a response within 30 days, you must contact the migration office.

All Visas are provided electronically through email. 

In Summary:

Applying for a Colombia visa as an Indian citizen will require careful attention to detail and thorough preparation. By following the guidelines in this blog and seeking up-to-date information from relevant authorities, you can ensure a smooth and successful visa application experience.

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