By the end of this post, you’ll understand everything about obtaining a Colombia Tourist Visa (Type V), from who needs it and how to apply online to special rules like transit exemptions, minor travelers, reciprocity fees and more.

What Is the Colombia Tourist Visa?

The Colombia Tourist Visa (Visa Type V) lets you enter the country for leisure, cultural or sports activities for up to 180 days per year. It’s issued to travelers who don’t plan to work, study or reside permanently in Colombia.

Who Needs a Tourist Visa?

You may need a Tourist Visa if you’re not from a visa-exempt country. Nationals of the United States, the European Union, Australia, New Zealand and several others can enter Colombia visa-free for up to 90 days per visit, up to 180 days in a calendar year.
– Citizens of Canada also enjoy visa-free entry but must pay a Reciprocity Tax of US $64, reactivated in 2024 due to Colombia’s biometric requirements for Canadians, as detailed by VFS Global.
– If you hold a passport from Cuba or Palestine and merely pass through Colombia for less than 24 hours without leaving the airport, you do not need a visa, according to Sherpa’s transit restrictions.

Requirements: Document Checklist

Gather these items before you apply online or at the consulate (full list in the Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ General Visa Requirements PDF):
– A valid passport with at least two blank pages and six months’ validity beyond your planned departure date, as specified by the U.S. Department of State.
– The completed online application form (PDF or web form upload) and one recent passport-style photo (white background, JPEG format, max 2 MB).
– Proof of onward or return travel (round-trip ticket or confirmed onward booking).
– Evidence of financial solvency (bank statements showing a minimum balance of US $800), apostilled and officially translated if issued outside Colombia.
– Hotel reservations or an invitation letter from a host in Colombia.
– Police or criminal record certificate, apostilled and translated, if requested by the Colombian consulate.

Apostille and Official Translations

If any supporting document was issued abroad, you must obtain an apostille under the Hague Convention[^Apostille] and have it translated by an official translator. Bank statements and criminal records commonly fall under this requirement.

How to Apply: Step-by-Step Online Process

1. Visit the official visa portal and create an account.
2. Fill out the online Tourist Visa form, then upload scanned copies of your documents.
3. Pay the visa fee by credit card.
4. Schedule an appointment at the nearest Colombian consulate, if required.
5. Complete the Check-Mig pre-registration form 72 to 1 hour before your flight departure (mandatory for all travelers).
6. Attend your appointment or wait for email confirmation of visa approval.

Processing time typically takes 10–15 business days.

Fees, Validity and Extensions

• Standard single-entry fee: US $25 (varies by nationality).
• Canadian Reciprocity Tax: US $64, payable online before departure.
• Visa validity: up to 90 days per entry; you may extend your stay up to a total of 180 days per calendar year by applying at Migración Colombia offices.

The Cumulative-Stay Rule

Whether visa-free or on a Tourist Visa, you cannot exceed 180 days in Colombia within a single calendar year. Overstays may incur fines or entry bans.

Special Rules You Should Know

• Two Blank Pages: Immigration will stamp your visa on arrival; ensure you have at least two blank pages in your passport.
• Minor Travelers:
  • Accompanied minors need a notarized letter of consent from both parents.
  • Unaccompanied minors require an apostilled authorization signed by both parents and copies of their IDs.
• Visa-Free Transit Exemptions: Cuban and Palestinian passport holders can transit through Colombia without a visa for under 24 hours, provided they remain in the airport’s international zone.
• Visa Waivers and Onward Travel: Residents of India, China, Macau, Myanmar, Cambodia, Vietnam and Thailand benefit from special waivers but must still show proof of onward travel.

Ready for Colombia?

You’re now equipped with the full picture: who needs a Tourist Visa, how to prepare your documents, navigate online applications, and comply with extra rules—whether you’re a Canadian paying reciprocity fees, a family traveling with kids, or a transit passenger from Cuba. Safe travels, and enjoy your stay in Colombia!

[^Apostille]: Hague Conference on Private International Law. “Apostille Section.” https://www.hcch.net/en/instruments/conventions/specialised-sections/apostille