Latest Requirements for Colombian Visa Applications (2025)

Latest Requirements for Colombian Visa Applications (2025)

If you're a foreigner planning to live, work, study, or invest in Colombia, understanding the latest visa requirements is crucial. In 2025, Colombia continues adapting its immigration framework, especially with digital processes, stricter document norms, and updated rules for visa categories. This guide will walk you through the current requirements, common pitfalls, and tips for a successful visa application.

Key General Requirements for All Visa Applications

These baseline conditions apply to almost all Colombian visa types in 2025:

1. Valid passport
   Your passport (or travel document) must be in good condition, with enough blank pages for visa stamps.

2. Electronic visa application form
   All visa applications must be submitted via Colombia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Cancillería) system.

3. Documents’ issue date limit
   Supporting documents (other than passport or identity) must have been issued within the last three (3) months at the time of application.

4. Legalization / apostille / translation
   Documents issued abroad (not in Spanish) must be translated and legalized or apostilled.

5. Bank statements and proof of funds
   If you submit bank statements or financial documents, they may not require apostille or translation if the contents are unambiguous to the visa officer.

6. Visa fee (“visa study”)
   Many visa categories (e.g. spouse visa) require payment of a “visa study” fee (commonly USD 50).

Here are some common visa types foreigners often apply for, and their particular requirements in 2025:

Visitor Visa (Type V)

• For those visiting Colombia temporarily (tourism, business, short courses).

• Some nationalities are visa-exempt for short stays (less than 90 days).

• The Visitor Visa covers many permitted activities (tourism, business, academic exchanges, etc.).

• You may need to provide proof of sufficient funds, travel itinerary, accommodation, etc.

• Extensions: Generally you can extend your stay, but in total you cannot exceed 180 days per year.

Temporary Visa as Spouse or Partner (M / Spouse / Union)

• If you're married to or a partner of a Colombian national, you can apply for a spouse / permanent partner visa.

• Requirements include:

  • Valid passport

  • Two recent passport-style photos

  • Valid marriage certificate (or document proving de facto partnership) issued within 3 months before applying

  • Copy of Colombian spouse’s citizenship card

  • A notarized letter from the Colombian spouse requesting issuance of the visa

  • If applicable, proof of professional licensing / equivalence if the foreign spouse has a regulated profession.

Migrant Visa (Type M)

• This visa is for foreigners intending to stay longer term (work, study, investment, family).

• Governed by Resolution 5477 of 2022, which sets out categories and specific rules per category.

• Requirements vary by category (for example, employment contract, enrollment in university, investor documents, pension proof).

• This visa is usually the stepping stone toward applying for permanent residency (R-visa) after some years.

Specific Visa Categories & Their Requirements

Recent Changes & Trends You Should Know (2025)

• Increased digital processing: The Colombian government continues expanding online application and processing via Cancillería, reducing the need for in-person visits.

• Strict document recency rule: Many foreign documents must now be issued within the last three months, or else they may be rejected.

• Visa-exempt nationalities clarification: Colombia maintains a list of 102 nationalities exempt from Visitor (V) visa for short stays.

• CheckMig system usage: Travelers (both Colombian nationals and foreigners) can pre-register their trip (CheckMig) to speed up immigration control procedures.

• Reciprocity & visa requirements for British citizens: Colombia announced that it will impose visa requirements on British citizens in response to visa restrictions by the U.K., based on reciprocity.

Tips to Ensure Your Visa Application Is Approved

• Prepare your documents carefully (translations, apostilles) well in advance.

• Make sure the issue date of supporting documents is recent (≤ 3 months).

• Provide clear evidence of funds, job offer, or financial stability.

• Use a detailed letter of intent explaining your purpose and length of stay.

• Do not overstay permitted periods—violations can lead to fines, deportation, or restrictions on future entry.

• Monitor policy changes and updates from Cancillería, especially for your specific visa category.

Conclusion

• Navigating Colombian visa applications in 2025 demands precision, adherence to updated rules, and timely document preparation. Whether you're applying for a Visitor Visa, a Spouse/Partner Visa, or a Migrant (long-term) Visa, staying current with the requirements is essential. If you're unsure or want personalized assistance, our bilingual legal team in Colombia specializes in Colombian visa services for foreigners and can guide you step by step.

• Sources: Cancillería Colombia (Visa requirements) Cancillería • Cancillería (Tourist Visa) Cancillería • Visa categories (Cancillería) Cancillería • Temporary spouse visa (Cancillería) Cancillería • Colombia Visa Guide 2025 https://nexo.legal • Migrant Visa Guide 2025 srislawyer.com • CheckMig info apps.migracioncolombia.gov.co • Visa exemption list Cancillería+1 • Reciprocity / British visa news AP News+1