Colombia Visa for Indians

Colombia is well worth a visit, especially if you enjoy wildlife. This South American country is noted for having the world's second most biodiverse population. Colombia's nice people, stunning architecture and culture, amazing food, and sunny beaches are all excellent reasons to visit.

However, some processes must be followed whenever visiting a foreign nation. If you intend to visit the Republic of Colombia, you need permission or a grant to enter the nation. This type of document is known as a Colombia visa for Indians. With this visa, you can travel the nation, visit friends and relatives in Colombia, and even do business or study there. There are several types of visas for various purposes. It’s an electronic visa that is granted, and the validity of the visa varies depending on the kind of visa and the application criteria.

Colombian visas for Indians are classified into three types:

Colombia Visitor Visa, commonly known as Colombia Tourist Visa for Indian nationals (V)

Colombia (R) Resident Visa

Colombia (M) Migrant Visa

These visas are divided into sub-categories based on the purpose of travel.

• Colombia Tourist/Visitor Visa: The Colombia V (Visitor) Visa, commonly known as the Colombian Tourist Visa, is provided to Indian nationals who want to remain in the Republic of Colombia for a limited time. It's made available for the following purposes:**

• Airport transit

• Tourism and leisure activities

• Business

• To Indian journalists

• Participating in a short-term academic exchange programme, training, or any other educational opportunities like an internship

• For work as an inter-corporate transferee in a corporation

• For medical attention

• To Indians participating in the working holiday programme

• Volunteering in human rights or development cooperation projects

• For Indian nationals wishing to travel to the Republic of Colombia, the tourist visa is known as TP-11. The Government of Colombia offers this Colombia e-visa facility to Indian nationals. The Colombia Visiting Visa is typically valid for 90 days. However, specific circumstances can extend it for up to two years. The decision is made by the Consular or Immigration officials who handle your visa application.

• Colombia R (Resident) Visa: A Colombia Resident Visa permits you to live in the nation temporarily. In this category, many sorts of visas are given. It is mainly for persons who want to study in the nation for a long length of time, make an investment, or find work in the country. The purpose of your visit will determine the duration of your stay in the nation.

• Colombia M (Migration) Visa: A migration visa contains both permanent residence and movement permits. This is given to persons who want to live in the nation permanently. The visa is valid for a lifetime. However, this may vary based on the circumstances.

Here are the documents needed for different types of Colombia visas:

Colombia Tourist Visa (Visitor (V) Visa):

• A completed visa application form

• A valid passport with at least 6 months of validity beyond the date of travel

• Two recent passport-size photographs

• Proof of travel itinerary, including confirmed round-trip airline tickets

• Proof of sufficient funds to cover expenses during your stay

• A business letter from the employer or company in India explaining the purpose of your visit to Colombia and the nature of your business

• An invitation letter from the Colombian company or organisation you will be visiting

• Hotel reservation or invitation letter from a Colombian host if you will be staying with a friend or family member

• Yellow fever vaccination certificate if you are travelling from a country with a risk of yellow fever transmission

Colombia Resident Visa ( R )

• A completed Colombia Resident Visa Application Form.

• A passport with at least six months' validity beyond the travel date.

• Two recent passport-size photographs.

• A criminal record certificate issued by the Indian authorities.

• A health certificate from a licensed physician stating that you are in good health and free from any contagious diseases.

• A document proving that you have a steady source of income or can support yourself financially while living in Colombia.

• Proof of accommodation in Colombia, such as a lease or ownership certificate.

• A certificate of good conduct issued by the police authorities in your place of residence for the past five years.

• A letter from your employer in Colombia stating that you will work for them and the nature of your employment.

• Educational certificates and transcripts from any academic institution you have attended.

Colombia Migration Visa (M)

• A completed Colombia Migration Visa Application Form.

• A valid passport with at least six months of validity beyond the date of travel.

• Two recent passport-size photographs.

• A criminal record certificate issued by the Indian authorities.

• A health certificate from a licensed physician stating that you are in good health and free from any contagious diseases.

• A job offer letter or employment contract from a Colombian company.

• Proof of qualifications or certifications required for the position.

• Proof that you have sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay in Colombia.

• A certificate of good conduct issued by the police authorities in your place of residence for the past five years.

• Educational certificates and transcripts from any academic institution you have attended.

• Work experience certificates from any previous employment.

• A current resume or CV.

Here are the steps you can take to obtain a Colombia visa from India:**

• Determine the type of visa you need: The Colombian government offers various types of visas based on the purpose of your visit, such as tourism, business, study, or work. In case of visitor (v) visa, the Colombian Government offers the facility of Colombia e-visa for Indians. (You can find it on the dedicated web page of the Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs). Also, check your country's Colombian Embassy or Consulate for the most updated visa requirements.

• Collect necessary documents: The documents you need to submit with your visa application may vary based on the type of visa you are applying for. Generally, you will need a valid passport, a completed visa application form, a recent passport-sized photograph, proof of sufficient funds to cover your expenses during your stay, and evidence of your travel itinerary, including your accommodation arrangements.

• Submit your application: You can submit your visa application in person or by mail to the Colombian Embassy or Consulate in your country. You may also need to pay a visa application fee.

• Schedule an appointment: If required, schedule an appointment for a visa interview or biometrics collection.

• Attend the interview: Attend the Colombia visa interview, if required, and provide any additional information or documents as requested.

• Wait for the processing time: The processing time for a Colombian visa can vary, so check with the embassy or consulate for an estimated time frame.

• Receive your visa: If your visa application is approved, the embassy or consulate will issue a visa stamp or sticker on your passport.

The eligibility requirements for a Colombian visa for Indians vary depending on the type of visa. Here are some general eligibility requirements:

• You must have a valid passport with at least six months of validity beyond the date of travel.

• You must have a valid reason for travelling to Colombia, such as tourism, business, work, study, or family visits.

• You must have sufficient funds to cover your expenses during your stay in Colombia.

• You must be in good health and free from any contagious diseases.

• You must not have a criminal record or any pending criminal cases.

• You must provide all the required documents for the type of visa you are applying for, such as the application form, passport-size photographs, proof of travel, financial support, employment letter, educational certificates, and other relevant documents.

• Depending on the visa type, you may need to meet additional requirements, such as having a job offer or being accepted to a Colombian educational institution.

It's essential to check the specific eligibility requirements for the visa type you plan to apply for to ensure you meet all the criteria. Additionally, your country's Colombian Embassy or Consulate can provide you with more detailed information on eligibility requirements and the visa application process.

The Colombia visa processing time in India can vary depending on the type of visa you are applying for and the workload of the Colombian Embassy or Consulate in India. Typically, visa processing takes about 10 to 15 working days, but it may take longer for some types of visas.

For example, the processing time for a Colombia Tourist Visa (Visitor Visa) may take around 10-15 working days. In comparison, the processing time for a Colombia Migration Visa may take up to 30 working days or more.

It's always advisable to apply for a visa well in advance of your intended travel date to allow sufficient time for processing and unexpected delays

The Colombia visa fees for Indian nationals vary depending on the type of visa and the duration of stay. Listed below are the visa fees for Indians:

• Colombia Tourist Visa (Visitor Visa) fee for Indian Nationals: $45 for a stay up to 90 days.

• Colombia Migration Visa fee for Indian Nationals: $275 for a stay up to 90 days. Please note that the fees are subject to change, and it's always advisable to check the most updated fee structure on the Colombian Embassy or Consulate website in India before applying for a visa.

To track the status of your Colombia visa application, you can follow the steps below:

• Visit the Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website at http://www.cancilleria.gov.co/tramites_servicios/visas.

• Click on the "Check your visa status" option.

• Enter your application number and passport number in the fields provided.

• Click on the "Consult" button to view the status of your application.

Alternatively, you can contact the Colombian embassy or consulate in your country to inquire about the status of your visa application. They can provide you with more detailed information about the status of your application and any additional steps you need to take.

Colombia is a beautiful country with a diverse landscape, culture, and history. However, like any other country, it is essential to take necessary safety precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip. Here are some safety and precautionary measures you can take while visiting Colombia:

• Research the places you plan to visit before you go. Check travel advisories issued by your government and stay informed about any safety concerns.

• Be aware of your surroundings and keep an eye on your belongings. Avoid displaying valuables, such as jewellery or expensive gadgets, and be cautious when using your phone in public places.

• Use official taxis, buses, and other public transportation. Avoid taking unlicensed taxis or buses, especially at night.

• Stay in reputable hotels or guesthouses in safe neighbourhoods. Use a safe or locker to store your valuables, and keep your room locked when you are out.

• Drink bottled water and avoid drinking tap water, especially in rural areas. Be cautious with street food, and always wash your hands before eating.

• Avoid getting involved with drugs or drug trafficking, as it is a serious crime in Colombia.

• Learning basic Spanish can help you communicate better with locals and understand important safety instructions.

• Be respectful of local customs and traditions. Dress appropriately when visiting religious sites, and ask for permission before taking photos of people.

• Wearing a mask is mandatory in all public places, including transport, shops, and public spaces.

• Maintain a distance of at least 2 meters (6 feet) from other people in public places.

• Carry your vaccination certificate or proof of a negative COVID-19 test result.

• You may be required to undergo health screening, including temperature checks and COVID-19 testing, upon arrival in Colombia.

• Check the latest travel restrictions and guidelines issued by the Colombian government before travelling. There may be restrictions on travel to and from certain countries or regions.

Colombia has diverse landscapes, cultures, and activities. Here are some things you can do in Colombia:

• Visit Cartagena: Cartagena is a beautiful colonial city on the Caribbean coast, with cobbled streets, colourful buildings, and a rich history.

• Explore Bogotá: Bogotá is the capital city of Colombia, with a vibrant culture, museums, and excellent cuisine.

• Go hiking: Colombia has diverse landscapes, from the Andes Mountains to tropical rainforests. You can go hiking in Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona or the Cocora Valley.

• Visit coffee plantations: Colombia is known for producing some of the best coffee in the world. You can visit coffee plantations in the Colombian Coffee Region to learn about coffee-making and taste some of the best coffee.

• Enjoy the beaches: Colombia has beautiful beaches on both the Caribbean and Pacific coasts, including Santa Marta, San Andrés, and Providencia.

• Experience the nightlife: Colombia has a vibrant nightlife, with many bars, clubs, and live music venues. You can experience the nightlife in cities like Medellín and Bogotá.

• Visit archaeological sites: Colombia has a rich history, with many archaeological sites to explore, such as Ciudad Perdida and the Tierradentro Archaeological Park.

• Try the food: Colombian cuisine is diverse and flavourful, with dishes like bandeja paisa, empanadas, and arepas.

These are just a few of the things you can do in Colombia. There are many more activities and places to explore in this beautiful country.

Whatever your motivation for travelling, the uncertainty that comes with it cannot be overlooked. Travelling to another nation for a job, vacation, study, business, or other reasons entails leaving your country, which may be stressful. If something goes wrong, the stress can be amplified. Purchasing travel insurance is a good way to avoid worry when travelling.

Although a terrible occurrence can happen anytime and cannot be avoided, purchasing travel insurance can add a layer of security. A travel insurance policy will cover various risks, such as hospitalisation due to COVID-19 infection, luggage delay or loss at the airport, personal liabilities, and so on.

When selecting a travel health insurance plan for Colombia, the emphasis should be on selecting the best plan with the best coverage. Tata AIG's Colombia travel insurance plan can meet all of your Colombia travel insurance needs without costing you too much money. If you are seeking Colombia's best travel medical insurance coverage, your quest ends here.

With the right Tata AIG Colombia travel insurance coverage, you may enjoy your vacation without worrying about financial concerns if an unexpected occurrence occurs.

When you choose a Colombia travel insurance policy, you’ll realise that no one plan will match everyone's needs because everyone is unique. Hence, when you purchase a Colombia travel insurance plan from Tata AIG, you have some leeway in customising the plan to meet your specific Colombia travel insurance requirements.

While acquiring a travel insurance policy, you may select a suitable sum insured as well as the coverage that you believe is necessary. You can also select to have your coverage extended if there is a medical emergency, flight delay, or cancellation.

• The following are the major benefits of Tata AIG Colombia travel insurance:

• Luggage Coverage: Airports are similar to a maze, with frequent baggage misplacement or delays in baggage delivery. Yet, such situations might disrupt your vacation plans and plans. The Tata AIG travel insurance plan covers any luggage loss. Baggage coverage will reimburse you for the complete bag(s) or any lost item up to the amount specified in the travel insurance policy paperwork.

• Medical Coverage: One of the primary reasons to get a Colombia travel health insurance plan is to have coverage for medical services outside of India. If you are hospitalised in Colombia due to an accident or a medical emergency, your travel insurance coverage will act as a financial barrier to protect you from the exorbitant medical costs of treatment. If you contract Covid-19, you’ll be covered for hospitalisation with Tata AIG travel insurance coverage. As a result, you may recuperate in peace without having to worry about exorbitant medical expenditures.

• Trip Coverage: Each voyage is fraught with danger. A travel insurance policy can protect you from any dangers associated with your trip. If journey hazards arise, they might result in financial losses. As a result, a voyage cover will protect you against risks such as passport loss, aircraft delays/cancellations, hotel cancellations, and so on.

• Miscellaneous Perks: Some more advantages of Colombia travel medical insurance include:

• A medical check is not required to obtain travel insurance coverage.

• Coverage for travel aid

• The policy purchase process is simple and quick.

• A smooth and quick claim filing and settlement process

• For travel insurance plans purchased in INR, coverage is delivered in USD.

Information last updated Aug '23. While this information is sourced reliably, visa requirements can change. For the most current visa details, visit the official Consulate/Embassy website.