Visa types & categories

For foreign nationals of nationalities listed by resolution who need a direct airport transit in Colombia en route to a third country. Authorized stay is up to 24 hours, strictly in sterile or direct-transit zones of a single international airport. Presence in those zones is not an entry into Colombian territory for immigration purposes.

For leisure, tourism, or cultural interest only. Often used when a short-stay exemption does not cover the planned stay length.

For business dealings, market studies, direct-investment plans or filings, company formation, negotiation, contracts, or commercial representation. It is for nationalities that need a visa for short visits — and also for nationalities that are exempt from a short-stay visa when they need a longer stay in the country.

For in-person, virtual, or distance study (arts and trades, preschool through secondary, work-and-human-development programs, and higher education), student internships, or academic exchange under a higher-education agreement. Passport holders from visa-exempt countries or territories do not need this visa if their stay in Colombia will not exceed 180 calendar days.

For medical or dental treatment in Colombia as a patient or accompanying person — typically for defined treatment courses, including exportable medical services for foreigners.

To pursue administrative or judicial proceedings before Colombian authorities.

To work in Colombian jurisdictional waters as crew on a vessel, dredge, or offshore platform.

Seasonal agricultural work under programs set by the Ministry of Agriculture and related authorities, within published quotas and roles.

To attend conventions and business, cultural, or academic events as a speaker, exhibitor, participant, artist, athlete, juror, contestant, organizer, or logistics staff. Does not authorize work in Colombia beyond the event purpose.

Religious ministry or missionary work for a religious entity duly recognized by the Colombian State.

Religious volunteering, formation, or theological studies with a recognized church or religious institute.

Social volunteering or development cooperation work.

Participation in large-format film or documentary productions.

For remote work/telework from Colombia exclusively for foreign companies, or to start a digital/tech venture of interest to Colombia.

Short-duration journalistic coverage in Colombia.

Permanent press correspondent for a foreign media outlet based in Colombia.

Technical assistance to a legal entity in Colombia.

Businessperson mobility under Colombia’s free-trade commitments currently in force.

Commercial government representatives or specialized agencies on a mission that does not imply diplomatic accreditation.

Entry under a Working Holiday agreement currently in force between Colombia and the visitor’s country.

Internship or workplace practice with companies in Colombia — typically for short-stay visa-exempt nationalities under the governing resolution.

Temporary service, obra, or labor contracts in Colombia.

Productive, innovation, or research activities aimed at adopting or adapting technologies that develop products, processes, or services — under the internationalization pathway.

For foreigners who receive a periodic, variable income from a lawful, documentable source.

Exceptional cases not otherwise covered in the resolution, after assessment by the visa authority.

Courtesy entry for diplomatic or official passport holders of a State recognized by Colombia, under reciprocity, for a temporary visit.

Academic programs or events with ICETEX (Instituto Colombiano de Crédito Educativo y Estudios Técnicos en el Exterior).

Courtesy visa where law or international cooperation treaties in force provide for this class of visa.

Foreign artistic, technical, and production personnel entering for audiovisual projects or film shoots under the cinema framework.

Complementary measure to refugee status when requested by CONARE (Comisión Asesora para la Determinación de la Condición de Refugiado).

For foreigners married to a Colombian national who intend to live together in Colombia. Time can count toward residency (R).

De facto union (unión de hecho) with a Colombian national. Time on this visa may count toward a Residente visa under art. 90 of Resolución 5477.

Parent or child of a Colombian national by adoption. Time may count toward Residente under art. 90.

Parent of a Colombian national by birth. Time may count toward Residente under art. 90.

Nationals of MERCOSUR Residence Agreement states (plus Bolivia and Chile as applicable), under reciprocity. Time may count toward Residente.

Nationals of Andean Migratory Statute states, under reciprocity. Time may count toward Residente.

Foreigners recognized as refugees by the Colombian State. Time may count toward Residente under art. 90.

For foreigners seeking to work in Colombia for a legal entity under an employment contract. Time can count toward residency (R).

For foreigners who formed a company or acquired participation in a going Colombian commercial company. Time can count toward residency (R).

To practice a regulated profession — or, exceptionally, a non-regulated activity of interest to the country. Time may count toward Residente.

For foreigners with stable monthly pension income from a state or private pension fund. Time can count toward residency (R).

Foreigners with a master’s, doctorate, or postdoctorate in basic or applied sciences, engineering, mathematics, or related fields whose profile matches national priority areas.

For foreign direct investment or acquiring real estate in your name and maintaining that investment during the visa term. Time can count toward residency (R).

Former Colombian nationals (by birth or adoption) who renounced Colombian nationality.

Permanent resident visa for foreigners who held qualifying M visas for the minimum periods set in Resolución 5477 (varies by M subcategory).