Here is the first thing to know about the Colombia tourist visa: most people do not need one. Colombia has visa-free agreements with a large number of countries, including the United States, Canada, the UK, the EU, Australia, and most of Latin America. If your passport is from one of those countries, you arrive, show your passport and return ticket, and you are in — up to 90 days, extendable once for another 90 days in the same calendar year, for a maximum of 180 days.
The tourist visa (V-TU) exists for nationalities that do not have visa-free access to Colombia. This article covers both groups: who can enter visa-free, what the actual entry process looks like, and what to do if you do need a formal tourist visa.
Who can enter Colombia visa-free
The visa-free list is long and includes most of the countries where colombianized readers come from. Key ones: United States, Canada, United Kingdom, all EU member states, Switzerland, Norway, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, Chile, and most other Latin American countries.
On arrival, you'll receive a stamp for 90 days. You can request an extension at Migracion Colombia offices for an additional 90 days, for a total of 180 days within a 365-day calendar year. The year resets on January 1st.
What immigration actually checks at the border
- A valid passport with at least six months of validity remaining
- A return or onward ticket — they will ask for this
- Proof of sufficient funds — about 30 USD per day is the unofficial benchmark
- Accommodation information — have your first night's address ready
The 90-day extension process
If you want to stay longer than your initial 90 days, apply for an extension (prorroga) at a Migracion Colombia office before your current period expires. Cost is approximately 85,000-100,000 COP (about $22-26 USD). Give yourself at least two weeks of buffer — offices can be busy.
The 180-day maximum resets on January 1st. Visa runs (crossing into a neighboring country and re-entering) have become less reliable as Migracion Colombia pays more attention to frequent border crossers.
Who needs a formal tourist visa (V-TU)
If your nationality does not have a visa-free arrangement with Colombia, you need to apply for a V-TU before arrival. Currently this includes China, India, Russia, most African countries, and several Middle Eastern countries. Check the current exempt list at cancilleria.gov.co — the list changes periodically.
Applying for the V-TU visa
The application is done entirely online through the Cancelaria portal. Create an account, complete the form, upload supporting documents (passport bio page, photo, return ticket, bank statements), pay the application fee (~$52 USD), and wait 2-6 weeks. If approved, the visa is issued electronically as a PDF. The V-TU is typically valid for 365 days, multi-entry, with stays up to 90 days at a time.
What the tourist visa does not allow
The V-TU (and visa-free entry) does not authorize paid work in Colombia. If you're earning money from Colombian clients or employers while in the country, you need a different visa category. The digital nomad visa (V-DN) was created for remote workers earning from foreign sources.
Travel insurance
The cost of a month of travel insurance is less than a single urgent care visit would be out of pocket. Do not skip it on a cost basis.
Good options include SafetyWing (budget-friendly, widely used by nomads), World Nomads (broader coverage, higher price), or your existing credit card travel insurance if it has adequate medical coverage for Colombia.
The honest entry-day experience
El Dorado in Bogota is the main international entry point. Have your documents out, your answers brief and consistent, and your onward ticket accessible. The question you will most likely be asked: where are you staying, and for how long? Answer clearly. Welcome to Colombia.