Colombia eVisa application is quite easy to complete. It would take about 30 minutes.
Keep in mind that Colombia eVisa processing takes about 5 business days. But in certain situations, it can take up to 30 calendar days. So make sure to complete your eVisa application at least 30 days prior to your travel dates.
I have listed out all sections and questions in this step-by-step guide. For each question, there is a comment explaining what exactly needs to be entered. Just follow along with the steps. If you get stuck anywhere, leave a comment below. I will jump in and help you.
IMPORTANT
There is no option to save your progress and return to the saved application at a later point. Therefore, you must complete the entire application in one go, which would take about 30 minutes.
***
Documents needed before starting
Before you start your Colombia eVisa application, have these documents ready.
- Original passport
- Digital photograph with the following specifications
- Must be of size 3x4cm
- Must be in color with white background
- Must be recent
- Must show complete face without accessories
- Must be in JPG format only
- Must be less than 300 KB
- Scanned copies for the following documentation
- Passport data/ID page in PDF format
- Passport pages with previous Colombian visa/stamps (if you have traveled to Colombia previously) in PDF format
- Visa or residence permit (if living in a country other than the country of your passport) in PDF format
- Below additional documents combined together into a single PDF
- Round trip flight tickets
- Hotel bookings
- Bank statements for the last 3 months
- Credit card (if paying your eVisa fee with a credit card)
***
STEPS FOR COLOMBIA EVISA APPLICATION
01. Start
Go to SITAC (Sistema Integral de Trámites al Ciudadano) website.
Read through the guidelines and check “I have read” box.
Enter the following details in “Identification Data”.
- Passport Number [Comment: Enter your passport number]
- Nationality [Comment: Enter your nationality]
Enter the following details in “Personal Data”.
- First Name (Given Name) [Comment: Enter your “Given Name” from your passport. If your passport has “First Name”, enter that here]
- Middle Name [Comment: If your passport has “Middle Name”, enter that here. If your passport DOES NOT have a “Middle Name”, leave this field blank]
- Last Name [Comment: Enter your “Surname” from your passport. If your passport has “Last Name”, enter that here]
- Second Last Name (if applicable) [Comment: If your passport has a “Second Last Name”, enter that here. If not, leave it blank]
- Date of Birth [Comment: Enter your date of birth as it appears in your passport]
- Country of Birth [Comment: Enter your country of birth]
No need to enter anything in “Application Data”. This is only to retrieve an already submitted application.
Check the box for “I consent to the transfer…”.
Check the captcha box “I’m not a robot”.
Click on the “Continue” button.
You will be taken to the “Application” page.
—
02. Application
Enter the following details in “Application”.
- Passport Number [Comment: No need to enter anything here. Your passport number will be automatically copied here from the previous page]
- Nationality [Comment: No need to enter anything here. Your nationality will be automatically copied here from the previous page]
- Application [Comment: Select “VISA” from the dropdown]
- VISA
- TRANSFER
- Type of Visa [Comment: Select “VISITOR (V)” from the dropdown]
- MIGRANT (M)
- RESIDENT (R)
- SPECIAL RESIDENT PEACE VISA (RES)
- VISITOR (V)
- Activity of Visa [Comment: Select “TOURISM” from the dropdown]
- Application Type [Comment: Select “INDIVIDUAL” from the dropdown]
- Name of Applicant [Comment: Leave it as “Name of Applicant” in the dropdown]
- Applied by [Comment: Leave it as “BY THE FOREIGNER” in the dropdown]
Click on the “Continue” button.
You will be taken to the “Applicant” page.
—
03. Applicant
Enter the following details in “Personal Data”.
- First Name (Given Name) [Comment: No need to enter anything here. Your given name will be automatically copied here from the previous page]
- Middle Name [Comment: No need to enter anything here. Your middle name will be automatically copied here from the previous page]
- Last Name [Comment: No need to enter anything here. Your last name will be automatically copied here from the previous page]
- Second Last Name (if applicable) [Comment: No need to enter anything here. Your second last name will be automatically copied here from the previous page]
- Gender [Comment: Select your gender from the options]
- Marital Status [Comment: Select your appropriate marital status from the options]
- MARRIED
- DIVORCED
- SINGLE
- LEGAL UNION
- WIDOWED
- Do you have other nationalities? [Comment: Select “No”. Select “Yes” if you have any other nationalities]
Enter the following details in “Academic Training”.
- Academic Level [Comment: Select your academic level from the options]
- Postgraduate – Phd
- Postgraduate – Masters
- Graduate – Professional
- Graduate – Professional technician
- Graduate – Technological
- No profession
- Knowledge Area [Comment: Select your knowledge area for your academic level from the dropdown]
- Subarea of Knowledge [Comment: Select your subarea of knowledge from the dropdown]
Enter the following details in “Date of Birth”.
- Date of Birth [Comment: No need to enter anything here. Your date of birth will be automatically copied here from the first page]
- Country [Comment: No need to enter anything here. Your country will be automatically copied here from the first page]
Enter the following details in “Last Address Data”.
- Country [Comment: Enter the country where you live]
- City [Comment: Enter the city where you live]
- Address [Comment: Enter your current street address]
- Telephone [Comment: Enter your telephone number]
- Expected Address in Colombia [Comment: Enter the hotel address in Colombia where you plan to stay]
- City [Comment: Enter the city in Colombia where you plan to stay]
- Expected Telephone in Colombia [Comment: Enter the phone number of the hotel in Colombia where you plan to stay]
- Office Phone [Comment: Enter your office phone number, if have one]
- Email [Comment: Enter your email address]
- Email Confirmation [Comment: Re-enter your email address]
Click on the “Continue” button.
You will be taken to the “Visa” page.
—
04. Visa
Enter the following details in “Employment Information”.
- Host [Comment: Enter NA. This field is for those invited by a host company/employer in Colombia]
- Activity in Colombia [Comment: Select “Tourism” from the dropdown]
Enter the following details in “Earlier Applications”.
- Have you ever had a Colombian visa? [Comment: Select “No”. If you had a Colombian visa before, select “Yes” and enter your previous visa detail]
- Have you ever been denied a Colombian visa? [Comment: Select “No”. If you were denied a Colombian visa before, select “Yes” and enter the details]
- Have you ever been subject to a cancelation or a no admission of a Colombian visa? [Comment: Select “No”. If you had a visa cancelation or denied entry, select “Yes” and enter the details]
Click on the “Continue” button.
You will be taken to the “Additional Information” page.
—
05. Additional information
Enter the following details in “Additional Information”.
- Have you ever been expelled from Colombia? [Comment: Select “No”]
- Have you ever been deported from Colombia? [Comment: Select “No”]
- Do you have or have had legal/penal processes? [Comment: Select “No”]
- Have you ever stayed in Colombia without a visa? [Comment: Select “No”]
Enter the following details in “Do you have family in Colombia?”.
- Does any family member currently reside in Colombia? [Comment: Select “No”. If any of your family members live in Colombia, select “Yes” and enter their details]
Click on the “Continue” button.
You will be taken to the “Supporting Documents” page.
—
06. Supporting documents
Upload the following in “Digital Photo”.
- Photo [Comment: Upload your digital photo. The photo must be 4×3 cm, head in the center, without any accessories or flash]
Upload the following in “Visa Supporting Documents” by clicking on the + in “Opciones” column. A popup will appear where you can upload your documents.
- Copy of passport data page or valid or valid travel document with the personal details of the visa holder with blank pages to stamp the visa on. [Comment: Click on the + in “Opciones” column. A popup will appear. Upload a PDF version of the scanned passport data page]
- Copy of last entry and exit stamp or salvoconducto, where appropriate, or copy of the document that demonstrates regularized migration status in the country of residence if different from nationality. [Comment: No need to attach anything here. If you live in a country other than your country of passport, attach a scanned copy of your visa/residence permit of the country where you currently live]
- Copy of last Colombian visa. If given with OCR this requirement is not necessary. [Comment: No need to attach anything here. If you have been to Colombia before and hold a Colombia visa, attach a scanned copy of your previous Colombian visa]
- Duly notarized power of attorney if visa procedure is going to be finalized by an appointed representative. [Comment: No need to attach anything]
- If the visa application is sponsored by the applicant or another person… [Comment: No need to attach anything]
- If the visa application is sponsored by one or various entities… [Comment: No need to attach anything]
- Additional Documents as required [Comment: Click on the + in “Opciones” column. A popup will appear. Upload by combining roundtrip flight tickets, hotel bookings and 3 months bank statements into a single PDF]
Click on the “Continue” button.
You will be taken to the “Confirmation” page.
—
07. Confirmation
All the information you have entered so far will be displayed here. Review all the details and make sure they are all correct.
If any information is incorrect, click on the “Back” button to go back and fix the information.
If all information is correct, click on the “Save” button.
You will be taken to the “Application Payment” page.
—
08. Application payment
You will see a green checkmark and application number on the top. Make a note of your application number. This number is required for visa status inquiry and customer support.
The application number will also be sent to your email address. Check your email inbox to make sure you have received the confirmation.
Enter the following details in “Application Payment”.
- Process [Comment: Nothing to enter here. Your previously selected visa category will be auto-populated here]
- Application [Comment: Nothing to enter here. Your application number will be auto-populated here]
- Current Location [Comment: Select CONSULATE from the below options]
- BOGOTA COLOMBIA OFFICE
- CONSULATE
- Office [Comment: Select the city of your nearest Colombia consulate]
- Payment in [Comment: Select CONSULATE from the below options]
- COLOMBIAN CARD ELECTRONIC PAYMENT
- CONSULATE
IMPORTANT
Even if you plan to pay your Colombia eVisa fee using a credit card, select CONSULATE as your “Payment in”. The eVisa application portal and payment portal are not seamlessly connected. Therefore credit card option is not one of the payment options shown in the eVisa application portal. But, you can still pay with a credit card on the payment portal.
Click on the “Continue” button.
On the next page, a confirmation is displayed along with the address of the consulate that you have selected.
***
Visa fee payment with credit card
If you plan to make your Colombia eVisa fee payment at the CONSULATE, you will have to go to the consulate in-person. When you go in person, the consular officer will brief you on the payment procedure. This could be paying in cash or paying in a specific bank and presenting the receipt as a proof to the consular officer.
If you plan to make the visa payment using a CREDIT CARD, you have to make the payment on the payment portal using your eVisa application number.
NOTE
The payment portal charges the eVisa fee in Colombian pesos (COP). Therefore, a foreign transaction fee may be charged by your credit card issuing bank. A service charge of 2,200 COP is also applied by the payment portal for paying with a credit card.
NOTE
The payment portal is used for many different payments and mainly meant for citizens. Therefore the portal is only in Spanish. I have provided the English translations of each of the fields and the information to be entered. Just follow the steps along and you will be fine.
—
Step 1: Application number
Go to the payment portal and enter the following details.
- Numero de solicidad (English: Application number) [Comment: Enter your eVisa application number]
Check “I’m not a robot” ReCaptcha and click on the “Buscar (English: Search)” button.
—
Step 2: Identification information
On the next page, enter the following details.
- Trámite (English: Procedure) [Comment: No need to enter anything. Your visa type will be auto-populated here]
- Número de referencia (English: Reference number) [Comment: No need to enter anything. Your eVisa application number will be auto-populated here]
- Costo del trámite (English: Cost of the procedure) [Comment: No need to enter anything. Your eVisa first payment amount ($52 USD) will be auto-populated here]
- Comisión bancaria (English: Bank commission) [Comment: No need to enter anything. The service charge (2,200 COP) for paying with a credit card will be auto-populated]
- Nombre completo (English: Full name) [Comment: Enter your full name here]
- Tipo de documento (English: Identification document type) [Comment: Select PASAPORTE from the list]
- Número documento identificación (English: Identification document number) [Comment: Enter your passport number]
- Teléfono depositante (English: Phone number) [Comment: Enter your phone number]
- Correo electrónico (English: Email) [Comment: Enter your email address]
- Confirmación correo electrónico (English: Confirm email) [Comment: Re-enter your email address]
Click on the “Continuar (English: Continue)” button.
—
Step 3: Address information
On the next page, most of the details will be auto-populated and you just have to enter the following details.
- Pais / Country [Comment: Enter your country]
- Departamento / Department [Comment: Enter your state]
- Ciudad / City [Comment: Enter your city]
- Dirección / Address [Comment: Enter your address]
- Código Postal / Postal code [Comment: Enter your postal code]
Click on the blue-green “Paga Aquí (English: Pay Here)” button.
—
Step 4: Credit card information
On the next screen, you will see the total payment to be made in COP along with fields to enter your credit card information. Enter the following information in this screen.
- Medio de pago (English: Payment method) [Comment: Your payment method “credit card” will be shown here]
- Tipo de documento (English: Identification document type) [Comment: Select PASAPORTE from the list]
- Número de documento (English: Identification document number) [Comment: Enter your passport number]
- Seleccione la forma de pago (English: Select payment method) [Comment: Select credit card]
- Seleccione tarjeta (English: Select card) [Comment: Select card type]
- Número de tarjeta (English: Card number) [Comment: Enter your credit card number]
- Código de seguridad (English: Security code) [Comment: Enter your credit card CVV code]
- Fecha de vencimiento (English: Expiration date) [Comment: Enter your credit card expiration date]
Click on the “Pagar (English: Pay)” button.
A payment confirmation will be displayed. Take a screenshot of the payment confirmation as proof of payment and for any questions.
***
Check eVisa fee payment status
Once you have made your eVisa first payment, follow the below steps to check your payment status.
- Go to SITAC website
- Enter your eVisa application number in “Application registration number”
- Check the “I’m not a robot” ReCaptcha
- Click on the “Consult” button
- Your visa status will be displayed
Your visa status will most probably be in “1. Online Registration”
Check the status for “Payment for the visa study”. It should be a green checkmark.
If the “Payment for the visa study” is still displaying a red cross mark, wait a few hours and check the status again. If the status hasn’t changed even after 24 hours of payment, contact the immigration office in Bogota.
IMMIGRATION OFFICE CONTACT IN BOGOTA, COLOMBIA
Phone: +57 (1) 3826999
Email: contactenos@cancilleria.gov.co
CAUTION (visa status in the above picture)
Due to personal reasons, I haven’t made my eVisa fee payment and abandoned my eVisa application. Because of that, the status in the above picture shows as “Desistida”. Please ignore it. The status of your eVisa application will be different.
***
Check eVisa application status
After the status for “Payment for the visa study” has been updated, wait for about 5 business days. You must receive an email by then with your visa application status. If not, follow the below steps to check your application status.
- Go to SITAC website
- Enter your eVisa application number in “Application registration number”
- Check the “I’m not a robot” ReCaptcha
- Click on the “Consult” button
- Your visa status will be displayed
Your visa status will most probably be in “2. In Process” or “3. Formalized”.
If the status is in “3. Formalized”, check your email for your eVisa result. If your eVisa has been approved, you will have to make the fee payment for the issuance of your eVisa.
The procedure to pay the fee for eVisa issuance is the same as the procedure described in the “Payment” section above.
Once you make your fee payment for eVisa issuance, check your application status again.
The status for “Visa payment” must be a green checkmark.
If the status for “Visa payment” is still displaying a red cross mark, wait a few hours and check the status again. If the status hasn’t changed even after 24 hours of payment, contact the immigration office in Bogota.
If the status for “Visa payment” is a green checkmark, then you are all set. Your eVisa will arrive in your email shortly.
***
Conclusion
That’s it! Make sure to carry a print of your Colombia eVisa when you travel.
If you are having any troubles with your Colombia eVisa application, comment below. I will see what I can do for you.
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Mafata Dukuly says
Hello Brother, could you please tell me which office between the immigration office in Bogota or the Consular office near my country of origin is more appropriate to address in case of a problem during the visa application process? Before I applied I contacted the consular office near me and they also explained the application process to me via email. They also requested that I should send them the payment receipt. Therefore I wonder who exactly to contact because it’s now exactly five days since I paid the first fee. Thank you.
Thirumal Motati says
HI Mafata! The application says to contact their office in Bogota but the embassy will have a way to check your status as well. So it doesn’t matter who you will contact. You can contact either one.
Misha Faraz says
I am a Pakistani passport holder currently studying in the US on an F1 Visa. Will I be eligible for a Colombia e-visa?
Thirumal Motati says
Hi Misha! Yes. All nationalities are eligible for the Colombia e-visa, including Pakistan. I don’t know if holding a US F1 visa would be of any help. But you can definitely mention that or upload a picture of it during your application.
Misha Faraz says
Thank you for your reply. I am trying to apply for a visa as I plan to visit on 18th November but the website is currently under maintenance until the 21st of October. Will I still be able to get the visa in time if I apply on the 21st and is there another way I could apply before this date?
Thirumal Motati says
Hi Misha! Yes, the Colombia e-visa website is currently down. Colombia will be implementing new visa rules from October 21st, so the sites are down for an upgrade. Till October 21, you can’t use the e-visa website but you can apply for your visa from any nearest Colombian consulate or embassy.
Platinair says
Hello sir, I applied for a Colombian eVisa over a month ago. My application was just at stage 1 of which I had paid the visa study fee and there was a green x indicating that I have paid. But today when I checked it was at the fourth stage which says ‘DESISTIDA’, bellow is the translated version of the message attached to my application
Procedure: VISA – V – TOURISM
Applicant name: NJONGFOH ASAH PLATINAIR
Status: The applicant withdrew from the procedure. Withdrawal may occur in the following cases: 1. Due to non-payment of the study: If within fifteen (15) calendar days following the registration of the application and completion of the electronic form, the payment has not been made. the pay. 2. Due to non-compliance with the requirement: Inaction by the applicant in the times indicated to meet a requirement. Find the last request made in the part immediately below 3. Due to non-payment of the issuance fee: If within thirty (30) calendar days after the approval of the visa, you will not make the respective payment of the issuance fee of is.
Payment for the visa study:
Payment Method: ONLINE CREDIT CARD
Visa payment;
My question is am I still eligible to apply now or I have been banned to apply for 6 months? I will greatly appreciate your response, thanks!
Thirumal Motati says
Hi Platinair! I believe you were sent an email asking to upload additional documents. You probably missed or did not receive that email. If no action has been taken within 15 days, they will consider your application as “DESISTIDA” or abandoned. That’s what I believe has happened with your application. But nothing to worry about. You can reapply. And no, you will not be banned from reapplying just because you have abandoned your previous application.
Naveed says
Dear brother I’m facing the same problem when I upload documents. I can’t find the continue button. How can I continue the application after uploading documents? Kindly please help me.
Thirumal Motati says
Hi Naveed! I’m not sure what exactly the problem is. Try it in a different browser. If that doesn’t work, contact them via email or phone.
Naveed says
Hi brother, I submitted my visa application on 21 August 2022 but until now my visa application is pending and not confirmed by the ministry of foreign affairs. Why are they taking 2 weeks? Any problem do you know?
Thirumal Motati says
Hi Naveed! Usually, it shouldn’t take this long. You can contact their customer service in Bogota to enquire.
Kubrat Khan says
Thank you for the informative article, Thirumal! I applied for a Colombian visa last week, and just checked the status where it says, “3. Formalized”. Would you think this means I’m approved? I did not receive anything in my email.
I’m an Afghan national and had uploaded all the required documents when applying. Could it be possible they might ask me for an interview at the selected nearby consulate, or will I just receive the e-visa by email?
Thirumal Motati says
Hi Kubrat Khan! When the status is “Formalized”, then you should receive an email with the result. If your visa is approved, you will make the second visa fee payment to receive your e-visa in your email. The possibility of calling for an interview is very low, but either way, the email should tell you what exactly you would need to do. If you haven’t received any email, I suggest contacting their office in Bogota either by email or phone.
Priya says
Hi, I am an Indian citizen and currently staying in Canada. I submitted my online visa application for Colombia to the new delhi consulate ? Is this okay or should I have picked a different consulate ?
Also thank you very much for the guide. Was very helpful.
Thirumal Motati says
Hi Priya! Yes, that’s fine. Ideally, picking a Colombian consulate near you would be helpful if you are asked to show up at the consulate or cannot pay your fee online. But if you were able to pay your fee online, then any consulate would be fine.
You’re welcome! I would need to update it though. Looks like a few things have changed since I applied.
Priya says
So just an update, they UNADMITTED my visa and asked me to apply at the Toronto consulate. And I had to pay the consulate fees again :(. So I guess we need to only apply to the nearby consulate whatever mode we choose to pay for visa.
Thirumal Motati says
Interesting! Good to know. It will help other readers. Thanks for updating us. And sorry you have to pay the fee again.
NAVEEN says
Hello brother, today I filled out the online application form for Colombia. But last I accidentally clicked on the consult option. Now I am missing the option of online payment. Then I am not getting it. Please help me bro. Otherwise, tell me how to pay the fee in consult. Will an appointment have to be made to pay the fee to the Embassy in the Consult?
Thirumal Motati says
Hi Naveen! I don’t see the option “Consult”. As far as I know, Consult is just a button you will click when checking the status of your application. Can you be more specific?
If you have selected “Consulate” as the payment option in “08. Application payment”, then that’s correct. After that, you will go to the “payment portal” and pay the visa fee. You can also go to the nearest Colombian embassy/consulate and pay the fee there in person.
Norani says
Greetings Mr Thirumal Motati! Thank You for this great information. I have few questions about the documents. Do bank statements, police clearance and other supporting documents need to be in spanish, apostilled and legalized? Thanks once again!
Thirumal Motati says
Hi Norani! No. You don’t need to translate them if they are in English. Both English and Spanish documents are accepted. But if they are in any other language (ex: Arabic, Chinese, etc), they must be translated into Spanish.
Norani says
Thanks once again for your quick response. There was a lot of documents Bank statements, police clearance, Paychecks, and hotel and flight reservations. I submitted the application but it was more than the 5MB required, will it effect my application. I am a little worried about it. Your answer is highly appreciated
Thirumal Motati says
I think you are fine since the application accepted your documents even though they were over 5MB. If the application were to not accept over 5MB, then it would have given you an error. But the application accepted them, so you are fine.
Norani says
Great, hoping for a good result. Thanks!
Dhinali says
Hi – Thank you so much for your helpful post on getting a tourist visa for Colombia. I am hoping to go there in September and I am confused about how the timing works. If I apply now – will the visa be valid for three months from approval or 3 months from the date I enter the country. I cannot see anywhere in the form where you enter the dates of travel other than what will show on the supporting documents of the flight reservation and hotel booking. Will they pick up the dates from that or should I wait till closer to the time to apply for the visa so that it has enough validity for me to travel? Thanks in advance.
Thirumal Motati says
Hi Dhinali! The visa validity is usually 3 months from the date of visa issue. But unlike other countries, with Colombia e-Visa, you will have to enter and exit the country within the validity of your visa. It’s been quite confusing, many readers have contacted the Colombian authorities and that is what they said, must exit before visa expiry. That means if you have one month of validity left on your visa and you will only get one month of entry. So, try applying closer to your travel dates so you can maximize your visa validity.
joshua says
Thank you for everything that you have done. You have helped me fill out my application but now that I submitted it. They told me that I was missing a few documents. Now they sent me the website to use but it’s the same one to make the application for the visa. When II was filling it out, I put the application registration number but after I clicked submit it says The person already has an application for visa with identification ****. I’m trying to add the documents that I am missing as soon as possible but I need your help. Please help me
Thirumal Motati says
Hi Joshua! Sorry for the late response. Were you able to edit your application and add the missing documents? If not, let me know.
D Z says
Hi and thanks a lot for this article! I’ve been having problems where it won’t upload my photo despite being jpg and until 300kb. I also wanted to know, are the Colombian e-visas multiple entries?
Thirumal Motati says
Hi DZ! I’m not sure why it wouldn’t upload your photo. What’s the error? Is it the size? resolution? or background? Yes, Colombian E-Visas are multiple-entry visas.
Sathish says
Hello Thirumal, first of all, thank you much for taking the time and documenting the detailed steps for the application. I am on an f1 visa in the US and I am planning to travel to Colombia. Per my research, I came to know that I can travel to Colombia on a US visa but is there anything that I need to fill out like any form or document with the Colombian government portal before getting an air ticket. Any help is highly appreciated!
Thirumal Motati says
Hi Sathish! Indian nationals with any US visa (except C1) can enter Colombia without a Colombian visa. You don’t have to fill out any forms. The airline staff and Colombian immigration authorities know the requirements, so all you need is your India passport and F1 visa. I believe you would need to fill out a COVID-related form/app online prior to arrival in Colombia. You can just Google for it and you will know the details. Your airline can also give information on the COVID forms you need to fill out.
Sathish says
Thank You Thirumal, yeah I found a form to fill out before entering & exiting Colombia attaching here maybe can help someone https://apps.migracioncolombia.gov.co/pre-registro/public/preregistro.jsf
Thirumal Motati says
Thanks for the link, Sathish!
Angelo says
Hi Thirumal. Thank you so much for your comprehensive information. My needs a Colombian tourist visa to Colombia. We are having issues with the e-application. It does not alow for to choose for a family application, only individual. We have 7 year old that also needs a visa. Also, on the following page does not allow to enter the personal data or names for daughter or my self. These areas appear graded or block. We tried everything possible with not success. Even changing web browsers. Do you have some ideas? Thank you so much for your help!
Thirumal Motati says
Hi Angelo! The Colombia e-Visa application is per individual. So you will have to fill out a separate application for your child. If you are not able to enter your personal data, you may be from a nationality that doesn’t require a visa for Colombia. What passport do you hold?
Lucia says
Hi Thirumal! I just passed through here to thank you for writing such a helpful guide. We had to apply last minute for a visa to attend a professional event, and your guide kept us informed and hopeful throughout the process. Thanks to you someone will be able to attend a life-changing experience. Keep up the good work!
Thirumal Motati says
Hi Lucia! You’re welcome! I appreciate the kind words. The article needs an update but I’m glad it was helpful.
yohann says
Dear, I applied for airport transit visa because I only stay there from the afternoon to the morning of the second day. Now they require me to apply for a tourism visa. But I already paid for the first one. Any way I can get a refund? My trip is on 3th/June. Should I start a new application?
Thirumal Motati says
Hi Yohann! If you are not leaving the airport transit area, then you don’t need any visa at all. If you are leaving the airport, then you would need a transit or tourist visa. If they are saying that you would need a tourist visa, then I guess you will have to apply for a tourist visa. I’m not sure if you can get a refund. Contact them to ask if they can simply change the existing application to a tourist visa, if not, the procedure to get a refund.
Shijia says
My visa status is currently in the “formalized” step, do you know how many more days it may take to issue a visa? My trip is in 10 days (I didn’t realize I need a visa until last week. I thought my U.S. visa is ok but it has to be valid for more than 180 days before entering Colombia. Therefore, I booked everything before applying for the tourist visa), I wonder how likely I can get the trip on time. Based on the comments, looks like there are two fees need to be paid. I have a green check and a red check in the visa payment line. Thank you!
Thirumal Motati says
Hi Shijia! If your visa status is formalized, then you will have to make the second visa fee payment. You must have received an email already with instructions. Once the fee payment is made, your e-Visa will be sent to your email.
Shijia says
Thirumal, Thanks for the reply. I have not received an email with payment instructions. It’s been very frustrating – seems like all the customer service is in Spanish. What would you do?
Thirumal Motati says
One option is to use Google translate to compose and send an email to them. Another option, especially since you are running out of time is to pay the second visa fee and see if you will receive your e-visa. I have heard from some readers that they haven’t received their e-visas too and had to contact customer service to send them again. So seems like their emails are not being sent correctly.
Shijia says
Hi Thirumal, thanks for all the information you share here. Really appreciate your help. I got my visa two days ago and I’d like to share my timeline for reference. I submit my visa on the evening of 5/11, then got a notification about missing documents at noon of 5/12. I quickly uploaded the requested documents. I received visa authorization and visa fee payment instructions on 5/21 (after writing emails to the consulate in New York and “pushing” them to authorize). I received my evisa pdf at noon of 5/23. So a total of 11 days. It was a last-minute application for the trip on 5/28. I would suggest leaving at least 3 weeks for the visa application despite it saying “5 working days” on the website.
Thirumal Motati says
Hi Shijia! Glad that you received your visa in time. Thanks for the update and information. I’m sure it will help others in a similar situation. Thanks again! Enjoy your trip to Colombia!
Bijay Thapa says
Dear Thirumal, thank you for the effort you have made. It helped me a lot. I am from Nepal and filling the visa online. I got stuck in second last page. While uploading pdf documents it says “it was not possible to process the documents, please re-attach them. Keep in mind that PDF files shoud not be digitally protected or signed”. And amazingly I have no pdf SIGNED OR DIGITALLY PROTECTED. I REALLY DONT UNDERSTAND. DO YOU HAVE ANY idea what wrong would have happened?
Thirumal Motati says
Hi Bijay! I don’t know either. There must be something wrong with your PDF files and/or your browser. Try use a different browser and also try uploading some random PDF file so you can confirm if it’s the PDF or the application itself. Let me know how it goes.
Karan says
Hello there, sorry to disturb you again. I have been issued a Colombian E-visa for the duration of 4 months. Does this mean that I can just take a printout of it and head into my journey or will I need to get the veneer stuck onto my passport? I’m asking since I applied in India and I live in the United Kingdom.
Thirumal Motati says
Hi Karan! Just the E-Visa printout is enough. No need for the visa vignette in your passport. Have a great trip!
Rafael says
Hello, I need to apply for a student visa under the visitor category to study Spanish, but I couldn’t find studying Spanish under the activity dialogue box. Can you give me any insight on that one?
Thirumal Motati says
Hi Rafael! A visitor visa is a right visa for studying Spanish. If pursuing a grad or undergrad program, then you would need a Migrant (category M) visa. When you select VISITOR for “Type of Visa”, what options do you see for “Activity of Visa”? Let’s see if there is anything close to studying.
Karan says
My visa status has been in the formalized stage for over a week now, but I have yet to receive any sort of email or confirmation. Is there a cause for worry here or do I just wait it out?
Thirumal Motati says
Hi Karan! If it’s already formalized, then your visa is approved. Some readers had faced similar issues where their visas were approved but did not receive any email. You can contact their customer service over email or chat and they will resend the email with your e-visa.
Karan says
Thank you for the reply. It is mentioned that I have to register at the office in Bogota. Could you shed more light on this, please?
Thirumal Motati says
Hi Karan! Not necessary. Many readers have traveled to Colombia using just their E-visa prints and did not register in Bogota. They were all fine. But you can forward me the email, so I can also take a look at it and let you know if that’s necessary.
Platinair says
Hello sir, thanks for all the information it helped me out with my application process but just that I made a mistake and realized it but after I had already submitted the application. I put the wrong place of birth. My question is how can I edit the information and can the mistake affect my application negatively?
Thirumal Motati says
Hi Platinair! You cannot retrieve an already submitted visa application. If it’s a minor mistake, I don’t think it will affect your visa result. If it was just a typo in the birthplace name or a different place but in the same country, then you will be fine. But the place of the birth city you have entered was from a different country altogether, then it can pose an issue.
Jitesh Sharma says
Thanks for the blog, super helpful! If you have a US B1/B2 Visa, do you still need to apply for an e-visa? or can you go directly for the immigration at the Bogota Airport?
Thirumal Motati says
Hi Jitesh! I’m assuming you hold an Indian passport. In that case, yes, you can use your India passport and US B1/B2 visa to travel to Colombia. You DO NOT need an e-visa. More info in this article.
Karan says
Hello, thank you for the detailed explanation. There is some new addition to the website but it isn’t too difficult to get around. I seem to be reading some conflicting statements in the comments so please help me out. Upon receiving the visa, it is valid for 3 months, so if I arrive in Colombia at the start of month 2, does that mean that I would have to exit in 30 days or would I be able to stay for the whole 90 days if I want to?
In addition, my visa status states that it has been formalized for the past couple of hours but I have not received any email from them so far, is it a cause for worry?
Thirumal Motati says
Hi Silva! Sorry for a late response! Technically, a visa is different from permission to stay. You can enter a country within the validity of your visa but the immigration officers will give you a certain number days to stay irrespective of how much validity you have on your visa. But I’m not certain with Colombia e-Visa. I haven’t used e-visa to travel, instead I used my US visa. I’m currently asking on the FB group from those who have traveled to the Colombia recently on their e-visas. But if you have ended up going to Colombia, let us know so other readers can benefit from the information.
Meron says
Hello, I really appreciate your helpful article. I just want to ask you a short question though. I wanted to apply for a Colombian tourist visa electronically and all my documents are in the English language. Therefore, do I need to translate my documents into Spanish, or which documents are specifically required to be translated into the Spanish language? With gratitude!!
Thirumal Motati says
Hi Meron! You don’t need to translate your documents. Documents in English are fine for Colombia eVisa.
Sandip Minhas says
Sir, I am an Indian passport holder. Can I submit ITR returns of last year instead of my bank statements? Do I need to go to the embassy for a visa stamp? Kindly help.
Thirumal Motati says
Hi Sandip! For Colombia e-visa, You will have to submit your bank statements. ITR does not work. E-visa will be sent to your email, which you will print and carry with your when you travel. No need to go to the embassy for stamping.
Sandip Minhas says
Sir, can I download my bank statements online and submit or I need statements from bank with stamp, etc.
Thirumal Motati says
Hi Sandip! Yes, you can use the statements downloaded from your bank website. No need for bank stamp.
Yuvha says
Hi there, thanks for your notes very comprehensive! I have a quick question. I applied for an evisa but I was worried that it wasn’t going to arrive on time so I rebooked my flights and hotel reservations to about 2 months later. A day after I did that, my visa arrived (ugh).
Can I still use that same visa? Does the validity start when I enter the country OR does it start from the time the visa is approved? What is the current validity of eVisa? I have still yet to make the payment so just checking.
Thirumal Motati says
Hi Yuvha! The validity of your e-visa starts from the day of visa approval. But it will be valid for 3 months, so you can enter Colombia anytime during those 3 months.
Shijia says
Hi Yuvha, may I know how much time passed since your application that made you make up your mind to rebook everything? I am on the edge of postponing my trip as i am still waiting for the evisa. I am on the “formalized” and my scheduled trip is in 10 days. If you could share a timeline, that would be very helpful!
Deeba Farhin says
Hello! I forgot to provide the additional documents required for the visa and now the embassy is asking for them but I do not know how to send them in. Please help me.
Thirumal Motati says
Hi Deeba! Try to access your application to see if you can upload those extra documents. If not, you would need to find the right email to send them. Respond back to the email asking where to send them in that case.
Chris J says
They won’t tell you how to upload documents. When you call or write them they will only tell you what it says online. The people that answer don’t work in the department where they receive the information and there is no way to speak to that department. This is my second time having to apply in 2 weeks because no one will tell you how to upload things. Also, they only allow 5mb total of all documents, which isn’t enough.
Thirumal Motati says
Hi Chris! Sorry to hear that. Yeah, the customer service may not be helpful and that’s the reason I wrote this guide. But the application has changed a bit in the last year. I’m yet to update this guide with the new changes. In the meanwhile, if you’re still struggling with your document upload, use the below websites to shrink the size of your files.
For images (jpg, png, etc.): https://www.resizepixel.com/
For pdf: https://smallpdf.com/compress-pdf
Saleh says
Hi, thanks for the detailed blog. It may need some update but it helps. I have received the electronic visa via email with 2 month validity. 45 days have already passed since issuance so I want to know how many days are granted upon entry? Or am I only allowed until the visa expiry?
Thirumal Motati says
Hi Saleh! Yes, I will update the article soon. You will be granted 90 days upon entry. Your visa must be valid at the time of entry but doesn’t have to be valid for the entire stay. You still have 15 days left on your visa and you can still enter Colombia without any issues. You will get 90-day entry.
Betti says
Thanks for this helpful article! I received my e-visa by email. I assume this PDF is enough to travel to Colombia and I don’t need to have the visa printed in my passport by the consulate, correct?
Thirumal Motati says
Hi Betti! Yes, that’s correct! All you need is the PDF you’ve received in the email. You can print it or just show it on your smartphone when asked. That’s all. A visa sticker in the passport is not needed.
Hugo says
I have applied for my Colombian eVisa, it has been approved and I have also made both payments which have been accepted. Both payments show the green check makes online. Step 1-6 all have green checkmarks. I have all receipts of payments and the embassy has confirmed receipt of all payments. It says online that the eVisa has been sent to my email address. I didn’t receive the eVisa (not in the inbox, not in junk mail) and step 7 online doesn’t have a green checkmark. I’m uncertain what all this means.
Thirumal Motati says
Hi Hugo! A reader had a similar issue in April. He contacted the Colombia MOFA and they sent him the eVisa PDF. I believe due to technical issues or human error, eVisas were not sent. Please contact their support and let us know how it goes.
Diallo says
Hello Sir, I’m Mr. Diallo from Mali. I applied for my Colombia electronic visa in June, but until now I’m not receiving my visa result. I applied from Sauth Africa Cape town. I track my visa status, and my application is number 4 means, which is approved. Please how can U help me?
Thirumal Motati says
Hi Daillo! A few readers also had a similar issue. They did not receive the visa approval email either. In such a case, you can contact the Colombia immigration office in Bogota by email or phone. They will re-send the email with your e-visa.
daria says
Hello, can you help me with advice on the second payment for visa issuance was declined twice and afterward the payment portal kept coming up with an error message? Thus, making it absolutely impossible to make the payment.
Thirumal Motati says
Hi Daria! I believe there was an issue with the payment system. But the payment system now seems to be working as some readers were able to successfully make the payments. Please try again and let me know how it goes.
Tilek Sazaev says
Hello, Thanks sir for the guide really helpful. Quick question? My name is Tilek, I am from Kyrgyzstan, and need to transit to the Bahamas. I applied for E-Visa, but we do not have a Colombian consulate in Kyrgyzstan. So in the office location, I choose a different neighboring country. My visa application was denied. How can I apply for E-visa if we do not have a Colombian consulate in Kyrgyzstan? What should we choose in office location?
Thirumal Motati says
Hi Tilek! Your application will not be denied without paying the first eVisa fee called “payment for visa study”. You can do this online or at a consulate. If the application status went into “denied” right away, then the issue may be different. Can you send me an email with the screenshot so I can understand the issue better?
Syed Awais Ulhassan says
Hi bro, do I need a confirmed ticket or just reservation during the visa application?
Thirumal Motati says
Hi Syed! Just a reservation. Purchase a ticket only after your visa is approved.
SYED AWAIS UL HASSAN says
Really Thanks Sir!
Michael says
Hello Sir, I must commend the simplicity and clarity in the write-up. I followed the details carefully, although there were a few new additions to the Colombia e-visa website. I was able to complete my registration but the first payment was declined twice and afterward the payment portal kept coming up with an error message. Thus, making it absolutely impossible to make the first payment. Is there any help you could render because I called the provided number on the website and it was all Spanish. I don’t understand Spanish. Thank you very much sir.
Thirumal Motati says
Hi Michael! Unfortunately, the email and phone support are in Spanish only. You would need to take help from someone who speaks Spanish.
Regarding the payment, if the payment was declined by your bank and you can’t get past the payment on your current application, use a new email and start over again. But this time make sure your bank won’t decline the payment. (I believe I also responded to your query on the FB group as well)
Chauna says
Hi, I applied for the visitor visa but for medical reasons. Does that take the same time frame as a tourist visa? The first payment has to be a green tick. I saw that you said in most cases it takes 5 days. If it takes more than 5 days is that a bad sign?
Thirumal Motati says
Hi Chauna! That’s not a bad sign. The payment time frames may not be not accurate in these pandemic times. Give it a day or two and then call the immigration office in Bogota if the status doesn’t change.
Njech says
Wow, I really appreciate your work in helping us understand how to apply for Colombia eVisa. I have applied and made a payment, the money was deducted from my card but I have not received the email for received payment and the receipt of the payment was not display on the computer also. The payment’s visa status is also still in the red. And it has already been 15 hours now, I have sent an email to the consulate but no response. So I wanted to ask if I should reapply or wait again or what should I do?
Thirumal Motati says
Hi Njech! Do not reapply. Give it a complete 24 hours and contact the immigration office in Bogota. Since the payment system is different from the visa system, I assume some kind of manual intervention is necessary. The staff may have to check the payment and update the status which might take time. So, wait for the response to your email.
Meron says
Hello, I just encountered the same problem yesterday. No confirmation receipt received yet. And the study payment in the application status is still on red alert. How should I contact the corresponding office regarding that matter?
Thirumal Motati says
Hi Meron! Yes. You must contact their customer service.
M.SHAFQAT KHAN says
Dear Sir! I want to apply for Colombia visit visa. Please send me your number. I’m from Pakistan.
Thirumal says
Hi Shafqat! I can’t give my number. But you can send me an email from the contact page with your questions. I will see how I can help.
SYED AWAIS UL HASSAN says
Hello sir, can I upload the invitation letter in additional documents box?
Thirumal Motati says
Yes, you can upload your invitation letter in the additional documents box.
Ania Turnier says
Hello – thank you very much. I can’t seem to find my application number. Can you please tell me if there is a way to retrieve it? Thanking you in advance.
Thirumal Motati says
Hi Ania! It must be in your email too that you have received after your application submission. If you don’t have the email either, then it won’t be possible for you to retrieve the application number. You can try contacting the immigration office in Bogota to see if they can find it for you.