Temporary visas can be issued to visitors who wish to travel to Colombia for a limited period, without intentions to permanently reside there. This could be for leisure purposes, to undertake academic activities or even to attend unpaid art and cultural events and seminars.
A Colombian visit visa is a popular choice and is issued for a short temporary stay with no intention of residing in Colombia. This visa may be granted to individuals travelling to cover special events such as reporters, newscasters, or photographers from a registered news agency. People planning to travel in order to establish commercial and trade connections, attend academic seminars, conferences, expositions, short term studies, interviews for employment, medical treatment, or to participate in scientific, sporting and cultural events that will not be compensated, may also obtain this visa.
Processing time can take up to 10 days and it can be extended from within Colombia.
The following countries do not need a visa for stays of up to 90 days:
Argentina, Austria, Barbados, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Costa Rica, Chile, Denmark, Ecuador, El Salvador, Spain, United States, Finland, France, Guatemala, Italy, Japan, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Mexico, Norway, the Netherlands, Peru, Poland, Republic of Korea (South Korea), Germany, Sweden, Switzerland, Trinidad and Tobago, the UK, the United Sates, Uruguay, Venezuela and foreign residents of Canada and the United States.
Residents of these countries will receive an entry permit on arriving in Colombia and must be in possession of a return or onward travel ticket.
You will need the following documents to obtain a temporary tourist visa:
If you decide that you want to extend your trip, you need to visit your local DAS (Departamento Administrativo de Seguridad ) office in order to get an extension. They can grant you an extra stay between 30 to 60 days, however the total length of your trip cannot exceed 180 days.