Colombia Visa Application Process
The Colombian visa application is handled by the Ministry of Foreign Relations visa office virtually in Bogota, Colombia through their website at www.cancilleria.gov.co. The website is not the most user-friendly. Keep in mind that even if you are processing a visa outside of Colombia you will need to process the application with this website and select the consulate you are using. Below is a quick outline of the Colombian Visa Application Process.
OBTAIN YOUR DOCUMENTS: Organize Documents you need for application
VERIFY DOCS ARE LEGALIZED: Follow legalization process for foreign documents
ORGANIZE BIOLOGICAL INFORMATION: Submit information for immigration forms with your photo
UPLOAD APPLICATION: Upload information & Documents to Cancilleria Visa Application System
* Application is valid for 30 days after paying the 52 USD application fee
REQUEST FOR INFORMATION: Respond to requests for additional information if requested
* Besides basic requirements Visa officials may ask for any type of documentation they feel is necessary
PAY FOR YOUR VISA: On approval you have 30 days maximum to pay for your visa or application will cancel out
COLOMBIAN ID CARD: Once your visa is paid for you need to proceed to obtaining your foreigners ID CARD.
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Visa Processing Procedures and request for additional information vary depending on visa official handling application
High Season Caos: Visa Application processes often change during June to July to deal with large amounts of applications
Visa Laws (resolutions) are updated every few years. Visas requirements will change.
M Visa Travel Limits If you stay out of the country more than 6 months on a M (MIGRANT VISA) YOUR VISA WILL BECOME INVALID
R Visa Travel Limits Residency Visa If you stay out of the country more than 2 years on a RESIDENCY visa your visa will BECOME INVALID
Beware of Original Document Issue Dates – Documents from outside Colombia which are older than 90 days are usually not accepted by visa officials.
*some exceptions may be documents such as childs birth certificates,or spouses marriage certificate. (this is not to be counted on)
Visa Requirements are:
Certificate of being single – had different requirements depending on the notary. Sometimes this may be declared in Colombia but other times this document must come from country of origen. This is a very delicate and potentially marriage stopping document. (ask James Lindzey for more info on this subject)
Why Use Our Agency For Colombia Visa Process Steps?
Since 2005, our legal firm Medellin Lawyer has helped clients who want to get a US visa. We are the oldest expat visa business in Colombia. We also have more attorneys in office than any other visa agency in Colombia.
In addition to our visa services we offer a full range of legal and accounting services to our clients. By having a legal and accounting firm work on your application, we are able to handle any surprises or last minute requests by immigration officials or by a judge.
Applying for visa from Colombia
Once you receive online visa approval, if doing this in Colombia, you need to travel to Bogotá to get the visa in your passport. Visas in Colombia are issued at the Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores office in Bogotá. Their office is located at Avenida 19 # 98-03, Torre 100 Building, 3rd Floor. It’s open from 7:30 am until noon.
The major challenge with getting a Colombian visa yourself is dealing with a government bureaucracy, making a trip to Bogota and not understanding the laws properly if you are not fluent in Sanish.
This is where you can benefit from the services of an experienced visa agency such as Visas by James. A visa agency such ours is your best bet when it comes to obtaining visa for you. An experienced visa agency which has processed hundreds of visas and knows exactly what is needed for each type of visa is exactly what you need.
Another big benefit of using a visa agency is that they offer services to courier your passport to Bogotá to get the visa put in your passport. So, you can avoid a trip to Bogotá. The cost of a visa service including the service to courier your passport to Bogotá can even be cheaper than the cost of a trip to Bogotá.
Our Path to Becoming Colombia's Leading Visa Agency
James Lindzey founded ColombiaVisas.com after relocating to Medellín in 2005. With experience as a private investigator and paralegal in the U.S., James brought a strong legal background to Colombia's complex visa system.
Today, Visas by James—part of Colombia Legal & Associates SAS—is a top provider of visa and legal services for expats. We specialize in U.S. immigration services for Colombians migrating to the USA, and Expats from countries around the world migrating to Colombia.
In addition to our visa services, our agency offers a full range of legal and accounting services to our clients. We can better assist clients with document collection services for documents located in the United States because of James's prior legal experience in the United States.
We also have contact with over 800 notaries, registry, and Colombian courts to obtain any documents needed in Colombia.
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What Clients Say About Working With Us
Real feedback from clients who have worked with our team on Colombian visa and legal processes.
Client feedback is sourced from publicly available third-party review platforms. Individual results may vary.
“I worked with Visas by James Medellín and had an excellent experience. Once I was connected with Isabela, I felt confident I was on the right path to obtaining my visa.”
— Mathew Sickler
“The Visas by James team helped significantly with my U.S. visa, and the process went much smoother than expected. They were knowledgeable and helpful throughout.”
— Mohan Chander Narasimman
“Visas by James is the company to use for visa services. My experience was excellent, and Lorena was absolutely amazing to work with.”
— Benjamin
“The team was responsive and professional. They provided clear guidance and helped me understand the visa process from beginning to end.”
— Robert Nepon
“Very professional service. All steps were clearly explained, and they helped me avoid mistakes that could have delayed my visa.”
— Reynaldo Araujo
“Overall, a positive experience. Communication was good, and the process was explained in a way that made sense for a foreigner.”
— Justin Halladay
Important Legal Disclaimer
The information on this page is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice, immigration advice, or a guarantee of any specific visa outcome.
Colombian visa requirements, procedures, government fees, and internal criteria change frequently and may vary depending on your personal situation and the policies in force at the time of your application.
Always consult a qualified professional to receive advice tailored to your individual case. Reading this website does not create an attorney–client relationship with Colombia Legal & Associates SAS, Visas by James, or any member of our team.
About Our Visa Services
We can guie you through the most Complicated Immigration Situations. Our aim is to make life easier for expatriates in Colombia!
We monitor your visa application process .
Please let us know if you need more information, or we can set up a consultation in order to provided you personalized guide.
Our main office is located in Medellin, Colombia near Parque Lleras in El Poblado. We have representation in Bogota, Miami, and Fort Lauderdale. Our main office address is Cra 39#5A-95, Oficina 709, Edificio Avangarde. We accept walk in appointments but its always nice if you can let us know ahead of time so we can schedule a time. Areas codes in Colombia have changed. To reach our office please call (57) 604-444-6634.