Can I Travel To Colombia With A Green Card? Yes, your gateway to experiencing Colombia’s vibrant culture and breathtaking landscapes starts here. SIXT.VN simplifies your travel preparations, offering expert guidance on Colombian visa requirements and entry regulations for Green Card holders. Navigate international travel effortlessly with our assistance, ensuring a smooth journey to your dream destination. Let us help you with your travel needs, trip planning and visa requirements.
1. Your Complete Guide To Colombia Visas
Thinking of exploring Colombia or even relocating? Understanding the visa and entry prerequisites can seem daunting, but SIXT.VN is here to simplify the process. This comprehensive guide provides the essential details about Colombia’s visa prerequisites for 2024, specifically tailored for Green Card holders.
Colombia offers various visa options to accommodate different travel purposes, whether you’re visiting as a tourist or planning a more extended stay for work or living. While the application process generally starts online and involves fees ranging from $73 to $300 based on the visa type, Green Card holders have specific considerations. A valid passport with at least six months of validity is a must, and proof of sufficient funds may be required. SIXT.VN ensures you’re well-prepared with all the necessary documentation and information, making your travel planning seamless and stress-free.
2. Do You Need A Visa To Enter Colombia?
Do you need a visa to enter Colombia? Visa regulations for Colombia are dependent on your nationality and the reason for your visit, but what about Green Card holders? Generally, possessing a U.S. Green Card does not automatically exempt you from needing a visa to enter Colombia. However, there are specific exceptions:
- Visa-Exempt Nationalities: If you hold a passport from a country on Colombia’s visa-exempt list (such as the United States, Canada, or most EU nations), you can typically enter Colombia visa-free for tourism or short-term business, staying up to 180 days per calendar year, regardless of your Green Card status.
- Green Card with Specific Passport: A U.S. Green Card, combined with a passport from certain countries like Cambodia, India, Nicaragua, Myanmar, People’s Republic of China, Thailand, Taiwan, or Vietnam, allows visa-free entry into Colombia.
- Other Requirements: Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months from your entry date into Colombia.
SIXT.VN provides up-to-date details on visa requirements based on your specific nationality and Green Card status, helping you navigate these regulations easily.
2.1. Holders of The Following Passports Are Exempt From Needing A Short Stay Visa in Colombia
Holders of specific passports are exempt from needing a short-stay visa in Colombia, allowing a stay of up to 180 days per calendar year. These countries include:
- Europe: Albania, Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, Ukraine, United Kingdom.
- Americas: Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Grenada, Guatemala, Guyana, Holy See, Honduras, Jamaica, Marshall Islands, Mexico, Micronesia, Palau, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, United States of America, Uruguay, Venezuela.
- Asia & Oceania: Australia, Azerbaijan, Brunei-Darussalam, Bhutan, Fiji, Indonesia, Israel, Japan, Kazakhstan, Korea (Republic of), Malaysia, New Zealand, Oman, Papa New Guinea, Philippines, Qatar, Russia (Federation of), Singapore, Solomon Islands, United Arab Emirates.
- Other: Hong Kong – SAR Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China, Sovereign Military Order of Malta.
This exemption list is subject to change, so SIXT.VN always recommends verifying the most current regulations before traveling.
2.2. Individuals with passports from these countries AND a US Green Card
Individuals with passports from specific countries AND a US Green Card valid for at least 6 months do not need a visa to enter Colombia. These countries include:
- Cambodia
- India
- Nicaragua
- Myanmar
- People’s Republic of China
- Thailand
- Taiwan
- Vietnam
This provision is crucial for Green Card holders from these nations, offering a significant convenience for travel. SIXT.VN can assist in confirming your eligibility and ensuring compliance with these regulations, making your journey as smooth as possible.
US Green Card Colombia
2.3. Special Case Exemptions
Special case exemptions exist that may allow certain individuals to enter Colombia without a visa. These include:
- Nicaraguans: Natives of the Autonomous Region of the North Caribbean Coast and the Autonomous Region of the South Caribbean Coast holding a valid residence permit in a Schengen Area member state or the United States, or those with a Schengen visa or a U.S. visa valid for at least 180 days at the time of entry.
- Permanent Residents of the Pacific Alliance: Third-country nationals who are permanent residents in member states of the PACIFIC ALLIANCE, provided their activities do not generate payments for services, wages, or salary in Colombia.
- Non-EU Permanent Residents in the Andean Community: Based on reciprocity and the Andean Migration Statute, non-EU permanent residents in countries of the ANDEAN COMMUNITY are exempt from a short-stay visa.
- Visa Exemption Agreements: Nationals of states with which Colombia has visa exemption agreements, under the terms of the respective international instrument.
These exemptions highlight the importance of understanding specific circumstances that may affect visa requirements, and SIXT.VN is here to provide personalized guidance based on your unique situation.
3. Types of Visas in Colombia
What are the types of visas in Colombia? Colombia offers three primary types of visas:
- Visitor Visa (Type V): For short or temporary stays for tourism, business, or other short-term purposes.
- Migrant Visa (Type M): For foreigners intending to live in Colombia for more than a few years, suitable for work, study, or other longer-term activities.
- Resident Visa (Type R): For individuals who have held a Migrant visa for a qualifying period and wish to establish permanent residency.
Each visa type has specific requirements and benefits.
3.1. Visitor Visa
What is a visitor visa? The Visitor Visa is designed for short or temporary stays in Colombia, typically granted for tourism, short-term business, or other temporary purposes.
3.2. Migrant Visa
What is a migrant visa? The Migrant Visa is for foreigners planning to live in Colombia for an extended period, usually more than a few years, to work, study, or engage in other long-term activities.
3.3. Resident Visa
What is a resident visa? The Resident Visa is for individuals who have held a Migrant visa for a qualifying period and wish to establish permanent residency in Colombia.
SIXT.VN can help you determine which visa best suits your needs, ensuring a smooth application process.
4. Colombian Visitor Visas
What is a Colombian visitor visa? Colombian Visitor Visas are designed for foreign citizens visiting Colombia for short durations, typically up to 180 days, though some can be granted for up to two years. To apply, you need to demonstrate the ability to fund your trip, outline your plans in Colombia, and potentially attend an interview at the nearest embassy. These visas are electronic. The government usually takes up to 30 days to process your application.
SIXT.VN offers comprehensive support in navigating the specifics of visitor visas, ensuring you meet all requirements and increase your chances of approval.
4.1. Common Types of Visitor Visas
What are the common types of visitor visas? There are numerous types of visitor visas available, each tailored to specific activities:
- Tourist Visa: For vacations and short stays.
- Student Visa: For attending accredited educational institutions in Colombia.
- Annuity/Rentista Visa: For those with income from overseas investments.
- Event or Convention Visa: For participating in special events or conferences.
- Crew Member Visa: For international flight or maritime crew members.
- Digital Nomad Visa: For remote workers looking to work from Colombia.
- Religious Visa: For religious workers and missionaries.
- Medical Treatment Visa: For seeking medical treatment or procedures.
- Transit Visa: For passing through Colombian airports without entering the country.
- Business Visa: For engaging in business activities within Colombia.
SIXT.VN assists you in selecting the most appropriate visitor visa based on your travel purpose and offers guidance throughout the application process.
4.2. Colombian Visitor Visa Requirements
What are the requirements for a Colombian visitor visa? These are the basic requirements to apply for a Colombian Tourist Visa, however the Foreign affairs ministry may ask for additional documentation.
- Valid Passport: Must be in good condition, valid for at least six months, with a minimum of two blank pages.
- Recent 3×4 Digital Passport Style Photograph: Facing the camera, in color, against a white background.
- 6 Months of Bank Statements: Documents demonstrating sufficient economic capacity to cover your stay in Colombia.
- Plane Tickets and Accommodation: Photocopies or electronic information of arrival and departure tickets and accommodation details.
- A Letter Describing The Purpose of Your Trip: A detailed itinerary and purpose of your visit.
SIXT.VN can help you gather and prepare all necessary documents, ensuring your application is complete and accurate.
5. Colombian Migrant Visas
What is a Colombian migrant visa? Colombian Migrant Visas cater to foreign citizens seeking temporary residency, with categories for various needs such as marriage, having a Colombian child, employment, or retirement. Typically granted for 1-3 years, these visas can be a pathway to Colombian dual citizenship. After holding a migrant visa continuously for 2-5 years, you may become eligible for a Resident visa.
5.1. Types of Colombian Migrant Visas
What are the types of Colombian migrant visas? Here are the common types of migrant visas:
- Marriage Visa: For individuals married to a Colombian national.
- Parent Visa: For parents of a Colombian child.
- Work Visa: For those with full-time employment in Colombia.
- Real Estate Investment Visa: For foreigners investing significantly in Colombian real estate.
- Business Visa: For foreigners investing in or starting a company in Colombia.
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5.2. Colombian Marriage Visa
What is a Colombian marriage visa? Also known as a spouse or permanent partner visa, this visa is for individuals married to a Colombian national. Individuals in a civil partnership are eligible one year after registering.
5.3. Colombian Parent Visa
What is a Colombian parent visa? The Colombian parent visa is for individuals with a Colombian child. To qualify, the applicant’s name must be on the child’s birth certificate.
5.4. Colombian Work Visa
What is a Colombian work visa? Designed for those with full-time employment with a Colombian company, securing employment from a Colombian company and meeting certain employer requirements are necessary prior to applying.
5.5. Colombian Real Estate Investment Visa
What is a Colombian real estate investment visa? This visa is for foreigners who make a significant investment in Colombian real estate, requiring an investment of $406,000,000 COP (350 times the Colombian minimum wage) and legalization with the central bank.
5.6. Colombian Business Visa
What is a Colombian business visa? The business visa is for foreigners who invest in a Colombian company or start one in Colombia, with a minimum investment of 116,000,000 COP (100 times the Colombian minimum wage) and legalization with the central bank.
SIXT.VN provides specialized guidance for each type of migrant visa, simplifying the application process and ensuring compliance.
6. Colombian Resident Visa
What is a Colombian resident visa? Colombian Resident visas are for foreigners who have held a Colombian Migrant visa for a specific time frame. Prior to October 2022, foreigners could apply for a resident visa after investing a significant amount in Colombian real estate, but laws have since changed, requiring a migrant visa first. Resident Visas are granted for 5 years and are renewable. After holding the resident visa for 2-5 years, you may be eligible for dual citizenship.
6.1. Specific Requirements to Apply for a Colombian Resident Visa
What are the specific requirements to apply for a Colombian Resident Visa?
- Extended Migrant Visa Holding: A foreigner who has held a temporary visa and lived in Colombia regularly for 2-5 years.
- Temporary Protection Statute for Venezuelan Migrants: Specifically for Venezuelan Migrants protected under the Protection Statute (ETPV).
- Colombian Citizenship Renunciation: For foreigners who, having been Colombian by birth or adoption, renounced their Colombian nationality.
- Special Resident Peace Visa: For former members of the FARC-EP who signed the Final Agreement for the Termination of the Conflict and the Construction of a Stable and Lasting Peace, transitioning to legality.
SIXT.VN offers tailored support to meet these specific requirements, ensuring a streamlined application process.
7. How to Apply For a Visa in Colombia
How to apply for a visa in Colombia? The online application for a Colombia visa can be initiated through the official Cancillera website. Preparation is crucial due to varying requirements and processes for each visa type.
7.1. Obtain the Proper Documents
Obtaining the proper documents is critical. Gathering all necessary documents for your visa application, consulting the Cancilleria’s website, or contacting Colombian Visa Services is essential.
7.2. Apply Online
Applying online through the Cancilleria’s website requires selecting the correct visa type and following directions precisely. The Colombian government has 30 days to respond to your application.
Colombia Visa Application
7.3. Pay Application Fees
Paying application fees involves a “study” fee of around $50 USD to review your application, which must be paid for the review to proceed. Additional fees vary by visa type and can range from $50 to $400 USD upon approval.
7.4. Respond to Follow Ups
Responding to follow-ups from the government entity, which may include requests for additional information or corrections, should be done promptly to avoid delays.
7.5. Recieve Your Visa
Receiving your visa involves receiving an email to pay the fee upon acceptance. Once paid, you’ll receive your electronic visa as a PDF document. The visa’s duration will be specified upon receipt, and if eligible, you can begin the process of obtaining your cedula de extranjeria.
SIXT.VN provides step-by-step guidance throughout the application process, ensuring accuracy and efficiency.
8. Frequently Asked Questions
What are the frequently asked question about traveling to Colombia? Learn more about what you need to obtain a Colombian Visa and how we can help.
8.1. Who needs a visa to enter Colombia?
Who needs a visa to enter Colombia? The following countries need a visa to enter Colombia: Algeria, Armenia, Bahrain, Benin, Belarus, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cape Verde, Cameroon, Chad, Comoros, Congo, Ivory Coast, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Guinea Equatorial, Haiti, India, Kenya, Kyrgyzstan, Kiribati, Kosovo, Kuwait, Lesotho, Macedonia, Madagascar, Malaysia, Malawi, Maldives, Mali, Morocco, Mauritius, Mauritania, Moldova, Mongolia, Namibia, Nauru, Nepal, Nicaragua, Niger, Oman, Central African Republic, Rwanda, Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal, Seychelles, Swaziland, Thailand, Tanzania, Tajikistan, East Timor, Togo, Tonga, Tunisia, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Vietnam, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
8.2. Do I need a Visa to Enter Colombia if I have a US Green Card?
Do I need a Visa to Enter Colombia if I have a US Green Card? In most cases, yes, you will need a visa. However, if you are a citizen of Cambodia, India, Nicaragua, Myanmar, People’s Republic of China, Thailand, Taiwan, or Vietnam, you can enter Colombia without a visa if you have a US Green Card.
8.3. Do I need a Visa to Travel Through the Airport?
Do I need a Visa to Travel Through the Airport? Yes, if you normally need a visa to enter Colombia, you will need to obtain a Transit Visa to travel through the airport, even if you are not leaving the airport.
8.4. Who does not need a visa for Colombia?
Who does not need a visa for Colombia? Individuals from more than 100 countries can stay in Colombia for up to 180 days per year without needing a visa.
8.5. Is There an E-Visa in Colombia?
Is There an E-Visa in Colombia? Yes, all visas in Colombia are now electronic visas, so there’s no need to visit Bogota or a consulate for a physical stamp.
8.6. How Long Does It Take To Obtain A in Colombia?
How Long Does It Take To Obtain A visa in Colombia? The Colombian government has 30 days to respond to your visa application. Applying 30-60 days before your trip is recommended.
8.7. What Does The Colombian Visa Cost?
What Does The Colombian Visa Cost? The cost varies by visa type. Most have a $50 USD study fee, and the tourist visa costs an additional $82 after approval.
8.8. What is the Easiest Visa To Obtain In Colombia?
What is the Easiest Visa To Obtain In Colombia? The easiest visa to obtain is the one for which you meet all requirements. If you’re visiting Colombia for tourism, the Colombian Tourist Visa (Type V) is typically the easiest.
SIXT.VN is committed to providing clear, accurate answers and expert guidance to help you navigate the Colombian visa process effectively.
9. Need Help Getting a Colombian Visa?
Need help getting a Colombian visa? Navigating the Colombian visa process can be complex, but with SIXT.VN, you don’t have to do it alone. Our expert team offers personalized support to guide you through every step, from determining the right visa for your needs to ensuring your application is complete and accurate. We understand the challenges and are here to provide clarity and confidence. Contact us today for a free consultation and let SIXT.VN simplify your journey to Colombia.
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