Article February 6, 2021

Colombian Visa Changes: What’s Changed During COVID-19?

The coronavirus pandemic has significantly impacted global public health, trade, commerce, and employment.

Currently, 106 million people have been affected worldwide, with over 2 million confirmed cases in Colombia. While the primary concern is the wellbeing of those suffering from COVID-19, the virus has also restricted travel.

This leads to the question: what are the changes to Colombian visa regulations during the pandemic?

The Colombian government’s immigration department (Migración) has changed traditional processes, but these updates can be unclear. Given the ongoing quarantine extensions, providing clear answers for those stranded in Colombia, applying for a visa, or trying to re-enter the country is challenging.

Individuals need to understand their legal status and how to adapt to any changes. We’ve reviewed the latest visa updates during the pandemic and their impact on the expatriate community.

What’s the Colombian Government’s Response to Coronavirus Been?

The Colombian government issued a national quarantine on March 25th, 2020. This meant that travel to and from different parts of Colombia had been heavily restricted or stopped altogether. The government has now relaxed its travel restriction policy, allowing commercial flights to and from Colombian borders.

With open borders for airtravel, internal restirctions on Colombia have also been relaxed with shops and restaurants beginning to open up again slowly.

Is it Possible to Get an M, R, or V-type Colombian Visa Now?

In short, yes. If you’re currently in Colombia and looking to get a migrant (M), resident (R), or visitor (V) visa, the Cancillería (Government immigration website) and migración are still processing visa applications.

It’s important to note, however, that there have been changes to some of the Colombian work visa requirements in 2021 for those looking to apply for an M-5 visa. Furthermore, if you’re entering into Colombia from abroad, you’ll need to present a negative PCR COVID-19 test taken within 96 hours of traveling. After this, you’ll need to self-isolate for 14 days.

Given the quarantine restrictions, the cancellería and migración are under serious strain. Therefore, it’s safe to assume that the visa application process may take longer than normal.

All visa applications should be carried out online unless you have strict instructions to do otherwise. In addition, all visas are processed and issued in Bogotá (Avenida 19 No. 98-03, Pisos 3 y 4). If you’re applying for a visa outside of Bogotá, you’ll need to source an experienced courier and migratory service provider to transport your passport to the capital safely.

Can You Get a Colombian Visa from Outside of Colombia?

In short, no. Colombian embassies and consulates around the world are, like Colombia, coping with social distancing. Expats trying to apply for visas abroad won’t be able to process their applications successfully for the time being.

As things stand, non-Colombian citizens without a residency, migrant, or investor visa will not be able to reenter the country until May 30th. Of course, this is subject to change, and the date will likely be extended, given that the Colombian government has already prolonged quarantine several times.

The smartest thing to do is to keep an eye on updates in the Colombian media, and from online blogs that are updating the situation as it develops.

Are Tourists at Risk of Becoming Illegal in Colombia?

Now, this grace period has finished, and foreign nationals who are in Colombia illegally will not receive favorable treatment in lieu of the pandemic. If you’ve overstayed your visa and need to pay a fine, reach out to Colombia’s immigration office (Migración) before leaving the country.

Fortunately, there is help for tourists in Colombia who are struggling to decide whether to stay or leave the country. Several Colombian tourist visa extension service agencies offer expert consultation to those who need assistance.

Final Thoughts

The current circumstances caused by the coronavirus mean that most foreign nationals will have to stay in Colombia for at least two more weeks.

The national quarantine has complicated the application process for Colombian work, resident, and visitor visas. Nevertheless, highly experienced Colombian migratory service agencies are available to assist the expat community with any and all doubts and concerns.