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Outside of the relatively short travel distance between the US and Colombia, as well as the tropical weather, there are many reasons why Americans choose to flock to the country of Vallenato and Empanadas; exploring the many options available to select a Colombia visa for us citizens that allows them to stay in the country for short or long periods of time.
Whether it’s about finding new job opportunities, property to invest in, a place to retire, or simply a new culture, Colombia has tempted millions of its northern neighbors to come to explore its breathtaking hills and beautiful rainforests.
How many US citizens travel to Colombia every year?
According to data from Migración Colombia, more than 2,203,691 US visitors entered Colombian territory during 2023, which accounts for over 25% of all foreign visits to Colombia as of last year.
What are the main reasons why a US citizen travels to Colombia?
Principal cities of Colombia where US citizens are based
| Cities | US Citizens | Cities | US Citizens |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bogotá | 227.783 | Pereira | 17.376 |
| Medellín | 226.124 | Santa Marta | 11.805 |
| Cartagena | 221.126 | Bucaramanga | 7.627 |
| Cali | 62.837 | Armenia | 7.223 |
| Barranquilla | 37.693 | Envigado | 6.872 |
So, when it comes to having your visa information in order, there are plenty of questions. Do US citizens need a visa for Colombia? Are there specific US visa requirements in Colombia that differ from those in other countries?
To keep you abreast of the latest Colombia—US visa information, we’ve created a comprehensive article on the visa requirements for US citizens traveling to and staying in Colombia permanently.
Do US citizens need a visa to travel to Colombia?
US citizens with valid US passports don’t need a visa prior to traveling to Colombia. As a tourist, you can spend 180 days in Colombian territory per calendar year.
When you arrive on Colombian soil, immigration will give you a tourist stamp lasting 90 days. This tourist stamp can be extended for another 90 days if you don’t wish to exit Colombian territory. If you already have a valid Colombian visa that hasn’t expired, immigration will allow you to enter Colombia on that particular visa.
Before traveling to Colombia, US citizens must have proof of forwarding passage to their next destination, be it a return journey to the US or a different country in Latin America. Failure to prove your travel plans after visiting Colombia could mean that you’re denied entry to the country.
Valid documentation that proves forward passage would include flight, boat, or bus tickets leaving Colombia. Be aware that flight reservations—as opposed to booked seats—are not accepted as valid proof of forward passage.
If you’re worried about any of your documentation before you arrive in Colombia, consult an experienced migratory services company before traveling. They can study your specific case and tell you if you need a visa to go to colombia from the US.
What to do if you want to stay longer in Colombia, past 180 days as a tourist?
Many US visitors decide to extend their stay in Colombia beyond their 180 days as tourists. Fortunately, the current resolution regulating visas in Colombia brought several changes that enabled many Colombian visas for US citizens. The most relevant, perhaps, is the introduction of a new Colombia Digital Nomad visa (V).
Can US citizens apply for a Colombia Digital Nomad Visa?
After the COVID-19 Pandemic, remote working has maintained its hype. Many countries are welcoming digital nomads from around the world to their cities and embracing this way of life. Colombia, naturally, is considered a paradisiac destination by many, but it hasn’t been the exception.
US citizens and other nationalities that don’t require a tourist visa to enter Colombian territory can apply for this visa category. The Digital Nomad Visa is the best choice among all the Colombia visas for us citizens and foreigners of other nationalities.
Colombia Digital Nomad Visa could require apostille and translation
Knowing the apostille and translation requirements is important if you consider applying for the Colombia Digital Nomad Visa.
An apostille is a certification that verifies the authenticity of an official signature on a specific document that will be used in another country that is part of the Apostille Convention. For US citizens, certain documents, such as the FBI background check and others, could be apostilled to be accepted as part of the visa application.
In addition to apostille requirements, all documents submitted as part of the Colombia Digital Nomad Visa application must be translated into Spanish by a certified translator. This ensures Colombian authorities can adequately review and understand the documents’ contents. Pay attention to these requirements and ensure all necessary documents are appropriately apostilled and translated before submitting your Colombia Digital Nomad Visa application.
Colombia Digital Nomad Visa requires travel health insurance.
One crucial requirement for the Colombia Digital Nomad Visa is travel health insurance. This stipulation ensures that digital nomads can access necessary medical care while residing in Colombia. It’s essential to carefully review the insurance policy details to confirm that it meets the specific requirements outlined for the Colombia Digital Nomad Visa.
Visa V Digital Nomads
Health policy with coverage in the national territory against all risks in case of accident, illness, maternity, disability, hospitalization, death or repatriation, for the time foreseen for their stay in the country.
Resolution 5477, Article 46 – Number 5
The best travel health insurance for a Colombia Digital Nomad Visa is the Assist Card Policies Plans AC 60 or AC 150, which cover all the government requirements for the visa and can protect you during your stay. Get free insurance advice to choose the best travel health insurance for your visa.
Colombia Digital Nomad Visa could require an FBI Background Check.
Unlike the Retirement Visa, where the certificate of criminal records is mandatory, this document doesn’t appear in the resolution’s articles where the specific visa requirements are detailed. However, some of the latest active application processes in expatgroup.tech has been marked in «Requirement» status, and through an official statement, the FBI background check has been required as an additional document, relying on Articles 95 and 97 of Resolution 5477.
We show you an official letter from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs where they are asking for this requirement in one of our Visa processes.
At expatgroup.co, we help you get your FBI background check from Colombia processed quickly and securely. Click the bottom and get the digital background certificate for American citizens that is valid before the Colombian government for visa applications, including fingerprinting, apostille and translation services
Can US citizens study in Colombia?
After enjoying a well-deserved rest from their vacations, many Americans decide to embark on the journey of learning Spanish. Maybe their middle school and high school Spanish classes were a good start. Nonetheless, when they come to Colombia, they find themselves surrounded by a culture constantly fed by an always-changing language full of colloquialisms and mannerisms that lack meaning when non-Spanish speakers do not fully understand the context.
What documents are needed to apply for an Student Visa?
The Certificate of Admission
The certificate of admission must indicate the academic program duration and the payment receipt of tuition fees. The academic program can be presential, virtual, or distance modality.
After becoming enamoured by Colombian culture and having a true desire to understanding it fully, US citizens can apply for a Visa type V Student, by enrolling in a Spanish course approved by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.Health Insurance
As the same case with the Nomad Visa, the student visa also requires the travel health insurance, as stipulated in this specific case, Resolution 5477 in article 36, number 4 for the student visa.
The best travel health insurance for students in Colombia is the Assist Card Study Plan, designed specifically for students between the ages of 12 and 40, and for which you will need a certificate of study.Minimum Income
6 months of bank statements from the person who will be economically responsible for you while you study in Colombia. These statements must prove the person has had at least 10 times the Colombian minimum wage ($11,600,000COP) for this time period — approximately $2,600USD.
Alternatively, you can show credit cards which have a balance that can be used to this amount.Do you need health insurance for Colombia Visa Applications?
As an expat, healh insurance is essential when applying for a Colombia Visa. Assist Card is a reputable travel health insurance service provider that fulfills medical and visa requirements in Colombia with great plans and incredible prices.
Can US citizens retire in Colombia?
Yes, US citizens and pensioners from other nationalities can retire in Colombia by applying for a Retirement Visa. This visa allows the holder to accumulate time to later apply for Visa type R: Resident.
One of the requirements to apply for this visa category is to receive a for-life-pension of more than 975 USD per month approximately (3 minimum wage in Colombia, according to Resolution 5477), which can come either from private funds or the US Government (for US citizens).
American retirees must verify their incomes with the US Benefits Letter
All applicants with an active retirement plan must submit the US Benefits Certificate. This is an essential document that Americans need for a visa to Colombia. This certificate shows the amount of money that US citizens receive monthly as a pension, either for retirement or disability and can come from a public or private entity.
At expatgroup, we help you get the U.S Benefist Letter, which certifies the amount of money that a U.S. citizen receives monthly as a pension, either for retirement or disability, either from a public or private entity. Click the button and get our expert help!
What additional requirements are needed for a Retirement Visa?
FBI Background Check Certificate
It is required for US citizen in Colombia, ensuring safety for both locals and foreigners. Similar requirements may apply to other visa categories in the future.
Obtain your FBI Background Check online at expatgroup.tech.Health Insurance
Starting in October 2024, the Colombian Retirement Visa requires travel health insurance that covers accidents and repatriation. We recommend Assist Card Plans AC 250 or AC 150 for comprehensive coverage
Other Requirements
You can apply for a Colombian visa online or at a consulate, but an interview may be required. U.S. citizens with a retirement visa must still file tax returns with the IRS.
Consult a professional to get a visa for Colombia from the USA and to learn about double taxation and declaring but not paying taxes.Visa holders must obtain the Cédula de Extranjería but will not have access to the Colombian EPS system.
Make sure to check out our article detailing the full process for how to acquire the Retirement Visa in Colombia.
What do US citizens need to invest in Colombia?
There are two ways to invest in Colombia and get a Migrant Visa: a foreign direct investment, which will give the American a Business Visa (Visa de Socio Propietario), and the purchase of a property, which will provide an Investment Visa (Visa de Inversión).
How can American Citizens open a business in Colombia?
Many US citizens decide to invest in Colombia after staying there. Under the current legislation, a foreigner can apply for a Visa type M Business if they invest more than 32,500 USD in a Colombian organization that has to be legally registered at the Chamber of Commerce. One of the benefits of this type of visa is that it also enables the holder to accumulate time for the Visa type R Resident.
To start a business in Colombia and get the visa, the US Citizen will need the following documents
Passport
Your American passport must be valid for more than 6 months.
Recent Photograph
You will need a 3 x 4 cm photograph with a white background and no accessories. Please note that physical/printed photos are not accepted.
Application Letter
The letter must be signed by the US Citizen.
Chamber of Commerce Certificate
This certifies that a US Citizen has invested over 32,500 USD in a Colombian company, linked to the foreign investment certificate from Banco de la República.
Supporting Documents
Bank statements, Income tax returns, and other supporting documentation that proves the organization is functioning.
Shareholders Certificate
It must be signed by a qualified accountant with relevant credentials and disciplinary records in Colombia.
Fortunately, at expatgroup.co, we can assist you in obtaining a visa and establishing a business in Colombia securely while also obtaining the necessary documents and certifications for foreign investments.
For comprehensive guidance on starting a business in Colombia, please visit our blog on this topic.
How can American Citizens buy property in Colombia?
Research, legal assistance, and visit the property in Colombia
Research areas, collaborate with a local real estate agent, and hire a lawyer for title clarity and legal guidance. Visit the property to check its condition and location.
Make an offer and due diligence
Make an offer and, if accepted, sign a Promesa de Compraventa (Preliminary Purchase Agreement). Your lawyer will perform due diligence, including a title search.
Pay the deposit, transfer funds, and sign the deed
Pay the deposit (usually 10% of the purchase price) as per the Promesa de Compraventa, transfer funds to Colombia, and sign the Escritura Pública (public deed) at a Notary Public's office. The Notary will register the property with the Oficina de Registro de Instrumentos Públicos. Finally, pay the registration fees and applicable taxes, obtaining a copy of the deed.
Get the Colombia Investment Visa
The Colombian Government encourages foreign investment by offering legal and tax benefits. For purchasing property, you can obtain a Colombian visa for up to 3 years by investing at least 350 minimum monthly salaries, which is around 455,000,000 COP (approximately 100,000 – 115,000 USD).
Legal Representation
This service from expatgroup.tech provides a power of attorney, allowing us to participate in the sale and deed process when a foreigner cannot sign documents. We also offer our services for clients who are present, ensuring their safety and peace of mind.
Health Insurance Policy for US Investors in Colombia
The government requires adequate health insurance coverage for U.S. investors seeking to obtain an investment or a business visa in Colombia. This requirement ensures foreign nationals can access necessary medical care and protect their health while staying in Colombia.
The insurance should cover the entire duration of the visa stay. It’s important to ensure the policy is valid for the whole visa period, with options to renew if the stay is extended. We recommend you obtain the Assist Card Plans AC60 and AC150, which are the best insurance options for investors.
Can US Citizens get married in Colombia?
In Colombia, there are two ways of civil union. The first is through traditional civil marriage, with which you can access the Marriage Visa. The second one is through the Union Marital de Hecho, which is a civil union formed between a couple who, without being married, form a permanent and singular community of life. The last allows you to obtain a Permanent Partner Visa.
How can US Citizens get a marriage visa in Colombia?
If you’re a US citizen seeking a marriage visa in Colombia, follow these steps: First, gather documents like your valid passport, birth certificate, and marital status certificate. Be aware of Colombia’s marriage requirements, such as legal translations. After marriage, apply for the marriage visa, providing evidence of your marriage and other needed documents. It’s crucial to consult the Colombian embassy or consulate for specific requirements. You can apply for the visa right after your wedding, which can be valid for up to three years.
How can US Citizens get a permanent partner visa in Colombia?
To apply for the Permanent Partner Visa, you will need to submit the same documentation required for the marriage visa, replacing the civil registry with the Permanent Partnership Certificate, which replaces the civil registry. It’s important to note that the Permanent Partnership is valid for only one year, while the certificate of legal union must have been issued for more than one year.
Which other categories of Colombian Visas are available to US Citizens?
All categories of Colombian visas are available for US Citizens, except Mercosur and Andean Visa. The restrictions aren’t related to the applicant’s nationality but to the specific requirements of each visa category. If you comply with all the visa requirements for us citizens to Colombia, you can start your application, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, with its discretionary authority, will study your case.
What about Health Insurance for all these types of visas?
Colombia’s updated regulations in 2022 require medical insurance for individuals with Visitor (V Type), including Digital Nomad Visa, and some Migrant (M Type), which provides extensive coverage for a wide range of potential risks, including accidents, illness, maternity, disability, hospitalization, death, or repatriation.
From this perspective, and resonating with the advice of our partner, Medellin Guru, Assist Card stands out as the best option. It provides coverage plans that fulfill all the stipulations demanded by Resolution 5477.
The best part is the convenience of purchasing your insurance online. We suggest acquiring your insurance through Assist Card, choosing your travel dates, paying virtually, and instantly receiving your insurance voucher to apply for your visa.
Do you need health insurance for Colombia Visa Applications?
As an expat, healh insurance is essential when applying for a Colombia Visa. Assist Card is a reputable travel health insurance service provider that fulfills medical and visa requirements in Colombia with great plans and incredible prices.
Other processes US Citizens can do from Colombia
Summing Up
The process of acquiring a Colombian visa for US citizens isn’t remarkably different to foreign nationals applying from other countries.
Remember, if you’re ever in doubt about aspects of your visa application, it’s always best to consult specialized Colombian migration agencies. Companies like ours, which have processed hundreds of visa applications for Americans, are well-equipped to guide you through any doubts or queries you may have regarding visas in Colombia.
Let your processes be in expert hands
With more than ten years of experience and nearly 3000 visas approved at expatgroup.co, we make sure to carry out processes with professionalism, quality, and attention to detail to achieve successful results.
Consult with our experts, and we will guide you through the process of collecting documents. We make the visa application, we are attentive to any government requirements, and we help you apply for your foreigner identification card (cédula de extranjería).
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