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Last updated 2026-05-18

Film law courtesy visa V in Colombia for Indian citizens

Courtesy visa for film productions

Visa overview

A fee-free specialized visa for foreign personnel involved in the creation of foreign audiovisual projects in Colombia. It grants the right to continuous stay for up to 2 years, permits work exclusively within the scope of the declared project, but does not allow the inclusion of family members. The key prerequisite is certification from the Ministry of Culture of Colombia. This visa is particularly relevant for large-scale film productions involving foreign personnel and is provided free of charge as part of Colombia's policy to attract foreign investment in cinematography.

Visa validity period

2 years

Consular fee

Free of charge

Time frames and cost

The primary characteristics that define the conditions for obtaining and using a visa. These conditions may vary depending on the individual circumstances of the applicant and the decision of the immigration authorities of the country.

  • to 2 years

    Visa validity period

    The period during which the visa remains valid and can be used for entry into the country. The validity period or expiration date is indicated directly on the visa itself.

    <p><strong>The visa itself is an authorization to enter and remain in the country within the period indicated therein.</strong></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>The validity period of a specific courtesy visa in Colombia depends on the legally established category, the purpose of the visit, and the decision of the competent authority &mdash; the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Colombia. This process is not automatic and is considered individually for each applicant. </strong></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>The maximum validity period is generally 2 years.</strong></p>

  • to 2 years

    Duration of stay

    The maximum duration for which one is permitted to stay in the country continuously from the date of entry.

    <p><strong>The period of stay is generally tied to the validity period of the visa itself and the purpose of the visit. The exact duration depends on the decision of the immigration officer and is indicated on the visa sticker or electronic visa.</strong></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>NB: Upon arrival in Colombia, the foreign national is required to register their visa with the migration authority (Migraci&oacute;n Colombia) within 15 calendar days.</strong></p>

  • Individually

    Extension of stay

    The extension of the maximum duration of stay in the country initially permitted by the visa, subject to approval by the immigration authorities. This is typically processed within the country without the need for departure.

    <p><strong>There is no standard procedure for automatic renewal. However, if the project or mission requires a longer period, an application for a new courtesy visa may be submitted. This can be done without leaving the country, but it is important to submit the documents before the current visa expires.</strong></p>

  • multiple-entry

    The ability to enter and exit the country an unlimited number of times, unless otherwise specified, within the visa's validity period.

    Number of entries

    A parameter specifying the number of times the visa holder can enter the country during its validity period. Visas can be single-entry, multiple-entry, or with a specified number of entries.

  • from 14 days to 1 month

    Processing time

    The period during which the immigration authorities review the application and make a decision regarding the issuance of the visa. Only business days are counted, excluding weekends and public holidays.

    <p><strong>The processing time for a Colombian visa can vary. </strong><strong>The exact time depends on multiple factors: the country where the application is submitted, the complexity of the case (standard or complex), the workload of the consulate, and whether the applicant submits the documents independently or through a specialist.</strong></p>

  • Free of charge

    Consular fee

    A fee levied for the processing and evaluation of an application. This charge is non-refundable under any circumstances. In certain instances, the payment of supplementary fees may be required.

    <p><strong>The courtesy visa is granted on a fee-free basis. However, it does not automatically exempt the holder from paying the migration fee (Migraci&oacute;n Colombia). This fee is collected after the holder's arrival in the country for the issuance of the foreigner's identity card (C&eacute;dula de Extranjer&iacute;a).</strong></p>

Documents

A list of documents required for visa application. The exact list depends on the chosen visa type, the purpose of the visit, and the individual conditions of the applicant.

Mandatory

The essential minimum documents required for a visa application, such as a passport or visa application form. These are necessary regardless of the location, method, or conditions of the application.

  • Application form

    Completed online application form. The form must be completed in Spanish or English on the official website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Colombia (Cancillería).

  • Photograph

    A digital photograph with strict technical parameters: the image size must be exactly 3 x 4 cm, the file format must be JPG, and the file size must not exceed 300 KB. The photograph must be taken against a uniform white background within the last 6 months. In the image, the face must be directed straight at the camera with a neutral expression (no smiling), and the eyes and ears must be fully visible and not covered by hair. The use of headwear and glasses is not permitted, with the exception of religious headwear that does not conceal the oval of the face.

  • Passport

    Validity period - at least 6 months at the time of application. At least 2 blank pages for visa stamps are also required.

Supporting

Documents that specify, substantiate, and confirm the purpose of the visit, as well as provide necessary information about the applicant and their future activities in the country.

  • Proof of financial means

    Proof of income for the last 6 months. The requirement is a monthly income of no less than 10 Colombian minimum wages (SMLMV). In 2026, 1 SMLMV = 1,750,905 Colombian pesos. This requirement may be met using either the applicant's own funds or those of the inviting party.

  • Certification from the Ministry of Culture

    Key prerequisite. A letter from the Cinematography Directorate of the Ministry of Culture of Colombia, confirming that the project is a foreign cinematographic work.

  • Motivation letter (Comunicación motivada)

    An official letter from the legal representative of the company, hand-signed and containing the representative's fingerprint. It must include: complete information of the company (including NIT, if registered in Colombia), complete information of the foreign national, a description of the activities, duration, type of relationship, financial responsibility, as well as the company's commitment to guarantee the foreign national's return to their home country.

  • Company registration documents

    If the company is registered abroad, a certificate of existence, incorporation, or establishment and legal representation is required, with an apostille and official translation into Spanish.

  • Financial solvency of the company

    Bank statements for the last 3 months, demonstrating the solvency of the sponsoring legal entity. Not required for government institutions.

Additional

Documents required vary depending on individual circumstances, specific visa conditions, the place, and the method of application.

  • Travel insurance

    It is recommended to choose a policy with coverage of at least 50,000 US dollars, including insurance for active leisure activities and evacuation cases.

  • Yellow fever certificate

    A valid yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for individuals traveling from or transiting through yellow fever endemic regions, regardless of their mode of entry.

  • Itinerary/Tickets

    Confirmed booking or flight itinerary indicating that the applicant will leave Colombia within 24 hours of arrival (while remaining in the transit zone).

*Foreign official documents must be apostilled and legalized in accordance with the regulations of the country whose consular or diplomatic mission they are being submitted to. Additionally, they must be accompanied by a certified translation into the official language of that country or into English, unless otherwise specified by the mission's requirements.

**Prior to submitting the documents, it is strongly advised to verify the specific procedures and requirements with the relevant mission.

Requirements

The minimum criteria that each visa applicant must meet. If these criteria are not met, justifications and convincing evidence of intent to visit the country must be provided.

  • Clear purposes of the visit and documents confirming them, in accordance with the visa conditions.

  • Sufficient means to support oneself and their dependents for the duration of their stay in the country.

  • The applicant does not pose a threat to public order, internal security, public health or international relations of the country.

Visa Information

The characteristics of a visa according to its classification by types, categories, and visit purposes. These are selected by the applicant during the application process, typically indicated on the visa application form and reflected in corresponding annotations on the visa itself.

English international

Category code

A letter-based or alphanumeric code for a specific visa category, indicating its conditions or serving as an abbreviated name. This code is typically found on the visa or visa stamp.

V

Type of visa

The primary purpose of the visa and the conditions under which it is issued. This typically includes several general categories of visas and/or visit purposes based on the type of activity or reasons for entering the country.

Visitor visa

Category

The classification within a visa type that specifies more specific conditions, characteristics of obtaining, and using the visa. Categories may vary in terms of duration, stay conditions, and the rights granted by the visa.

Complimentary visitor visa

Sources

Links to official resources upon which the information presented on the website is based. Information portals of government bodies or diplomatic representations of the country responsible for visa issuance and immigration policy in general.

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