Description of the visa, its purpose, conditions, peculiarities of issuance, and guidelines for utilization.
Intended for foreigners who come to Colombia to undergo religious training, theological studies, or to perform volunteer work within the framework of a religious organization officially recognized by the Colombian state. It requires active sponsorship from a state-recognized religious organization and grants the right to obtain a local identity card.
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.
1 year
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.
$16 – $252
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 1 year
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 specific validity period of the visa depends directly on the duration of the program. The visa itself is an authorization to enter and remain in the country within the period indicated therein.</strong></p> <p> </p> <p><strong>The maximum validity period for which a religious student visa is issued is up to 1 years.</strong></p>
to 1 year
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 tied to the validity period of the visa. The foreigner is entitled to remain in Colombia for the entire period for which the visa was issued.</strong></p> <p> </p> <p><strong>NB: Upon arrival in Colombia, the foreign national is required to register their visa with the migration authority (Migración 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>This visa is not automatically extended. However, if a foreigner needs to continue their study/voluneering program after the visa expires, they may apply for a new visa. This is essentially a repeat of the document submission process.</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> <p> </p> <p><strong>The minimum recommended timeframe for independent submission is 2-3 months before the intended travel date.</strong></p>
$16 – $252
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 class="ds-markdown-paragraph"><strong>The cost of a Colombian visa consists of two independent payments: the consular fee (paid to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for processing and issuing the visa) and, in some cases, the migration fee (paid to Migración Colombia upon entry or when obtaining the document). </strong></p> <p class="ds-markdown-paragraph"> </p> <p class="ds-markdown-paragraph"><strong>The exact visa cost is not fixed and may vary depending on the nationality and applicable bilateral agreements. However, the following general ranges for Type V visas can be used as a reference:</strong></p> <p class="ds-markdown-paragraph"> </p> <p class="ds-markdown-paragraph"><strong>- Study fee: from 16 to 54 USD (or from 12 to 42 euros for citizens of Europe and Cuba);</strong></p> <p class="ds-markdown-paragraph"><strong>- Issuance fee: from 51 to 252 USD (or from 17 to 101 euros).</strong></p>
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.
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.
Passport
Validity period - at least 6 months at the time of application. At least 2 blank pages for visa stamps are also required.
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.
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.
Motivation letter (Comunicación motivada)
An official letter from the legal representative of the organization. It must include: complete information of the organization (including NIT, if registered in Colombia) and contact information; complete information of the foreign national; a description of the activities/studies to be carried out by the foreign national and their duration; the type of relationship between the organization and the foreign national; an indication of who assumes financial responsibility for the trip and stay; and the organization's commitment to guarantee the foreign national's return to their home country or to notify the authorities of any violation of visa regulations.
Signature and fingerprint
The letter must be hand-signed by the representative and must contain their fingerprint (right or left index finger or thumb).
Certificate of recognition and legal representation
A certificate issued by the Ministry of the Interior (Ministerio del Interior) or the competent diocese/archdiocese, confirming that the organization is officially recognized by the state.
Financial solvency of the organization
Bank statements for the last 6 months, demonstrating an average balance of 100 SMLMV (minimum wages). In 2026, 1 SMLMV ≈ 1,750,905 COP, i.e., 100 SMLMV ≈ ~4,250,000 COP/month (approximately 1,000 USD). For government institutions, this requirement is not applicable.
Documents for foreign organizations
If the organization is registered abroad, a certificate of existence and legal representation is required, with an apostille and official translation into Spanish.
Documents required vary depending on individual circumstances, specific visa conditions, the place, and the method of application.
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.
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.
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.
*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.
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.
Strong ties to the country of origin and compelling reasons to return there, ensuring compliance with the terms and duration of stay.
Valid permanent resident status or proof thereof; all preliminary procedures for visa application have been completed.
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.
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.
Visitor visa
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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support@terrana.orgLast updated 2026-04-27