Description of the visa, its purpose, conditions, peculiarities of issuance, and guidelines for utilization.
Intended for foreigners wishing to legally carry out voluntary (volunteer) activities of a social nature or participate in development cooperation programs within the territory of Colombia. The visa is requested by the Colombian legal entity (organization), not by the foreign national themselves. The organization acts as the sponsor and assumes the main obligations. The visa is issued for a period of up 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.
2 years
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 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 validity period of this visa is the period during which the visa can be used to enter and reside in the country.</strong></p> <p> </p> <p><strong>The exact validity period may depend on specific circumstances and the decision of the immigration officer, but the two-year period is the standard maximum.</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 permitted period of stay corresponds to the validity period of the visa itself. The foreign national may legally remain in the country for the entire period for which the visa was issued (up to 2 years). </strong></p> <p> </p> <p><strong>! The visa may be early canceled if its holder is outside of Colombia for 90 consecutive calendar days or more.</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>
Not applicable
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>Extension is possible, but only in exceptional cases. As a general rule, upon completion of the volunteer activities, the foreign national is required to leave Colombia.</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 5 days to 10 days
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 application is typically processed within 5 to 10 business days. The processing time may vary depending on the completeness of the documents provided and the current workload of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.</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). 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 from the organization
An official letter signed by the legal representative of the organization. It must include: a description of the volunteer activities, the program of events, the locations where projects will be implemented, and the duration of the activities. The organization assumes full financial responsibility for all expenses of the foreign national during their stay in Colombia, including the costs of returning to their country of origin or last place of residence upon completion of the activities.
Health insurance
An insurance policy with coverage throughout Colombian territory against all risks: accident, illness, maternity, disability, hospitalization, death, or repatriation. The insurance must cover the entire planned period of stay.
Document certifying the legal status of the organization
A document confirming the legal entity status of the organization, issued by the competent Colombian authority. The organization must have been registered for at least 5 years. If the organization is registered abroad, a certificate of incorporation issued no earlier than 3 months prior to the visa application submission is required.
Proof of financial solvency of the organization
Bank statements for the last 6 months showing an average balance of 100 minimum wages (SMLMV). For government institutions, this requirement does not apply. In 2026, 1 SMLMV = 1,750,905 COP, thus 100 SMLMV ≈ 175,090,500 COP.
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.
Proof of accommodation
Confirmed hotel booking, rental contract, proof of residential property or staying with a private host covering the whole duration of the stay.
Documents regarding migration status
If applicable. If the application is submitted from within Colombia or a third country, a document confirming legal stay in that country must be provided (copy of visa, entry stamp, residence permit, etc.).
Return flight tickets
A copy of the booking or itinerary receipt for departure from Colombia.
*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