Colombia · Tourist Visa
Tourist and visitor visa requirements, visa-free entry, duration, and application steps.
AI-drafted, editorially reviewed. Confirm specifics with the official authority.
Many nationalities enter Colombia visa-free for up to 90 days, commonly extendable — but note the annual ceiling: visitors are generally limited to 180 days in total per calendar year, not 180 consecutive days. Nationals who need a visa apply at a Colombian consulate first. Entry is handled by Migración Colombia, and a tourist permit does not authorise work.
Many nationalities enter Colombia visa-free for up to 90 days (often extendable), while others need a consular visa. Entry is handled by Migración Colombia.
- Visa-free visitors commonly get 90 days, often extendable up to 180 days per year.
- Nationals requiring a visa apply at a Colombian consulate first.
- A tourist entry permit does not authorise work.
- 1
Check whether you need a visa
Check Migración Colombia for your nationality. Many visitors are visa-free for tourism; others must apply at a consulate before travelling.
- 2
Count against the 180-day annual ceiling
Visitors are generally capped at 180 days in total per calendar year. Repeated 90-day trips add up against that ceiling — leaving and returning does not reset it.
- 3
Extend through Migración Colombia if needed
The initial 90 days can often be extended, but still within the annual ceiling. Apply before the current permit expires.
- 4
Keep proof of onward travel and funds
Have an onward or return ticket and evidence you can support the stay available at entry.
- 5
Do not work on a tourist permit
A tourist entry permit does not authorise work. Working in Colombia requires the appropriate visa category obtained through the proper route.
- Visa requirement checked with Migración Colombia
- Consular visa obtained beforehand if required
- Days used this calendar year counted against the 180-day ceiling
- Extension applied for before the permit expires, if needed
- Onward or return ticket available
- Proof of funds prepared
- No work planned on a tourist permit
- Migración Colombia
Migración Colombia — entry and visitor rules.
Frequently asked questions
Can I stay in Colombia 90 days and then come back for another 90?
Only within the annual ceiling. Visitors are generally limited to 180 days in total per calendar year, so two full 90-day stays would use the whole allowance. Leaving and re-entering does not reset the count.
Can I extend a Colombian tourist stay?
The initial 90 days can often be extended through Migración Colombia, but the extension still counts towards the same 180-day annual ceiling. Apply before your current permit expires.
Can I work on a Colombian tourist permit?
No. A tourist entry permit does not authorise work. Working in Colombia requires the appropriate visa category, obtained through the proper route before you begin.
Government portals
- GOV.CO — Colombian State Portal — Single entry point to more than 78,000 government procedures.
- DIAN — Tax and Customs — RUT tax registration, income tax and VAT filing, and customs clearance.
- RUES — Unified Business Register — Look up any Colombian company: registration, legal representative and status, through the chambers of commerce.