Colombia

For Colombian citizens, the passport they hold is not just a travel document; it’s a key to 197 destinations across the world. However, a passport isn’t enough for traveling abroad; there are different types of entry permits required depending on the destination.

While Colombians enjoy visa-free access to many countries, they must get an eVisa, an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), a Visa on Arrival (VoA), or a traditional sticker visa for other countries.

The type of required entry permit depends on the travel regulations of the destination country. Currently, Colombian citizens are eligible to apply online for an eVisa or eTA in 60 countries, and a Visa on Arrival (VoA) for 15 countries. For certain destinations, however, a traditional embassy visa is still required.

For traveling abroad, all Colombian nationals must be equipped with a valid passport, typically with at least six (6) months of remaining validity from the date of entry. The Colombian passport currently ranks 28th globally, and Colombians can enjoy visa-free entry to 80 destinations worldwide.

As the regulations and visa requirements are different from one country to another, it is always advised to check the specific entry regulations for your destination before the application process.

Applying for an eVisa or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) makes international travel much easier. The process is entirely online- you submit an application, upload documents, and once approved, the visa or authorization is sent to your email. So, you don’t need to visit an embassy in this case.

So what’s the difference between eVisa and eTA? An eVisa is the short form of Electronic Visa. It is simply linked to your passport number electronically and is valid for a certain duration. When approved, it will be sent to your email. You must present a printed copy of your eVisa or the downloaded version on your phone upon arrival.

An eTA acts as a pre-clearance linked to your passport number for travel. Instead of applying for a full visa in advance, the immigration officials grant you entry once you arrive in the destination country.

Unlike eVisa, the eTA comes with a short timeframe and travelers need to arrive at their destination within that timeframe. Otherwise, the visa gets cancelled and travellers need a fresh application for travel.

The list of countries offering eVisa and eTA to Colombian nationals is here:

Instead of applying for a visa beforehand, a Visa on arrival permits travelers to obtain their entry permit at the airport or border post. It’s a convenient option for Colombian citizens, but rules can change rapidly. So, it’s always best to check the latest VoA regulation of the destination country before applying.

Here’s the list of the countries that currently offer Visa on Arrival (VoA) for Colombians:

The bilateral agreements and regional arrangements allow Colombian passport holders to enjoy visa-free or simplified access to many countries. This privilege allows Colombians to stay in those visa-free countries for different purposes, including tourism, business trips, and family visits for a short period of time.

Exact entry limits and stay duration differ by country. Some allow up to 90 or 180 days ,while others permit shorter stays. Here’s the list of countries that allow visa-free travel to Colombian nationals:

While Colombians enjoy wide travel freedom, there are still some countries that require a traditional visa. For these countries, applicants must visit the embassy or consulate, submit paperwork, and sometimes attend an interview.

These visas are usually issued as a sticker or stamp in your passport. The processing time also depends on the regulations of the country.

Here is the list of countries that allow Colombian nationals visa-free entry:

One unique advantage for Colombians is the Andean Community (CAN) agreement. It allows Colombian citizens to travel freely between the other members of this integration without needing a visa.

Colombian citizens can enter these countries simply with their national ID card or passport for short-term stays. Here is the list of other member countries of CAN where Colombian nationals can travel without a visa:

No matter where your destination is, most countries share similar visa requirements for Colombian travellers. These are some common documents or criteria you’ll likely need:

• Valid Passport: Must have at least six (6) months’ validity beyond the planned date of entry or beyond your planned stay in the destination country. 
• Visa Application Form: A completed visa application form filled out online or offline at an embassy or consulate, depending on the destination country. Travelers have to provide their personal details, travel plan, supporting documents, and purpose of the visit on that form.
• Photograph: One or more recent passport-sized photos, usually taken within the last three months. The face must be shown clearly in that photo and the background should be plain white. 
• Flight Tickets: For some cases, especially for visa-on-arrival and visa-free entries, proof of confirmed inbound and outbound flight tickets is required.
• Proof of Accommodation/Stay: Proof of where travelers are going to stay during the trip. It can include hotel reservations, rental agreements, or the address of the host or family if you’re going to stay with them.

Additional documents such as financial statements, invitation letters, or travel insurance may also be required, depending on the destination.

Colombian citizens can travel to 197 destinations worldwide. Of these, 80 are visa-free, 60 require eVisa/eTA, 15 allow Visa on Arrival, and 42 need a traditional visa.

Popular visa-free destinations include Spain, France, Germany, the UK, Argentina, Brazil, and Mexico. The full list of 80 countries is provided above.

The most reliable proof is a valid Colombian passport. In some South American countries, a national ID card may also be accepted under regional agreements.

Yes. Colombia allows its citizens to maintain dual or multiple citizenships. It means Colombians can acquire another nationality without losing their Colombian one.

No. Colombians do not need a visa for short stays (up to 90 days) in the Schengen Area for tourism and business. But as they are not a member country of Schengen, citizens of Colombia will need to obtain a European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) approval for visa-free travel.

No. Citizens of Colombia cannot have more than one valid passport unless an Emergency Passport is authorized.