Colombia Visa for Indians – E-Visa Process, Requirements & Application Steps

Regarded for its breathtaking natural beauty and inviting Colonial cities, Colombia boasts a vibrant culture, dynamic business opportunities, and has increasingly gained popularity among Indian travelers. Whether it is a vacation to Cartagena, a business meeting in Bogotá, or even celebrating a cultural festival in Medellin, visa requirements for the respective Indian date are a must. 

In this article, we hope to provide a complete and detailed itinerary for the Colombian visa for Indians, emphasizing the swift Colombia e-visa for Indian citizens. This is a thorough document that outlines the types and subclasses of visas to the detailed dos and don’ts of the application process so that Indians traveling to Colombia have one place to refer to. 

Is a visa required for Indians traveling to Colombia? 

Visiting Colombian citizens must have a visa. Visa arrangements are not available upon arrival. With that in mind, Colombia does have a working e-visa scheme where Indian travelers can make applications without having to go to a Consulate or an Embassy. This online application will streamline the process of obtaining a Colombia e visa visa as it can be done from anywhere.

Different Categories of Colombian Visas For Indian Nationals 

Depending on the purpose of your travel, there are several categories of visas available for Colombia. Below are the most relevant types for Indian citizens: 

1. Visitor Visa (Type V)

• Purpose: It includes tourism, business meetings, short-term studies, medical treatment, family gatherings, and attending events.
• Validity: Generally, issuance of Visa is for 180 days in a year.
• Eligibility: Well-suited for the majority of Indian visitors and business travelers.

2. Migrant Visa (Type M)

• Purpose: Applicable for individuals intending to relocate to Colombia for a long period; marrying a Colombian, working, studying, investing, or other business.
• Validity: Up to 3 years.
• Relevance: Beneficial for the relocating or working for a long period.

3. Resident Visa (Type R)

• Purpose: Visa for migrants looking to settle permanently.
• Eligibility: For long term migrants (after a period on a Type M visa) or those directly linked to Colombia such as a spouse or children to Colombian nationals.
• Validity: Indefinite, granted with 5-year renewals.

For majority of Indian citizens, the Colombia e visa issued as a Visitor Visa (Type V) category would be the most suitable.

What is the Colombia E Visa?

Colombia e-visa, It eliminates the need for traveling to the Colombian embassy for visa application submission. The visa is processed, approved, and subsequently sent via email in PDF format, ready to be printed and presented during travel.

E visas and similar procedures are game chagers for travelers abroad. This is especially beneficial for holders of Indian passports as it reduces the age old burdens of extensive paperwork, and multiple physical appointments.

Advantages of Colombia E Visa for Indian Citizens

– No Need for Embassy Visit – Application is done online.

– Easier Document Submission – All documentation is submitted as digital copies.

-Document Submission Convenience – All documentation is submitted as digital copies.

– Flexible Duration – One is able to choose the length of stay.

– Multiple Uses – One can enter the country multiple times

– No Need to Go to Embassy – All documentation can be sent via the internet, which eliminates the need for embassy appointments, making the process way smoother.

Prerequisites to Colombia E Visa for Indian Citizens

Indian nationals wishing to apply for e-visa through Colombia must meet the following criteria.

– You must be in possession of a valid Indian passport

– You must show documentary evidence for the reason of travel (tourism, employment, education, etc.).

– You must provide evidence of financial support for the stay.

– No travel restrictions, bans, or immigration offenses.

– Follow Colombia’s COVID or health-related protocols (if relevant). 

Documents Needed for Colombia E Visa for Indian Citizens 

Indian citizens, in particular, must ensure to document upload the following airline documents to enhance the probability of acceptance. 

1. Screenshot of Passport – Passport must be curated in the copy of the visa page and passport photograph section.
2. Passport Photograph – Photograph must be in passport standards. Must be in JPEG or PNG.
3. Flight Reservations – Round trip reservation for flight must be documented.
4. Verification of Booking or Invitaion – Documents stating the Colombian stay must include hotel booking or an invitation letter.
5. Financial Documents – Bank accounts must show a positive balance and must be at least 3-6 months old.
6. Formal Letter – Must state and elaborate the purpose of travel, travel stages and intended duration.
7. Insurance Document – Covers in case of emergencies, hospitalization or travel.
8. Corporate Letter – Must be from Colombian firms or companies.
9. Other Relevant Documents – Visa documents such as conferences or acceptance letters must be submitted.

Procedure for Submission of the E-visa from India 

Step 1: Verify Colombian Visa Portal 

The following URL leads to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Colombian government page. 

https://www.cancilleria.gov.co 

Step 2: Register and Continue Application 

Visa types (Visitor, Migrant or Resident) must first be selected post email registration to initiate the application.

Step 3: Fill in Additional Information and Travel Details

In this section, enter your complete name, passport number, current address, intended date of travel, and reason of visit. 

Step 4: Submit Other Necessary Documents

All other documents listed should be submitted in the specified format and size. Pay attention to detail because failure to do so will result in rejection. 

Step 5: Pay the Visa Fees 

– The application fee for Colombia Visitor Visa falls between $52 and $82. 

– It can be settled with credit and debit cards. 

– A screenshot of the confirmation page must be taken. 

Step 6: Wait For Processing 

– Processing time is between 5 to 10 business days. 

– In some instances, an applicant may be required to appear for a virtual or face to face interview, or provide additional documents. 

Step 7: Get Your Colombia E Visa 

You will get the E-visa Colombia in your email as a PDF document. Ensure to print a copy and carry alongside other travel documents.

Colombia Visa Fees for Indian Citizens

Note: The fees may vary depending on the type, duration, and additional embassy service charges.

Colombia E Visa Processing Timeline 

• Standard Processing: 5 to 10 business days.
• Peak Season: May take longer due to increased application volume.
• Urgent Processing: Not formally offered, but rare cases of expedited processing are possible through embassy advocacy.

Common Reasons for Colombia Visa Denials 

1. Incomplete or inaccurate application form
2. Unclear or forged supporting documents
3. Insufficient financial documentation
4. Absence of relevant travel documentation or vague purpose of travel
5. Overstay of Visa Suspicion
6. Low-quality image of the passport

To avoid the visa rejection, submit an application that is accurate and thoroughly documented. 

Increasing Your Stay in Colombia 

Indian passport holders with a Visitor Visa can submit extension applications to Migración Colombia provided that the request is made prior to the expiration. Extensions can be requested through an online application, or by attending the office with a valid reason and supporting documents.

Please note that overstaying without appropriate authorization may incur penalties or result in a travel ban.

Strategies for a Successful E Visa Application

• Check for errors for your application and uploaded documents and review them for accuracy.
• Scanned copies should be in the required file formats and high resolution.
• Clearly state the objectives of your travel and the itinerary.
• Do not purchase non-refundable tickets before the visa is granted.
• Check that your passport is not expired and has sufficient blank pages.

Exploring Colombia – What You Will Experience

Armed with a Colombia e-visa, this South American gem is ready for your exploration. Here is a short summary of what you can anticipate:

• Major Urban Areas: Bogotá the capital, Medellín the tech city, Cartagena the historic port, Cali the salsa capital.
• Key Destinations: Cocora Valley, The Coffee Triangle, The Rosario Islands, The Gold Museum, The Amazon Rainforest.
• Culture and Food: Colombian dances, festivals, empanadas, arepas, and coffee.
• Languages: Spanish (official) and basic English in tourist areas.
• Coins: Colombian Peso (COP)

Always carry a printout of your e-visa and your passport during your stay.