Republic of Colombia · short term business
Visa V (Visitante)
By Sam Parks · Last reviewed:
The Visitor (V) visa for temporary stays in Colombia where the holder has no intention of establishing domicile in the country.
- Processing time
- Indicative only - confirm current timelines on the official Cancilleria visa page.
- Government fees
- Indicative only - a study fee and an issuance fee apply; confirm current amounts on the official page.
- Typical duration
- Issued for a defined temporary period that varies by subcategory; not a settlement track. Confirm the current validity for your subcategory on the official page.
- Sponsorship required
- No
- Leads to permanent residency
- No
Overview
Under Resolucion 5477 of 2022, the Visa V (Visitante) is the temporary, non-establishment category of Colombian visa. It covers a range of short- to medium-stay activities - business, tourism beyond visa-waiver limits, study, medical treatment and similar - where the holder does not intend to settle. Some V subcategories authorise a specific activity for a specific entity, but most do not grant a work permit, and time on a V visa does not count toward residence. The Visa V is issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Eligibility
Typical criteria
- ✓The planned activity falls within one of the Visa V subcategories defined by Resolucion 5477 of 2022.Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Colombia) ↗
- ✓The applicant intends only a temporary stay, without establishing domicile in Colombia.Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Colombia) ↗
- ✓A passport valid for the period required by the subcategory is held.Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Colombia) ↗
- ✓Supporting documents for the specific activity (invitation, enrolment, contract or similar) are provided.Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Colombia) ↗
Common blockers
- !The true purpose is to settle in Colombia, which requires a Migrant (M) or Resident (R) visa instead.Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Colombia) ↗
- !The activity does not match any defined Visa V subcategory.Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Colombia) ↗
- !Work is intended for a Colombian entity under a subcategory that does not grant a work permit.Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Colombia) ↗
Typical evidence
- ·Valid passport meeting the validity required by the subcategory.Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Colombia) ↗
- ·Completed visa application form and a recent photograph.Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Colombia) ↗
- ·Documents evidencing the specific activity (e.g. business invitation, course enrolment, medical referral).Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Colombia) ↗
- ·Proof of financial means appropriate to the subcategory.Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Colombia) ↗
Application pathway
Check the route fit
Confirm which Visa V subcategory under Resolucion 5477 of 2022 matches your activity and that you do not need a Migrant or Resident visa, using the official Cancilleria page.
Build the evidence pack
Assemble the passport, application form, photograph and the activity-specific supporting documents the subcategory requires.
Submit through the official channel
Apply through the Cancilleria online visa system or at a Colombian consulate, as directed for your subcategory.
After approval
Enter Colombia within the visa validity and observe the permitted-activity and stay limits for the subcategory.
Official application links
Where to actually go next
These are the official pages to use for this route. Open them before preparing documents: the forms, fees, appointment systems, and sponsor steps can change without warning.
- Official guidanceApplicantUse official Visa V (Visitante) route page ↗
Use this official page to confirm requirements and follow the government filing route for Visa V (Visitante).
Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Colombia) · verified
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Visa V Nomadas Digitales
The digital-nomad subcategory of the Visa V, for remote workers and digital entrepreneurs serving foreign companies or clients from Colombia.
Visa M (Migrante)
The Migrant (M) visa - the establishment-intent category whose continuous holding accrues toward a Resident (R) visa in Colombia.
Frequently asked questions
Does time on a Colombian Visa V count toward residence?+
No. The Visa V (Visitante) is a temporary, non-establishment category, and time held on it does not accrue toward a Resident (R) visa. Establishment intent requires a Migrant (M) visa. Confirm the rules for your subcategory on the official Cancilleria page.
Can I work in Colombia on a Visa V?+
Only certain Visa V subcategories authorise a specific activity for a specific entity; most do not grant a general work permit. Check whether your subcategory allows the work you intend on the official Cancilleria page.
Need tailored advice?
We do not provide legal advice. For an application that depends on your exact circumstances, consult a regulator-listed immigration advisor.
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