Do You Need a Visa for Bogotá? Everything You Need to Know Before You Go

If you’re planning a trip to Bogotá, one of the first things you should confirm is whether you need a visa—and if so, which kind. 

Colombia offers generous visa-free access to travelers from many countries, but rules vary depending on your passport, your visit’s purpose, and how long you plan to stay. Here’s what to expect.

Who Can Enter Colombia Without a Visa

Colombia offers visa-free entry to citizens of over 90 countries, including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, European Union nations, Australia, New Zealand, and most of South America.

As a visa-exempt traveler, you can stay in Colombia for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. That’s plenty of time for a cultural getaway, working remotely, or spending time with family.

Here’s what you need to keep handy upon arrival:

• Your passport, valid for at least six months
• Return or onward ticket
• Sometimes, proof of accommodations or financial means

Citizens from Brazil, Argentina, Chile, and Ecuador don’t even need a passport—an official ID card works just fine. This flexible setup is ideal for luxury travelers, professionals on short-term trips, or families visiting Bogotá.

Sources confirm visa-exempt status for these regions and typical document requirements. It’s always smart to check your passport’s validity and any airline-specific rules before you travel.

When You Do Need a Visa for Bogotá

There are a few scenarios where you will need a visa before traveling:

• Your country is not on Colombia’s visa-exempt list—this includes nations like India, China, and various parts of Africa and the Middle East.
• You’re planning to stay longer than 90 days.
• You’re traveling for study, work, volunteer programs, or long-term residency.

If you’re unsure whether your passport requires a visa, check the government’s official visa requirements list. Visiting as a volunteer, remote worker, or consultant? You might still need a Visitor (V) or Migrant (M) visa—even if your stay is short.

To avoid surprises, contact the nearest Colombian consulate or embassy well before booking your trip. Visa requirements can change depending on your nationality and purpose.

Common Visa Types for Travelers

If you do need a visa, Colombia offers clear paths depending on your needs:

Visitor Visa (V)

• For stays longer than 90 days
• Business meetings, events, workshops, short-term studies or medical treatment
• Usually valid up to 180 days per year

Migrant Visa (M)

• For remote digital professionals, spouses of Colombians, entrepreneurs, or work contracts
• Valid from 1 to 3 years, renewable

Resident Visa (R)

• For those who’ve lived in Colombia on an M visa for several years
• Ideal for long-term residency planning

These visas are applied for online through the official portal—submission, payment, and tracking all happen digitally, giving you control and convenience.

Helpful preparation tips

• Carry digital and printed copies of all key documents.
• Keep your travel insurance on-hand; many luxury hotels or medical services require it.
• El Dorado International Airport’s immigration process is generally smooth, but having everything in order makes arrival quicker and more relaxed.

How to Extend Your Stay in Bogotá

If Bogotá captures your heart and you wish to stay longer than 90 days, you can request an extension while in Colombia.

Here’s how:

• Apply online through Migración Colombia at least one week before your initial 90-day term expires
• You may be granted up to an additional 90 days, for a total of 180 days per calendar year
• You will need a passport scan, your entry stamp, and an explanation of your travel reasons

Remember, extensions are granted at the discretion of immigration authorities. Justification like continued leisure, family visits, or remote work (if you’re a digital nomad) should be clear.

If your reasons involve formal study or local work, applying for a Visitor (V) or Migrant (M) visa before expiry is the safer route.

Special Considerations for Different Types of Travelers 

Families

Each traveler, regardless of age, must have their own passport. If a minor is traveling with one parent, some documentation such as parental consent may be needed. Always check these details before arriving.

Business Travelers

If your trip involves conferences, meetings, or client work—even briefly—you may need a Visitor (V) visa. Have letters of invitation or a business agenda ready as supporting documents.

Digital Nomads & Remote Professionals

Colombia now offers a Digital Nomad Visa (Visa Tipo V Nomadas Digitales):

• Good for up to 2 years
• Requires proof of your remote job or business, consistent foreign income (3× minimum wage, \~USD 1,100/month), health insurance valid in Colombia, and clean criminal record
• Application and issuance fees total around USD 230 
• You work only for foreign clients—earning local income or employment is not allowed
• If you stay over 183 days, you might become a tax resident. Non-residents typically aren’t taxed on foreign income, but you should consult a tax expert 
• This visa is ideal if you plan to stay longer or repeatedly return without juggling immigration statuses.

Questions? Ask the Experts at Cielo Travel

Bogotá is welcoming and rich with experiences—but getting the entry details right sets the tone for a stress-free stay. 

If you have questions about your upcoming trip—whether on visa regulations or the best places to stay—trust the team at Cielo Travel. We’ll ensure that every aspect of your trip runs smoothly and that you spend your time enjoying—not solving problems.