Colombia Crew Visa
The Colombia Crew Member’s Visa is issued by Colombia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Cancillería) as one of the country’s official visa categories, covering foreign nationals working as crew members of international means of transportation, including boats, coastal platforms, and fishing vessels. According to official Cancillería guidance, applications require a letter from the legal representative of the company responsible for the international transportation, stating the activity to be carried out and confirming the company’s obligation to the Colombian Government to assume responsibility for the presence of the foreigner in national territory and their departure from the country. Crew members of fishing vessels face additional requirements, including compliance with regulations on the proportional contracting of foreign crew. As with all Colombia Visa categories, the final decision on approval rests solely with the competent Colombian consular authorities.
Eligibility
Based on official Cancillería guidance, applicants for a Crew Member’s Visa must generally:
- Be a foreign national working as a crew member of a boat, coastal platform, or other qualifying international means of transportation.
- Hold a valid passport or travel document, in good condition, with a minimum of two blank pages.
- Be sponsored by the legal representative of the company responsible for the international means of transportation.
- For fishing vessel crew members: comply with Colombian regulations on the proportional contracting of foreign crew, and hold any required permits for the practice of fishing activities.
- Where applicable, provide proof of having informed the maritime authority of the relevant activity.
Government Visa Fees
| Fee Type | Amount |
| Visa study fee (Estudio) | USD 50 in Colombian pesos at the average exchange rate fixed every four months by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; non-reimbursable |
| Visa issuance fee (if approved) | Confirm current amount with Cancillería or the relevant Colombian Consulate |
| INR Equivalent | Information may vary depending on the visa category and individual circumstances |
The study fee is non-reimbursable regardless of the outcome of the application.
Processing Time
According to Cancillería’s online visa system, Crew Member’s Visa applications follow the general processing timeline for online visa categories, with reported timelines of approximately 5 to 30 calendar days for many applications, depending on the completeness of documentation from the sponsoring company and consular workload. Given that crew assignments are often time-sensitive, applicants should coordinate closely with their employer and apply well in advance of the planned assignment.
Required Documents Checklist
Step-by-Step Application Process
Important Notes
Why Choose Shivansh Consultants
Applying for a Colombia Crew Visa requires accurate documentation, valid crew credentials, and compliance with the visa requirements prescribed by the Colombian authorities. At Shivansh Consultants, we provide personalized guidance and end-to-end support, assisting eligible crew members with crew visa application forms, passport documentation, crew identification, employer or airline/shipping company documents, travel itinerary, and all required supporting paperwork. Our experienced consultants carefully review every application to help minimize errors, reduce delays, and ensure your documentation meets the applicable crew visa requirements. We are committed to delivering transparent, reliable, and client-focused assistance throughout your Colombia Crew Visa application process. While the final decision on visa approval rests solely with the Colombian immigration authorities, our goal is to help you submit a complete, accurate, and well-prepared Colombia Crew Visa application with confidence.