Colombia Visitor Visa (Family & Friends Visit)
The Colombia Visitor Visa for family and friends is processed under the broader Visitor (V) visa category issued by Colombia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Cancillería). According to official guidance, the Visitor (V) visa is for foreigners wishing to visit Colombia once or several times, or to stay temporarily without this being permanent, and it explicitly covers a wide range of activities including tourism, business, and general visits — this is the category most travellers visiting relatives or friends in Colombia would apply under. Citizens of over 100 countries and territories can visit Colombia visa-free for up to 90 days for general visits, receiving only an entry stamp; nationals outside this list need to apply for the Visitor (V) visa in advance, typically citing tourism or a similar purpose covering the visit. 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 Visitor Visa (family/friends) must generally:
- Be a foreign national travelling to Colombia to visit family members or friends, without the intention of establishing permanent residence.
- Hold a valid passport or travel document, in good condition, with a minimum of two blank pages.
- Provide documents evidencing sufficient economic capacity to remain in Colombia during the visit, or a letter from the host in Colombia accrediting their economic solvency and responsibility for the applicant’s stay and departure.
- Where the applicant is a qualifying family member of a Colombian national (spouse, permanent partner, or child/parent by adoption), a distinct family-based visa category may apply instead — see Colombia’s Family Reunification or Marriage Visa pages.
Government Visa Fees
Under the official Cancillería fee schedule, family/friend visits processed under the general Visitor (V) category follow the standard fee structure:
| Fee Type | Amount |
| Visa study fee (Estudio) | USD 50, non-reimbursable |
| Visa issuance fee (if approved) | USD 45 (exceptions apply for certain countries, per Cancillería’s published exceptions list) |
| INR Equivalent | Information may vary depending on the visa category and individual circumstances |
Fees are paid in Colombian pesos at the average exchange rate fixed periodically by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The study fee is non-reimbursable regardless of the outcome.
Processing Time
According to Cancillería’s online visa system, applications for family/friend visits under the Visitor (V) category follow the same general timeline as other V-category visas, with reported processing times of approximately 5 to 30 calendar days for many applications once the file is marked for study. Applicants should coordinate with their host in Colombia to gather any required invitation or solvency documents, and apply well in advance of their intended travel date.
Required Documents Checklist
Step-by-Step Application Process
Important Notes
Why Choose Shivansh Consultants
Applying for a Colombia Visitor Visa (Family & Friends Visit) requires accurate documentation, a genuine purpose of visit, and compliance with the visa requirements prescribed by the Colombian authorities. At Shivansh Consultants, we provide personalized guidance and end-to-end support, assisting you with visitor visa application forms, passport documentation, invitation letters, proof of relationship or friendship (where applicable), travel itinerary, accommodation details, financial documents, travel insurance (where applicable), 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 visa requirements. We are committed to delivering transparent, reliable, and client-focused assistance throughout your Colombia Visitor Visa (Family & Friends Visit) 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 Visitor Visa (Family & Friends Visit) application with confidence.