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  •  /  Colombia
  • Country Overviews

Colombia

At a Glance

Capital Bogota
Language Spanish
Population 48,168,996 (2018 est.)
GDP Total $711.6 billion (2017 est.)
GDP Per Capita $14,400 (2017 est.)
Assessing Travel and Visa Obligations

 

When traveling to Colombia, your nationality and the types of activities you will conduct during your trip will determine whether you may travel lawfully as a business visitor or if you require work authorization. Please seek advice from your immigration counsel if you are uncertain about the specific types of activities that constitute business or work.

 

Traveling for Business

 

What types of activities may I engage in as a business visitor?

As a business visitor to Colombia, you may engage in the activities below depending on the type of authorization you are traveling under. The most common types of authorization for business visitors are the Visitor Visa (V) for Business Activities, Tourist Permit, and Integration and Development Permit. While this list is not exhaustive and other activities could qualify as business, depending on the visa held, you may:

  • » Conduct business negotiations
  • » Perform market studies
  • » Conclude contracts or give commercial representation
  • » Attend or participate in academic, scientific, artistic, cultural, or sporting events
  • » Perform journalistic activities or coverage

 

If I qualify as a business visitor, do I need a visa for Colombia?

Most foreign nationals intending to enter Colombia to conduct business activities require authorization. Depending on their intended activities, non-restricted nationals may apply for a Tourist Permit or Integration and Development Permit upon arrival at the port of entry, or in country if already in Colombia. Non-restricted nationals may alternatively choose to apply for a Visitor Visa (V) for Business Activities. Restricted nationals must obtain a Visitor Visa (V) for Business Activities from a Colombian Consulate or Embassy prior to travel. Please obtain an individual assessment before traveling to determine your eligibility for a Tourist Permit, Integration and Development Permit, or Visitor Visa (V) for Business Activities.

 

Working in Colombia

 

What types of activities require work authorization?

The activities below, whether paid or unpaid, generally constitute work under Colombian law. This list is not exhaustive, and many other professional activities are considered work in Colombia, even if conducted for a short duration.

  • » Hands-on technical work
  • » Repairs and maintenance
  • » Consulting

 

If I am traveling to Colombia for work, what type of work authorization do I need?

The requirements for work authorization depend on your qualifications, on the nature and duration of your work, and on whether your employer has an entity in Colombia. The most common types of work authorization for Colombia are:

  • » Permit to Develop Other Activities (short-term work authorization for urgent technical services)
  • » Visitor Visa (V) for Participation in an Event (short-term work authorization for special event participation)
  • » Migrant Work Visa (M) for Local Employment or a Service Contract (long-term work authorization for direct hires)
  • » Visitor Visa (V) for Temporary Provision of Services (long-term work authorization for carrying out services under a local or foreign contract)
  • » Visitor Visa (V) for Intra-Company Transfers (long-term work authorization for intra-company transferees from companies based in countries with international trade agreements with Colombia)

 

Is it possible to be exempted from work authorization requirements?

Colombia does not offer work authorization exemptions. Although there are no nationalities that are exempt from the work authorization requirements in Colombia, special visa arrangements are available for select nationals. Please check with an immigration professional for more information.

 

What else should I know?

 

Inevitably, the legal and strategic considerations impacting visa selection, as well as visa waiver and work authorization eligibility, entail the careful consideration of many factors. We recommend that you consult with your immigration counsel before taking any course of action.

 

Copyright © 2020 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. Government immigration agencies often change their policies and practices without notice; please consult an immigration professional for up-to-date information. This document does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship. BAL maintains comprehensive immigration information and processing specifics for our clients.


News and Events

4 Feb 21

COVID-19: Travel from Brazil suspended for 30 days

Colombia COVID-19

28 Jan 21

COVID-19: Coronavirus testing added as requirement for arriving...

Colombia COVID-19

18 Nov 20

COVID-19: Testing requirement for entry eliminated

Colombia COVID-19

24 Sep 20

COVID-19: Migration Colombia services available once again

Colombia COVID-19

17 Sep 20

COVID-19: Commercial air travel gradually reopening to include...

Colombia COVID-19

4 Sep 20

COVID-19: Border closure extended, internal quarantine lifted

Colombia COVID-19

3 Jun 20

COVID-19: Mandatory lockdown extended, other measures implemented

Colombia COVID-19

22 May 20

COVID-19: Lockdown, health emergency extended

Colombia COVID-19

28 Apr 20

COVID-19: Immigration processes suspended

Colombia COVID-19

31 Mar 20

COVID-19: Government extends restrictions

Colombia COVID-19

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At a Glance

Capital Bogota
Language Spanish
Population 48,168,996 (2018 est.)
GDP Total $711.6 billion (2017 est.)
GDP Per Capita $14,400 (2017 est.)

Immigration Links

  • Country Specific Travel information
  • Directory of Embassies/Consulates
  • Overseas Security Advisory Council

Related News

  • COVID-19: Travel from Brazil suspended for 30 days

    COLOMBIA   4 Feb 21

  • COVID-19: Coronavirus testing added as requirement for arriving...

    COLOMBIA   28 Jan 21

  • COVID-19: Testing requirement for entry eliminated

    COLOMBIA   18 Nov 20

  • COVID-19: Migration Colombia services available once again

    COLOMBIA   24 Sep 20

  • COVID-19: Commercial air travel gradually reopening to include...

    COLOMBIA   17 Sep 20

  • COVID-19: Border closure extended, internal quarantine lifted

    COLOMBIA   4 Sep 20

  • COVID-19: Mandatory lockdown extended, other measures implemented

    COLOMBIA   3 Jun 20

  • COVID-19: Lockdown, health emergency extended

    COLOMBIA   22 May 20

  • COVID-19: Immigration processes suspended

    COLOMBIA   28 Apr 20

  • COVID-19: Government extends restrictions

    COLOMBIA   31 Mar 20

  • Inbound international flights halted

    COLOMBIA   23 Mar 20

  • Government implements strict immigration measures, restricts travel

    COLOMBIA   18 Mar 20

  • Special Stay Permit application now available online for...

    COLOMBIA   31 Jan 20

  • New minimum salary, transportation allowance set for 2020

    COLOMBIA   3 Jan 20

  • Visa-free travelers to be issued one of three...

    COLOMBIA   6 Dec 19

  • Authorities streamline foreign degree validation process

    COLOMBIA   30 Oct 19

  • New resolution impacts children of Venezuelan nationals born...

    COLOMBIA   12 Aug 19

  • Ministry of Foreign Affairs introduces new permit for...

    COLOMBIA   30 Jul 19

  • Venezuelans now eligible for Special Stay Permit renewals

    COLOMBIA   24 Jun 19

  • Venezuelan nationals may now enter with expired passport

    COLOMBIA   20 Mar 19

  • Update: RUTEC registration extended to March 9

    COLOMBIA   6 Feb 19

  • In-person visa requests no longer accepted

    COLOMBIA   5 Feb 19

  • Minimum salary increases

    COLOMBIA   23 Jan 19

  • Registry of Foreign Workers in effect

    COLOMBIA   14 Nov 18

  • Stay permits, eased degree validation offered to Venezuelan...

    COLOMBIA   17 Aug 18

  • Stricter immigration compliance regime now in place

    COLOMBIA   27 Jun 18

  • Migration Department warns of email scam

    COLOMBIA   8 May 18

  • 3 countries added to visa-on-arrival program

    COLOMBIA   5 Mar 18

  • Government extends legalization program for Venezuelans

    COLOMBIA, VENEZUELA   20 Feb 18

  • New immigration law to take effect Dec. 15

    COLOMBIA   13 Dec 17

  • New requirements take effect for educational degree validation

    COLOMBIA   24 Oct 17

  • Visa waiver extended to Montenegro, removed for South...

    COLOMBIA   18 Sep 17

  • Papal visit means reduced office hours, possible delays

    COLOMBIA   6 Sep 17

  • New law revamps immigration categories and qualifying criteria

    COLOMBIA   15 Aug 17

  • Legalization program announced for Venezuelans with expired permits

    COLOMBIA   3 Aug 17

  • Yellow fever vaccination required for travelers from 4...

    COLOMBIA   7 Jun 17

  • Online visa process could cause delays

    COLOMBIA   9 Aug 16

  • Colombia added to Global Entry Program

    COLOMBIA, UNITED STATES   27 Jul 16

  • Additional documentation now needed with TP-4, Mercosur visa...

    COLOMBIA   13 Apr 16

  • Colombian visa-free travel to Schengen Area begins today

    COLOMBIA, EUROPEAN UNION   3 Dec 15

  • Colombia eases entry requirements for some Asian travelers

    COLOMBIA   10 Mar 15

  • Certain educational degrees must be apostilled or legalized

    COLOMBIA   23 Jan 15

  • Fees imposed on Canadian travelers

    COLOMBIA   8 Jan 15

  • Colombia suspends Mercosur visa for Venezuelans

    COLOMBIA   13 Nov 14

  • Colombian companies must register workers online

    COLOMBIA   11 Nov 14

  • Colombia tightening enforcement of local contract requirement

    COLOMBIA   20 Oct 14

  • Working Holiday program announced by four countries

    CHILE, COLOMBIA, MEXICO, PERU   15 Jul 14

  • Venezuelans may now apply for Mercosur visa

    COLOMBIA   8 Apr 14

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