Colombia, the vibrant South American nation known for its rich culture, stunning landscapes, and warm hospitality, has become an increasingly popular destination for Indian travelers. Whether you’re planning to explore the historic streets of Cartagena, trek through the Amazon rainforest, or conduct business in Bogotá, understanding the visa requirements is crucial for a smooth journey. This comprehensive guide provides everything Indian citizens need to know about obtaining a Colombia visa in 2025.

Visa-Free Entry Options for Indians

Indian travelers do not need a visa to enter Colombia if they have a US or Schengen visa with a minimum validity of 180 days at the time of entering Colombia. This exemption also applies to Indians holding residence permits in Schengen member states or the United States. However, airport transit visas are not acceptable for this exemption.

This visa-free entry allows Indians to stay in Colombia for up to 90 days, making it an attractive option for tourists and short-term business travelers who already hold valid US or European visas.

When You Need a Colombia Visa

In all other cases travelers must obtain a Colombian Visa. If you don’t possess a valid US or Schengen visa with the required validity, you’ll need to apply for a Colombian tourist visa before your trip.

Types of Colombia Visas for Indians

Tourist Visa (TP-11)

For Indians wishing to travel to Colombia, the tourist visa is called TP-11, and one can obtain it online. This is the most common visa type for leisure travelers, allowing multiple entries for tourism purposes.

Visitor Visa (Type-V)

Tourist visas for Colombia (Type-V) are usually valid for six months and can be used several times. This visa category covers various purposes including tourism, business meetings, and family visits.

Cost and Fees Structure

The visa fees for Colombian visas vary depending on the source and processing method:

Official Government Fees

Cost of visa: USD 45 for most countries, though some exceptions may apply. The cost of this visa is 82 dollars and it is valid for 90 days according to some sources, indicating potential variations in fees.

Service Provider Fees

Get Colombia Visa in 6 days @ Rs. 13,499 when using travel service providers. This higher cost includes processing assistance, documentation support, and faster service delivery.

The fee structure typically includes:

• Embassy visa fee: USD 45-82
• Service charges: Variable depending on the provider
• VFS Global service fees (if applicable)
• Additional charges for expedited processing

Processing Time

Standard Processing

Visas are usually processed in five business days. If more documents or an interview are required, it could take up to 30 days. This timeline applies to straightforward applications with complete documentation.

Expedited Services

Apply for Colombia Visa online with min requirements, documents at low fees & 6 days processing time. Some service providers offer faster processing options for urgent travel requirements.

VFS Global Processing

Applications at VFS Global take about 15 business days to be processed by the Embassy. However, it may take longer during busy periods or in exceptional cases.

VFS Global Services

VFS Global serves as an intermediary for visa applications in many countries, though specific information about Colombia visa processing through VFS Global in India requires direct confirmation from their offices. However it is a leader in providing outsourced visa and consular services to various governments around the world.

When using VFS Global services, applicants typically benefit from:

• Professional documentation review
• Appointment scheduling assistance
• Application tracking services
• Secure document handling
• Multiple payment options

Online Application Process

one can obtain it online for the TP-11 tourist visa. The Colombian government has streamlined the application process through their official online portal, making it more convenient for Indian applicants.

Steps for Online Application:

1. Visit the official Colombian visa application website
2. Complete the online application form
3. Upload required documents
4. Pay the visa fee online
5. Submit the application
6. Track application status
7. Receive visa approval electronically

Document Requirements

Essential documents for Colombia visa application include:

Basic Requirements:

• Valid Indian passport with minimum 6 months validity
• Completed visa application form
• Recent passport-sized photographs
• Photocopy or electronic information of the respective tickets for departure from Colombia
• Travel insurance covering the entire stay
• Bank statements showing financial capability
• Employment letter or business registration documents
• Hotel reservations or accommodation proof

Additional Documents (if applicable):

• Invitation letter from Colombian contacts
• Educational certificates for student visas
• Medical certificates for specific purposes
• Criminal background check (for longer stays)

Success Rate and Approval Factors

While specific success rate statistics aren’t publicly available, Colombian visa approval rates for Indian citizens are generally favorable when applications are complete and accurate. Factors that improve approval chances include:

• Complete and accurate documentation
• Clear travel itinerary
• Sufficient financial evidence
• Strong ties to India (employment, property, family)
• Previous international travel history
• Valid travel insurance

Visa Duration and Validity

it is valid for 90 days for the TP-11 tourist visa. Tourist visas for Colombia (Type-V) are usually valid for six months and can be used several times. Depending on the itinerary, visas are issued for three months to longer periods based on the purpose and supporting documentation.

Typical validity periods:

• Tourist visa: 90 days to 6 months
• Business visa: 3-12 months
• Multiple entry options available

Refund Policy

The processing time for refund of Online Payment is 7 – 8 Working Days, POS Payment is 21 Working Days and NEFT Payment is 15 Working Days for visa services, though this may vary for Colombian visa applications specifically.

Generally, visa fees are non-refundable in case of rejection, but service fees from third-party providers may have different refund policies. It’s advisable to check specific terms before making payments.

Tips for Successful Application

1. Apply Early: Submit applications well in advance of travel dates
2. Complete Documentation: Ensure all required documents are included
3. Financial Proof: Maintain adequate bank balance and provide clear statements
4. Travel Insurance: Purchase comprehensive coverage before applying
5. Consistency: Ensure all information matches across documents
6. Professional Help: Consider using experienced visa consultants for complex cases

Recent Updates and Changes

As visa regulations can change, it’s essential to check the latest requirements from official sources. The Colombian Embassy in India and authorized visa service providers regularly update their requirements and procedures.

Conclusion

Obtaining a Colombia visa as an Indian citizen has become more streamlined with online application options and clear documentation requirements. Whether you qualify for visa-free entry with existing US/Schengen visas or need to apply for a tourist visa, proper planning and documentation are key to a successful application.

The investment in a Colombia visa opens doors to one of South America’s most diverse and culturally rich destinations. From the Caribbean coast to the Andean mountains, Colombia offers experiences that justify the visa process and associated costs. With processing times ranging from 5-30 days and fees starting from USD 45, the Colombia visa represents reasonable value for the travel opportunities it provides.

Remember to verify the latest requirements directly with the Colombian Embassy or authorized service providers before beginning your application process, as visa policies and fees can change based on diplomatic agreements and administrative updates.