Colombia
Time to move a little farther south than Mexico, for more information on how to get a Mexican tourist visa, check out this awesome article here. You won’t regret it! Probably…
Now it’s time to talk about Colombia, a place I hold near and dear to my heart. Colombia is a great country to visit. The people are friendly, the food is cheap and plentiful, and the weather is predictable and pleasant. These are just a few reasons why you might want to add Colombia to your list of possible destinations.
As with any country on your list, you should spend some time as a tourist first before making the jump to residence. Luckily, for US citizens you do not require a visa for stays up to 90 days. After the 90 days, you may request to extend an additional 90 days by visiting a Migración Colombia office. Obtaining a Colombian tourist visa for stay longer than 180 days is straightforward and quick.
Tourist Visa Requirements (Type-V)
The requirements for a Colombian tourist visa are incredibly simple. You will need to complete these steps with your local Colombian embassy.
- Payment for visa of $52 and $82 USD(subject to change)
- Valid passport (not expiring within 6 months of your stay) or travel document, in good condition and with a minimum of two blank pages. If you are already in the country, a page with the stamp.
- Two (2) recent 3×3 photographs, facing the camera, in color and against a white background.
- Documents evidencing that the economic capacity is sufficient to remain in Colombia as a tourist.
- If you were invited, a letter or document accrediting the economic solvency of the person who has invited or assumes responsibility for the foreigner, his/her stay in and departure from Colombia.
- Photocopy or electronic information of the respective tickets for departure from Colombia.
Please note, the first payment fee payment of $52 USD must be made after submitting your Colombia visa application. This fee is for “visa study”, which means to process your visa application. The second visa fee payment of $82 USD must be made after your visa is approved. This fee is for “visa issuance”, which means to receive your eVisa. Not the cheapest visa, however, one of the easiest to obtain.
To apply, you will need to fill out an application online with Sistema Integral de Trámites al Ciudadano, or SITAC. This application is in English and a breeze to complete. The application should take no more than an hour, 30 minutes more likely.
If this were me, I would use the 180 days without a visa to get a feel for the country and spend some time between a few cities, Bogóta, Medellín, Cali or Barranquilla. All great cities with their own culture and vibes. You will also see the country does have a variety of climates, so depending on personal preferences, cooler or warmer temps are available, and within short distances of each other.
I think Colombia is a wonderful place to visit. Anyone who wants to visit or live in South America should consider the cheap possibilities of this beautiful country.
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