How much does a Colombian visa cost in 2026?

It depends on the type: V is USD 194 total (56 + 138), M USD 260 (56 + 204) and R USD 239 (56 + 183). Tourism and student visas have reduced fees.

Can I apply for the visa while in Colombia?

Yes, if your immigration status is regular. In the form you choose the Bogotá office instead of a consulate.

How long does the Colombian visa take?

The Cancillería has up to 30 calendar days to decide after the study fee is paid, though some cases take longer.

What is the difference between V, M and R visas?

V is for temporary stays (tourism, study, digital nomad, rentista). M is for people settling in, up to 3 years. R is residency, for example after 5 years holding an M visa.

Foreigners & immigration

How do I apply for a Colombian visa online?

The Colombian visa is applied for 100% online on the Cancillería portal, and there are three types: Visitor (V), Migrant (M) and Resident (R). You first pay a study fee and, if approved, an issuance fee; in 2026 an M visa costs USD 56 for study plus USD 204 for issuance. The Cancillería has up to 30 calendar days to decide.

Go to the official Cancillería (Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores) site ↗

Independent guide by Colombia Move. Not a government website: the procedure itself is done on the official portal linked here.

Cost: In 2026 (Resolution 3969 of 2026): study fee USD 56 for V, M and R; issuance USD 138 (V), USD 204 (M) or USD 183 (R). Tourism: USD 52 issuance. Student: USD 16 + USD 21. In Colombia you pay in pesos at the current rate.
How long: Up to 30 calendar days for a decision after paying the study fee; it can take longer if other agencies are consulted. The e-visa arrives within 10 days of paying the issuance fee.
Where: Cancillería (Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores) · Online
Last checked: October 1, 2026

Who needs it

Foreigners who want to study, work, invest, retire, live with a Colombian partner, or stay longer than the entry permit allows. You can apply from abroad or from inside Colombia if your immigration status is regular.

What you need

Valid passport and, if applicable, the permit or visa you hold in Colombia.
ID-style photo in JPG (max 300 KB) and PDF documents required for your category (Resolution 5477 of 2022).
Foreign documents apostilled or legalized and officially translated into Spanish when required.
Category evidence: university letter, contract, income, marriage, investment, etc.
A way to pay the study and issuance fees (in Colombia, in pesos at the current exchange rate).

Step by step

1Check on the Cancillería site which type (V, M or R) and category fits your case and its requirements.
2Fill in the form at tramitesmre.cancilleria.gov.co (Solicitar Visa) and upload the photo and PDFs.
3Pay the study fee within 10 calendar days; otherwise the application is closed.
4Wait for the decision (up to 30 calendar days). You may be asked for more documents or an interview.
5If approved, pay the issuance fee within 10 calendar days and receive the e-visa by email.
6If the visa lasts more than 3 months, register it with Migración Colombia and get your cédula de extranjería within 15 days.

Tips and common mistakes

The study fee is not refunded even if the visa is denied. Check the requirements list carefully before paying.
Payment deadlines are 10 calendar days. If you miss them, the application is closed and you must start over.
Fees exclude stamp tax and bank fees. In pesos the amount changes with the exchange rate.
Only use the official portal tramitesmre.cancilleria.gov.co. Sites that charge for 'visa forms' are not the Cancillería.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a Colombian visa cost in 2026?: It depends on the type: V is USD 194 total (56 + 138), M USD 260 (56 + 204) and R USD 239 (56 + 183). Tourism and student visas have reduced fees.
Can I apply for the visa while in Colombia?: Yes, if your immigration status is regular. In the form you choose the Bogotá office instead of a consulate.
How long does the Colombian visa take?: The Cancillería has up to 30 calendar days to decide after the study fee is paid, though some cases take longer.
What is the difference between V, M and R visas?: V is for temporary stays (tourism, study, digital nomad, rentista). M is for people settling in, up to 3 years. R is residency, for example after 5 years holding an M visa.

Official sources

Checked on October 1, 2026. Fees and requirements can change; the official site always wins.

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