Expats · Immigration

From Tourist to Expat: When Does a Foreign Visitor Need a Colombian Visa?

Most nationalities can enter Colombia without a visa for up to 90 days. The problem starts when that period expires and the person remains without regularizing.

The 90-day limit

Citizens of more than 90 countries (including the US, Canada, UK, EU, Australia, Japan, South Korea, etc.) can enter as tourists for up to 90 days. In many cases an extension can be requested from Migración Colombia, but it is not automatic. The maximum accumulated in a calendar year is usually 180 days.

When is a visa required?

You need a visa when:

• You want to stay beyond the authorized tourist period
• You will work (remote or local), study formally, invest or reside
• Your nationality is not on the visa-exempt list
• You plan to change status inside the country (increasingly restricted in practice)

Risks of remaining irregular

Fines, exit bans, future inadmissibility, expulsion and difficulty regularizing later. In 2026 status-verification operations have increased.

Common regularization routes

• Digital Nomad Visa (V) — remote work for foreign employers + 3 SMMLV income
• Investor / Partner Visa (M) — 100 or 350 SMMLV depending on route
• Family-tie visa — spouse, permanent partner or parents of a Colombian
• Pensioner visa — retirement income meeting the threshold
• Student visa — enrollment in a recognized institution

General information based on current regulations. Does not constitute legal advice. Verify through official channels.