90 days
Tourist entry for most nationalities
V Visa
Category for medical tourism visits
~$52
Colombia visa application fee

Navigating Colombia's entry rules and visa options is one of the first things to sort out for a long stay. The good news: most nationalities get 90 days on arrival with no visa required. For stays longer than 90 days or specific purposes like retirement or remote work, Colombia has clear visa pathways. This guide covers every option relevant to expats, digital nomads, retirees, and medical tourists.

Entry Without a Visa: The 90-Day Tourist Stay

Citizens of the US, Canada, UK, EU countries, Australia, and most of Latin America can enter Colombia visa-free and receive a tourist stamp allowing up to 90 days. This can be extended once for another 90 days at a Migración Colombia office, giving you up to 180 days in a calendar year.

✅ For most visitors: If you're staying less than 90 days — for a medical procedure, a work sprint, or a long holiday — no visa is needed. Just book your apartment and go.

  • Duration: 90 days on arrival (extendable to 180 days total per calendar year)
  • Who qualifies: US, Canada, UK, EU, Australia, New Zealand, and 100+ other nationalities
  • Requirements: Valid passport (6+ months), onward ticket, proof of sufficient funds
  • Extension: Apply at a Migración Colombia office or online — adds another 90 days

The Digital Nomad / Remote Work Visa (Visa M – Nómada Digital)

Colombia launched a dedicated Digital Nomad Visa in 2022, allowing remote workers to live legally in Colombia for up to 2 years. It's one of the most straightforward digital nomad visas in South America.

  • Duration: Up to 2 years (non-renewable, but you can re-apply)
  • Income requirement: ~3x Colombia's minimum monthly wage (~$1,035/month as of 2026)
  • Work requirement: Must work for a foreign employer or clients, not Colombian companies
  • Tax status: Does not trigger Colombian tax residency for the first 3 years
  • Application: Online via the Colombia visa portal, ~$52 fee
  • Processing time: Typically 3–10 business days

📋 Documents needed: Passport, employment contract or proof of freelance income (3 months bank statements), health insurance covering Colombia, criminal background check apostilled from your home country.

The Retirement Visa (Visa M – Pensionado)

One of the most attractive retirement visas in the Americas. If you receive a pension, Social Security, or passive income over a threshold, you qualify.

  • Duration: Up to 3 years (renewable indefinitely)
  • Income requirement: ~3x Colombia's minimum wage (~$1,035/month) from a pension, retirement account, or passive income
  • Path to residency: After 5 years on this visa, you can apply for Colombian permanent residency (Visa R)
  • Tax: Foreign pension income is generally not taxed by Colombia for the first 3 years
  • Application: ~$52 online via visa portal

The Medical Tourism Visa (Visa V – Turismo en Salud)

Specifically for people visiting Colombia for medical treatment. Rarely needed since most procedures fall within the 90-day tourist window, but useful for complex treatments requiring extended stays.

  • Duration: Up to 180 days
  • Requirements: Letter from a Colombian clinic confirming the medical procedure and estimated recovery duration
  • Who needs it: Anyone whose recovery period will exceed 90 days from entry
  • Application: Can be done before arrival or via extension at Migración Colombia

The Investor Visa (Visa M – Inversionista)

For those investing in Colombian real estate or a business.

  • Real estate investment: Minimum ~$180,000 USD in Colombian property
  • Business investment: Minimum ~$90,000 USD in a Colombian company
  • Duration: 3 years, renewable
  • Path to residency: 5 years → permanent residency eligibility

Extending Your Tourist Stay

If you entered on a tourist stamp and want to stay longer (up to 180 days total), apply for an extension at any Migración Colombia office or online at migracioncolombia.gov.co. Apply at least 30 days before your original stamp expires. The extension process takes 1–5 business days and costs around $52–80 USD.

⚠️ Do not overstay. Overstaying a Colombian visa results in fines of approximately $100 USD per day overstayed, and can affect future entry. Migración Colombia actively checks exit dates.

Practical Tips for Entry

  • Always carry a printed or digital copy of your onward ticket when arriving
  • Have proof of accommodation (your RentiHome booking confirmation works perfectly)
  • Immigration officers may ask for proof of sufficient funds — have $500–1,000 accessible on a card or statement
  • Barranquilla's Ernesto Cortissoz International Airport (BAQ) has a smooth immigration process — typically 15–30 minutes
  • Colombian immigration stamps show the date you entered and the allowed duration

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Americans enter Colombia without a visa?
Yes. US citizens get 90 days visa-free on arrival. This can be extended once for another 90 days, giving 180 days total per calendar year.
How much money do I need to show at the Colombian border?
There's no fixed requirement, but immigration officers may ask. A general guideline is $30–50 USD per day of your stay. Having a credit card and a bank statement showing a healthy balance is usually sufficient.
Can I work remotely in Colombia on a tourist visa?
Technically, Colombian law prohibits working for income on a tourist visa. In practice, many nomads do this for short stays without issue. For stays longer than 90 days, the Digital Nomad Visa is the correct and legal path — it's easy to obtain and provides full legal clarity.
Does living in Colombia trigger tax residency?
You become a Colombian tax resident if you spend more than 183 days in Colombia in a year (or a rolling 365-day period). The Digital Nomad Visa has a special exemption for the first 3 years. Consult a Colombian tax advisor if you plan a long-term stay — tax implications vary by nationality and income source.
Can I get permanent residency in Colombia?
Yes. After 5 continuous years on an M-category visa (retirement, nomad, or investor), you can apply for a Visa R (permanent residency). Some categories — like having a Colombian child or spouse — have shorter paths.

Sorted on visa — now sort your accommodation.

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