Applying For My Long-term Colombian Business Visa

As an American, there are few countries that require me to apply for a tourist visa to enter. Usually it’s just as easy as getting on a plane, going through immigration, and receiving your automatic visa for 2 or 3 months. It’s quite a luxury compared to the requirements for citizens of other countries. In Colombia, it’s just that easy. Americans are granted 60 days automatically, renewable twice for a total of 6 months. Business visas have the same terms unless you require a longer stay.

I’m currently in the process of applying for a business visa for 2 years. Which is definitely a bit more time than most governments would feel comfortable granting individuals automatically without additional requirements. In many Latin American countries processes for obtaining official documents from government offices are known to take a long time and can be rather frustrating endeavors, but surprisingly the process is quite fast and easy for a foreigner looking to do business. I expect my visa 3 days from the day I submit the application and required documents.

You’re probably curious as to what those documents are… in my case, I am only required to submit the following:

1. A signed and stamped letter on company letterhead from the company with which I’m doing business saying that they’ll be responsible for my departure expenses should anything come up that would cause me to be deported. My passport number is mentioned on the letter.

2. A copy of their registration with the chamber of commerce. They can obtain original copies for little or no fee.

3. A notarized letter authorizing the individual (Cesar) who is assisting me with the process to submit the documents on my behalf. My passport number is mentioned on this letter also, as well as Cesar’s cedula number.

4. The very easy, bilingual visa application which can be obtained at the Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores or probably elsewhere online. I went to the ministry myself, and got copies, but later received a slightly different copy from Cesar.

5. A couple of 3cm x 3cm passport type pictures for my Cedula Extranjera (ID for foreigners). You can get these done about anywhere on busy streets that have lots of vendors. Just listen for them yelling… Fotos, RH (in Spanish).

6. The cost of the visa. I paid Cesar 725,000 Colombian Pesos for my visa, the cedula, and the assistance he gave me.

7. A copy of my passport.

That’s it. I just sent this with Cesar and in 3 days I should have my visa. I really don’t expect to be turned down as I have no criminal record and there’s no way for them to check in 3 days if I do anyway. Plus I’ll be doing business in this country which is always good as long as its legal. Cesar says he’ll be calling me soon to pick up my visa and get my cedula. With a cedula I can do a lot. I can open a bank account, enter contracts, get local insurance, and many other things.

Hopefully this helps you if you find yourself looking to do the same thing but don’t know where to start. If not, leave a comment and I’ll try to respond to it. Good luck!