Colombia visa requirements for South Africans

Travel and visa requirements

Basic Travel Requirements for South Africans visiting Colombia

Travelers are required to fulfill the following requirements in order to apply for a Colombian Visa.

  • A copy of duly completed and signed application form.
  • Valid South African passport which has a validity of 6 months after exit from the country.
  • One coloured passport sized photographs taken with a white background. Head and shoulders of applicants should be visible.
  • Valid travel insurance.
  • Bank statement which shows that the applicant has sufficient funds to cater for himself/herself throughout the visit in the country. This should not be older than 6 months prior to visa application.
  • Copy of detailed travel itinerary.
  • Proof of booked return flight to South Africa.
  • Proof of valid hotel booking.

Colombia Visa for South Africans

Facts about Colombia

Colombia’s coffee plantation is one of the more popular tourist destinations in the country. Asides this, there are other attractions in the country to make tourists go wild during their stay in the country. Tayrona Natural Park offers activities like snorkeling, surfing and various wildlife for tourists’ pleasure. Tourists can go biking and horseback riding trails at the mountains in ‘Eje Cafetero’.
 
Between 2007 and 2017, the number of tourists visits to Colombia jumped from 0.6 million to 4 million. Tourism is a major driving factor in the Colombian economy as it contributes 2% of the total GDP and 2.5% of the total employment.
 
Travelers should carry a color photocopy of their passport data page and visa from their passport for identification. Anyone caught having sex with a minor will be punished severely. 

Ayahuasca (or yage) used for spiritual cleansing is unsafe and can cause serious illnesses or death. Avoid any form of spiritual cleansing.

Types of Colombia Visa

Types of Visa Processing Time Duration of Stay
Tourist visa 3 - 5 working days 180 days
Business visa 3 - 5 working days 180 days

General Requirements for Colombia Visa

  • A copy of duly completed and signed application form.
  • Valid South African passport which has a validity of 6 months after exit from the country.
  • One coloured passport sized photographs taken with a white background. Head and shoulders of applicants should be visible.
  • Valid travel insurance.
  • Bank statement which shows that the applicant has sufficient funds to cater for himself/herself throughout the visit in the country. This should not be older than 6 months prior to visa application.
  • Copy of detailed travel itinerary.
  • Proof of booked return flight to South Africa.
  • Proof of valid hotel booking.
Colombia Tourist visa Colombia Business visa

Colombia Tourist Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • If you intend visiting Colombia for recreation, sightseeing and relaxation, this is the right visa type for you.
  • Foreigners who have relatives and friends in the country can also apply for the tourist visa as it also serves the purpose of a visitor visa.
  • If you are visiting a friend in Colombia, a letter of invitation from your host is required. The letter should have your host’s home address and a means of identification of your host.
  • Minors applying for this visa should ensure they have an unabridged original copy of their birth certificate. A letter of consent signed by both parents should also be provided.
  • It is mandatory for all foreigners to have a yellow fever vaccination certificate.
  • Immunization is recommended against malaria, tetanus and hepatitis B.
  • Proof of paid visa application fees should be tendered.
  • You are not allowed to seek for public funds while you are in the country.
  • This visa is valid for 180 days.
  • You have to wait 3 – 5 working days for your passport to be ready.

Colombia Business Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • The business visa allows business minded travelers to perform all their business activities without restriction in the country.
  • With a business visa, you can meet up with your business partners in Colombia for meetings and to negotiate and sign contracts.
  • You can attend conferences and trade fairs with this visa.
  • This visa does not allow you to take up paid or unpaid employment during your time in the country.
  •  A letter of invitation from the company you are meeting with in Colombia should be provided. The letter should contain the company address and the duration of your visit in the country.
  • The company’s certificate of business registration is required.
  • Letter from your employer in South Africa should be provided. The letter should be a confirmation of your business leave and the duration of your leave should also be stated in the letter.
  • If you are traveling with a minor, a letter of consent signed by the minors’ parents should be provided.
  • Vaccination against yellow fever is compulsory.
  • Applicants should ensure they are immunized against hepatitis B, malaria and tetanus.

Colombia Visa Fees

Visa Type

Sub Types

Visa Fees

Tourist visa

82.00 (USD)

Business visa

82.00 (USD)

Colombia Visa Application Centres & Embassies in South Africa

Location

Address

Pretoria

177 Dyer Road, Hillcrest Office Park, Woodpecker Place, 2nd Floor, Hillcrest, Pretoria.

http://pretoria.consulado.gov.co/

cpretoria@cancilleria.gov.co

+27 12 362 3106

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I visit Colombia with a US visa??

No, you cannot visit Colombia with a US visa. You need to apply for a Colombian visa before you can be granted entry into the country.

Do I need a visa to enter Colombia??
Yes, you need a visa to visit Colombia.
How much is a visa to Colombia??
A visa to Colombia costs $82.
How do I extend my tourist visa in Colombia??

You can extend a tourist visa by leaving the country and returning with a new tourist visa or you can extend a tourist permit while staying in Colombia.

How long can I stay in Colombia??
You can stay in Colombia for a maximum period of 180 days.
Hi please assist with entry of Columbia via seaman’s book passport and vessel entry thank you?
Can l get visa Colombia l have travel decument passport?
Can South Africans het a e-visa??
Hello I need some help applying for a Colombian tourist visa?