Student Visa (Type V)
e-Visa
- Maximum stay
- 730 days
- Processing time
- 15-30 business days
- Fee
- $285 USD
- Validity
- Up to 2 years
- Entry
- Multiple entry
As of October 21, 2022, all student visas are categorized as Visitor type (V). Required for studies of 3 months or longer with minimum class intensity of 10 hours per week. Visa validity up to 2 years but automatically lost if absent from Colombia for more than 90 consecutive days. Financial solvency requirement updated for 2026: minimum 10 times SMMLV (approximately $4,670 USD).
Eligibility
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Purpose of visit
Foreign nationals enrolled in a qualified educational institution in Colombia with class intensity of at least 10 hours per week for programs lasting 3 months or longer.
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Financial
Must demonstrate financial solvency with bank statement showing average balance over past 6 months greater than 10 times the legal minimum wage in Colombia (approximately $4,670 USD in 2026).
Minimum funds: 10 times SMMLV (approximately $4,670 USD)
Documents you need
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Passport
Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 6
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Photo
Count: 1; Specifications: Digital photo 3x4 cm, color, white background, recent, facing camera
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Bank statement
Minimum balance: 10 times SMMLV (approximately $4,670 USD in 2026); Months required: 6
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Travel insurance
Coverage area: Colombia; Minimum coverage: All-risk coverage including hospitalization, illness, accident, disability, death, and repatriation
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Admission letter
Must be notarized: No; Must be original: Yes; Must show program dates: Yes
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Application form
Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.
Form name: Online Visa Application Form - Student Category; Form url: https://tramitesmre.cancilleria.gov.co/tramites/enlinea/solicitarVisa.xhtml
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Proof of enrollment
Provide proof of enrolment or admission from the school, university or training provider.
Must be current: Yes; Must be original: Yes
How to apply
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Online application
Complete the online student visa application on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website. Select the Visitor (V) visa category for student purposes.
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Document gathering
Gather required documents: valid passport, admission letter from Colombian educational institution showing program details and hours per week, 6-month bank statements showing required balance, health insurance certificate, and enrollment confirmation.
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Fee payment
Pay the student visa fee of $285 USD through the online portal.
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Processing wait
Wait for visa processing. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs typically processes student visas within 15-30 business days.
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Visa collection
Receive e-visa via email. Print and keep a copy with you when traveling to Colombia.