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Colombia Visa for Afghanistan Citizens 2026

e-Visa / eTA

Afghan citizens need a Visitor Visa (Tipo V) for Colombia — apply online at tramitesmre.cancilleria.gov.co, then visit the nearest Colombian consulate; fee from USD 132, processing 2-4 weeks.

Guide last updated June 20, 2026. Always verify with official sources before travel.

What you need

  • To apply for a Colombian visa as an Afghan citizen, you will need the following:
  • Passport: Valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay in Colombia, with at least two blank pages for the visa sticker.
  • Specific forms: The visa application form must be completed online via the Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Cancillería) website at tramitesmre.cancilleria.gov.co/tramites/enlinea/solicitarVisa.xhtml.
  • Financial proof: Bank statements for the last three to six months, proof of income, or an international credit card statement demonstrating sufficient funds to cover your stay (estimated at USD 50-100 per day).
  • Accommodation: Confirmed hotel bookings, a notarized invitation letter from a host in Colombia, or other proof of lodging for your entire stay.
  • Return ticket: A confirmed round-trip flight itinerary or reservation indicating your departure from Colombia.
  • Photo spec: A recent (not older than 6 months), color, passport-style photograph (3x4 cm or similar, with a white background, full face visible, no head covering unless for religious reasons).
  • Biometrics: Yes, fingerprints and a digital photo are typically taken at the Colombian consulate during your appointment.
  • Travel health insurance: Highly recommended, though not strictly mandatory for all short-term visas, it demonstrates financial preparedness for emergencies and is often requested.

Visa types

  • For Afghan citizens, the primary visa category for short-term travel to Colombia is the Visitor Visa.
  • Visitor Visa (Tipo V):
  • Official name: Visa de Visitante (Tipo V)
  • Purpose: Tourism, short-term studies, short-term business activities (non-employment), medical treatment, cultural exchange, volunteer work.
  • Validity: Typically valid for up to 2 years.
  • Max stay: Allows stays of up to 90 days per visit, renewable for another 90 days, not exceeding 180 days within a calendar year.
  • Entry type: Usually multiple-entry.
  • Approximate fee: USD 132 (USD 50 for visa study + USD 82 for visa issuance).
  • Migrant Visa (Tipo M): For long-term stays, employment, long-term students, or family reunification. Requires specific documentation related to the purpose of stay.
  • Resident Visa (Tipo R): For individuals seeking permanent residency in Colombia.

How to apply

  • As Colombia does not have an embassy in Afghanistan, Afghan citizens must apply through a Colombian consulate in a third country (e.g., Tehran, New Delhi, Abu Dhabi). The application process involves online submission followed by an in-person appointment.
  • Steps:
  • 1. Gather all required documents as listed in the 'What you need' section.
  • 2. Complete the online visa application form: Access the portal at tramitesmre.cancilleria.gov.co/tramites/enlinea/solicitarVisa.xhtml. Fill in all details accurately.
  • 3. Upload documents: Digitally upload scanned copies of your passport, photo, flight itinerary, accommodation proof, financial proof, and any other supporting documents. Ensure all uploads meet the specified formats and sizes.
  • 4. Pay the visa study fee: Pay the non-refundable visa study fee (USD 50) online or as instructed by the system/consulate. Your application will only be processed after this payment.
  • 5. Await approval of the study phase: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will review your online application and documents. This process can take several business days.
  • 6. Schedule an appointment: If your online application is approved, you will be notified to schedule an in-person appointment at your chosen or designated Colombian consulate abroad. During this appointment, you will submit original documents, pay the visa issuance fee, and undergo an interview.
  • 7. Attend the interview: Be prepared to answer questions about your travel purpose, finances, and ties to Afghanistan.
  • 8. Pay the visa issuance fee: Once your visa is approved at the consulate, you will pay the visa issuance fee (USD 82) directly at the consulate or through a designated bank, according to their instructions.
  • 9. Visa affixation and passport collection: Your passport will be retained for a few days for the visa sticker to be affixed. You will then be notified to collect it.
  • Documents checklist for consulate visit (in addition to online uploads):
  • Original passport.
  • Printout of the completed online application form.
  • Recent passport-sized photo (3x4 cm, white background).
  • Original bank statements or other financial proof.
  • Original flight itinerary and accommodation proof.
  • Travel health insurance policy.
  • Any official letters, invitations, or certificates relevant to your purpose of travel.
  • Police clearance certificate (sometimes requested for longer stays or certain nationalities).
  • A cover letter explaining your purpose of visit.

Fees & processing time

  • Visa fees:
  • Visa Study Fee: USD 50 (non-refundable). This fee is paid during the initial online application.
  • Visa Issuance Fee (Visitor Visa 'V'): USD 82. This fee is paid at the consulate after your visa application has been approved.
  • Total Cost Estimate: Approximately USD 132.
  • VFS/BLS service fee: Not applicable, as applications are processed directly through the Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and its consulates.
  • Processing time:
  • Standard processing time: The online study phase typically takes 5-10 working days. After approval and attending your appointment at the consulate, the physical affixation of the visa can take an additional 3-7 working days. Therefore, the total process can range from 2 to 4 weeks, excluding travel time to the consulate.
  • Express/priority option: Colombia does not generally offer an express or priority visa processing service.

Tips for Afghanistan travelers

  • How far in advance to apply: It is strongly recommended to apply at least 1-2 months before your intended travel date. This allows ample time for the online process, scheduling an international appointment, travel to the consulate, and potential unforeseen delays.
  • Common rejection reasons for Afghanistan applicants specifically:
  • Insufficient proof of funds or inability to demonstrate financial solvency.
  • Incomplete or fraudulent documentation.
  • Lack of convincing evidence of ties to Afghanistan (e.g., family, employment, property) to ensure return.
  • Vague or unclear purpose of travel.
  • Applying from a third country without valid legal residency in that country.
  • Previous visa overstays or immigration violations in any country.
  • VFS/BLS vs direct embassy application: All Colombian visa applications are processed directly through the Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Cancillería) online portal and then through a Colombian consulate abroad. There are no VFS Global or BLS International services for Colombian visas.
  • Any current travel advisories or bilateral notes: Afghan citizens may face heightened scrutiny due to the geopolitical situation in their home country. It is crucial to present a clear, consistent, and well-supported application. Always check for specific travel advisories from the Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the specific consulate where you plan to apply.
  • Extension options inside Colombia: A Visitor Visa (Tipo V) can be extended for an additional 90 days, provided the total stay does not exceed 180 days within a calendar year. Applications for extensions must be submitted to Migración Colombia offices before your current authorized stay expires.

Official links & resources

Always confirm requirements with government or embassy sources before applying.

This guide is for information only. Visa policies change without notice. Travel Visa Stack is not an immigration authority. Always verify with official government or embassy sources before making travel plans.