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Colombia Visa for South Africa Citizens 2026

e-Visa / eTA

South African citizens need an electronic visa (e-Visa) for Colombia — apply online through the Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs portal before travel; fee around $55-65, processing 3-5 working days.

Guide last updated October 21, 2026. Always verify with official sources before travel.

What you need

  • Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond entry
  • Digital passport photo (white background) uploaded during the online application
  • Proof of sufficient funds (bank statement, around $50-70/day)
  • Confirmed return or onward ticket
  • Proof of accommodation
  • Travel health insurance covering the full stay - mandatory for Colombia
  • No in-person biometrics required for the e-visa, though fingerprints may be scanned at the airport on arrival

Visa types

  • Tourist e-Visa (V visa - visitante) - single or multiple entry, valid up to 90 days, extendable once for another 90 days (180 days max per year), fee approx $55
  • Business e-Visa - similar validity, requires an invitation letter from a Colombian company, fee approx $65
  • Transit e-Visa - up to 2 days, lower fee

How to apply online

  • Apply via the official Cancilleria visa portal at visas.cancilleria.gov.co
  • Create an account and complete the online form
  • Upload your passport, photo, insurance proof, and travel itinerary
  • Pay the fee online by credit card in USD
  • Processing typically takes 3-5 working days
  • Approval arrives by email as a PDF e-visa to print and carry with your passport for boarding and entry

Fees & processing time

  • Tourist e-visa fee: approximately $55 (plus a small online processing/bank charge)
  • Business e-visa: approximately $65
  • No separate service centre fee, since it is a direct government portal
  • Total cost estimate: $55-$70
  • Standard processing: 3-5 working days
  • No official express service, so apply at least 2 weeks ahead of travel

Tips for South Africa travelers

  • Apply at least 3 weeks before departure, since processing can occasionally take longer during peak periods
  • Common rejection reasons: missing proof of mandatory travel insurance, unclear accommodation details, passport validity shorter than 6 months
  • Print the approved e-visa and keep a digital copy on your phone, as airlines check it before boarding
  • The 90-day stay can be extended once at a Migracion Colombia office for a fee (~$40) without leaving the country
  • Check DIRCO and Colombian immigration advisories for any changes before applying

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.