Skip to main content

Colombia Visa for United Kingdom Citizens 2026

Visa Free

UK citizens can visit Colombia visa-free for tourism up to 90 days; extension up to 180 days is possible by applying for an in-country extension with Migración Colombia (Extensión de Permanencia por Turismo) before the initial stay ends; no pre-travel visa is required.

Guide last updated September 5, 2026. Always verify with official sources before travel.

What you need

  • Passport validity: Passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your date of entry into Colombia, and have at least one blank page for entry stamps.
  • Specific forms: No visa application form is required for UK citizens under the visa exemption; you enter with your passport only. If you later apply for an extension of stay, you may need to complete the Migración Colombia extension form (Extensión de Permanencia) via migracioncolombia.gov.co.
  • Financial proof: There is no fixed minimum funds requirement for visa-free entry, but border officers may ask to show proof you can support your stay. As a general guideline, have access to funds around 50–70 USD per day, plus accommodation costs.
  • Accommodation and return ticket: Have details of where you will stay and, ideally, a return or onward ticket to show at the border.
  • Photo spec: There is no separate photo specification for entry; border officers rely on your passport photo. If an extension is requested later, you may be asked to provide a passport photo as part of the extension application.
  • Biometrics: Border control will check your passport and may take your photograph; no pre-travel biometric submission is required.
  • Travel health insurance: Not required to enter Colombia, but having travel medical insurance that covers illness and accidents is strongly recommended.

Visa types

  • Tourism / visa exemption (visa-free): Official name in Cancillería: Exención de visa para turismo. Validity: 90 days per visit. Maximum stay in a calendar year: up to 180 days with an extension. Entry: visa-free entry at border control. Approx fee: 0 COP.
  • Business visits (visa-free): If you are visiting Colombia for business meetings or conferences but not performing paid work, you may stay under the 90-day visa exemption. For stays longer than 90 days or for paid work, a specific visa is required before travel. Official names and current rules for other activities are published on Cancillería; typical in-country visa options include Visa de negocio (Business), Visa de trabajo (Work), and Visa de estudiante (Student). Fees and durations vary by category; check Cancillería for the latest details.
  • For stays longer or activities beyond tourism: If you plan to study, work, or reside, you must obtain a visa before travel. Official names you may encounter include Visa de trabajo (Work), Visa de estudiante (Student), and Visa de negocio (Business). Fees, validity, and entry type vary by category; consult Cancillería and the Colombian embassy in the UK for exact requirements.

Application process

  • How to apply online (e-Visa/eTA) or in person: Not applicable for UK citizens under visa exemption. There is no pre-travel online visa application for tourism; entry is granted at the border with a 90-day stay stamp. If you need a different visa type (work, study, or long-term stay), you must apply via the Colombian consulate in the UK or through Migración Colombia as appropriate and per the visa type.
  • How to extend your stay (Extensión de Permanencia por Turismo): If you wish to stay up to 180 days in total, you must apply for an extension with Migración Colombia before the initial 90 days expire. Steps generally include: 1) Visit migracioncolombia.gov.co, 2) Create or sign in to your profile, 3) Complete the Extensión de Permanencia por Turismo form and upload supporting documents (passport copy, itinerary, proof of funds, return ticket), 4) Pay the extension fee, 5) Wait for approval (processing times vary), 6) Receive extension approval and continue your stay.
  • Interview requirement: Not typically required for visa-free entry; interviews are generally not part of visa-free border entry, but consular visas may require interviews depending on category.

Fees & processing time

  • Visa fee: 0 COP for visa-free entry for UK citizens.
  • VFS/BLS service fee: Not applicable for visa-free entry; fees apply only if you are applying for a paid visa via a Colombian mission or processing center.
  • Total cost estimate: 0 COP for the visa-free portion; extension in-country may incur a fee (see Migración Colombia for current amount).
  • Standard processing time: Border entry is immediate; there is no pre-entry processing time for visa-free entry. Extension processing with Migración Colombia typically takes several business days to a couple of weeks depending on documents and workload.
  • Express/priority option: Not generally available for visa-free entry; extensions are processed according to Migración Colombia guidelines and capacity.

Tips for United Kingdom travelers

  • Plan in advance for extensions: If you anticipate needing more than 90 days, review Migración Colombia’s Extensión de Permanencia por Turismo process and submit before your initial stay ends.
  • Common border issues: Border officers may ask for onward travel, proof of funds, or accommodation details. Have clear documentation ready to avoid delays; lack of funds or an unclear itinerary may lead to questions.
  • VFS/BLS vs direct embassy: For visa-free stays, entry is at the border and does not require a separate visa appointment. If you need a visa for work, study, or long-term stay, use the Colombian embassy/consulate or Migración Colombia channels per the visa type.
  • Travel advisories and bilateral notes: Check the UK government's travel advice for Colombia and note any health or safety advisories before travel. Official information and updates are available on Cancillería (www.cancilleria.gov.co).
  • Extension options inside Colombia: Extensions are possible within Colombia through Migración Colombia, but approval is not guaranteed; apply before the current stay expires and provide all required documents and fees.

Official links & resources

Always confirm requirements with government or embassy sources before applying.

More visa guides for United Kingdom passport holders

FranceGermanyItalySpainUnited StatesAustraliaView all →

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.