Canada entry requirements for Colombia passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 25, 2026·View sources
Visa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Colombian passport holders need a visa to visit Canada in 2026. You must apply for a visitor visa (TRV) before traveling — there is no visa waiver or eTA option for Colombian citizens. Start the online application well ahead of your planned departure, as processing can take several weeks.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Visitor visa (TRV) | Colombian passport holders need a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) before traveling to Canada. Apply online through the IRCC portal — processing takes 2–4 weeks typically. You'll submit biometrics (fingerprints and photo) at a Visa Application Centre in Bogotá or other designated locations.Apply for visa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for entire stay | Your passport must be valid for the entire duration of your stay in Canada. Canada does not require 6 months of validity beyond your departure date, but airlines may enforce their own rules — check with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure | Immigration officers at Canadian airports routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed or digital copy ready — they check this at the primary inspection kiosk. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a hotel confirmation, Airbnb receipt, or a letter from your host with their address and contact info. Officers rarely ask for it, but having it avoids delays. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Bank statements or cash | Show at least CAD $2,000–$3,000 for a 2-week trip, or a bank statement proving you can cover your stay. Credit card statements also work — officers want to see you won't work illegally. | Recommended |
Visa required — no eTA option
Colombian passport holders cannot use the eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) system. You must apply for a full Temporary Resident Visa before traveling. There are no exceptions for short visits or transit.
Biometrics required
After submitting your online application, you must visit a Visa Application Centre (VAC) in person to give your fingerprints and photo. This is mandatory for all applicants aged 14–79. Book your appointment as soon as you receive the Biometrics Instruction Letter.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for your visa online
Go to the IRCC website and create an account. Fill out the visitor visa application (IMM 5257), upload your documents (passport scan, photo, travel itinerary, proof of funds, invitation letter if applicable), and pay the CAD $100 visa fee plus biometrics fee (CAD $85). After submission, you'll receive a Biometrics Instruction Letter — book an appointment at the nearest Visa Application Centre (VAC) in Bogotá or another city to give your fingerprints and photo.
2
Wait for processing
Processing times vary — check the IRCC website for current estimates (often 2–8 weeks). You can track your application online. If approved, you'll get a Port of Entry letter or a visa counterfoil in your passport (if you submitted your passport to the VAC).
3
Prepare for arrival in Canada
Before you fly, print or save on your phone: your visa approval letter, return ticket, hotel booking, and travel insurance. At the airport in Canada, proceed to the 'Visitors' queue at immigration. The officer will ask about your trip purpose, length of stay, and funds. Show your documents if asked. They'll stamp your passport with the authorized stay duration (usually up to 6 months).
Download Canada Entry Checklist
PDF · Colombia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 25, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay6 months
ValidityUp to 10 years (based on passport validity)
CostCAD 100 (~USD 75)
Standard visitor visa for tourism or short visits.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay6 months per entry
ValidityUp to 10 years (based on passport validity)
CostCAD 100 (~USD 75)
Allows multiple entries; same fee as single entry.
Super visa (for parents/grandparents)
Max stay5 years per entry
ValidityUp to 10 years
CostCAD 100 (~USD 75)
For parents/grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents; requires private health insurance.
work visa
Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)
Up to 2 years, renewable
CAD 155 (~USD 116) employer compliance fee + CAD 100 (~USD 75) work permit fee
For skilled workers with a job offer from a Canadian employer. Requires Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).
Apply student visa
Study Permit
Duration of study program + 90 days
CAD 150 (~USD 112)
For international students accepted at a designated learning institution. Allows part-time work on campus.
Apply investor visa
Start-Up Visa Program
Permanent residence
CAD 2,140 (~USD 1,600) processing fee
For entrepreneurs with a qualifying business and support from a designated organization. No minimum investment required.
Apply Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for single-entry visitor visa. | CAD 100 (~USD 75) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Same fee as single entry, but allows multiple entries within validity. | CAD 100 (~USD 75) |
| Biometrics feeRequired for most applicants; includes fingerprinting and photo. | CAD 85 (~USD 64) |
| Stay extensionFee to extend visitor status; must apply before current status expires. | CAD 100 (~USD 75) |
| Overstay fine per dayPenalty for overstaying; no maximum cap specified. | CAD 200 (~USD 150) per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete application20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Canada
Transit visa required
Colombia passport holders need a transit visa to change flights in Canada, even if staying airside.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid US visa may transit without a visa for up to 48 hours if arriving from and departing to the US.
- Holders of a valid Canadian visa do not need a separate transit visa.
Transit hubsToronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) · Vancouver International Airport (YVR) · Montreal-Trudeau International Airport (YUL)
Health & vaccines for Canada
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, polio, influenza)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedRabies (for remote or animal contact)Consider
Health risks
Lyme diseaseModerate risk
Tick-borne disease in wooded areas; use repellent and check for ticks.
West Nile virusLow risk
Mosquito-borne; rare in urban areas, but present in summer.
HypothermiaModerate risk
Risk in winter months; dress warmly and limit outdoor exposure.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Toronto
Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) - Toronto Pearson
6301 Silver Dart Dr, Mississauga, ON L5P 1B2
Mon–Sun 24 hours
For visa issues at entry; extension applications are online via IRCC.
Vancouver
CBSA - Vancouver International Airport
3211 Grant McConachie Way, Richmond, BC V7B 0A4
Mon–Sun 24 hours
Primary entry point for Colombia travellers; bring all supporting documents.
Practical information for CO travellers
Country basics
CapitalOttawa
LanguageEnglish, French
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS license valid in Canada.
Money
CurrencyCanadian Dollar (CAD)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 1.38 CAD
Time zone
Local timeUTC-5
vs New YorkSame to -3h depending on province
vs Los AngelesSame to +3h depending on province
Electricity
Voltage120V / 60Hz
Plug types
A,BType A, B — same as the US. No adapter needed.
✓ No adapter needed for US plugs
Water & health
Tap water
Safe to drink
Safe to drink in all major cities.
Emergency numbers
Getting to Canada
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to Canada — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
Processing times vary, but typically range from 2 to 8 weeks. Check the IRCC website for current estimates. Apply well in advance — at least 2 months before your planned travel.
Yes, all applications are submitted through the IRCC online portal. You'll need to create an account, fill out forms, upload documents, and pay fees. After submission, you'll book a biometrics appointment at a Visa Application Centre (VAC) in Colombia.
The visa application fee is CAD $100 per person. Biometrics cost an additional CAD $85 per person. Fees are non-refundable even if your application is refused.
Yes, you must demonstrate you have enough money to cover your stay — typically at least CAD $800–$1,000 per month plus return ticket costs. Bank statements, pay stubs, or a sponsor letter are accepted.
Yes, you can apply to extend your stay before your current authorized period expires. Apply online through IRCC. Extensions are not guaranteed and require a fee (CAD $100). Overstaying can affect future visa applications.
You'll receive a letter explaining the reason (e.g., insufficient funds, weak ties to Colombia). You can reapply with stronger documentation or request reconsideration. There is no formal appeal process for visitor visa refusals.
Yes, Colombian citizens need a visa even for transit (stopping in a Canadian airport en route to another country). Apply for a Transit Visa (same process as visitor visa but lower fee). You must have a confirmed onward ticket and valid visa for your destination.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 25, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.