United States entry requirements for Colombia passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 22, 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 enter the United States. There is no visa-free or visa-waiver option for tourism or business. This requirement has been in place for years and remains unchanged in 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| US visa application Apply for a US visa | You need a valid US visa before travel. Apply at the US Department of State website, pay the fee, and attend an interview at the US embassy or consulate in Colombia. Processing times vary, so apply well in advance.Apply for US visa | Required |
| Valid passport Passport validity | Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay in the United States. Carry a copy of your passport data page separately. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration officers routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed or digital copy of your flight itinerary ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host letter | Have a hotel reservation or a letter from your host with their address and phone number. Officers may ask for it at the border. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Financial evidence | Carry bank statements or a credit card showing you can cover your stay. There is no fixed amount, but having at least $500–$1,000 USD available is a safe bet. | Recommended |
Visa required — no exceptions
Colombian passport holders cannot enter the US visa-free under the Visa Waiver Program. You must get a visa before traveling, even for short visits or transit.
ESTA is not an option
The Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) is only for citizens of Visa Waiver Program countries. Colombia is not part of that program, so ESTA does not apply to you.
What happens at the border
1
Complete the DS-160 form online
Go to the Consular Electronic Application Center website, fill out the DS-160 form, upload a compliant photo, and submit. Print the confirmation page with the barcode — you'll need it for the interview.
2
Pay the visa fee
Pay the $185 fee (or equivalent in COP) at a designated bank or online through the payment portal. Keep the receipt.
3
Schedule your interview
Log into the US Visa Appointment Service website, create an account, and book an appointment at the US Embassy in Bogotá or the Consular Agency in Barranquilla. Wait times vary — check the current calendar.
4
Attend the interview
Arrive at the embassy or consulate on time with your passport, DS-160 confirmation, fee receipt, and supporting documents. The officer will ask about your trip, ties to Colombia, and background. Answer honestly and briefly.
5
Wait for visa processing
If approved, your passport will be held for visa printing. Processing usually takes a few days to a couple of weeks. You'll get instructions to pick it up or have it delivered.
6
Travel to the US
When you arrive at a US airport, go to the CBP officer at passport control. They'll check your visa, ask about your stay, and may take fingerprints and a photo. Have your return ticket and accommodation details ready.
Download United States Entry Checklist
PDF · Colombia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 22, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
B1/B2 Tourist Visa (Single Entry)
Max stayUp to 6 months per entry
ValidityTypically 10 years from issue date
Cost$160 USD (~$160 USD)
Allows tourism, business meetings, and medical treatment. Must apply at U.S. embassy/consulate.
B1/B2 Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry)
Max stayUp to 6 months per entry
ValidityTypically 10 years from issue date
Cost$160 USD (~$160 USD)
Same as single entry but allows multiple entries during validity.
F-1 Student Visa
Max stayDuration of study + 60 days grace period
ValidityDuration of academic program
Cost$160 USD (~$160 USD) + SEVIS fee $350 USD
For full-time students enrolled in accredited U.S. institutions.
H-1B Work Visa
Max stayUp to 3 years, extendable to 6 years
Validity3 years initially
Cost$190 USD (~$190 USD) + additional fees
For specialty occupations; requires employer sponsorship and lottery selection.
student visa
F-1 Student Visa
Duration of study + 60 days grace period
$160 USD application fee + $350 USD SEVIS fee
For full-time students enrolled in accredited U.S. institutions. Allows part-time on-campus work and optional practical training (OPT) after graduation.
Apply work visa
H-1B Work Visa
Up to 3 years, extendable to 6 years
$190 USD application fee + additional fees (e.g., fraud prevention fee)
For specialty occupations requiring a bachelor's degree or higher. Requires employer sponsorship and annual lottery selection.
Apply investor visa
EB-5 Immigrant Investor Visa
Permanent residency (Green Card)
$1,050,000 USD minimum investment (or $800,000 in targeted employment areas) + legal fees
For investors who invest a substantial amount in a U.S. business that creates at least 10 full-time jobs. Leads to permanent residency.
Apply exchange visitor visa
J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa
Duration of program (typically 1-2 years, extendable)
$220 USD application fee + program fees
For participants in approved exchange programs (e.g., internships, research, teaching). May include a two-year home residency requirement.
Apply Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (B1/B2) - single entryStandard nonimmigrant visa application fee for most applicants. | $160 USD (equivalent to ~$160 USD) |
| Tourist visa (B1/B2) - multiple entrySame fee as single entry; multiple entries are typically granted for up to 10 years. | $160 USD (equivalent to ~$160 USD) |
| Visa extension (Form I-539)Fee to apply for an extension of stay; processing can take months. | $370 USD (equivalent to ~$370 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstaying may result in a bar from re-entry (3 or 10 years) depending on duration. | Varies; typically no fixed daily fine, but overstay can lead to bans |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient ties to home30%
Incomplete or incorrect application25%
Previous overstay or violation20%
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 United States
Transit visa required
Colombian passport holders generally need a C-1 transit visa to transit through the United States, even if not leaving the airport. However, if you have a valid B1/B2 visa or are a citizen of a Visa Waiver Program country, you may transit without a separate transit visa.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid U.S. nonimmigrant visa (e.g., B1/B2, F-1) may transit without a separate transit visa.
- Citizens of Visa Waiver Program countries with an approved ESTA may transit without a visa.
Transit hubsJohn F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) · Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) · Miami International Airport (MIA)
Health & vaccines for United States
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, polio, varicella, influenza)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedTyphoidConsiderRabiesConsider
Health risks
Tick-borne diseases (Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever)Moderate risk
Risk in wooded areas, especially in the Northeast and Upper Midwest.
Mosquito-borne diseases (West Nile virus, dengue)Low risk
West Nile virus occurs nationwide; dengue rare but present in some southern states.
Foodborne illnesses (E. coli, Salmonella)Low risk
Risk from undercooked meat or unpasteurized dairy; generally safe food supply.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Washington, D.C.
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) - Washington Field Office
2675 Prosperity Ave, Fairfax, VA 22031
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
For extension applications (I-539) file by mail; no walk-in services for extensions.
New York City
USCIS New York Field Office
26 Federal Plaza, New York, NY 10278
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Appointments required for most services; extensions filed by mail.
Practical information for CO travellers
Country basics
CapitalWashington D.C.
LanguageEnglish
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceForeign visitors may drive with a valid home-country licence for the duration of their stay. An International Driving Permit is recommended.
Money
CurrencyUS Dollar (USD)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 1 USD
Time zone
Local timeAmerica/New_York
vs New York+0:00 (same timezone)
vs Los Angeles-3h from NY
Electricity
Voltage120V / 60Hz
Plug types
A,BType A (two flat parallel pins) and Type B (two flat parallel pins + grounding pin)
✓ No adapter needed for US plugs
Water & health
Tap water
Safe to drink
Tap water is safe to drink throughout the country.
Emergency numbers
Getting to United States
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to United States — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
It depends on appointment availability. As of 2026, wait times for a tourist visa interview at the Bogotá embassy can range from a few weeks to several months. Check the US Visa Appointment Service website for current slots. Processing after approval usually takes 3–10 business days.
No. Most applicants aged 14–79 must attend an in-person interview. Only children under 14 and adults over 79 may qualify for an interview waiver, but that's not guaranteed.
Bring your valid passport, DS-160 confirmation page, visa fee receipt, one passport photo (if not uploaded), and evidence of ties to Colombia — like an employment letter, bank statements, property deeds, or family records. Also bring your travel itinerary if you have one.
The application fee is $185 USD (about 750,000 COP as of 2026). This is non-refundable, even if your visa is denied. There are no additional fees unless you use a courier for passport delivery.
Yes, you can apply for an extension with USCIS using Form I-539 before your authorized stay expires. Extensions are not guaranteed and can take months to process. Overstaying without approval can get you banned.
You'll receive a refusal notice under Section 214(b) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, usually for insufficient ties to Colombia. You can reapply at any time, but you'll need to pay the fee again and address the reason for denial. There's no appeal process.
Yes. Even if you're just changing planes in the US, you need a C-1 transit visa or a B1/B2 visa. There is no transit without a visa for Colombian passport holders.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 22, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.