Colombia is a country worth visiting, especially for its biodiversity and culture. Citizens of Bangladesh who wish to travel to Colombia for a short term or for a longer time need proper travel authorization from the government of that country. Travelers from Bangladesh must apply for a visa at the nearest Colombian embassy or consulate as they are not eligible to get an electronic travel authorization.
Based on the purpose of their visit and the duration of their stay, they will have to apply for different types of visas, such as tourist visas, business visas, work visas, and student visas.
Here’s what Bangladeshi citizens need to know about Colombia visas.
A Colombia visa is the travel authorization granted by the country’s government to travelers from foreign countries to enter, remain in, and leave the country. A visa is valid for the time period mentioned in it, and foreigners overstaying their visa validity period will have to face legal actions like fines.
Short-term visas for Bangladeshi citizens include the Colombia tourist visa, business visa, and transit visa. Citizens of Bangladesh must get a tourist visa for a leisure trip to Colombia that does not exceed 90 days. They can also get this type of visa to meet family and friends who are in Colombia. However, they are not permitted to engage in any business activities.
To conduct business in Colombia, citizens of Bangladesh should apply for a business visa. Apart from this, Bangladeshi nationals are required to get a transit visa to transit through any of the international airports in Colombia to a foreign country. The transit visa is valid for three days.
Students from Bangladesh who wish to pursue higher education in Colombia must get a Colombian student visa. Apart from the above-mentioned visas, Bangladeshis are granted parent visas, temporary work visas, and spousal visas.
It is important for the applicants from Bangladesh to check with the Colombian embassy in Dhaka about the latest visa rules and regulations, as they can change frequently.
Applicants from Bangladesh must approach a Colombian embassy or Migraciones site to apply for a visa. They need to complete the application form.
Applicants are required to answer the questions sincerely. The application form has several questions with regard to nationality, identity, passport, trip, and accommodation. Errors in the information in the application form can result in a visa denial. They need to gather all the supporting documents. Based on the type of visa, applicants are required to submit different kinds of documents.
For example, applicants for a tourist visa will have to provide their accommodation details and flight tickets, whereas those applying for a student visa will have to submit an acceptance letter from a university in Colombia.
They also need to submit their passport, which is valid for at least six months, and passport-size photographs. Applicants must attach all the supporting documents with the application form and submit them to the Colombian embassy or consulate.
If they are applying for a visa while in Colombia, they can do so at the office of the Colombia foreign affairs ministry in Bogota. Officials at the embassy or consulate will verify the documents and the application form. Once the visa application is approved, the applicant will be notified via email.
They can collect the visa and other documents from the embassy. A few embassies and consulates send the visa through the mail. Applicants need to contact the embassy to learn more about such facilities.
Once an applicant receives the visa, he/she can travel to Colombia and stay in the country for the time prescribed in the visa, provided they follow all the visa rules and regulations.
Documents needed for a Colombia visa vary based on the type of visa and nationality of the applicant. The following are the documents required for a Colombia visa for applicants from Bangladesh:
The validity of a Colombia visa varies depending on the type of visa and nationality of the applicant.
The validity of a Colombia tourist visa is generally 90 days, whereas a Colombia transit visa has a validity of three days. Some Colombia visas can be extended. Applicants have to approach the Colombia immigration centers and apply for an extension. Ensure to seek the visa extension well in advance of the expiry date of the Colombia visa.
Applications after this date will not be accepted. Citizens of Bangladesh will have to pay a fine for overstaying. In some cases, they will be deported.
The Colombia visa processing fee depends on the type of visa and the nationality of the applicant.
Applicants from Bangladesh must contact the Colombian embassy in Dhaka to learn more about the Colombian visa processing fee. A Colombia visa does not guarantee entry for travelers from Bangladesh. They will have to undergo customs and immigration checks. If the officials find something amiss, their entry can be denied.
After reaching Colombia, travelers from Bangladesh have to register at the local immigration offices within 15 days of arrival. If they are staying more than 90 days in Colombia, they will also have to get a Foreigner ID card.
Colombian visas offer a gateway for Bangladeshi citizens to experience the country’s rich biodiversity and vibrant culture. Visa types and requirements vary depending on the purpose and duration of the visit, so it’s crucial for applicants to familiarize themselves with the process and stay updated on visa regulations. Obtaining a Colombian tourist visa requires a complete application, supporting documents, and adherence to the visa rules. By following the appropriate steps and staying informed, Bangladeshi travelers can enjoy a memorable Colombian adventure.