Colombia passport → United States

United States visa for citizens of Colombia

Embassy / VFSB1/B2 Visa · Tourist/Business (up to 180 days)

Citizens of Colombia need a visa for the United States and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre.

Verified · Last checked 2026-09-05. Policies change. Confirm with the embassy or official visa portal before you travel.

Key facts

Entry route	Embassy / VFS · B1/B2 Visa · Tourist/Business (up to 180 days)
How to apply	In-person at an embassy or visa center
Maximum stay	Up to 180 days
Visa validity	3650 days
Entries	Multiple entry
Government fee	$185
Passport validity	At least 6 months
Biometrics	Required
Appointment	Required
Interview	Required
Onward or return ticket	Not required
Proof of funds	Sufficient funds to cover stay

How to apply

1
Complete the DS-160 online application
Fill out the nonimmigrant visa application form online and print the confirmation page.
2
Pay the visa application fee
Pay the MRV fee (currently $185) online or at a designated bank in Colombia.
3
Schedule appointments
Book a biometrics appointment and a visa interview at the U.S. Embassy in Bogotá via the ais portal.
4
Attend biometrics appointment
Go to the visa application center (CAS) to provide fingerprints and photo.
5
Prepare documents for interview
Gather all required documents including passport, DS-160 confirmation, fee receipt, photos, and supporting evidence.
6
Attend visa interview at U.S. Embassy
Appear in person for the interview; answer questions about your trip and ties to Colombia.
7
Wait for visa processing
Processing time varies; you can track your visa status online.
8
Collect passport with visa
If approved, your passport will be returned via courier or pickup location; visa is usually multiple-entry valid up to 10 years.

Documents checklist

Identity

Valid passport (at least 6 months validity beyond intended stay)
Must have at least one blank visa page.
Photo (5x5 cm, white background)
Must meet U.S. visa photo requirements.
Previous U.S. visas (if any)
Optional
Include expired passports with old visas.

Travel

Itinerary / flight reservation
Optional
Not mandatory but recommended to show planned travel.
Hotel booking or accommodation proof
Optional
Optional but helpful to show purpose and duration.

Financial

Application fee payment receipt
Pay the MRV fee online or at a designated bank.
Bank statements (last 3-6 months)
Show sufficient funds to cover expenses in the U.S.
Tax returns or pay slips
To demonstrate stable income and ties to Colombia.

Employment

Proof of employment or studies
Letter from employer or school with details of role and leave approval.

Supporting

DS-160 confirmation page
Print the confirmation barcode page after submitting online.
Appointment confirmation letter
Brings the appointment letter for both biometrics and interview.
Invitation letter (if visiting friends/family)
Optional
From a U.S. host, including their status and address.
Criminal record certificate (if applicable)
Optional
May be requested for certain applicants.
Medical insurance (optional but recommended)
Optional
Not required but advisable for coverage during stay.

Proof of funds

Minimum balance: Not specified

Bank statements
Tax returns
Pay slips

Must show sufficient funds to cover all trip expenses and strong ties to Colombia.

Good to know

Enhanced scrutiny applies to Colombian citizens; be prepared for detailed questioning.
Certain Colombian government officials may be denied entry under U.S. regulations.

Common refusal reasons

Insufficient ties to Colombia (e.g., no job, family, or property)

Provide strong evidence of employment, family, and property ownership.

Incomplete or inconsistent application

Double-check all forms and ensure answers match supporting documents.

Criminal record or visa violations

Disclose any issues honestly and provide court documents if needed.

FAQ

Do citizens of Colombia need a visa for the United States?

Citizens of Colombia need a visa for the United States and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre. Visa type: B1/B2 Visa · Tourist/Business (up to 180 days).

How long can citizens of Colombia stay in the United States?

Up to 180 days.

How much does the United States visa cost for citizens of Colombia?

Government fee: $185.

What documents do citizens of Colombia need for the United States?

Valid passport (at least 6 months validity beyond intended stay); DS-160 confirmation page; Application fee payment receipt; Photo (5x5 cm, white background); Appointment confirmation letter; Proof of employment or studies; and 8 more.

How long must my passport be valid for the United States?

At least 6 months.

Where do I apply?

On the official site: https://ais.usvisa-info.com/en-co/niv

Sources

ais.usvisa-info.com

Plan your trip to the United States

Nowah is an AI travel agent that books flights, hotels and eSIMs in one conversation and keeps track of your visa paperwork along the way. Need data on arrival? See the Nowah eSIM guide for United States.

Plan the trip in Nowah All visa guides