--- title: United States visa for citizens of Colombia description: "Citizens of Colombia need a visa for the United States and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre. Stay up to 180 days. Fee: $185. Documents checklist and application steps." canonical: https://nowah.xyz/visa/united-states/colombia lastModified: 2026-09-05 --- # United States visa for citizens of Colombia 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.* Official application site: https://ais.usvisa-info.com/en-co/niv ## 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 - **Valid passport (at least 6 months validity beyond intended stay)** (Identity): Must have at least one blank visa page. - **DS-160 confirmation page** (Supporting): Print the confirmation barcode page after submitting online. - **Application fee payment receipt** (Financial): Pay the MRV fee online or at a designated bank. - **Photo (5x5 cm, white background)** (Identity): Must meet U.S. visa photo requirements. - **Appointment confirmation letter** (Supporting): Brings the appointment letter for both biometrics and interview. - **Itinerary / flight reservation** (Travel, optional): Not mandatory but recommended to show planned travel. - **Hotel booking or accommodation proof** (Travel, optional): Optional but helpful to show purpose and duration. - **Proof of employment or studies** (Employment): Letter from employer or school with details of role and leave approval. - **Bank statements (last 3-6 months)** (Financial): Show sufficient funds to cover expenses in the U.S. - **Tax returns or pay slips** (Financial): To demonstrate stable income and ties to Colombia. - **Previous U.S. visas (if any)** (Identity, optional): Include expired passports with old visas. - **Invitation letter (if visiting friends/family)** (Supporting, optional): From a U.S. host, including their status and address. - **Criminal record certificate (if applicable)** (Supporting, optional): May be requested for certain applicants. - **Medical insurance (optional but recommended)** (Supporting, 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. ## FAQs ### 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](https://ais.usvisa-info.com/en-co/niv) ## More - [United States visa for every passport](/visa/united-states) - [Every destination for Colombia passport holders](/visa/passport/colombia)