Steps on how to apply for a Colombia Working Holiday Visa

How would you love to spend the holiday in one of South America’s most livable countries, Colombia? And what if we told you that with just a Colombia working holiday visa, you have a one-year entry into this mega bio-diverse nation? Come to think of it, Colombia offers the best when it comes to nature. Its territory is surrounded by vast Amazon rainforest, highlands, grasslands, and deserts. Moreover, Colombia is the only country in South America with coastlines and islands along the Atlantic and Pacific oceans.

Indeed, the country is a fantastic place to visit, especially if you’re a nature lover. Asides from beautiful landscapes, Colombia has a rich blend of friendly citizens and amazing architecture and culture. It also has delicious food and many sunny beaches. These and many more reasons should make you choose Colombia as your next travel destination!

This article provides detailed information about the Colombia working holiday visa, including the requirements, the visa’s duration, and the application process.

What is Colombia Working Holiday Visa?

The Colombia working holiday visa came about as a result of the coming together of Colombia, Peru, Chile, and Mexico to establish the Pacific Alliance Group.

This alliance means that citizens of each country have the freedom to enter either country as a ‘free trade zone’ (without a visa).

Because of this, young adults aged 18 – 30 who want to work and travel within the Alliance countries can do so for up to one year without a visa. French Citizens also share this unique privilege to work and travel in Colombia for up to one year with this working holiday visa.

What can you do with a Colombia Working Holiday Visa?

This visa allows you to:

• Live in Colombia for up to a year.
• Work while living in Colombia.
• Study while living in Colombia.

Who Needs a Colombia Working Holiday Visa?

Asides from citizens of Peru, Mexico, Chile, and France, every other country’s national needs to get a Colombia working holiday visa. A Colombia working holiday visa is an excellent way for young people to experience life in another country.

It allows them to travel and explore while earning money to support themselves. The visa is valid for up to 12 months and can be used for working in different industries.

What are the requirements for a Colombia Working Holiday Visa?

The Colombia Working Holiday Visa allows young people to travel and work in Colombia for up to a year. To be eligible for the visa, you must be between 18 and 30 and a citizen of Chile, France, Mexico, and Peru.

Following that, you must apply for a Colombian residence permit. All Colombian residence permit applications must meet standard requirements and conditions. Then, depending on the type, there are others.

The following are the requirements and conditions for Colombia working holiday visa:

• You must be between eighteen and thirty years old.
• You can only stay in Colombia for one year.
• In addition, you must have a round-trip ticket. If not, you must demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to purchase one in the future through bank statements.
• You cannot sign a contract with an intermediary agency or exchange organization that requires you to pay a fine if the contract terms are not followed.
• A deposit cannot be paid to a Colombian or other intermediary agency or exchange organization.
• You must have enough funds to support yourself during your first stay. After that, you can do incidental work.

Remember that Chile, France, Mexico, and Peru. Each has a maximum of 100 applicants for the exchange each year.

If you are a Colombian citizen considering taking a working holiday in one of the countries mentioned above, get in touch with the embassy for more details.

 How to Apply for a Working Holiday Visa in Colombia?

A working holiday visa allows you to travel to a new country while earning money to fund your trip. Here’s what you need to know to apply for a working holiday visa in Colombia. You can apply for one by doing the following:

If you are from Chile, France, Mexico, and Peru

You can apply from your home country. This, however, is a more time-consuming procedure. The application must be submitted to your country’s Colombian embassy or Consulate.

This means you must apply through your local Colombian Embassy or Consulate.

Colombia Foreign Affairs is the immigration authority in Colombia in charge of processing Working Holiday visas.

For French Citizens

French citizens must apply via the Colombian Embassy in France.

22 Rue de l’Elysée, 75008 Paris, France

They are open from 9 am- 6 pm Monday – Saturday.

How Long Does It Take for a Colombia Visa Application to Be Processed?

The Colombia working holiday visa application takes about five working days to process. Still, it can take up to 30 days if there are any irregularities or missing documents. Therefore, apply well in advance of your intended travel date.

Colombia Working Holiday Visa Fees

When applying for a Colombia visa, you must pay the visa processing fee and another fee if your application is successful.

The initial Colombia visa fee is: The price varies depending on where you live:

• If you apply from Cuba or a European country, the fee is €40.
• If you are applying from within Colombia or a non-European country, the fee is $52.

Second Colombia visa fee (only if the visa is granted): Changes depending on where you live and the type of visa you’re applying for.

Methods of payment of the Colombia visa fee are:

• PSE Electronic Service Provider online. You must enter the reference number from your visa application.
• At the Consulate of Colombia. Please inquire with the relevant Consulate about their preferred method of payment.
• Using a Servibanca ATM (only if you are in Colombia at the time of payment)
• Sudameris Banco in Bogotá (only if you are in Colombia at the time of payment)

Note: Check the Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ website for visa fee payment requirements changes.

Can I extend a Colombia Working Holiday Visa?

You can extend your working holiday visa in Colombia. To be eligible for an extension, you must have worked continuously in Colombia for the previous six months.

In addition, you must have a valid visa and a letter from your employer stating that you are still employed and have not been terminated. If you meet these criteria, you can apply for a stay extension at the Migración Colombia office. The extension will be valid for an additional six months.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it easy to get a work visa in Colombia?

Yes, obtaining a work visa in Colombia is simple. You can apply for a working holiday visa at the Colombian Consulate or embassy in your home country. Again, the procedure is straightforward, and you should receive your visa within a few weeks.

How long does it take to get a Colombian work visa?

Obtaining a Colombian work visa can take some time, depending on the embassy. The process can take five working days in general. Still, it can take up to 30 days if there are any irregularities or missing documents. It will entail filling out an application form, submitting documentation to prove your eligibility, and then waiting for a decision.

Because the timeframe for each stage of the process will vary, it is critical to be patient and allow enough time for the entire process. Make sure to apply well in advance of your intended travel date.

How do I get a residence visa in Colombia?

There are several options for obtaining a residence visa in Colombia. One option is to marry a Colombian citizen. Another option is to work in Colombia and obtain a visa. You can also obtain a student visa and convert it to a residence visa after spending a certain amount of time in Colombia.

Furthermore, you can obtain a permit by accruing 3-5 years of temporary residency visas, investing 650 million pesos or more, having a child with a Colombian national, or adopting a child.

Can I work in Colombia on a tourist visa?

You can work in Colombia while on a tourist visa. The V visitor visa is a new visa for Colombia that allows its holder to perform specialized work in Colombia for a limited time.

What Is the Duration of a Colombia working holiday Visa?

The duration of a Colombia working holiday visa is one year.

Is it difficult to find work in Colombia?

Even though Colombia’s economy is expanding, it can be difficult for foreigners to find work. However, Colombia is very business-friendly, and ex-pats may wish to start their businesses.

Conclusion

Finally, applying for a Colombia Working Holiday Visa is relatively simple. The main steps are to gather the necessary documents, fill out the application form, and pay the visa fee. Remember that the visa application must be submitted at least two months before the planned departure date. So, start gathering your documents and filling out the application form immediately to start planning your dream vacation in Colombia!