Colombia•South AmericaCourtesy Visa for Unforeseen Cases (Visa de Cortesía Casos No Previstos)
At a Glance
Varies
USD $231
Discretionary
Not renewable
Renewal
Not renewable
Family
Not specified
PR Pathway
None
Sponsor
No job offer needed
Work
Remote not required
Overview
Issued when the presence of a foreign national is of particular importance to the Colombian state for political, social, economic, scientific, cultural, sporting, or artistic reasons not covered by other categories.
The Courtesy Visa for Unforeseen Cases is intended for foreign nationals whose presence is deemed of particular importance to the Colombian state for political, social, economic, scientific, cultural, sporting, or artistic reasons. This visa is granted at the discretion of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs when the applicant's specific circumstances are not covered by other existing visa categories.
Applicants must demonstrate the unique nature of their contribution to Colombia and pay a fee of USD 231 to process the request.
Cost Breakdown
Requirements
PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS
The presence of the foreign national must be of particular interest to the Colombian State.
Must be for cases not covered by other visa categories (unforeseen or special circumstances).
Must be approved by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs based on the specific merits of the case.
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
Valid passport.
Detailed letter explaining the purpose of the visit and why it qualifies as a special case.
Supporting evidence (e.g., invitations from government entities, proof of special project involvement).
Recent digital color photograph (3x4 cm, white background).
Advantages & Considerations
Key Benefits
- Provides a legal pathway for entry when standard visa categories do not apply.
- Allows for participation in projects or events of national importance.
Worth Knowing
- Highly discretionary; approval is not guaranteed.
- Requires a strong justification for why the applicant does not fit into standard visa categories.
- Processing times can be unpredictable due to the nature of the review.
Application Process
Submit a formal request to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs explaining the special circumstances.
Complete the online visa application form.
Upload all supporting documentation justifying the 'unforeseen' or 'special interest' nature of the visit.
Pay the applicable visa study and issuance fees (if not exempted).
Wait for the Ministry's discretionary review and decision.
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