Colombian citizens need a B-1/B-2 visa to visit the United States. Colombia is not part of the Visa Waiver Program — there is no ESTA option for Colombian passport holders. The most common US visa for Colombians is the B-1/B-2 tourist and business visa ($185 MRV fee), typically issued as a 5–10 year multiple-entry visa. Colombia also has an E-2 Treaty Investor visa treaty with the US — one of few Latin American countries with this advantage. This guide covers all visa options, requirements, interview wait times at the US Embassy in Bogotá, and how to maximize your approval chances.
Last updated: July 26, 2026
- Do Colombian Citizens Need a Visa for the USA?
- B-1/B-2 Visitor Visa for Colombians — Requirements 2026
- E-2 Treaty Investor Visa for Colombians
- Is There TPS for Colombian Citizens?
- H-1B and Professional Work Visas for Colombians
- F-1 Student Visa for Colombian Citizens
- Frequently Asked Questions — US Visa for Colombians
Do Colombian Citizens Need a Visa for the USA?
Yes. Colombia is not part of the US Visa Waiver Program, so all Colombian citizens need a valid US visa to enter the United States. The B-1/B-2 visitor visa is the most common option for tourism and short business trips. Colombia also benefits from an E-2 Treaty Investor visa agreement with the US — making it one of only a handful of Latin American countries where nationals can obtain a US work visa as entrepreneurs and investors without employer sponsorship.
B-1/B-2 Visitor Visa for Colombians — Requirements 2026
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Valid passport | Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay in the US |
| DS-160 form | Completed online at ceac.state.gov/genniv before scheduling your interview |
| MRV fee | $185 USD — paid online before your appointment, non-refundable |
| Financial proof | Bank statements (last 3–6 months) showing sufficient funds for your trip |
| Ties to Colombia | Employment letter, business ownership, property, family — shows you will return home |
| Travel itinerary | Hotel reservations and flight details (can be provisional, not final) |
| Purpose of trip | Clear statement: tourism, family visit, business meetings, medical treatment |
| No prior visa violations | No overstays, deportations, or prior visa denials (each requires disclosure) |
Interview Wait Times — US Embassy and Consulate in Colombia
| Location | B-1/B-2 Wait Time 2026 | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| US Embassy Bogotá | 60–150 days | Main location, highest volume |
| US Consulate Barranquilla | 30–90 days | Shorter wait — consider if eligible |
Check current appointments at travel.state.gov/wait-times. The Barranquilla consulate often has significantly shorter wait times than Bogotá — Colombian applicants from the Caribbean coast or with flexibility can benefit.
E-2 Treaty Investor Visa for Colombians
Colombia has a bilateral investment treaty with the United States, making Colombian nationals eligible for the E-2 Treaty Investor Visa — one of the most valuable US visa options available. The E-2 allows Colombian entrepreneurs and investors to live and work in the United States while operating a US business they have invested in.
| E-2 Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Investment | Must invest a “substantial” amount in a US business — no fixed minimum, but typically $50,000–$200,000+ depending on the business type |
| Business ownership | Must own at least 50% of the enterprise or have operational control |
| Active business | The business must be real and operating (or in the process of being established) — not a passive investment |
| Job creation | The business should create or maintain jobs for US workers (not just yourself) |
| Nationality | Must be a Colombian citizen (not just resident) |
| Validity | Issued for 2-year periods, renewable indefinitely as long as the business operates |
The E-2 does not lead directly to a green card, but E-2 holders can simultaneously pursue EB-2/EB-3 or EB-5 immigrant petitions. Many Colombian entrepreneurs use the E-2 as a long-term path to establish a US business presence.
Is There TPS for Colombian Citizens?
Colombia does not currently have a Temporary Protected Status (TPS) designation, and it has not had an active TPS designation in recent history despite periodic advocacy for one (including a UNHCR recommendation in 2023). TPS is a country-specific designation granted by DHS in response to armed conflict, natural disaster, or other extraordinary conditions — as of mid-2026 it applies to a short list of countries (currently including Honduras, Nicaragua, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Ukraine, and Yemen) that does not include Colombia. Colombians already in the US without status should not assume TPS eligibility; check the current, official list of designated countries at uscis.gov/tps before relying on this pathway.
H-1B and Professional Work Visas for Colombians
Colombian professionals in specialty occupations can be sponsored by a US employer for an H-1B visa. Unlike Indian and Chinese nationals, Colombians face no per-country backlog for employment-based green cards — EB-2 and EB-3 priority dates are current for Colombia, meaning the green card process can move significantly faster. Other work visa options include the O-1 (extraordinary ability), L-1 (intracompany transfer), and TN — though note that Colombia is not part of USMCA and TN visas are not available to Colombian nationals.
F-1 Student Visa for Colombian Citizens
Colombia is consistently among the top 20 sending countries for international students to the United States. F-1 requires acceptance at a SEVP-approved school, an I-20 from the institution, and payment of the $350 SEVIS fee. After graduation, Colombian F-1 students are eligible for 12 months of OPT (Optional Practical Training) — up to 36 months for STEM graduates. The F-1 visa interview at Bogotá or Barranquilla typically processes within a few days of the interview.
Frequently Asked Questions — US Visa for Colombians
Can Colombians travel to the US without a visa?
No. Colombia is not part of the US Visa Waiver Program and there is no ESTA for Colombian citizens. All Colombians need a B-1/B-2 visa or other appropriate US visa to enter the United States.
How long is a US visa valid for Colombians?
B-1/B-2 visas issued to Colombian citizens are typically valid for 5 to 10 years with multiple entries. Each individual trip is authorized for up to 6 months by the CBP officer at the port of entry. Always verify your authorized stay on your I-94 at i94.cbp.dhs.gov after arrival.
Does Colombia have an E-2 treaty with the United States?
Yes. Colombia has a bilateral investment treaty with the US, making Colombian citizens eligible for the E-2 Treaty Investor Visa. This allows Colombian entrepreneurs and investors to live and work in the US while operating a business they have substantially invested in. The E-2 is renewable every two years.
How much does a US visa cost for Colombians?
The non-refundable MRV application fee is $185 for a B-1/B-2 visa, paid before the consulate interview. This fee is required regardless of outcome. There are no additional fees for the visa stamp itself.
