The primary purpose of travel generally determines the type of visa that is required.
How do I apply for a non immigrant visa?
- Review our Personal Appearance Waiver Program page, our Business Visa Program page, and our Group Travel Program page to determine whether you may qualify for one of these programs. If so, follow the directions on the corresponding page. Otherwise, go to step 2.
- Go to https://ceac.state.gov/genniv/ to fill out the online DS-160 Nonimmigrant Visa Application Form and print the “Confirmation Page” with a barcode.
- Visit http://colombia.usvisa-info.com/ to pay the non refundable application fee and schedule your appointment.
- Appear at the Nonimmigrant Visa Unit on the date/time of your visa interview appointment.
- If you need to reschedule, visit http://colombia.usvisa-info.com to make another appointment. There is no need to contact the Embassy.
Which documents are required to apply for a non immigrant visa?
A valid passport with at least six months' validity remaining. Note that we are unable to process visas for applicants whose passports contain any type of powder. Also, we cannot accept damaged passports. Water damage, a significant tear, unofficial markings on the data page, missing visa pages (torn out), a hole-punch and other injuries may constitute “damage”
A completed Form DS-160 (https://ceac.state.gov/genniv/).
- Go to https://ceac.state.gov/genniv. Read the instructions and press “Start Application”
- Choose the Embassy or Consulate where you will apply
- A photograph. You will need to upload the photograph into your online Form DS-160. You must bring it in with you at the time of your interview. The Nonimmigrant Visa Unit does not recommend any specific photographer. There are studios throughout Colombia that produce photographs that meet the requirements for a visa application. Regardless of which photo studio you choose, make sure to describe to the photographer the specifications listed below:
- Size of photo must be 2 in x 2 in; 5 cm x 5 cm.
- Color photograph.
- Photo must be recent (taken no more than six months ago) to reflect your current appearance.
- White or off-white background.
- The person must be looking straight ahead (cannot be looking to the left, to the right, up or down), and the face must cover approximately 50% of the area of the photo.
- Neutral facial expression and both eyes open
- Both ears must be visible.
- Taken in clothing that you normally wear on a daily basis
- Do not wear a hat or head covering that obscures the hair or hairline, unless worn daily for a religious purpose.
- If you normally wear glasses (without tinted lenses), a hearing device or similar articles, they may be worn in your photo.
- Press “Test Photo”, Fill in the Form, and Print the Confirmation Page.
- Print the confirmation page. You only need to bring the printed confirmation sheet to the interview
- A photograph. You will need to upload the photograph into your online Form DS-160. You must bring it in with you at the time of your interview. The Nonimmigrant Visa Unit does not recommend any specific photographer. There are studios throughout Colombia that produce photographs that meet the requirements for a visa application. Regardless of which photo studio you choose, make sure to describe to the photographer the specifications listed below. Size of photo must be 5 cm x 5 cm. Color photograph. Photo must be recent (taken no more that six months ago). White or off-white background. The person must be looking straight ahead (cannot be looking to the left, to the right, up or down), and the face must cover approximately 50% of the area of the photo. Both ears must be visible. No head covering. No earrings. No digital photos. No eyeglasses.
Please Note: Different types of visas require different types of documents. Please see our Documents Required for Visa Application page to determine if your visa category requires other type of documents.
