United States Visa for Colombia Citizens 2026 - Requirements, Fees & Processing

Overview

Planning a trip to the United States as a Colombian citizen? You will need a B1/B2 visitor visa. This guide covers everything you need: required documents, current fees of $185, interview preparation, and strategies to improve your approval chances.

Visa Application process

The US tourist visa application requires completing an online form, paying the fee, and attending an in-person interview at the US Embassy in Bogotá.1 Here are the steps:

Complete DS-160 Form

Fill out the Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application (Form DS-160) at ceac.state.gov.2 Upload your photo and answer all questions accurately. Save the confirmation page with barcode.

Pay the Visa Fee

Pay the $185 MRV application fee.3 This fee is non-refundable, regardless of the outcome. Payment can be made online or at designated banks in Colombia.

Schedule Interview

After paying the fee, schedule your interview appointment at the US Embassy in Bogotá through the appointment system.1 Interview wait times vary, so schedule as early as possible.

Attend Interview

Bring your passport, DS-160 confirmation page, appointment confirmation, and supporting documents to the Embassy.1 The interview typically lasts 5-10 minutes.

Wait for Processing

If approved, your passport with the visa will be ready for pickup or delivery within 3-4 weeks.1 If refused, you will receive explanation under Section 214(b) of the Immigration and Nationality Act.

Visa Application Steps

1. Complete DS-160 Form
2. Pay the Visa Fee
3. Schedule Interview
4. Attend Interview
5. Wait for Processing

Visa Fees breakdown

Fee Type: Cost	B1/B2 Visa Application (MRV Fee): $185	The application fee is non-refundable and must be paid before scheduling your interview.3 Additional courier fees may apply for passport delivery.

What you need to prove

Under Section 214(b) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, you must demonstrate that you:

Have a residence abroad that you do not intend to abandon
Intend to enter the US temporarily for a specific, legitimate purpose
Have sufficient funds to cover your trip expenses
Have ties to Colombia that will compel you to return

Required documents

Valid Passport
DS-160 Application Form
Visa Interview
Financial Evidence
Employment Evidence
Ties to Home Country
Visa Photo

Valid Passport

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay in the United States • At least one blank page for the visa sticker; • Must not be damaged or altered; • Include old passports with previous US, UK, or Schengen visas if available] (Tip: If your passport expires soon, renew it before applyingKeep old passports as they demonstrate positive travel history)

DS-160 Application Form

Complete the Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application (Form DS-160) • Fill out completely and accurately online; • Upload a recent photo meeting US visa photo requirements; • Print the confirmation page with barcode; • Note your DS-160 confirmation number] (Tip: Save your application frequently as sessions time outTake your time to answer all questions accuratelyPhoto must have white background and be taken within last 6 months)

Visa Interview

Attend an in-person interview at the US Embassy in Bogotá • Schedule appointment through the US Embassy website; • Arrive early with all required documents; • Interview typically lasts 5-10 minutes; • Answer questions clearly and concisely] (Tip: Be honest and direct with the consular officerDo not volunteer unnecessary informationDress professionally)

Financial Evidence

Bank statements and financial documents showing sufficient funds for your trip • Last 3-6 months of bank statements; • Must show regular income and stable balance; • Should demonstrate funds for travel, accommodation, and daily expenses; • Include employment income proof] (Tip: Avoid large unexplained deposits close to application dateEnsure salary credits match your employment documentsInclude certificates of deposit (CDTs) if applicable)

Employment Evidence

Documentation proving your employment status, income, and ties to Colombia • Letter from employer on company letterhead; • Include position, salary, and length of employment; • Confirm approved leave dates for your trip; • Contact details for verification] (Tip: If self-employed, provide Cámara de Comercio registration and recent tax filings (declaración de renta)Students should provide enrollment letter and transcriptsShow stable employment of 1+ years where possible)

Ties to Home Country

Evidence demonstrating your intention to return to Colombia • Property ownership documents (certificado de libertad y tradición); • Family certificates showing dependents; • Ongoing business or job commitments; • Educational enrollment if applicable] (Tip: This is the most important factor in visa approvalBe prepared to explain why you will return to Colombia)

Visa Photo

Digital photo uploaded with DS-160 application • 2x2 inches (51x51 mm); • White background; • Taken within last 6 months; • Full face visible, neutral expression] (Tip: Many applications are delayed due to incorrect photosUse the State Department's photo tool to verify compliance)

Optional documents

Travel Plans

Details of your planned activities and accommodation in the US • Where you plan to stay; • What you plan to do; • How long you plan to stay] (Tip: Do not book non-refundable flights until visa is approvedHave a clear, realistic itinerary ready to discussIf visiting family or friends, know their address and US status)

Common rejection reasons

%	Reason
40%	Unable to Demonstrate Ties to Colombia
25%	Insufficient Financial Evidence
18%	Unclear or Unconvincing Purpose
10%	Previous Immigration Issues
7%	Incomplete or Inconsistent Application

40% - Unable to Demonstrate Ties to Colombia

How to avoid: Bring strong evidence of employment (letter, pay stubs), property ownership, family dependents, or ongoing business commitments. Be prepared to clearly explain why you will return.

25% - Insufficient Financial Evidence

How to avoid: Show 3-6 months of bank statements with consistent income. Avoid large unexplained deposits. Have employment letter showing salary that matches bank deposits.

18% - Unclear or Unconvincing Purpose

How to avoid: Have a clear, specific reason for your visit. If visiting family, know their address and status. If tourism, have a general itinerary. Be concise and confident.

10% - Previous Immigration Issues

How to avoid: Be completely honest about previous issues. Explain what has changed since then. Provide evidence of improved circumstances.

7% - Incomplete or Inconsistent Application

How to avoid: Review your DS-160 carefully before submitting. Ensure all information matches your supporting documents. Print and bring the confirmation page.

Frequently asked questions

Do Colombians need a visa to visit the United States?

Yes. Colombian citizens are not part of the Visa Waiver Program and must apply for a B1/B2 visitor visa before travelling to the United States.

How long can I stay in the US on a tourist visa?

The B1/B2 visa allows stays of up to 6 months per visit, though the actual length of stay is determined by the CBP officer at the port of entry. You will receive a Form I-94 showing your authorized stay.

Can I work on a US tourist visa?

No, the B1/B2 visa does not permit any form of paid or unpaid work in the United States. This includes remote work for US companies.

How long does US visa processing take from Colombia?

After your interview, visa processing typically takes 3-4 weeks. However, wait times for interview appointments can vary significantly. Check the US Embassy website for current wait times.

What is the US tourist visa fee for Colombians in 2026?

The B1/B2 visa application fee is $185. This is a non-refundable Machine Readable Visa (MRV) fee paid before your interview.

What happens during the visa interview?

The interview typically lasts 5-10 minutes. The consular officer will ask about your travel plans, ties to Colombia, financial situation, and purpose of visit. Answer honestly and concisely.

Can I reapply if my visa is refused?

Yes, you can reapply at any time. However, you must pay the application fee again and should address the reasons for the previous refusal with additional documentation or changed circumstances.

How long is the B1/B2 visa valid?

For Colombian citizens, the B1/B2 visa is typically issued for 10 years with multiple entry. However, the visa validity period is at the consular officer's discretion.

Apply for United States tourist visa online

Sources

US Embassy Colombia - Visas

https://co.usembassy.gov/visas/

US Department of State - Tourist Visa

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/tourism-visit/visitor.html

US Department of State - Visa Fees

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/fees/fees-visa-services.html

USAGov - Tourist Visa Guide

https://www.usa.gov/tourist-visa

At a glance