Can Colombian citizens travel to Europe without a visa?

Yes, Colombian passport holders can travel visa-free to the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within any 180-day period for tourism or business purposes. This includes 26 European countries such as Spain, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Greece, and Portugal. However, starting in 2025, Colombians will need to apply for ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) before traveling to Schengen countries, though this is not a visa but an electronic travel authorization.

Do Colombians need a visa to visit the United States?

Yes, Colombian citizens require a visa to enter the United States. Colombians are not eligible for the US Visa Waiver Program (ESTA) and must apply for a B1/B2 tourist visa at a US Embassy or Consulate in Colombia. The application process includes completing the DS-160 form, paying the visa fee, attending an interview, and providing supporting documents. Processing times vary, so travelers should apply well in advance.

Which countries can Colombians visit without a visa?

Colombians can visit 131 destinations without a prior visa in 2025. Major visa-free destinations include all Schengen countries, United Kingdom alternatives like Ireland (requires visa), Russia (eTA required), Turkey, UAE, Singapore, Hong Kong, South Korea (eTA required), Thailand, Indonesia, Philippines, Mexico, all South American countries, most Central American and Caribbean nations, and Morocco. Additionally, 26 countries offer visa-on-arrival, including Egypt, Maldives, Cambodia, Qatar, and Bahrain.

Is military service mandatory for Colombian passport holders?

Yes, military service is mandatory for Colombian male citizens between 18-24 years old. All Colombian men must obtain a 'Libreta Militar' (military card) which proves completion or exemption from military service. This document is often required for passport applications, employment, and educational enrollment in Colombia. Exemptions exist for certain conditions including being the sole family provider, health issues, or completing alternative social service. Colombians living abroad may need to regularize their military situation through Colombian consulates.

Can Colombians work in Europe with their passport?

No, visa-free access to the Schengen Area does not grant Colombians the right to work. The 90-day visa-free stay is strictly for tourism, business meetings, or short-term activities. To work legally in any European country, Colombian citizens must obtain a work visa or residence permit sponsored by an employer in that specific country. Each EU nation has its own requirements for work authorization. Some countries like Spain offer special working holiday visas or have bilateral agreements that may facilitate the process.

Do Colombian citizens need a visa for the United Kingdom?

Yes, Colombian passport holders require a visa to enter the United Kingdom. After Brexit, the UK maintains its own visa policy separate from the Schengen Area. Colombians must apply for a Standard Visitor Visa for tourism, business, or family visits, which allows stays up to 6 months. The application is completed online through the UK government website, requires biometric information, supporting documents, and payment of the visa fee (approximately £100-115).

What documents do Colombians need for international travel?

Colombian citizens need a valid passport (recommended with at least 6 months validity beyond travel dates), proof of onward/return travel, proof of sufficient funds, and accommodation details. For visa-free countries, no additional documents are needed at entry, though immigration may ask for hotel reservations or invitation letters. For countries requiring visas, additional documents like passport photos, bank statements, employment letters, and travel insurance may be necessary. Male citizens may need their 'Libreta Militar' for re-entry to Colombia.

Can Colombians travel to Canada without a visa?

No, Colombian citizens require a visa to visit Canada. Colombia is not part of Canada's visa-exempt countries. Colombians must apply for either a Temporary Resident Visa (visitor visa) for tourism or business, or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) if they have held a Canadian visa in the past 10 years or currently hold a valid US non-immigrant visa. The visa application process involves online submission, biometrics collection, and processing fees of approximately CAD $100.

How long does it take to renew a Colombian passport?

Colombian passport renewal typically takes 5-10 business days when applying within Colombia through the Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores. For Colombians abroad, processing through consulates can take 4-8 weeks depending on location and demand. The cost is approximately COP $177,000 (around USD $45) for a standard 10-year passport. Required documents include the old passport, valid ID (cédula de ciudadanía), and for males under 50, the Libreta Militar. Expedited services may be available for urgent travel needs at additional cost.

Colombia Passport Ranking – Visa Free Access to 131 Countries

The Colombian passport ranks 40th globally in 2025, offering visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 131 destinations worldwide. This represents a significant improvement in travel mobility from 2006, when it ranked 64th with access to only 32 countries. Colombian passport holders enjoy expanded opportunities for international business, tourism, and education, with access to key regions including the Schengen Area, the United Kingdom, and most of Latin America. The passport's rising global ranking reflects Colombia's strengthening diplomatic relations and economic development over the past two decades.

Global Rank

#40

out of 199 countries

Visa Free Access

131

countries worldwide

Mobility Score

out of 100 points

Quick Statistics for Colombia passport

Visa-Free

On Arrival

ETA Required

E-Visa

Visa Required

Source: Skyscanner & Official Government Websites.

Top Visa-Free Destinations for Colombian Citizens

Popular destinations where Colombia passport holders can travel without a visa:

Country	Maximum Stay	Code
Ecuador	Up to 90 days	EC
Peru	Up to 183 days	PE
Mexico	Up to 180 days	MX
Turkey	Up to 90 days	TR
Thailand	Up to 90 days	TH

Visa Requirements by Country

Complete breakdown of visa requirements for Colombia passport holders

✅ Visa-Free

98 countries

🛬 Visa on Arrival

27 countries

🔐 ETA Required

6 countries

💻 E-Visa

35 countries

❌ Visa Required

60 countries

Historical Ranking Trend

Colombia's passport ranking progression from 2006 to 2025

Trend: Improved by 24 positions from 2006 to 2025

Official Colombia Passport & Travel Resources

Access official government resources for passport services, travel advisories, and visa information:

🔗

Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores de Colombia

🔗

Pasaportes Colombia - Cancillería

🔗

Migración Colombia

🔗

Check Mig - Registro Migratorio

Compare Colombia Passport with Other Passports

See how Colombia's passport compares with other AMERICAS in the same ranking tier:

Country	Rank	Visa-Free Destinations	Mobility Score	Global Score
Colombia (You are here)	#40	131	62/100	74/100
Paraguay	#32	145	65/100	68/100
Peru	#35	142	72/100	65/100
El Salvador	#38	134	42/100	62/100
Guatemala	#39	133	42/100	61/100
Honduras	#41	130	42/100	59/100

*Mobility score calculated based on visa-free access and global travel freedom.

*Global score reflects overall passport strength considering various factors.

Frequently Asked Questions:

The Colombian passport ranks 40th globally in 2025 with visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 131 countries. This represents a significant improvement from 2006 when it ranked 64th with only 32 visa-free destinations. Colombia has gained substantial travel freedom over the past two decades, particularly after 2016 when the Schengen Area opened visa-free access for Colombian citizens.

Explore More Passport Rankings

Discover Colombia's passport power and compare with other countries to find the world's most powerful travel documents.

View All Passport Rankings

Last Updated: November 9, 2025

Source: IATA Travel Centre, Skyscanner & Official Government Websites.

Colombia Passport Ranking – Visa Free Access to 131 Countries

Country

Maximum Stay

Code

Up to 90 days

Up to 183 days

Up to 180 days

Up to 90 days

Up to 90 days

Historical Ranking Trend

Colombia's passport ranking progression from 2006 to 2025

Trend: Improved by 24 positions from 2006 to 2025

Compare Colombia Passport with Other Passports

See how Colombia's passport compares with other AMERICAS in the same ranking tier:

Country	Rank	Visa-Free Destinations	Mobility Score	Global Score
Colombia (You are here)	#40	131	62/100	74/100
Paraguay	#32	145	65/100	68/100
Peru	#35	142	72/100	65/100
El Salvador	#38	134	42/100	62/100
Guatemala	#39	133	42/100	61/100
Honduras	#41	130	42/100	59/100

*Mobility score calculated based on visa-free access and global travel freedom.

*Global score reflects overall passport strength considering various factors.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Quick Statistics for Colombia passport

Top Visa-Free Destinations for Colombian Citizens

Visa Requirements by Country

✅ Visa-Free

🛬 Visa on Arrival

🔐 ETA Required

💻 E-Visa

❌ Visa Required

Historical Ranking Trend

Colombia's passport ranking progression from 2006 to 2025

Official Colombia Passport & Travel Resources

Compare Colombia Passport with Other Passports

Frequently Asked Questions:

How strong is the Colombian passport in 2025?

Can Colombian citizens travel to Europe without a visa?

Do Colombians need a visa to visit the United States?

Which countries can Colombians visit without a visa?

Is military service mandatory for Colombian passport holders?

Can Colombians work in Europe with their passport?

Do Colombian citizens need a visa for the United Kingdom?

What documents do Colombians need for international travel?

Can Colombians travel to Canada without a visa?

How long does it take to renew a Colombian passport?

Explore More Passport Rankings

Quick Statistics for Colombia passport

Top Visa-Free Destinations for Colombian Citizens

Visa Requirements by Country

✅ Visa-Free

🛬 Visa on Arrival

🔐 ETA Required

💻 E-Visa

❌ Visa Required

Historical Ranking Trend

Colombia's passport ranking progression from 2006 to 2025

Official Colombia Passport & Travel Resources

Compare Colombia Passport with Other Passports

Frequently Asked Questions:

How strong is the Colombian passport in 2025?

Can Colombian citizens travel to Europe without a visa?

Do Colombians need a visa to visit the United States?

Which countries can Colombians visit without a visa?

Is military service mandatory for Colombian passport holders?

Can Colombians work in Europe with their passport?

Do Colombian citizens need a visa for the United Kingdom?

What documents do Colombians need for international travel?

Can Colombians travel to Canada without a visa?

How long does it take to renew a Colombian passport?

Explore More Passport Rankings