Top 5 Mistakes to Avoid When Applying for a Colombia Travel Visa
To get a Colombia Travel Visa, there are some specific and rigorous procedures and documents to be fulfilled for a hassle-free entry into the country. As a country with diverse culture, beautiful cities and stunning sceneries, Colombia is on the list of many travelers. However, the visa application process can be complex, and a few mistakes can result in a long-term delay or even refusal of the Colombia Travel Visa. It is good to be aware of these common problems so that one can avoid making mistakes which are likely to complicate the journey.
A major determinant to the success of a visa application is understanding the Colombia travel requirements and following them keenly. Whether it is making sure that your documents are as recent as possible and apostilled or arranging the date of your visa’s expiration, every detail counts. If you are to avoid these top mistakes, you’ll be in a better position to apply for the Colombia Visa and enjoy the beauty that Colombia has to offer.
Here is the Top 5 Mistakes to Avoid When Applying for a Colombia Travel Visa
1. Failing to Renew Your Temporary Permit
The commonest mistake that travelers make is not to check on the expiry date of the temporary permit or tourist visa (PTP). Make sure to always check your entry stamp and then calculate 90 days from that date, the days include weekends and holidays. If you want to spend more time in this country, it is advised to buy a refundable ticket to Ecuador or Panama, for example. This enables you to apply for an additional 90 days without having to leave the region, thus getting an extension. It is recommended that you apply for this extension before the expiry of your current visa, preferably three days to the expiry of your visa to avoid being penalized or deported.
Tips: It is advisable to purchase a refundable ticket so as to facilitate the extension process and refrain from engaging in a debate with the migration officers since they cannot change the law.
2. Using Outdated Documents
When obtaining the migrant or resident visa in Colombia, it is recommended that all documents including birth certificates, marriage certificates and pension letters among others should be recent, preferably not more than three months. If you are already in Colombia, you can request someone in your home country to get and forward you the updated copies of these documents. Make sure any documents coming from another country are apostilled or notarized before they are shipped to Colombia.
Tips: It is advisable to ensure that the documents submitted are valid before submission and check on the current guidelines on document update and apostille.
3. Neglecting to Get the Apostille Stamp
A big mistake is not getting the Apostille Stamp on your foreign documents. This stamp is very important since it is used in the certification of documents in Colombia. In case if the country is a member of The Hague Convention, then this stamp can be purchased from companies that offer such services or on the Internet. In case your country is not a member, you will be required to have the document legalized and then authenticated by the Colombian Consul at a Colombian Consulate.
Tips: Begin the apostille process on time especially if your country has certain procedures that need to be followed and also check on the legal procedures of apostille for your documents.
4. Incorrect Translation of Documents
Any document that is not in Spanish has to be translated by an official translator. Such translations must be accompanied by the date of translation and, starting from December 14, 2018, the translator’s signature must be authenticated by a notary. Make sure to follow these criteria to deal with cases of delay or rejection of your translations.
Tips: It is recommended to use an officially recognized translator for translation of documents and the translated documents should be notarized to meet the existing Colombia travel requirements.
5. Applying for or Renewing Your Visa Too Late
Another mistake that people make is applying for the visa or renewing it close to the time when the current visa will expire. This should be done at least one month before travel, depending with the type of visa to be used. This is because you may need to fetch documents from various institutions and this will take some time. Lack of planning may lead to an emergency extension (Salvoconducto), multiple visits to the migration offices and stress.
Tips: Ensure one sets reminders for the visa application deadlines and also make sure that all the required documents are collected way before the deadline.
Conclusion:
The application process for Colombia Travel Visa is not very easy but if you avoid some mistakes, then it will become easier for you. That way you avoid complications that may ensue from a temporary permit that has expired, using documents that are up to date and properly apostilled, translating them accurately, and applying or renewing your visa before it expires. If you bear these tips in mind, you will be able to fulfill the Colombia travel requirements without much stress. Please do not forget that these are not just mere formalities that can help you get the visa as smoothly as possible but also the things that will help you avoid any unpleasant moments that can interfere with your wonderful experience in Colombia.