CoVisas Blog · Colombia Visa Guides

You can reach us through any of the following channels:

• WhatsApp 24 horas: (+57) 324 367 5333.
• Online request form: fill in the form.

We guarantee the insurance or plans required for visas in Colombia and your peace of mind while you are in Colombia!

To obtain the plan or insurance required under Resolution #5477 for foreign visa applicants, consider the following:

• Type of visa needed (for example, Student, Spouse, Digital Nomad, etc.).
• Desired duration of the visa you will apply for; depending on the visa type, it can be 1, 2 or 3 years.
• The coverage or contract start date ideally matches the date you apply to the country's immigration authorities.
• Emergency contact information is required: first name, last name and phone number.

The regulations require the following mandatory coverages for foreigners applying for visas in Colombia: Accidents, Illness, Disability, Hospitalization, Maternity, Repatriation or Death.

CoVisas Plans meet the 7 coverages required by Resolution #5477 of July 22, 2022 of Colombia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs:

1. Accidents
2. Illness
3. Hospitalization
4. Disability
5. Maternity
6. Repatriation
7. Death

Resolution #5477 of Colombia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, published on July 22, 2022, establishes that foreigners applying for several types of visa must show coverage in case of: accident, illness, disability, hospitalization, maternity (for biological women), repatriation or death.

From here on we call the medical assistance program with full guarantees valid for obtaining visas in Colombia the "Visa Assistance Plan or Insurance", so it is not confused with EPS services, other private insurance and supplementary plans.

Because it is a requirement formally established in Resolution #5477 of Colombia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, of July 22, 2022, for several types of visa: having a complete insurance or assistance plan.

Bear in mind that the "disability", "maternity" and "death" coverages are not included in every insurance or assistance plan; that is why you need to read the contract conditions and buy a plan that fully complies with this rule.

Although the decision is up to each person, without the requirement you will not be eligible for a long-stay visa in Colombia. An application filed without it may be declared inadmissible or, in the worst case, denied under the discretionary power of Cancillería officials.

In the latter case, the foreigner will have 30 days to leave the country and cannot file a new visa application until 6 months have passed since the previous application.

Some of the most common challenges we have seen among foreign applicants are:

• Misinformation: many opinions, agents and brokers who, eager to sell, offer any insurance or travel plan without analyzing the applicant's needs or knowing the rule in depth. This is how plans without all the required coverages are sold, even contracts with no practical effect.
• Automated service: the contact channels of large companies run on bots or automated systems that make it hard to get specialized professional advice.
• High cost: on average USD 800 to 900 or more.
• Age and medical history: older people or people with a medical history or underlying conditions have more difficulty buying a plan and meeting the requirement.
• An underserved expat market: many insurers still do not offer contracts suited to this growing need, and there are legal limits on offering supplementary or prepaid plans to people without legal status.
• Short terms: often there are no options to contract for more than one year, which makes it hard to obtain long-stay visas for longer periods.

No. Sura and traditional health policies or plans generally do not include disability, repatriation and death coverage in their health plans, nor can they offer contracts of more than one year.

Immigration and visas are a different matter: the rule (Resolution #5477 of 2022) requires 7 specific coverages, and most Colombian agents know almost nothing about visas and immigration.

In addition, if you do not have a valid visa with a Foreigner ID Card or Special Stay Permit, some of these companies make the purchase conditional on having a Colombian ID document and even on being enrolled in an EPS beforehand.

At CoVisas we have more than 20 years of experience in legal and immigration matters, as well as in selling policies suited to each need, at no cost to you.

At CoVisas, after an in-depth analysis of the situation and the market, we formed alliances with top-tier insurers and providers to successfully meet the specific needs of visa applicants in Colombia. We solve these barriers with valid health plans, insurance and assistance adapted to current regulations, with an affordable offer for foreigners seeking a long-stay visa.

CoVisas Plans meet the 7 coverages required by Resolution #5477 of July 22, 2022 of Colombia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs:

1. Accidents
2. Illness
3. Hospitalization
4. Disability
5. Maternity
6. Repatriation
7. Death

No, not at all. The Visa Plan or Insurance and the EPS are clearly different services that work independently, each with specific functions according to needs.

Colombia's healthcare system is made up of several types of services:

1 The Visa Plan or insurance: applies only to foreigners applying for long-stay visas in Colombia and provides the necessary coverages under Resolution #5477 of 2022 of Colombia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Anyone can join with just a foreign passport.

2 Health Provider Companies (EPS): essential to Colombia's healthcare system, EPS manage public and private funds, providing comprehensive coverage to all Colombian and foreign workers with no age restrictions or cost limits at an affordable price. The EPS is different from Visa Plans or Insurance. All workers must make monthly contributions to sustain the EPS system; it costs on average between USD 50 and 70 per month.

3 Supplementary Plans, Prepaid Medicine or Comprehensive Insurance Policies: offer VIP medical services such as quick appointments, private rooms and copay exemptions. Requirements: legal residence in Colombia with a Foreigner ID Card, an approved visa or a Special Stay Permit. Variable cost, averaging between COP 3 and 8 million per year; it is optional and in addition to Visa Plans or Insurance and the EPS.

Conclusions: to be a resident in Colombia you need an approved visa, a Special Stay Permit and a Foreigner ID Card. Getting the Visa Plan or Insurance is mandatory for you. Without them, you cannot legally enroll in an EPS or supplementary plans. No insurance on the market perfectly meets immigration requirements while guaranteeing complete and unlimited services. As a result, these systems coexist and operate independently.

Yes, that statement is correct. The Visa Plan or Insurance is ideal for foreigners applying for visas or renewing a residence visa in Colombia.

If you currently have "tourist or non-resident" status (without an approved valid visa, Special Stay Permit (PEP) or Foreigner ID Card) and only hold a passport or foreign ID documents, you will need the Visa Plan or Insurance to meet the Colombian government's requirement during your stay in the country.

On the other hand, if you currently have temporary resident status in Colombia (with an approved valid visa, Special Stay Permit and a Colombian Foreigner ID Card), you will also need the Visa Plan or Insurance to secure the coverage required by Resolution #5477.

No, it is not necessary. But you must show compliance with all the required coverage (a Visa Insurance or Plan that meets the requirement of Resolution #5477 of 2022). The EPS only includes health services within Colombian territory, and it is not enough to obtain or renew visas, since it lacks some coverages such as disability, repatriation or death, among others.

If you plan to spend long periods in Colombia, it is advisable to combine both systems.

The Visa Plan or Insurance is an essential requirement for foreigners applying for visas in Colombia under Resolution #5477 of 2022. It makes it possible to obtain a visa and a Foreigner ID Card, defining the applicant's immigration status. Although it offers excellent guarantees and benefits for covered events, it is not unlimited insurance and is not intended for purposes beyond those specified.

The EPS covers every aspect of the Colombian healthcare system, offering coverage within the Mandatory Health Plan (POS or PBS) set each year by the government. Unlike the Visa Insurance or Plan, it has no temporary exclusions or entry age limits, among other features. The cost of the EPS varies with individual income levels; for people without employment contracts, the average cost is around USD 50 to 70 per month.

Therefore, both systems can be combined to fully cover every need. In the end, the decision to join the EPS system will depend on each client's specific needs.

Some Visa Plan or Insurance competitors charge between USD 800 and 900 per person per year. Recognizing the problem of high costs, we partnered directly with leading companies, using our extensive client portfolio to reduce costs by 20 to 30% for our clients and partners.

We also offer exclusive discounts for 1, 2 and 3-year contracts, ensuring the best offer in the country with savings of USD 300 to 400 per person per year.

Our exclusive CoVisas Plan, operated by our business partners, offers foreign visa applicants the best option in coverage and price; that is why it is always the first option we offer our clients and friends.

Other approved visa plans exist, but in those cases the annual price per person is 20 to 30% higher.

Although Resolution #5477 of 2022 does not specify a particular coverage amount, it is customary, by analogy with similar plans such as the Schengen insurance requirement and considering Colombia's Consumer Price Index (CPI) and inflation, to recommend minimum coverage of USD 30,000 per year.

• 24/7 customer service through our Emergency Center.
• Providers approved for visas in Colombia.
• Easy purchase, with no age or medical restrictions.
• Personalized rates and exclusive discounts.
• More than 20 years of service and ethical treatment before and after purchase.
• Exclusive license to offer 1, 2 and 3-year contracts, ideal for obtaining long visas.

The process is very simple: just complete an online form or answer a few basic questions by email or WhatsApp.

This helps us identify your specific needs and answer some questions about your work profile, health status and lifestyle. After profiling, we will present three (03) valid options you can consider.

Basic information for a quote: full name, date of birth, coverage start and end date, valid passport, ticket or legal stay and the type of visa required.

What is your occupation, profession or trade? Are you a politically exposed person? Additional questions to determine special needs: what are your height and weight? Do you have any illness, medical history or condition you should tell us about? Are you vaccinated against COVID-19? Do you smoke?

For our clients' convenience, we offer several payment options by debit or credit card, as well as bank transfers in Colombia, the United States, Europe and Panama, including Zelle in the U.S. See our payments page.

Payment must be made in advance, because it serves as a guarantee for your visa. You can choose 1, 2 or 3 years. For example, if you choose 1 year, you can renew it annually; however, you must file a new visa application with Colombia's Cancillería each year.

Unfortunately, some foreigners paid for one month and stopped their coverage once their visas were approved, which amounted to immigration fraud. This caused significant problems for the government at the height of the 2020 pandemic, with resulting losses for the nation, which covered repatriations and medical expenses. Claims for these expenses persist, which is why payment is only possible annually.

Important: Cancillería frequently requires proof of annualized payment of the plan to meet the requirement of Resolution #5477 of 2022. That is why we deliver the payment receipt together with the contract and the consular letter.

Even if you contract for more than one year, you must pay in advance, since that is the only way this commitment can be given to the country's immigration authorities for a long period. The visa you would obtain is tied to the documents and requirements of your application; if the client later fails to pay for any reason, they would no longer meet the requirement, and the company may inform the authorities that the client has not paid, which would allow the visa obtained to be cancelled.

No, we currently do not offer installment payments, for several reasons:

1. Because it is an immigration requirement established in Resolution #5477 of July 22, 2022 of Colombia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, it is only fully guaranteed through full payment for the policy term you decide to submit, whether 1, 2 or 3 years, or even less time.
2. Cancillería sometimes contacts us and requests certification of coverage and payment. If payment facilities were given, we could not certify full payment, because the Consular Letter addressed to Cancillería is attested in good faith and is an irrevocable commitment before the authorities.
3. Likewise, payment facilities were allowed at one time, and quite a few people defaulted after obtaining their visas and foreigner ID cards, which was considered a supervening ground for annulling the visas obtained by several foreigners, for fraud against current Colombian immigration law.
4. That situation caused quite a few problems, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic (2020 to 2022), when there were foreigners in Colombia who fell ill without money or medical or travel insurance and the country had to care for them; humanitarian repatriation flights were even coordinated with some countries and debts were left unpaid. That is why in 2022 the requirement was imposed on various visa categories with no exceptions of any kind: the aim is that foreigners never become a burden on the Colombian State.

We hope you understand. To pay for your full plan, see the methods available on our CoVisas payments page.

If you have an accident, symptom or illness, you must contact our 24-hour Emergency Center. After triage, medical and paramedical staff will visit you, or you will be transferred by ambulance or admitted to the nearest hospital or clinic depending on the complexity of the case.

No, the visa plan or insurance cannot replace the country's healthcare system, led by the Health Provider Companies (EPS).

Although the Visa Plan meets the legal requirements of Resolution #5477 of 2022 and handles unforeseen or urgent situations, it has limits set by contract. Therefore, the visa plan or insurance does not cover routine medical tests, routine consultations or diagnoses. Review the contract terms and limitations; if you have questions, we are here to help.

The answer is up to you. Colombians and foreigners in Colombia who earn some income should join an EPS. Employees of national companies must join without exception, while self-employed workers may do so voluntarily.

There are no restrictions on pre-existing conditions, waiting periods or age, so having an EPS will give you more peace of mind while you live in Colombia.

Choose the coverage and dates, provide a photo of your passport, provide the emergency contact details and make the payment.

At the end you will receive: a contract with coverage and benefit details, a digital member card, emergency contact numbers, a consular letter for the visa application and proof of annualized payment, which Cancillería frequently requires to meet the requirement.

No, refunds are not available for the service contracted under the visa Plan or insurance. The contract takes effect when payment is made and the necessary documents are received.

Refunds are not allowed if the visa applicant withdraws voluntarily or for reasons beyond their control that are not attributable to the company. Nor is the contract amount refundable if the visa application is rejected under the State's discretionary power, if the visa is cancelled or if the requirements of Resolution #5477 of Colombia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs are not met, in accordance with Law 1438 of January 19, 2011 and other Colombian laws and regulations.

Our policy does not provide for cancellation or refunds, because the plan continues to give you medical or travel insurance in any other country except your country of nationality; that is why in no case do you lose the money paid. We offer worldwide coverage at no additional cost, except in the policyholder's country of origin or nationality.

Yes. The visa Plan or insurance offers the additional benefit, at no extra cost, of travel assistance or coverage for any kind of trip: educational, business, vacation, etc. Enjoy worldwide coverage during the contract term in any country other than Colombia and your country of origin or nationality.

No. Please avoid doing so without first notifying our 24-hour Emergency Center before making any payment in case of problems, symptoms or illness. Our qualified team will assist you quickly, arranging medical care as needed so you do not have to pay out of pocket. Reimbursements are exceptional and must be authorized in advance by our team; contact us for guidance under the service contract.

No. Because the provider network information changes constantly, the list is not currently available to the public. However, we partner with major medical facilities nationally and internationally to give you coverage everywhere. Some doctors may require cash payments; in those cases, we will take care of it.

For questions about available doctors, clinics or providers, contact our 24-hour center for immediate guidance and assistance.

We charge nothing for consultation services. Don't worry, our service is free for visa applicants. In Colombia, having an advisor, agent or broker is your right.

We are paid by the companies we represent, not by you. We secure better rates and discounts thanks to our agreements. We are here to help you at no cost and to stand up for you before insurance companies and service providers.

Yes, we believe hiring a professional agent or lawyer for visa applications is crucial. Mistakes can result in costly denials and bans. A specialized lawyer offers personalized strategies, increasing the chances of success.

Ultimately, visa approval depends on the officials of Colombia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.