The Rule That Transcends Governments
In the more than 20 years that CoVisas Colombia has been accompanying foreigners in their visa and legal residency processes in Colombia, we have seen multiple governments, chancellors, and diplomatic teams come and go. One thing has not changed: the requirement that every foreigner with a Colombian visa have a valid medical assistance plan, today regulated by Cancillería Resolution 5477.
With the start of President Abelardo de la Espriella's government on August 7, 2026, many foreigners have asked us: does anything change with the new government regarding this resolution? The short answer is: continuity, greater clarity, and a more favorable institutional environment for foreigners who comply with all requirements.
What Is Resolution 5477?
Resolution 5477 of 2022 of the Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs is the regulation governing Colombian visas. Among its most important provisions for foreigners, it establishes:
- Colombian visa categories and requirements for each.
- The mandatory presentation of a medical assistance plan as part of the visa application.
- The characteristics that plan must have to be accepted by Migración Colombia.
- The documents that must accompany each visa application.
This resolution was designed to ensure that foreigners residing in Colombia have access to adequate medical care without depending on the Colombian public health system, and to protect both foreigners and the Colombian state against medical emergency situations.
What Changes with the Espriella Government?
What Does NOT Change
Resolution 5477 remains in force. The medical assistance plan requirement remains mandatory for all visa categories. The basic structure of the Colombian visa system remains intact. This is excellent news for the legal certainty of foreigners already established in Colombia.
What IMPROVES
The Espriella government has announced its commitment to regulatory stability and administrative simplification. For foreigners with visas in Colombia, this can mean:
- More agile processes: The digitalization of procedures that the Cancillería has been implementing will accelerate.
- Greater clarity in requirements: A government with an institutional order vocation tends to be more consistent in applying the rules.
- More favorable environment: The explicit recognition of the value of legal foreigners reduces negative discretion in reviewing applications.
Medical Assistance Plan Requirements under Resolution 5477
For a medical assistance plan to be accepted by Migración Colombia, it must meet the following minimum requirements:
| Requirement | Specification |
|---|---|
| Geographic coverage | All Colombian territory |
| Temporal coverage | Entire visa validity period |
| Services covered | Emergencies, hospitalization, medications, labs |
| Issuing entity | Insurance or assistance company authorized in Colombia |
| Document language | Spanish (or with official translation) |
| Coverage amount | Sufficient to cover real medical emergencies |
CoVisas Colombia: The Expert in Medical Plans for Visas
CoVisas Colombia is not just a visa advisor: we are specialists in the medical assistance plan required by Resolution 5477. In more than 20 years we have helped thousands of foreigners of all nationalities obtain the right plan at the best price, with documentation ready to present to Migración Colombia.
Our medical assistance plans for Colombian visas:
- 100% comply with Resolution 5477 requirements
- Have no age limit
- Are valid for up to 3 years
- Cover all Colombian territory
- Include emergencies, hospitalization, medications and more
- Are accepted by Migración Colombia without objections
Also see our guide on how to choose the medical assistance plan for a Colombia visa.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the new government eliminate Resolution 5477?
Technically yes, though it is most likely that it will maintain or update it. The resolution has a social protection function recognized by all governments. In any case, CoVisas Colombia will keep you informed of any changes.
Can I use insurance from my home country instead of the Colombian medical assistance plan?
In some cases, an international policy can be accepted if it meets all Resolution 5477 requirements. We recommend consulting with CoVisas before presenting foreign insurance, to avoid rejections.
How often do I need to renew the medical plan?
The plan must be valid throughout the validity of your visa. If your visa is 1 year, you need a 1-year plan. If it is 3 years, you can contract a 3-year plan. See: renewing your visa in Colombia 2026.
Does the medical plan cover me if I travel outside Colombia?
Medical assistance plans for Colombian visas are designed for coverage in Colombia. If you need additional international coverage, consult us about broader plan options. See also our complete medical plan guide.