Visa Tratamiento Médico Colombia — plan requerido: Categoría Visitante (V), requiere plan de asistencia médica Resolución 5477 vigente durante el tratamiento. CoVisas Colombia emite planes adaptados a la duración del tratamiento médico, con certificado inmediato para Cancillería. Cotizar →
Colombia as a Medical Tourism Destination
Colombia has become a leading medical tourism destination in Latin America. World-class hospitals in Bogotá, Medellín and Cali offer internationally accredited care — oncology, cardiac surgery, orthopedics, cosmetic surgery, dental procedures, fertility treatment and much more — at a fraction of the cost in North America or Europe. The Medical Treatment Visa formalizes long-term medical stays for patients who need to remain in Colombia for extended treatment.
Who This Visa Is For
The Visitante Tratamiento Médico visa is appropriate for foreign patients who:
- Require medical treatment lasting more than 90 days in Colombia (shorter stays can be covered by the standard tourist entry permit)
- Are undergoing ongoing treatment (chemotherapy, dialysis, physiotherapy programs) at a Colombian medical facility
- Need post-surgical recovery care that extends beyond the standard tourist entry period
- Are receiving fertility treatment or other multi-cycle medical procedures
Required Documents
| Document | Requirements |
|---|---|
| Medical institution letter | Official letter from the Colombian hospital or clinic confirming the patient, treatment type, expected duration, treating physician and appointment schedule. |
| Treating physician's certificate | Medical certificate from the Colombian doctor confirming the diagnosis, treatment plan and estimated duration. |
| Proof of financial means | Bank statements or other evidence showing you can cover treatment costs and living expenses during the stay. |
| Medical assistance plan | Resolution 5477-compliant, all 7 coverages, for the visa duration. (Note: the medical plan covers emergencies — it is separate from treatment costs.) |
| Criminal background check | Country of origin. Apostilled. Within 90 days. |
| Valid passport | Min 6 months validity. |
Duration and Extension
The Medical Treatment Visa is issued for the estimated duration of treatment, typically up to 1 year and renewable if treatment continues. Extensions require updated medical documentation from the treating institution confirming that treatment is ongoing and continued presence in Colombia is medically necessary.
Colombia's Top Medical Institutions for International Patients
Several Colombian hospitals hold Joint Commission International (JCI) accreditation — the global benchmark for healthcare quality. Internationally accredited institutions include Fundación Cardioinfantil in Bogotá, Clínica Las Américas in Medellín, Hospital Pablo Tobón Uribe in Medellín, and others. These institutions typically have international patient departments that can assist with the documentation required for visa applications.
After Treatment: What Happens to Your Visa Status?
The Medical Treatment Visa is valid only for the treatment period. Once treatment ends, you must either depart Colombia or transition to another visa category if you qualify for one (e.g., if you have established family ties or a business during your stay). Remaining in Colombia after your Medical Treatment Visa expires constitutes overstay.
Sources: Resolution 5477 of July 22, 2022. Cancillería Colombia — cancilleria.gov.co. Informational only — not medical advice.
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