Who can apply for this visa?

You can apply for this visa category to assist as a patient or to accompany someone to medical and dental appointments, procedures, or treatments. This visa is granted for specific treatments, prioritizing those of a specific duration that are part of the exportable medical services offered to foreigners.

It is often used by tourists that have engaged on a medical procedure while in the country, whose recovery time takes more than 6 months. These services include mainly cardiology treatment, cosmetic surgery, dental treatment, among others.

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What are the benefits and restrictions for this visa?

One year validity

This visa can be valid for up to one (1) year. HOWEVER, keep in mind that the authorized permanence in Colombian territory will be 180 days (consecutive or non-consecutive).

No beneficiaries

This visa category doesn’t allow for beneficiaries.

No work permit

Please notice that this type of visa does not allow you to work in Colombia for Colombian companies, since it doesn’t have a work permit.

No time accrue towards residency

Since it is a visitor-type (V) visa, this won’t allow you to add time in order to apply for a residency or (R) visa.

No visa conversion

Under this visa category, its holder can’t apply for an M visa. You will need to wait until it expires or have it cancelled previously in order to apply for a different M - visa.

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Requirements

The specific requirements for a medical treatment visa may vary depending on your sponsorship. If you are applying with the sponsorship of a Colombian host, you will need to provide documentation of your sponsor's financial solvency and the sponsor’s motivational letter. If you are applying on your own behalf, you will need to provide documentation of your own financial solvency and a motivational letter.

On your own behalf

• Motivational letter

You will need to write a motivational letter informing your full identification (full legal name, passport number, birthdate, nationality and residency), explaining thoroughly and accurately the procedures you will have, including the name of the hospital and doctor, and any other relevant information that can give the authorities information of the activity you will perform.

• Proof of your financial solvency

This can be accomplished by providing your bank statements from the previous six months, showing a monthly income of at least 10 Colombian minimum wages.

(As of 2023, the minimum wage in Colombia is $1.160.000 per month)

Sponsored by a Colombian host

You can get your visa application sponsored or backed up by a Colombian national or Colombian resident (a foreigner with a current valid Resident visa), if this is the case, you will need:

• Letter from your sponsor
• Proof of the sponsor's financial solvency

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Other required documents

4. Letter from the doctor

Letter from the healthcare provider informing the type of treatment and the estimated duration of the recovery phase.

5. Motivation letter

Letter from the foreigner stating that the costs of their treatment and stay in Colombia will be covered by themselves or by the foreign entity supporting them, and under no circumstances will it generate expenses for the Colombian healthcare system.

6. A valid health insurance

You must have a health insurance policy that provides coverage in Colombia for risks including: accident, illness, maternity, disability, hospitalization, death, and repatriation, with at least one (1) year of validity.

We recommend our partners, Genki to fulfill this requirement, as it offers:

1. A default validity of 2 years.

1. Monthly payments starting at 65 EUR.

1. The option to cancel at any time.

1. Quick and online purchase process (within one business day).

1. Issuance of a health coverage summary in Spanish.

1. Successful use by many of our clients in obtaining their visas.