Visit (visa-free with US residence): Chinese citizen in United States → Colombia
Chinese citizens who hold a valid US residence permit, or a US visa valid at least 180 days on the day they enter, may enter Colombia visa-free for a short stay (under 90 days, extendable up to 180) — no Colombian visa needed.
Visa-free short visit to Colombia for Chinese citizens who hold a valid US residence permit, or a US visa valid at least 180 days at entry (Resolución 5488 de 2022) — Migración Colombia grants an entry-and-stay permit at the border for short-stay activities under 90 days, extendable up to 180 days, with no Colombian visa to obtain in advance.
- Validity
- Visa-free entry — no visa is issued; Migración Colombia grants an entry-and-stay permit at the border
- Entries
- Each entry is authorised individually at migration control
- Max stay per visit
- Short-stay activities under 90 days, extendable up to 180 days in the cases the rules determine
When to start
Start 1–7 days before your travel date.
China is not on Colombia's visa-exemption list, but a big exception applies to you: you can enter visa-free for a short stay if you hold a valid residence permit for the United States (or a Schengen state), or a US (or Schengen) visa with at least 180 days of validity left on the day you enter Colombia. A US C-type transit visa does not qualify — your US visa or residence permit must let you reside in or return to the US.
The waiver covers a short-stay activity — one lasting less than 90 days, extendable up to 180 days in the cases the migration rules allow. It is for visits that generate no payments, salary or wages in Colombia. For longer or paid stays you would need the corresponding Colombian visa instead.
Travel to Colombia and present your Chinese passport together with your valid US residence permit or US visa. Migración Colombia grants the corresponding entry-and-stay permit at migration control — no visa is issued in advance. Also carry your outbound travel ticket and proof of financial solvency, as officers may ask for them.
What you'll need
- Valid passport — A valid, current Chinese passport (original) presented to the migration authority on entry. ✓ verified
- Valid US residence permit or US visa (180+ days) — Your valid US residence permit (e.g. Green Card / lawful permanent residence), or a US visa valid at least 180 days on the day you enter Colombia. This is what qualifies you for the visa-free waiver — carry the original. ✓ verified
- Outbound travel ticket — An exit travel ticket out of Colombia — migration officers may require it alongside your travel document when you enter. ✓ verified
- Proof of financial solvency — Evidence of economic solvency for your stay, shown at migration control where required. ✓ verified
Where you'll apply
No visa application and no visa centre — you travel visa-free on the strength of your US residence permit or US visa, and receive the entry-and-stay permit from Migración Colombia at the port of entry.
Apply on the official site (portal.migracioncolombia.gov.co) →
Fees
Gotchas to watch
- This visa-free entry depends on your US residence permit or US visa being valid for the whole stay — if it lapses (or your US visa has under 180 days left at entry) you fall back to the normal Colombian Visitor (V) visa route.
- A US C-type transit visa does not qualify for the waiver — it must be a US residence permit or a US visa valid at least 180 days at entry.
- The waiver covers short-stay visits that generate no payments, salary or wages in Colombia — any paid activity needs a visa regardless.
- The entry permit is granted at the border by Migración Colombia and entry is not guaranteed — officers make the final decision and may ask for your outbound ticket and proof of funds.
- Carry your US residence permit or US visa with you — without it at the border you cannot rely on the waiver.
