Colombia Visa & Policy Updates
Colombia has established an October 31, 2026, deadline for foreign residents to transfer older physical visas to the new electronic system to avoid legal status issues. Recent policy shifts include the restoration of visa-free entry for Israeli citizens on September 1 and a new two-year temporary status for Colombians in Costa Rica. Additionally, Medellín is debating zoning restrictions that could limit short-term rental options for digital nomads.
Colombia's Medellín debates proposed rental zoning for short-stay nomads
Medellín's proposed zoning limits could shape tourist rental options for travelers, but legally established properties would be allowed to keep operating.
Colombia and Israel restore visa-free entry for short-term stays on Sept. 1
Colombia and Israel agreed to mutually waive short-term visa requirements starting Sept. 1. Israeli digital nomads, business travelers, and tourists will be able to enter Colombia visa-free for short stays without prior consular filings.
Costa Rica grants 2 year status to Colombians in Sept. 1 asylum update
Costa Rica has introduced a special temporary complementary category for Colombian nationals with pending or rejected asylum applications. Starting Sept. 1, this program allows eligible individuals to obtain legal residency and work authorization for two years.
Oct. 31 is the new cutoff for Colombia Residente visa electronic transfers
Foreigners holding older Colombian resident visas now have until Oct. 31 to complete the mandatory transfer to the new digital format. Failure to transfer the visa before the deadline may result in the loss of legal residency status.
Colombia sets Oct. 31 deadline for R visa electronic transfers
Foreign residents holding older paper or physical Colombian Resident (R) visas must transition to the new electronic system. Failure to complete the transfer by the Oct. 31 deadline could jeopardize legal residency status for long-term expats and retirees.
Understanding Colombia's Resident Visa Transfer Rules
The Colombian government has extended the deadline for holders of residence permits issued before October 21, 2022, to obtain new documentation. Foreign residents now have until October 31, 2026, to comply with Regulation 9316 and update their permits.