Who should apply for this visa?

Journalists often require a special kind of visa because their work involves reporting on events and gathering information in countries other than their own. These visas, commonly known as journalist visas or press visas, are specifically designed to grant journalists the necessary legal permission to enter a country and perform their professional duties.

They also need to be aware of the country’s media and journalism laws and also the necessary protection to carry out their duties.

The V - Journalistic coverage allows its holder to carry out short-term journalistic coverage in the country.

What are the benefits and restrictions for this visa?

Up to one year validity, but 180 usable days

The granted stay for short-term journalistic coverage or temporary residence as a foreign press correspondent shall not exceed one hundred and eighty (180) calendar days, whether consecutive or non-consecutive

No beneficiaries

This visa category doesn’t allow for beneficiaries

Restricted work permit

This visitor visa allows to perform exclusively the authorized activity, in this case, the journalistic coverage.

Any passport holder of one of the short-stay visa exempted countries (like US, Canada, Australia, European Union, Israel, Argentina and many others) don’t need to apply for this visa, as long as they don’t stay more than 180 calendar days and don’t receive salary from a Colombian company or public entity.

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.

Requirements

This visa must be requested by the sponsor entity.

1. Sponsoring Letter

• Provide a detailed letter from the legal entity’s representative. This letter should include:
• The legal entity’s full details, like tax ID and contact info if registered in Colombia.
• The foreign individual’s complete information.
• A supporting statement from the entity’s legal representative. This should detail the activities the foreigner will undertake in Colombia, how long they’ll stay, the nature of the relationship with the legal entity, who’s covering their expenses, and info about other foreigners supported by the entity. The entity must also promise to ensure the individual’s return or report any irregular stays.
• A description of the connection with the foreign individual, including any specific skills or qualifications they have.
• A written pledge of financial responsibility for the individual’s expenses and a commitment to inform authorities of any changes in their situation. This pledge should be signed, include a fingerprint, and be legally verified if signed abroad.

2. Certificate of Incorporation for Foreign Private Companies

If the entity is a private company based outside Colombia, provide a certificate of existence or legal representation. This document must be officially verified (apostilled or legalized) and translated into Spanish if necessary.

3. Proof of Economic Solvency

Show the legal entity’s financial stability with three months’ worth of bank statements prior to the application. Public entities are exempt from this. Individuals must prove they have an income at least three times the legal minimum wage.

4. 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.
2. Monthly payments starting at 65 EUR.
3. The option to cancel at any time.
4. Quick and online purchase process (within one business day).
5. Issuance of a health coverage summary in Spanish.
6. Successful use by many of our clients in obtaining their visas.

How much does it cost?