The Pacific Ocean borders Colombia to the west, Peru and Ecuador to the south, Venezuela and Brazil to the east, and Panama to the northwest. It is renowned for its varied topography, which features the Andes Mountains, the Amazon Rainforest, the Caribbean and Pacific Coasts, and the vast Los Llanos Plains. Colombia is a multicultural nation that has been influenced by African heritage, Spanish colonisation, and indigenous heritage. It is renowned for its energetic dance and music, which include vallenato, salsa, and cumbia. Colombia also has a strong culinary tradition with a variety of regional specialities and dishes. In recent years, Colombia has grown in popularity as a travel destination. Its breathtaking landscapes, which include the luxuriant Coffee Cultural Landscape, the Caribbean coast, the ancient city of Cartagena, the Amazon rainforest, and the energetic cities of Medellin and Bogotá, draw tourists from all over the world. Tourists are drawn to adventure activities, cultural celebrations, and archaeological sites. Tourist visas are necessary for UAE nationals travelling to Colombia. This article contains general information about the Colombia visa for UAE residents. It is advisable to apply well in advance of your intended travel dates because the processing time for visas can vary.
Colombia does not require a visa for entry or stay for up to 90 days for UAE citizens. You can ask for permission to stay in Colombia for an additional 90 days if you reside in the UAE. This indicates that without a visa, you may stay for up to 180 days. There isn’t any room for a second extension. The Colombian Visitor (V) Visa, also known as a Colombian Tourist Visa, is typically granted for up to 90 days, but in some circumstances, it may be granted for up to two years. The consular or immigration officials who are handling your visa application will make the decision. You must use the online application service offered by the Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs to submit your visa application for Colombia. In order to begin the application process, enter your name, nationality, and passport number. If you don’t complete the application within 30 minutes, the session will time out. After receiving your visa for Colombia, you must register your stay by going to the neighbourhood immigration office (Migración Colombia). Within 15 days of entering the country, you must comply. Within 15 days of receiving your visa, if you are already in Colombia, register your stay. After registering, you will receive a Foreigners ID Card (Cedula de Extranjeria) if your stay will be longer than three months.
Amazing natural and wildlife
The world’s most diverse ecosystems, an abundance of amazing plants and animals, and a wide range of ecosystems can all be found in Colombia. The Tayrona Region has lush coastal rainforests that are home to hundreds of species, in contrast to the Colombian Amazon, which is a nature lover’s paradise. The Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta is home to a wide range of animals, including otters and jaguars. The tropical grasslands of Los Llanos are home to a wide variety of mammals, including waterbirds, big cats, and numerous others. No matter where you are in the nation, breathtaking wilderness areas are home to the world’s natural wonders.
Excellent food and coffee
You can try Colombian coffee here, straight from the source, which is renowned for its exceptional quality throughout the world. Despite the fact that there are coffee plantations all over the country, most of the beans are grown in the Coffee Triangle. You can take advantage of the outdoors and opulent lodgings like Hacienda Bambusa in addition to learning about the local industry. Some of Colombia’s top eateries can be found in Bogotá, the nation’s capital. Here, you can eat at well-known restaurants or favourite dives, buy fresh produce at nearby markets, or even sign up for a cooking class at a local resident’s house. Medellin is also a fantastic destination for foodies.
The Arts
Colombia’s larger cities have thriving art scenes. The works of local artists are on display in spacious galleries and modest studios in the Bogota neighbourhoods of La Macarena and San Felipe. The vibrant murals in Comuna 13 demonstrate how this formerly troubled neighbourhood has changed. Medellin is known for its street art. Not to be missed are the well-known bronze sculptures by Fernando Botero.
Gorgeous beaches and undiscovered islands
Imagine a scene straight out of a postcard: white sand beaches, turquoise waters, and swaying palm trees along Colombia’s coast. Two swimming pools and breathtaking views of the sea and jungle are available at the private villa Kasamar in the Tayrona area. Off the coast of Cartagena are the Rosario Islands, which are a true tropical paradise. This archipelago’s brilliant coral reefs and crystal clear waters are protected by a national park. Isla Bar is an excellent place to stay if you want to experience private luxury.
Luminous Festivals
Colombia knows how to party, with nearly 20 national holidays and countless regional events. The Coffee Triangle’s heart comes to life at the beginning of each year during the Feria de Manizales, while Medellin Feria de las Flores (Flowers Festival) is a riot of colour with a pageant and a parade. When talking about Colombian festivals, one of the world’s largest funfair celebrations, the Carnaval de Barranquilla, must be mentioned. If you want to experience this magnificent event firsthand, it is best to visit Colombia in February or March.
Exceptional Adventures
Going off the beaten path is incredibly easy and rewarding in Colombia. A welcome change of pace can be found in small towns with lots of character, like Barichara and Villa de Leyva. You can see pristine landscapes and charming villages while walking along the Camino Real from Barichara to Guane. They may also serve as the starting point for longer journeys. Thundering rivers and cascading waterfalls in the Serrana de la Macarena national park are just a couple of the unspoiled natural wonders you can discover in Los Llanos. For the most daring explorers, Colombia’s Pacific Coast is a truly remote and uncharted location.
Fascinating culture
The Indigenous peoples and other continents’ cultures have all had an impact on Colombian culture. Many of its oldest traditions, including salsa dancing and rum making, can be found in Cartagena. This city is fantastic to explore at night, with live music playing on every street corner and a festive evening atmosphere. Beyond Cartagena, you can visit Indigenous communities in the Amazon, discover Palenque’s Afro-Colombian past, and listen to Los Llanos’ traditional folk music. It is possible for book lovers to visit some of the places that influenced Gabriel Garcia Márquez.
Sustaining Inspiration
As if Colombia needed any more reasons to be loved, it’s one of the best travel destinations in South America for sustainability. The standards for environmental protection, cultural preservation, and environmentally friendly housing are being set by this country. There are 27 tourist attractions, including La Candelaria in Bogota, that have sustainability certification.
Cartagena
Zona Cafetera
Medellin
San Agustin
Bogota
Providencia Island
Villa de Leyva
Tayrona National Park
Mompox
Popayan