United States Tourist Visa
B1/B2 Visitor Visa · For Colombia citizens
Planning a trip to the United States as a Colombian citizen? You will need a B1/B2 visitor visa. This guide covers everything you need: required documents, current fees of $185, interview preparation, and strategies to improve your approval chances.
US Tourist Visa for Colombian Citizens (2025) - Document Checklist
For Colombia citizens · VisaBeat.com
Document Checklist
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay in the United States
Complete the Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application (Form DS-160)
Attend an in-person interview at the US Embassy in Bogotá
Bank statements and financial documents showing sufficient funds for your trip
Documentation proving your employment status, income, and ties to Colombia
Evidence demonstrating your intention to return to Colombia
Digital photo uploaded with DS-160 application
Recommended (Optional)
Details of your planned activities and accommodation in the US
Application Process
The US tourist visa application requires completing an online form, paying the fee, and attending an in-person interview at the US Embassy in Bogotá.1 Here are the steps:
1. Complete DS-160 Form
Fill out the Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application (Form DS-160) at ceac.state.gov.2 Upload your photo and answer all questions accurately. Save the confirmation page with barcode.
2. Pay the Visa Fee
Pay the $185 MRV application fee.3 This fee is non-refundable, regardless of the outcome. Payment can be made online or at designated banks in Colombia.
3. Schedule Interview
After paying the fee, schedule your interview appointment at the US Embassy in Bogotá through the appointment system.1 Interview wait times vary, so schedule as early as possible.
4. Attend Interview
Bring your passport, DS-160 confirmation page, appointment confirmation, and supporting documents to the Embassy.1 The interview typically lasts 5-10 minutes.
5. Wait for Processing
If approved, your passport with the visa will be ready for pickup or delivery within 3-4 weeks.1 If refused, you will receive explanation under Section 214(b) of the Immigration and Nationality Act.
Fees
| Fee Type | Cost |
|---|---|
| B1/B2 Visa Application (MRV Fee) | $185 |
The application fee is non-refundable and must be paid before scheduling your interview.3 Additional courier fees may apply for passport delivery.
What You Need to Prove
Under Section 214(b) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, you must demonstrate that you:2
- Have a residence abroad that you do not intend to abandon
- Intend to enter the US temporarily for a specific, legitimate purpose
- Have sufficient funds to cover your trip expenses
- Have ties to Colombia that will compel you to return
The burden of proof is on you, the applicant. The consular officer must be convinced you will return to Colombia.
Interview Tips
The visa interview is the most critical part of the application. Here are key tips:
- Arrive early with all documents organized
- Be confident and concise in your answers
- Answer only what is asked without volunteering extra information
- Dress professionally as first impressions matter
- Bring documents but do not hand them over unless requested
- Be honest as inconsistencies can lead to refusal
Common interview questions:
- Why do you want to visit the United States?
- How long do you plan to stay?
- Where will you stay?
- Who is paying for your trip?
- What do you do for work?
- Do you have family in the US?
Processing Times
After your interview, if approved, your visa will typically be ready within 3-4 weeks.1 However, some cases may require additional administrative processing, which can take 60 days or more.
Interview appointment wait times vary by season and can range from a few days to several weeks. Check the US Embassy website for current wait times.
After Your Visa is Approved
Once approved, your B1/B2 visa will be placed in your passport. The visa allows you to travel to a US port of entry, but final admission is determined by Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
At the US border, be prepared to show:
- Your passport with valid visa
- Return flight ticket or onward travel plans
- Proof of accommodation
- Evidence of sufficient funds
- Purpose of your visit
The CBP officer will stamp your passport and provide a Form I-94 indicating your authorized length of stay.
If Your Visa is Refused
Most refusals are under Section 214(b), meaning you did not overcome the presumption of immigrant intent.2 If refused:
- Review the reason provided by the consular officer
- Wait if advised or reapply when circumstances change
- Gather stronger evidence of ties to Colombia
- Reapply when you can demonstrate changed circumstances
You can reapply at any time, but you must pay the fee again and should have new information or documentation to present.
Common Rejection Reasons
Based on official refusal data for this corridor
Unable to Demonstrate Ties to Colombia
The most common refusal reason. Applicants cannot convincingly show they will return to Colombia after their visit due to weak employment, financial, or family ties.
How to avoid: Bring strong evidence of employment (letter, pay stubs), property ownership, family dependents, or ongoing business commitments. Be prepared to clearly explain why you will return.
Insufficient Financial Evidence
Bank statements do not show enough funds to cover the trip, or income sources are unclear or inconsistent.
How to avoid: Show 3-6 months of bank statements with consistent income. Avoid large unexplained deposits. Have employment letter showing salary that matches bank deposits.
Unclear or Unconvincing Purpose
The stated purpose of visit seems vague, implausible, or inconsistent with the applicant's profile.
How to avoid: Have a clear, specific reason for your visit. If visiting family, know their address and status. If tourism, have a general itinerary. Be concise and confident.
Previous Immigration Issues
History of visa refusals, overstays, or violations in the US or other countries.
How to avoid: Be completely honest about previous issues. Explain what has changed since then. Provide evidence of improved circumstances.
Incomplete or Inconsistent Application
DS-160 form has errors, missing information, or information that contradicts supporting documents.
How to avoid: Review your DS-160 carefully before submitting. Ensure all information matches your supporting documents. Print and bring the confirmation page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Colombians need a visa to visit the United States?
Yes. Colombian citizens are not part of the Visa Waiver Program and must apply for a B1/B2 visitor visa before travelling to the United States.
How long can I stay in the US on a tourist visa?
The B1/B2 visa allows stays of up to 6 months per visit, though the actual length of stay is determined by the CBP officer at the port of entry. You will receive a Form I-94 showing your authorized stay.
Can I work on a US tourist visa?
No, the B1/B2 visa does not permit any form of paid or unpaid work in the United States. This includes remote work for US companies.
How long does US visa processing take from Colombia?
After your interview, visa processing typically takes 3-4 weeks. However, wait times for interview appointments can vary significantly. Check the US Embassy website for current wait times.
What is the US tourist visa fee for Colombians in 2025?
The B1/B2 visa application fee is $185. This is a non-refundable Machine Readable Visa (MRV) fee paid before your interview.
What happens during the visa interview?
The interview typically lasts 5-10 minutes. The consular officer will ask about your travel plans, ties to Colombia, financial situation, and purpose of visit. Answer honestly and concisely.
Can I reapply if my visa is refused?
Yes, you can reapply at any time. However, you must pay the application fee again and should address the reasons for the previous refusal with additional documentation or changed circumstances.
How long is the B1/B2 visa valid?
For Colombian citizens, the B1/B2 visa is typically issued for 10 years with multiple entry. However, the visa validity period is at the consular officer's discretion.