Visa Overview & FAQs

VISA SERVICES: OVERVIEW

e -Visa Facility

The Government of India provides e-Visa facility for eligible nationals of Colombia and Ecuador for specific categories.

Click here for e-Visa information:

https://www.eoibogota.gov.in/page/e-visa/

Regular Visa Services

The Embassy of India in Bogotá processes applications for Regular Visas for (a) Colombian nationals, (b) Ecuadorian nationals and (c) Foreign nationals legally residing in Colombia or Ecuador with with a minimum of two years’ residence proof minimum two years’ residence proof, travelling to India for tourism, business, employment, studies, medical treatment, conferences and other purposes.

Applicants are advised to carefully read the instructions below before applying for a visa:

 All foreign nationals including minors, require a valid visa to enter India.  Visa validity starts from the date of issue and not from the intended date of travel.

 Visa fees once paid are non-refundable. Click here to know about the refund policy.

 Purchase of air tickets does not guarantee grant of visa.

 Applicants are advised to apply at least 2-3 weeks before intended travel.  The type, duration and number of entries of visa are decided by the Consular Officer.

 Applicants must apply for the correct category of visa based on the purpose of travel.

 The passport must have a minimum one-year validity and at least four blank pages.

 Applicants are advised to ensure that all details entered in the application form are correct, including names, passport number and dates.  Applicants are advised to carefully read all instructions relating to the selected visa category before submission of application.

 Incomplete or incorrect applications may lead to delay or refusal of visa.  Valid Travel Insurance covering the duration of stay in India is mandatory for all visa categories.

Important Information

Minors: Applications for minors must be signed by both parents and accompanied by authorization documents and migration permission, where applicable.

Dual Nationality: Applicants holding dual nationality/passports must clearly indicate the passport being used for visa application and provide copy of the alternate passport.

Journalist Applicants: Applicants whose profession is “Journalist” must apply only under Journalist Visa category, irrespective of purpose of travel.

Yellow Fever Vaccination: Travellers to India are required to carry an International Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate. Failure to comply may result in quarantine or denial of entry by immigration authorities.

Visa Application Process

Step 1 – Complete Online Application

 Applicants must complete the online visa application form and upload a recent digital photograph.

 Apply Online: https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/visa/index.html  Please ensure that the correct visa category and the appropriate Indian Embassy/High Commission/Consulate are selected based on the purpose of travel and place of residence.

Step 2 – Prepare Supporting Documents

 Required documents vary depending on visa category.

 Documents in Spanish must be accompanied by English translation (except bank statements).

Step 3 – Pay Visa Fees

 Applicants are advised to verify applicable visa fees before making payment.

 Click here for Visa Fee Information:

https://www.eoibogota.gov.in/page/visa-fees/

Step 4 – Submit Application

 Applications are required to be submitted in person during Consular Hours from Monday to Friday (10:00 hrs – 12:00 hrs) for biometric capture and verification.

 Applicants are advised to carry all original supporting documents at the time of submission of visa application. Valid Travel Insurance covering the entire duration of stay in India is mandatory for all visa categories.

 Applicants below 12 years of age and above 70 years of age are exempt from biometric capture. Applications of such applicants may be submitted through DHL courier service only after obtaining confirmation of biometric exemption from the Embassy through e-mail at visa.bogota@mea.gov.in.

 To ensure smooth delivery of documents, applicants from Colombia and Ecuador are advised to include their ZIP Code in the postal address while applying for visa services. ZIP Codes may be found from the following websites:

Colombia: http://codigopostal.gov.co

Ecuador: http://www.codigopostal.gob.ec

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V isa Categories

Please select the relevant category for detailed requirements:  Tourist Visa

 Business Visa

 Employment Visa

 Student Visa

 Medical Visa

 Entry Visa

 Conference Visa

 Transit Visa

 Diplomatic / Official Visa

 Film Visa

 E-Visa

Processing Time

Normal processing time is generally 7-10 working days, though some cases may take longer depending on verification requirements. Applicants are advised not to finalize travel plans before grant of visa.

Consular Timings

Receipt of Applications / Submission of Documents

Monday to Friday (except Holidays)

10:00 AM – 12:00 Noon

Collection of Passports / Visas / OCI / Other Documents

Monday to Friday (except Holidays)

3:00 PM – 4:00 PM

Contact Details

Embassy of India, Bogotá

Calle 116 No. 7-15, Office 301, Torre Cusezar

Bogotá, Colombia

Tel: +57 (601) 6373259/79

E-mail: visa.bogota@mea.gov.in

E-mail: consular.bogota@mea.gov.in

Quick Links

 Visa Application Form

 Visa Fees

 E-Visa

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) - Visa Services

The following FAQs are intended to provide general guidance regarding visa services rendered by Embassy. Applicants are advised to carefully read the instructions applicable to the relevant visa category before applying.

Which Indian Mission presently handles visa services for applicants in Ecuador?

Embassy of India, Quito has been functional since September 2025. However, visa and other consular services for Ecuador are presently being handled by Embassy of India, Bogotá until further notice. Applicants in Ecuador may therefore continue to submit visa applications to Embassy of India, Bogotá.

For local coordination or general enquiries in Ecuador, applicants may also contact Embassy of India, Quito at cons.quito@mea.gov.in or hoc.quito@mea.gov.in.

Can I obtain Visa on Arrival in India?

No. Foreign nationals are required to obtain a valid visa before travelling to India. India does not provide Visa on Arrival facility for Colombian or Ecuadorian nationals.

Can I apply for an Indian e-Visa?

Yes. Colombian and Ecuadorian nationals may apply for e-Visa under eligible categories such as Tourism, Business, Medical and Conference, subject to Government of India guidelines in force from time to time. For e-Visa information, please visit: https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html.

What is the official website for applying for Indian Visa? Applicants may apply only through the official Government of India website: https://indianvisaonline.gov.in. Applicants are advised to beware of unauthorized/private websites.
When does the validity of the visa begin?

Visa validity starts from the date of issue and not from the intended date of travel mentioned in the application.

Can I book air tickets before obtaining visa?

Applicants are advised not to finalize travel bookings before grant of visa. Purchase of tickets does not guarantee issuance of visa.

What is the normal processing time for visa?

Normal processing time is generally 7-10 working days, subject to submission of complete documentation. Certain cases may require additional processing time depending upon security clearance or verification requirements.

Do all foreign nationals including minors require visa for India? Yes. All foreign nationals, including minors and infants, require a valid visa to enter India.
Is personal appearance mandatory for submission of visa application? Yes. With effect from 1 June 2026, applicants are mandatorily required to submit visa applications in person at the Embassy during Consular Hours for biometric capture and verification.

Applicants below 12 years of age and above 70 years of age are exempt from biometric capture. Applications of such applicants may be submitted through DHL courier service only after obtaining confirmation of biometric exemption from the Embassy through e-mail at visa.bogota@mea.gov.in.

However, the Embassy reserves the right to request personal appearance of any applicant, wherever considered necessary.

Can incomplete applications be accepted?

No. Incomplete or incorrect applications may result in delay or refusal of visa.

Can visa fees be refunded if application is withdrawn or rejected? No. Visa fees once paid are non-refundable, irrespective of whether visa is granted, refused, withdrawn or travel plans are cancelled.
What should be the validity of passport for applying visa? Applicants must possess a passport valid for at least six months beyond the intended date of arrival in India and having a minimum of two blank pages. Certain visa categories may require longer passport validity.
What documents are required with visa application?

Required documents vary depending upon the category of visa applied for. Applicants are advised to carefully read the instructions applicable to the selected visa category before applying. Documents in Spanish should generally be accompanied by English translation (except bank statements).

Can I apply for visa at Embassy of India, Bogotá if I am not residing in Colombia or Ecuador?

The Embassy normally accepts visa applications from Colombian nationals, Ecuadorian nationals and foreign nationals legally residing in Colombia or

Ecuador for at least two years. Foreign nationals may be required to provide proof of residence.

What should minors submit along with visa applications? Visa applications for minors should normally include:

(a) signatures/authorization from parents,

(b) copies of parents’ identification documents/passports, and (c) migration/travel authorization documents, wherever applicable.

I hold dual nationality/passports. What should I do?

Applicants holding dual nationality/passports must clearly indicate the passport on which visa is being applied and provide copy/details of the alternate passport.

I was previously an Indian national. Do I still require visa? Yes. Foreign nationals of Indian origin who do not hold a valid OCI card are required to obtain visa before travelling to India. Applicants may also be required to provide copy of cancelled Indian Passport/Surrender Certificate.
Can I apply for Visa and OCI together?

No. Visa and OCI are separate services and should be applied for separately.

Do I require Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate for travel to India? Yes. Travellers arriving from Yellow Fever endemic countries including Colombia and Ecuador are required to carry valid International Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate while travelling to India. Failure to produce the certificate may result in quarantine or denial of entry by Indian immigration authorities.
Is Travel Insurance mandatory for travelling to India?

Yes. Valid Travel Insurance covering the entire duration of stay in India is mandatory for all visa categories. Applicants may be required to submit proof of Travel Insurance at the time of visa application.

Do I require Transit Visa while changing flights in India? Transit Visa is generally required if the passenger exits the international transit area, changes airport terminals, or stays in India beyond permitted transit period. Passengers remaining within the international transit area of the airport may not require Transit Visa.
Can I travel to India with valid visa on old passport?

Yes. Applicants may travel to India carrying both the old passport containing valid Indian visa and the new valid passport, provided all personal particulars remain unchanged.

What should I do if my passport containing valid Indian visa is lost? Applicants should immediately report loss of passport to local police authorities and contact the Embassy for further guidance. Fresh visa may be issued subject to submission of required documents including police report.
How can I contact the Embassy for visa-related queries? Embassy of India, Bogotá

Calle 116 No. 7-15, Office 301, Torre Cusezar

Bogotá, Colombia

Telephone: +57 (601) 6373259 / 79

E-mail: visa.bogota@mea.gov.in and consular.bogota@mea.gov.in

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Disclaimer

Grant of visa is subject to approval by the competent authority. Mere submission of application, payment of fees or possession of travel documents does not guarantee issuance of visa. The Embassy reserves the right to seek additional documents or information, wherever necessary.

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