- Capital
- Bogotá (BOG)
- Dialing Code
- + 57
- Time Zone
- UTC / GMT -5
- Language
- Spanish
- Best Time to Go
- Year-round
- Currency
- Colombian Peso (COP)
Travel Tips
- 80 local languages and dialects are also spoken. English is widely spoken, especially in San Andres and Providence Islands
- Dry season is December – March and July – August
- Bottled water recommended
- Check the local political situation before travelling
Last updated 29 September 2026
Visa Guide
Foreign Representation in South Africa
Embassy of Colombia
177 Dyer Road, Hillcrest Office Park, 2nd Floor Woodpecker Place, Hillcrest, Pretoria, 0083
Telephone: +27 (12) 362 3106
E-mail: cpretoria@cancilleria.gov.co
Website: pretoria.consulado.gov.co/
Hours: Monday - Friday, 09:00 - 13:00
Public Holidays
2026
January: 1, 12
March: 23
April: 2 - 3
May: 1, 18
June: 8, 15, 29
July: 20
August: 7, 17
October: 12
November: 2, 16
December: 8, 25
Visa Requirements
South African Passport Holders require a visa for entry into Colombia
All applications for Colombian visas must be completed and submitted online: tramitesmre.cancilleria.gov.co
- 1 photo (3x4cm, in color, with white background, no accessories to be worn). This must be in JPG with max file size of 300KB
- All other documents to be provided in PDF with a total max file size of 5MB
- Passport must have 6 months validity at time of application with 2 blank pages. A scanned copy of bio page must be uploaded during application
- Proof of accommodation in the form of a booking or invitation letter
- Return / onward flight details
- Additional documents may be requested
Once completed, you will receive a confirmation email which must be sent to cpretoria@cancilleria.gov.co. The consular section will then send you further information and details on payment. Payment must be made within 10 working days of application
Visa Processing Time
The processing time for a visa application is 10-15 working days (upon receipt of payment)
Health / Vaccinations
Compulsory:
Yellow Fever
Recommended Travel Vaccines:
Hepatitis A & B, Rabies, Tetanus, Polio
Malaria Risk
South African Representative Abroad
Representation accredited from Caracas, Venezuela