Some Nationals of China, India, Thailand and Vietnam Eligible for Visa on Arrival for Short Trips

According to an announcement by the Ministry of Foreign Relations, in an effort to attract tourists and investors from Asia, nationals of China, India, Thailand and Vietnam with permanent resident status or a visa from the United States or a Schengen country (except C-1 and transit visas) seeking entry into Colombia for tourist or business visits can now obtain PIP status at the port of entry. Foreign nationals entering to work or perform technical activities must still obtain a visa prior to traveling. 

The PIP6 is an extendable single entry permit used by visa-exempt nationals for business visits up to 90 days per calendar year. Foreign nationals can extend their PIP status by obtaining PTP status in Colombia. 

It is possible that some immigration officials may not be aware of the exemption during the initial transition period. Therefore, at this time, eligible nationals from the affected countries should travel with the above-referenced article and present a Green Card, permanent residence stamped-U.S. passport, or the corresponding Schengen visa to immigration officials. If traveling under PIP6 status, the corresponding invitation letter is also mandatory. 

What This Means for Employers and Foreign Nationals 

Eligible Chinese, Indian, Thai and Vietnamese nationals and their employers should benefit from the visa exemption for business and tourist visits. Eligible travelers to Colombia for business purposes should contact their immigration professional to discuss entry options. 

Fragomen will continue working with local authorities to determine if the new resolution applies to PIP7 Technical Entry Permits, which are valid for up to 30 days per calendar year for those performing technical activities on an urgent basis. 

This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen or send an email to [email protected]. 

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