Columbia’s Visa process itself look like punishment
-Vidya Bhushan Rawat
SAMAJ WEEKLY UK- It was in June this year that I got an opportunity to visit Columbia to participate in an international conference in Bogota. It was #Globallandforum2025. I was extremely happy to have got invitation to participate in it. Apart from the main conference, there was also an opportunity to travel to Caqueta Department.
I got the official invite as early as in April end but there were many other things before the finalisation. By middle of May, I got detailed schedule, hotel reservation confirmation and flight tickets too. It was made clear to us that the visa process is online and once it is approved you might have to visit the Embassy.
Anyway, I followed the procedure and looked for online links. These days, it is equally important to get the correct link as dubious fictitious online linked with one hundred percent guarantee of Visa exists and extract a lot of money. I felt it would be an easier process unlike the UK US Visa which ask one thousand questions.
But once I started filling up the form, I realised how difficult it was. At many places the option were not being translated into English. The format was complicated. I had to get my self photographs thrice to upload suitable photo. Every angle and downsizing was failing to upload. Though, I was able to get through comfortably, many of my friends were unable to get the visa as the process was really difficult.
The Visa fee for Columbia is actually taken twice. The first one is when you apply for approval from the Foreign Ministry and second time when the approval come to apply for the visa. Now, it is unfair to ask for fee twice. The cost of the visa fee is much higher than any other country of the global south. There are many countries for who Columbia has waived off the fee but countries in South Asia are not waived off. As an Indian, I can say, it was quite high.
The immigration process was clear though you are asked to submit details online but despite that the process is cumbersome with long wait for your number at the immigration counter of the airport. Even while returning, the things were chaotic at the airport. It was over crowded and many time you don’t realise where to stand. The airport signs are all in Spanish and also need to put them in English.
I loved Columbia and will be sharing about my journey and people I spoke with in details particularly at the amazon region.
