Job Discussion Forums

mlawson1776 · Joined: 14 Jun 2011 Posts: 5

I am planning to take the CELTA course in Medellin in mid-November and I don't know if I should get a student visa since I am taking a course there or a tourist visa. I don't know if the student visa is more complicated. I'm guessing you have to give information about the course your taking and the institution. I am worried that I will have to give proof that I am confirmed for the course on the student visa application because I still have to submit the application and the money($1795 yikes!) and I don't want that to hold up my visa app.

Thanks for your help.
I'm sure there will be many more questions to come.

spanglish · Joined: 21 May 2009 Posts: 742 Location: working on that

You don't need a student visa or anything. When you enter the country you automatically get 30-60 days on your passport. Tell them that the purpose of your visit is tourism and that you plan to be there for 90 days. They will probably give you 60 days.

windowlicker · Joined: 05 Jun 2008 Posts: 183 Location: Bogot�, Colombia

It should also probably be clarified that after your 60 days run out, you can renew the tourist visa and get an additional 60 days. You can get up to a total of 6 months per year on a tourist visa.

lou.. · Joined: 05 Sep 2011 Posts: 1

Hey, I'm coming from Scotland to do that course too! Jessica at IH Bogota has been really helpful with the whole application process so I'd definitely contact her if you have any questions.

When I asked her about visas, she told me that the school will give us a letter in advance confirming the course you're taking etc which you can show at immigration when you arrive in Colombia. I'm not sure if this gets you any special kind of visa or if it's the standard tourist one but it should at least ease the process.

I'll PM you once I have enough posts. It would be nice to speak to another student in advance of starting the course!