Pre-register for IPhO 2026!
Visa Information
On behalf of the Organizing Committee, we are excited for your country/territory to participate in the 56th International Physics Olympiad (IPhO 2026). This year's edition will be held in Bucaramanga, Colombia from July 4 to 12, 2026. To best prepare for your travels, we are sending you a short explanation on the Visa Process, along with a step by step guide provided by the Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Most participants who require a visa must apply for a Visitor Visa (Type V – Events).
Some nationalities do not require a visa, or are conditionally exempt (see Section 2).
All visa applications are individual and must be submitted online.
1. Type of Visa Required
2. Do You Need a Visa?
Before applying, each participant should verify whether they require a Colombian visa:
https://www.cancilleria.gov.co/en/procedures_services/visa/requirements
Important exemptions:
● Nationals of many countries may enter Colombia without a visa as Visitors.
● Certain nationalities are visa-exempt if they hold a valid U.S. or Schengen visa (valid for at least 6 months).
If you are unsure, please contact us.
All visa applications must be submitted through the official platform of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Colombia:
https://tramitesmre.cancilleria.gov.co/tramites/enlinea/solicitarVisa.xhtml
Applications cannot be submitted by email.
Applicants must select the Colombian consulate corresponding to their place of residence (not nationality).
3. Online Application Platform
4. Required Documents (Scanned, Color)
Each applicant must upload the following documents:
Recent passport-style photo
- White background, facing the camera
- JPG format, max. 300 KB
- Size: 4 cm (height) x 3 cm (width)
- No shadows, no accessories covering the facePassport biographical page
- Valid for at least 6 months at the time of applicationOfficial invitation letter
- Issued by Universidad Antonio Nariño (UAN)
- Indicates participation in IPhO 2026
- Specifies who covers travel and stay expenses
- Signed by the legal representative of UAN 4
4. Proof of economic solvency (only if required)
- Required when expenses are covered by a private entity or by the applicant
- Not required if expenses are covered by a public institution
All documents must be uploaded in PDF format (except the photo).
5. Payment Information
The visa process includes two mandatory payments:
Study fee – paid when submitting the application
Issuance fee – paid only if the visa is approved
Study fees are non-refundable, even if the visa is inadmissible or rejected.
6. Processing Time
The Colombian Visa Authority requires up to 30 calendar days to study visa applications.
Delegations are strongly advised to apply well in advance, at most by mid-May to ensure enough time for any unexpected changes.
7. Important Notes
All communication regarding visa decisions is sent directly to the applicant’s email.
The Visa Authority will only respond to inquiries submitted by the event organizers, not individuals.
Visa approval does not guarantee entry; final admission is decided by Migración Colombia upon arrival.