If you’re a U.S. citizen applying for a visa in Colombia, you will likely need to get an apostille on your documents. This blog provides a complete guide to the US apostille process, explaining why it’s a mandatory step for many applications and detailing the correct procedure. We’ll help you navigate this legal requirement to ensure a smooth and successful visa application in Colombia.

Everything You Need to Know About US Apostille for Visas in Colombia

Planning your move to Colombia is an exciting journey, but navigating the paperwork can feel complex. One of the most critical steps for any US citizen is understanding the US Apostille. Since Colombia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs implemented Resolution 5477 in 2022, the standards for accepting foreign documents have become much clearer and more strictly enforced. This means that essential paperwork from the United States (like a birth certificate, marriage certificate, or even an FBI background check) can’t just be submitted as is. They need a specific type of official verification to be considered valid by the Colombian government.

This is where the US Apostille comes in. Without it, your visa application can face significant delays or even rejections, forcing you to start the study process all over again. This blog will guide you through exactly what a US Apostille is, why it’s non-negotiable for your visa, and what you need to know to get it right.

What is a US Apostille?

A US Apostille is an official certificate issued in the United States that verifies the authenticity of a document for use in foreign countries that are part of the Hague Convention. It confirms the legitimacy of the public official’s signature and the seal on your document, making it legally valid abroad without requiring further certification from the consulate in the country where the document will be submitted.

For anyone navigating the Colombian visa process, the apostille is a non-negotiable step.

It serves as the bridge of trust between the US entity that issued your document and the Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Submitting a document without the required apostille is equivalent to submitting an unverified document and could result in a delay or rejection of your application.

This requirement is formally outlined in Colombia’s Resolution 5477 of 2022. Specifically, Article 21 states that, with few exceptions, any document originating from abroad must have an apostille or legalization to be considered valid. It also mandates that documents not in Spanish must be accompanied by an official translation, a crucial second step after the apostille is secured.

What Should a US Apostille Look Like?

While the design can vary slightly from one state to another, every official US Apostille will contain specific, standardized information. It is a single page attached to your original document and will always include the title “Apostille” and a reference to the “Convention de La Haye du 5 octobre 1961.”

Key elements you’ll see are the country of origin (United States of America), the name and capacity of the official who signed the document, the seal of the authority that issued the apostille (e.g., the Secretary of State), a unique certificate number, and an official stamp or seal.

Navigating the complexities of document authentication, especially when dealing with international requirements like apostilles, can be a daunting task. While resources and information are available, the nuances of different jurisdictions, document types, and specific application processes often necessitate professional advice. Engaging with experts in this field can save you significant time, effort, and potential pitfalls.

US Apostille Service

The US Apostille is valid before authorities and governmental entities, being essential for visa procedures or other legal processes in Colombia and worldwide.

If the document requires official translation into Spanish, there will be an additional charge.

What are the Types of US Apostilles?

US Apostille type depends entirely on which government body issued the original document. In the United States, apostilles are issued at two distinct levels: by the individual Secretary of State for state-level documents, and by the U.S. Department of State for documents issued by federal agencies. Understanding this distinction is the most critical part of getting the process right.

What is a State-Issued US Apostille?

This is the most common type of apostille and is issued by the Secretary of State’s office in the state where the document originated. For example, a Florida birth certificate must be apostilled by the Florida Secretary of State.

The most common documents you can apostille with the Secretary of State are:

These documents are essential for nearly all visa types, especially migrant (M) visas for marriage or family ties or investment. They are also required for legal processes, such as getting married in Colombia, registering a birth, or validating professional degrees.

What is a Federal-Issued US Apostille?

This type of apostille is reserved exclusively for documents issued by a federal agency of the U.S. government. These must be processed through the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C.

The most common documents you can apostille with the Department of State are:

The most common federal document for expats is the FBI background check. It is a mandatory requirement for many Colombian visa categories, from investment visas, business visas, and retirement visas to marriage visas and digital nomad visas, as it serves to prove your criminal record status to the Colombian government.

FBI Background Check Service

Filling out the FBI form
Fingerprinting (Medellín and Bogotá)
International shipment to USA
FBI criminal record certificate
Washington D.C. Apostille certificate
Official translations into Spanish

Why Do I Need a US Apostille for a Visa in Colombia?

Beyond being a simple stamp, a US Apostille functions as a legal guarantee for the Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which must base the approval or denial decision on authentic and verifiable information. The apostille is the internationally agreed-upon method to ensure the documents forming the basis of your application are legitimate and have been issued by a competent authority in the US.

Without an apostille, the Colombian government has no official means to verify that a US-issued document is genuine. Submitting documents without it can invalidate the paperwork for any legal purpose in Colombia. This is why it’s not merely a bureaucratic hurdle, but a foundational requirement for the entire visa framework.

What is the Legal Basis for the US Apostille Requirement?

The mandate for apostilled documents is not a suggestion; it’s mandatory by law. This is the article related to the apostille of abroad-issued documents:

“Except as expressly provided in this resolution, any document created or issued abroad must be apostilled or legalized by the issuing or certifying authority, and must also include an official translation into Spanish if it is not already in that language.”
First paragraph of Article 21, Resolution 5477 of 2022

Also, the same article states some exceptions about other documents issued from abroad that don’t need to be apostilled, if they follow some conditions:

Bank statements or certificates may be submitted without an apostille or legalization, and without an official translation into Spanish, provided that they are written in one of the official languages of the Organization of American States (OAS) and can be clearly understood in their entirety by the Visa and Immigration Authority.
Second paragraph of Article 21, Resolution 5477 of 2022

With this legal framework in mind, it’s clear that the apostille is a universal requirement across all visa categories. Whether it’s the official letter from a government or corporate entity verifying your pension, a state-issued marriage certificate proving your union, or the universally required FBI background check to confirm your good standing, each document serves as a foundational pillar. Failing to have the correct apostille on these key records is one of the most common and avoidable reasons for visa application delays and rejections.

Do I Need to Provide an Official Translation to Spanish for my Colombia Visa Application?

After you’ve secured the US Apostille, the document must go through a second crucial step to be valid for your visa application. The official translation into Spanish isn’t a task you can do yourself. The translation must be performed by an “official translator” who is certified and registered. Essentially, the Colombian government needs to trust both the document’s authenticity (by the apostille) and its content (by the official translation).

Resolution 5477 of 2022 states as mandatory the official translation with Article 21, which specifies that foreign documents must be apostilled and that “those that are not in Spanish must have an official translation into the local language.” The resolution reinforces that the translation must be attached to the original apostilled document when you submit your application, making it a single, inseparable package for legal purposes.

Medellin Guru Official Translations Service

Click on the green button and obtain high-quality and certified translations into Spanish for legal, immigration, and official documents.

*Valid for Colombia Visa Applications

How Can I Get my US Apostille from Colombia or Abroad?

For expats who need a streamlined and secure way to process their documents, our reliable partner expatgroup.co offers a simple and fully online service. They handle the entire process on your behalf, from submitting the documents to the correct US authorities to delivering the final apostilled certificate to you digitally. This service is designed specifically for people in your situation, removing the guesswork and logistical headaches so you can focus on your visa application.

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Trying to manage the apostille process yourself from Colombia can quickly become complicated and frustrating. First, you have to determine the correct authority, is it one of the 50 different Secretaries of State, each with unique forms, fees, and processing times, or is it the U.S. Department of State Apostille for a federal document like an FBI Background Check. Then comes the challenge of logistics: arranging secure international shipping for your vital records, figuring out how to pay fees from abroad, and waiting weeks, sometimes even months, for a response with no clear way to track your document’s status. This complexity and lack of control can easily make it harder to meet the timeline for your visa application. That’s why we recommend seeking professional advice to ensure your US documents are apostilled quickly and easily.

FAQs About US Apostille for Visas in Colombia?

What is the difference between a notarization and an apostille?

An apostille verifies the authenticity of a public official’s signature on a document for international use, while a notarization verifies the identity of the person signing the document. For a Colombian visa, you need an apostille.

How long does it take to get a US Apostille?

Processing times to get an apostille of the United States from Colombia can vary widely, but usually take weeks. Using a specialized service significantly speeds up this process.

Can I get a US Apostille for a document from any state?

Yes, but the apostille must be issued by the Secretary of State of the same state where the document was originally issued. For example, a birth certificate from Texas must be apostilled by the Texas Secretary of State.

Does the official translation also need an apostille?

No. The process is sequential: first, you get the apostille on your original US document. Then, once you have the apostilled document, you have it officially translated in Colombia. The translation itself does not get an apostille.

How long is a US Apostille valid for visa processes in Colombia?

The US Apostille certificate itself does not have an expiration date. However, the key factor is the validity of the document it’s attached to. According to Article 20 of Colombia’s Resolution 5477, supporting documents for a visa application must have an issuance date of no more than three (3) months before you submit your application. This applies to things like FBI background checks, income letters, civil status records, among others.

Medellin Guru's comprehensive visa and passport series

The Colombian visa changes that went into effect in October 2022 were significant. So, on the Medellin Guru site, we have a comprehensive series of visa articles that are kept up-to-date and should answer most visa questions. These articles include:

We have looked in detail at the nine most popular Colombian visas used by foreigners:

Also, we have looked in detail at three additional Colombian visas, which are less popular for foreigners:

Rentista visa (annuity visa) – for foreigners with a fixed income
Beneficiary visa – for relatives of visa holders
Expertise visa – for professionals

In addition, we have a guide to Colombia tourist visas and how to extend a tourist visa. Also, we have a guide to renewing U.S. passports in Colombia and a guide to obtaining a Colombian passport.

Furthermore, we provide information about travel insurance that meets the insurance requirement for Colombian visas. And we have a guide to how apply for a cedula extranjeria in Colombia and a guide to using notaries in Medellín and Colombia. Finally, Medellin Guru has partnered with a visa agency to offer Colombia visa services.

All of our Colombia visa articles are up to date (2024) and constantly receive updates in 2025.

The Bottom Line: Everything You Need to Know About US Apostille for Visas in Colombia

Getting a US Apostille is a mandatory and non-negotiable step for validating American documents for your Colombian visa application. As established by Resolution 5477, this official certification verifies the authenticity of documents like FBI background checks, birth certificates, and marriage licenses, preventing common delays and rejections. The process requires identifying whether you need a state or federal apostille and, crucially, following it with an official translation into Spanish by a certified translator in Colombia.

While it’s possible to manage this process yourself, it can be complex and slow when done from abroad. For most expats, using a specialized online service is the most reliable and efficient way to ensure your documents are handled correctly, allowing you to focus on a successful visa application.