Foreigners require a visa to enter and remain in Colombia. However, temporary visitors from countries listed here: Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bahamas, Barbados, Belgium, Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cypress, Czech Republic, Denmark, Dominica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Finland, France, Germany, Granada, Great Britainand Northern Ireland, Greece, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, Hong Kong, Hungary, Indonesia, Iceland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Portugal, Dominican Republic, Romania, Saint Kitts and Nevis, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Singapore, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Trinidad and Tobago, Turkey, United States of America, Uruguay and Venezuela.

They may enter and remain in the country for up to 180 days with just their passport, a return ticket. If the foreigner is staying in Colombia for more than 180 days an additional authorization from the Department of Administrative Security (DAS) is required.

For foreign nationals considered technical or artistic crew, actors or actresses participating in the making of films or other audiovisual productions to be produced or shot on Colombian territory; as well as foreign staff participation in co-productions with Colombia, the written request for a Courtesy Visa must be made by the Ministry of Culture or the Ministry of Culture’s Film Office or by any governmental agency taking their place. The period of the courtesy visas are 90-day to 1-year visas.

To request authorization to film foreign works on national territory the petitioner must present the following documents to the Ministry of Culture’s Film Office. The authorization to film does not replace or constitute permits or authorizations required by other competent authorities regarding immigration, visas, incoming funds or investments, and others. The authorization, or if applicable, the denial of it, shall be issued within the maximum term of fifteen (15) days from receipt of the request. In the event of receipt of an application without the necessary requirements, the correspondent will be informed within a maximum term of ten (10) days from submission. For local permit, These must be obtained from authorities in the city or municipality where taping or filming takes place.  Some of these cities have their own regulations that must be respected.  We recommend producers and directors contact the Film Commission in Bogotá to find out about these regulations.

In Colombia, all merchandise coming from outside the country is subject to customs obligations upon entry. Colombian legislation recognizes several forms of import transactions resulting in free exploitation of the merchandise in question. To facilitate film and audiovisual work in Colombia, legislation has established the following preferential treatment in customs houses:

• With authorization to make a foreign film from the Ministry of Culture (Link A: Permits), necessary film equipment and materials may be imported for periods of 6 months, renewable for an additional 6 moths.
• Consumable goods such as film, lights or batteries can be imported with the same obligation to re-export them.
• This type of temporary import generates no customs duties (tariffs, taxes or other duties), as long as property is re-exported to its country of origin before the allotted authorization expires. In all cases, transportation, storage and cargo expenses must be paid.
• With authorization from the Ministry of Culture, no guarantee is required for temporary imports.

Likewise, non-residents arriving to the country (maximum 6 months, renewable) to participate in cinematographic productions may bring in articles for personal or professional use without payment of customs duties; as long as they are declared at the time they are brought in and re-exported. All professional materials and equipment for film production and blank film or film printed with image and sound are qualified as “special delivery” by customs. Although other “special delivery” cases are subject to a guarantee, this is not true for film authorized by the Ministry of Culture. Import and export processes must be carried out by a customs agents (there are some 100 authorized agencies), except when merchandise is valued at less than $1,000 USD. The National Tax and Customs Office (DIAN) is responsible for authorizing airports and ports for imports and exports.

on the sale of movable tangible goods, importations, and the rendering of services within Colombian territory / Reduced VAT: 5%