Colombia and Belarus have implemented a mutual exemption of visa requirements for short-term stays as of December 19, 2025, pursuant to the bilateral agreement signed on April 9, 2025, and following completion of domestic formalization procedures.1
WHY THIS MATTERS
The removal of visa requirements for short-term travel between Colombia and Belarus facilitates increased mobility for citizens of both countries, particularly for tourism and cultural exchange. This change simplifies entry and exit procedures, reducing administrative burdens for globally mobile employees and organizations engaged in cross-border activities.
HR leaders, travel managers, and globally mobile employees may experience reduced costs and lead times for short-term assignments, visits, and transit arrangements. However, this exemption is limited to tourism, visits, and transit.
Key Highlights
The mutual visa exemption agreement between Colombia and Belarus entered into force on December 19, 2025, marking a significant shift in bilateral mobility arrangements and international cooperation.
Scope of exemption
- Applies to citizens holding ordinary or emergency passports from both countries. Allows entry, exit, stay, and transit for up to 90 calendar days per visit.
- Valid only for tourism, visits, or transit purposes.
- Employment and study remain excluded; regular migration permits required for these activities.
Diplomatic and policy context
- The agreement supports Colombia’s strategy to diversify foreign relations and expand engagement with Eastern Europe and Eurasia.
- The measure is intended to boost tourism and bilateral trade and foster greater citizen-to-citizen contact.
KPMG INSIGHTS
This development streamlines travel between Colombia and Belarus for short-term, non-work purposes, offering operational efficiencies for organizations with mobile employees or cross-border interests in tourism or trade. The exclusion of employment and educational activities underscores the continued need for careful compliance management for individuals seeking to work or study in either jurisdiction.
In light of the changes, entities and organisations may wish to consider the following:
- Organizations may wish to inform employees of the new exemption for short-term travel, while emphasizing that business, employment, or study-related trips remain subject to prevailing immigration procedures.
- Companies may wish to review internal travel policies to reflect the changed requirements for eligible short stays between Colombia and Belarus.
If assignees and/or their program managers have questions about the scope of the update, its application, potential impacts, or next steps, they should consult with their qualified immigration professional or a member of the GMS team with KPMG in Colombia (see the Contact Us section).
FOOTNOTE:
1 Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Cancillera (in Spanish) (access to the site may be restricted), “Colombia y Belarús ponen en marcha exención de visado para estancias cortas desde el 19 de diciembre de 2025,” published on December 19, 2025.
Contacts
Disclaimer
* Please note the KPMG International member firm in the United States does not provide immigration or labour law services. However, KPMG Law LLP in Canada can assist clients with U.S. immigration matters.
The information contained in this newsletter was submitted by the KPMG International member firm in Colombia.
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