Free Movement and Residency in Bolivia, Ecuador and Peru for Colombian Citizens

One of the advantages of Colombian citizenship is that it's easier to travel to Bolivia, Ecuador and Peru. It's also easier to obtain residency in these countries. Together with Colombia, these countries form the Andean Community (abbreviated as CAN in Spanish).

In 2021 these countries signed an agreement that grants citizens from these countries the right to reside, work and move freely throughout these four countries. This agreement went into effect on August 11, 2021, and is also known as 'decision 878'. It forms the core of the Andean Immigration Statute as promoted by the Andean Community. You can find a link to the agreement in the last paragraph of this article.

Free movement

As a Colombian citizen, you can enter Bolivia, Ecuador and Peru as a tourist for 90 days by only presenting a valid Colombian cédula. In other words, you don't need to show a passport. You can extend these 90 days by another 90 days.

Temporary residency

If you want to reside in Bolivia, Ecuador or Peru, you can apply for temporary residency at a consulate of that country or directly in that country itself, regardless of your migratory status.

The duration of temporary residency is two years and is extendable for another two years.

Temporary residency gives you the same rights to carry out activities as nationals of that country have.

The requirements to obtain temporary residency are:

• a formal application
• a travel document that is still valid for six months
• a current criminal record certificate
• proof of legit income that is sufficient to live in the other country
• having paid the corresponding administrative fees

Permanent residency

You can apply for permanent residency 90 days before the expiration of your temporary residency. The duration of the permanent residency is indefinite.

Text of the agreement

Here you can read the agreement between Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru that grants the rights mentioned above: Decisión N° 878 Estatuto Migratorio Andino (pdf).