Pay 
Language 
Currency 
No results found
Work and holiday visas for Colombians: Complete guide
Here’s everything you need to know about the countries offering the Work and Holiday visa for Colombians.
Did you know that some countries offer Working Holiday visas to Colombian citizens? Here, you’ll learn which nations allow you to explore, work, or even study while on holiday. This visa is an exciting alternative for Colombians who wish to travel, discover new countries, and work to cover travel expenses. It mainly targets young people aged between 18 and 30 years old who also meet specific eligibility requirements. Below, we explain how the Work and Holiday visas for Colombians offered by France, Peru, Mexico, and Chile work. We’ll also share an important tip about internet connectivity, essential once you arrive in any of these destinations.
1. France
France signed an agreement with Colombia in 2015, allowing citizens from both countries to obtain permission to travel for work and holiday purposes. This visa targets Colombians aged 18 to 30 years maximum.
Although the visa’s main goal is cultural exchange and tourism, you may take on a job related to your profession. However, this possibility is considered “accessory,” meaning it’s not the primary reason justifying your stay in France.
Applications open every March each year, with a maximum quota of 400 places and a duration of up to one year. You may also enrol in short courses or studies for up to six months once in France.
You must follow every recommendation issued by the French Embassy in Colombia to ensure success when applying for your visa. Here are a few key points:
- You can’t book appointments for or through third parties.
- You must be no older than 31 on the day applications open.
- If you previously obtained the French Working Holiday visa, you can’t reapply, even if you never travelled.
- Applications and appointments follow a strict chronological order.
- You may only apply through the official France Visas website.
All specific details about the full application process for the French Working Holiday visa for Colombians are available on the French Embassy in Colombia website.
2. Latin American countries through the Pacific Alliance
Colombia is part of the Pacific Alliance, which established a cultural and labour mobility agreement with Mexico, Peru, and Chile back in 2011. This allows citizens of these nations to apply for a Working Holiday visa to work and travel for up to one year.
Some requirements must be met without exception: be aged between 18 and 30, never have held this type of visa before, and possess a Colombian passport in excellent condition with a validity of between six months and one year.
Bear in mind there are 300 annual spots per country, so gather every required document and follow the steps carefully to increase your chances of success.
Among the documents you’ll need to apply for the Working Holiday visa are: a passport, judicial certificate, valid international medical insurance, and a plane ticket showing departure and return dates, or proof of funds to purchase your return flight to Colombia when required.
You must also prove you have sufficient funds to live and travel comfortably in any of these countries. Below, we’ll outline some specific features of this visa by country.
1. Mexico
If you apply for the Working Holiday visa for Mexico, remember you can stay in the country for up to 12 months. You can also work throughout your stay, with no limit on employers, as long as you follow all Mexican labour laws.
Regarding studies, Mexico allows courses of up to two months, since study isn’t the main purpose of your trip. Moreover, the consulate may issue either a multiple-entry or single-entry visa, depending on your circumstances.
To apply, you must visit the Embassy of Mexico in Colombia in person, located at Calle 113 # 7-21 Norte, Bogotá.
2. Peru
Peru has some restrictions different from other countries offering the Working Holiday visa to Colombians. Applicants can’t focus their stay solely on work, since the visa’s goal is tourism and cultural immersion.
In the Inca nation, you may take short courses lasting up to four months, which is longer than in Mexico. Health authorities also recommend getting the yellow fever vaccine if you plan to visit Peru’s jungle regions.
For this destination, the visa usually grants a single entry, unless you justify additional exits directly to the Consulate of Peru in Bogotá.
3. Chile
Chile requires Colombian beneficiaries of the Working Holiday visa not to stay longer than six months with the same employer during their one-year stay in the country.
Connectivity when travelling with a Working Holiday visa
During your trip, it’s essential to have a stable, strong, and reliable internet connection to check information online and find your way around Peru, Mexico, Chile, or France, depending on your chosen destination.
Holafly’s global monthly subscription plans will be your best allies, as you can choose between 25 GB or unlimited data to share with other devices and use in over 160 countries. You’ll also enjoy the flexibility to cancel anytime and get support 24/7.
For short trips, you can choose Holafly’s international travel eSIM, which offers unlimited data only for the days you need, without roaming charges or needing to swap your physical SIM card.
Visit the website, choose your destination, and select the days you’ll need internet. Install the eSIM before travelling and keep it deactivated until arrival, so you can start browsing immediately without buying a physical SIM or changing your phone number.
Important: If you are a frequent traveler and want to stay connected without worrying about expensive roaming or looking for a new SIM at every destination, Holafly’s subscription plans are for you. With a single eSIM, enjoy internet in more than 160 countries for a fixed price and no surprises on your bill. Travel without limits and connect easily and securely! 🚀🌍
Frequently asked questions about Working Holiday visas for Colombians
Depending on the country you apply to, the required amount varies, but on average you’ll need around $3,000 (€2,760) to cover accommodation, transport, and food — the essential expenses authorities request.
Yes, medical insurance is mandatory and highly recommended, as it prevents overloading the local healthcare system and protects you from expensive medical costs in case of emergencies.
The agreement under the Pacific Alliance grants 300 spots per country for obtaining the Working Holiday visa.
Yes, you can work in positions related to your profession under the Working Holiday visa. However, some countries limit staying longer than six months with the same employer, as the visa’s main goal is cultural exchange.
There are no strict job restrictions, but most positions are temporary. Many visa holders find work in hospitality, tourism, rural areas, or local businesses such as cafés, bars, or restaurants.
