Step-by-Step Guide: How to Get a Visa-Ready FBI Background Check for Your Colombia Visa (Report, Apostille, & Translation Explained)

FBI Background Check Apostille Colombia Visa — if you’re preparing a Colombian visa application, this is the exact sequence you need to follow. We’ll show you how to get the FBI report, add the correct U.S. Department of State apostille, complete the certified Spanish translation, and upload everything to Cancillería. The entire process is digital, and when done in the right order, your visa file moves faster and with fewer headaches.

This article gives you a clear, step-by-step roadmap for making your FBI background check visa-ready for Colombia. Along the way, we’ll point out common mistakes, explain confusing terms, and show you exactly what documents you’ll need in the right order.

Bird’s-Eye View: The Process in 4 Simple Steps

1. Request your FBI background check – order the digital PDF through the FBI’s official channel.
2. Get the apostille – the U.S. Department of State issues an apostille as a scanned PDF.
3. Translate into Spanish – have both the FBI report and the apostille translated by a certified translator.
4. Upload to Cancillería – submit the PDFs and translations directly through Colombia’s online visa portal.

Why Colombia Requires an FBI Background Check

Colombia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Cancillería) requires U.S. citizens to provide an FBI background check for many visa types — including migrant visas, marriage visas, investment visas, retirement visas, and work visas. The goal is simple: to verify that you don’t have a serious criminal record in the United States.

The benefit of Colombia’s system is that it’s entirely digital. Unlike other countries, you won’t need to present physical documents at a consulate. Instead, you upload PDF versions of your apostilled and translated FBI background check through the online visa portal.

Step 1: Request Your FBI Background Check

You can request your FBI Identity History Summary directly from the FBI or an authorized channeler. The easiest option is the official FBI online system, which delivers your report as a secure PDF.

• Format: Always choose the digital PDF version. It’s faster and accepted by Colombia’s visa system.
• Timing: Processing is usually a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on demand.
• Tip: Double-check your fingerprints and application details to avoid delays.

Step 2: Obtain the Apostille

Once you have the FBI background check, it must be authenticated with an apostille. This step can only be done by the U.S. Department of State in Washington, DC. For Colombia, the apostille is valid as a digital PDF.

• Delivery: The apostille arrives as a scanned PDF file — no mailing required.
• Timeline: Standard processing can take 5–6 weeks by mail. Expedited handling is typically ~10 business days.
• Reminder: Do not notarize your FBI report — notarization is not accepted for federal apostilles.

Step 3: Certified Spanish Translation

Colombia requires all foreign documents to be submitted in Spanish. That means both your FBI report and the apostille must be translated by a certified/sworn translator recognized in Colombia.

• When: Translate after you have both the FBI report and the apostille.
• Who: Use a sworn translator (traductor oficial) for Colombia.
• Cost: Typically $50–150 per document, depending on length and urgency.
• Notarization: Not required. Certified translation is sufficient for Colombia.

Need help arranging translations? We can coordinate certified Spanish translations alongside your apostille so you don’t have to manage two different providers. Get help on WhatsApp →

Step 4: Submitting to Cancillería

Once you have your FBI report, apostille, and translations, you’ll upload everything to the official Cancillería visa portal. Here’s how:

• Log into Colombia’s online visa application system (official site).
• Upload the FBI background check PDF, apostille PDF, and Spanish translations.
• Ensure all files are in PDF format and clearly legible.
• Submit your application and pay the required visa fee online.

After submission, Cancillería will review your application. If something is missing or unclear, they may request additional documentation. This is why having correctly formatted, translated, and apostilled documents from the start is crucial.

Final Checklist

• ✔ FBI background check (digital PDF)
• ✔ Apostille from the U.S. Department of State (digital PDF)
• ✔ Certified Spanish translations of both documents
• ✔ Successful upload to Cancillería’s visa system

Final Tips & Common Mistakes

• Do not request a paper FBI report — the PDF is faster and accepted online.
• Do not notarize your FBI report — it’s not valid for federal apostille.
• Do not translate before getting the apostille.
• Double-check the latest requirements — rules can change.
• Give yourself enough time: total process can take 2–6 weeks depending on speed. Use our delivery estimator to plan.

Conclusion

Colombia’s visa process is refreshingly modern compared to many countries. By following the sequence — FBI report → Apostille → Translation → Upload — you’ll have a visa-ready FBI background check package that meets Cancillería’s standards.

Don’t wait until the last minute or guess your way through. Message us on WhatsApp today and we’ll help you feel confident that your documents are correct, complete, and ready for approval.

Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Requirements and processing times may change. Always confirm with Cancillería and consult professionals for your specific situation.