VAT Refund for tourists in Colombia (Updated 2025)

More and more tourists are visiting Colombia each year—and many don’t know they can get a VAT refund for some of the purchases they make before leaving the country.

This benefit, established by the DIAN (Colombia’s tax authority), allows foreigners without Colombian nationality to request a VAT refund for tourists in Colombia on eligible goods.

Here’s a clear, updated, and step-by-step guide to help you access this incentive with confidence.

Who Can Request a VAT Refund in Colombia?

Not everyone qualifies for the VAT refund for tourists in Colombia. Only specific visitor profiles are eligible to apply.

This benefit is exclusively for foreign tourists who:

  • Do not hold Colombian nationality, not even dual nationality.
  • Enter the country with a Tourism Permit (PT) or a Type V Visa issued for tourism purposes.
  • Make eligible purchases during their authorized stay in Colombia.
  • Physically take the purchased goods with them when leaving the country.
VAT Refund for Tourists in Colombia

What Purchases Qualify for the VAT Refund?

To claim a VAT refund for tourists in Colombia, the purchase must meet several conditions. This helps prevent confusion and ensures your receipts are valid.

The purchase must:

  • Be subject to VAT (services are excluded).
  • Be at least 3 UVT per invoice (around $149,397 COP in 2025).
  • Be supported by a DIAN-issued electronic invoice, in the tourist’s name, with their passport number.
  • Involve goods that will leave the country with the tourist.
  • Not be issued as a POS receipt (point-of-sale ticket).

Excluded items: gasoline, food, alcohol, and tourism services like hotels or tours.

Required Documents

To apply for a VAT refund for tourists in Colombia, you’ll need to prove your visitor status and the validity of your purchases.

What you need:

  • Original passport with tourist entry stamp.
  • Printed electronic invoice approved by the DIAN, showing your full name, passport number, CUFE code, and QR code.
  • DIAN Form 2737, completed correctly.
  • An international credit card (Visa or Mastercard) to receive the refund.

📌 Travelers from CAN or MERCOSUR countries may use their national ID and Andean Migration Card (TAM).

How Does the VAT Refund Process Work?

You must complete the VAT refund process before checking in your luggage. Officers may inspect the items you purchased.

Step-by-step:

  1. Visit a DIAN office or Global Blue kiosk at the airport.
  2. Present all required documents.
  3. Show the physical items in their original packaging.
  4. A DIAN officer may verify the goods.
  5. If everything checks out, the request will be processed.

⚠️ Important:

  • Refunds are only made to international credit cards (Visa or Mastercard).
  • Cash or debit refunds are not allowed.
  • Fees and service charges will be deducted from the refund.
  • If the refund is less than or equal to the processing costs, no refund will be issued.

Where to Request Your VAT Refund in Colombia

You can only request your VAT refund at authorized airports before departure.

Here’s where to go:

  • El Dorado International Airport (Bogotá) – Level 2, Gate 5 – DIAN Customs / Second floor, Gate 5 – Kiosks.
  • José María Córdova Airport (Medellín – Rionegro) – Second floor, Gate 3 – DIAN Office / Gate 2 – Kiosks.
  • Rafael Núñez Airport (Cartagena) – International boarding area – Kiosks / DIAN Office.
  • Ernesto Cortissoz Airport (Barranquilla) – Second floor, Gate 3 – Kiosk.
  • Alfonso Bonilla Aragón Airport (Cali) – International zone – Second floor, Gate 2.
  • Palonegro Airport (Bucaramanga) – Second floor, Gate 14 – DIAN Customs.

📩 Questions or follow-up? Email:
devolucion_iva_turistas@dian.gov.co

Final Tips for Tourists

Before leaving Colombia, make sure to:

  • Print your valid DIAN invoices.
  • Carry the physical products with you.
  • Complete and submit Form 2737 in time.

The DIAN will only process your VAT refund for tourists in Colombia during your current stay and with complete documentation.

✅ Don’t forget to check the customs rules in your destination country.
✅ A new refund request must be submitted for each trip.
✅ Complete the process before check-in, and avoid last-minute issues.

Need legal or tax guidance as a foreigner in Colombia?

At Nexo Legal, we help you navigate everything from immigration to taxes—including the VAT refund for tourists in Colombia.

📲 Get in touch with our team for personalized support.

Get started with a free case assessment ​

What will happen after you fill out this form? ​

After submitting the form, your case undergoes a comprehensive review by our team of specialist to assess its viability. Providing clear and concise information about your objectives accelerates this process.

Subsequently, a specialist will be assigned to your case, reaching out to you within a day to clear up details about your case and outline the next steps to help you achieve your goals.

Get started with a free case assessment ​

What will happen after you fill out this form? ​

After submitting the form, your case undergoes a comprehensive review by our team of specialist to assess its viability. Providing clear and concise information about your objectives accelerates this process.

Subsequently, a specialist will be assigned to your case, reaching out to you within a day to clear up details about your case and outline the next steps to help you achieve your goals.

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Medellín, Colombia

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