There is no special “refugee intake program from Ukraine/Russia” in Colombia: no dedicated centers, social package, or healthcare program only for refugees. Below are working contacts and the general scheme. This is not legal advice: statuses and procedures change — verify with UNHCR and Migración. Visas and tourist stay: Visa and documents.
Contacts
- UNHCR Colombia (Help)assistance points, FAQ
- Migración Colombia
- Embassy of Ukraine in Colombia
- Visas online: SITAC / Cancillería
- Government portals: Government sites
General logic
- Decide whether you need asilo / refugio or tourist stay / a regular visa (nomad, study, partner) is enough.
- Do not overstay your stamp: tourist extension is a separate trámite (Extension), not “automatic asylum.”
- Protection claim — through Migración / authorized channels; prepare passport, proof of threat, translation if needed (Translation).
- Timelines — weeks to months. Without status, EPS and work access are limited — plan budget. Healthcare: system overview.
- Legal help: university consultorios jurídicos, SJR, organizations on the UNHCR list — not chat “helpers” (SCAM).
Ukraine
Tourist entry for Ukrainians — up to 90 days with possible tourist stay extension. Online visas (if other categories are needed) — via SITAC.
Political asylum
Application to MFA / Migración with passport and proof of threat. Timeline — weeks to months. Legal help: university consultorios jurídicos.
Healthcare
After legal status you can join EPS. No separate “refugees-only” medical program.
Work
After legalization — work permit. Platforms: Computrabajo, LinkedIn, Elempleo. Without remote income the local market is tough: Before arrival.
Housing
Short term — Caritas and church initiatives. Room rent ballpark $150–300. Fincaraíz, OLX. Full guide: Housing.
Spanish and integration
Acción Cultural Popular, Servicio Jesuita a Refugiados. Language: Spanish. Chats: Communities.
Psychology / food
Línea 106 (Bogotá), BetterHelp. Food banks: Banco de Alimentos. Humanitarian aid: Red Cross, UNHCR.
Children
Right to free public school: child’s passport + status document — at the school or MinEducación. Daycare and schools.
Russia
No separate program “for Russian citizens only.” Same general logic: asylum via Migración/MFA, EPS after legal status, Spanish essential for daily life. Consular matters for RF (passport etc.): Foreign passport. Do not confuse asylum with nomad visa or tourist stay.