Entry Requirements for Colombia

Entry Requirements for Colombia

Planning to travel to Colombia, it's essential to understand the specific entry requirements to ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience. Here's a detailed checklist to guide you: NOTE: *You will need to refer to this page more than you may think. Please bookmark it for your travels.

What you need:

1. Valid Passport: Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your date of entry into Colombia.
2. Visa, Do I need?
   • For stays up to 90 days: U.S. tourists do not need a visa. A valid passport is sufficient.
   • For stays longer than 90 days: You do not need a Visa. You can extend your passport for another 90 days. However, there is an approval process, and you must receive this approval. The Colombia Migration office will send you an email with the results.
   • For stays longer than 90 days: go online to https://www.migracioncolombia.gov.co/ at a minimum, 2 weeks prior to your first 90 day expiration and apply for your passport extension.
   • As a Colombian Migration regulation, travelers to Colombia can be granted a 180 day stay without a VISA. You have to follow the guidelines set forth above. BUT, you must receive the approval email.
   • This 180 day rule from the Colombian Migration office is for a Calendar year. January-December.
   • If you plan to stay longer than 180 days, you will be required to apply for a visa and be approved. At this point, you will need a local guide to accomplish this with efficiency. Hire an attorney for this. It will cost you about $250 dollars.

This is all done online. You do not go to the Migration offices. Recommendation: unless accompanied by a mentor, attorney, or someone with connections in the Migration office, do not attempt.



Some Fact to know:

Colombians are known for their warm hospitality, and you'll find the people of Medellín to be friendly and welcoming. It's an excellent place to engage with locals, learn about their culture, and practice your Spanish.

3. CheckMIG Form

   This one is the most common mistake made by the traveler. Many get stuck at the airport. They won’t let you board the plane without it.

   • CheckMig allows travelers who intend to enter and leave Colombia, to preload all the information related to their trip.
   • Remember when you leave Colombia, you will be required to fill out a new CheckMig form.
   • Travelers must complete Migración Colombia's Online Check-Mig Form within 72 hours of boarding an inbound or outbound flight from Colombia.
   • here is no fee to complete the form.
   • All U.S. citizens who do not also hold Colombian citizenship must present a valid U.S. passport to enter and leave Colombia.
   • This speeds up and makes the immigration process much faster. https://apps.migracioncolombia.gov.co/pre-registro/
4. Return or Onward Ticket: It's advisable (Highly recommended) to have proof of a return or onward journey, as immigration officers might request it.
5. Vaccination requirements:

   September 20th 2023: At this time no vaccination requirements exist. COVID vaccine or vaccination certificates are not required to enter Colombia However things can change quickly. You will need to stay on top of this travel requirement.

6. Proof of Funds:

   While it's not always required, it's a good idea to have proof of sufficient funds to cover your stay, just in case it's asked for. Although it's not a mandatory entry requirement, having travel insurance that covers health, theft, and other emergencies is always a smart choice.

7. Customs Declaration Form:

   You will be required to fill out a customs declaration form upon arrival, especially if you're carrying items that need to be declared.

8. Address in Colombia:

   Have the address details of your hotel or accommodation ready for immigration forms.

   Emergency Contacts:

   Have a list of emergency contacts, including the U.S. Embassy in Bogotá, just in case you need assistance during your trip. https://co.usembassy.gov/