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Frequently Asked Questions About Check Mig Colombia

This comprehensive FAQ section addresses the most common questions travelers have about Check Mig Colombia. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a frequent traveler to Colombia, you'll find answers to your questions about the mandatory immigration form.

General Questions

Check Mig Colombia is a mandatory online pre-registration system established by the Colombian government. It requires all travelers, both nationals and foreigners, to preload their travel information when entering or leaving Colombia. This electronic border control system helps streamline the immigration process, enhance border security, and facilitate faster interactions between immigration officials and passengers.

Originally implemented as a health monitoring tool during the COVID-19 pandemic, it has evolved into an essential part of Colombia's immigration control process.

Yes, Check Mig Colombia is required for all travelers entering or leaving Colombia, including:

  • Foreign visitors
  • Colombian nationals
  • Residents
  • Children and minors

This requirement primarily applies to air travel. Land border crossings may not strictly enforce the Check Mig requirement, but it's still recommended to complete the form to avoid potential issues.

No, completing the Check Mig form is completely free. The official process through the Colombian government website does not charge any fees.

Warning: Be cautious of unofficial websites that charge fees for this service. Some third-party services charge up to $70 USD for something you can do yourself at no cost. Always use the official Migración Colombia website to complete your Check Mig form.

Failure to complete the Check Mig form may result in:

  • Being denied boarding for your flight to Colombia
  • Delays at immigration upon arrival
  • Additional screening or questioning by immigration officials
  • Potential issues when trying to leave Colombia

While some travelers have reported entering or exiting Colombia without being asked for their Check Mig confirmation, it is still officially required, and enforcement can vary. It's always safer to complete the form to avoid potential complications.

Application Process Questions

The Check Mig form must be completed between 72 hours (3 days) and 1 hour before your scheduled flight. However, it is strongly recommended to complete it at least 24 hours in advance to allow time for resolving any technical issues that may arise.

The form becomes available for completion 72 hours before your scheduled flight and must be submitted at least one hour before departure.

To access the Check Mig form, visit the official Migración Colombia website at https://apps.migracioncolombia.gov.co/pre-registro/public/preregistro.jsf.

The website is available in Spanish, English, and French. Click on your preferred language to continue. Then, select whether you are entering or leaving Colombia and follow the prompts to complete the form.

You will need to provide the following information on the Check Mig form:

  • Personal details: Full name, date of birth, nationality, gender
  • Passport information: Passport number, issue date, expiry date
  • Travel details: Flight number, airline, departure/arrival date, immigration checkpoint (airport)
  • Accommodation details: Address where you'll be staying in Colombia
  • Contact information: Email address, phone number
  • Purpose of travel: Tourism, business, study, etc.

Ensure all information matches exactly what appears on your passport and flight tickets to avoid issues at immigration.

After successfully submitting the Check Mig form, you will receive a confirmation in two ways:

  1. A downloadable PDF document with a QR code will be available immediately on the website
  2. The same confirmation will be sent to the email address you provided

It's recommended to save this confirmation in multiple formats: download the PDF, save it to your phone, and print a hard copy if possible. If you don't receive the email, you can return to the website and use the "Consult and download your check-mig" option to retrieve your confirmation.

Technical Questions

If the Check Mig website crashes during your application process:

  • Wait a few minutes and try again
  • Clear your browser cache and cookies
  • Try using Google Chrome, which tends to work best with the Check Mig website
  • Attempt to access the website during off-peak hours (early morning or late night)
  • Ensure you have a stable internet connection

This is why it's recommended to start the application process well before your flight, as soon as the 72-hour window opens, to allow time for multiple attempts if needed.

If your flight number isn't recognized by the Check Mig system:

  • Enter only the numerical part of the flight number without the airline code (e.g., enter "123" instead of "AA123")
  • Double-check your flight information for accuracy
  • Try searching for your flight using alternative flight numbers that may be listed on your itinerary
  • Contact your airline to confirm the correct flight number for the Check Mig system
  • If traveling on a codeshare flight, try both the operating and marketing flight numbers

If you discover errors in your submitted Check Mig form:

  • You'll need to submit a new form with the correct information
  • If you've changed your travel date, wait for the original arrival date to pass before resubmitting
  • The most recent submission is typically the one that will be recognized by immigration authorities

It's crucial to review all information carefully before submission to avoid errors, as they can lead to issues at immigration.

While there is a Check Mig mobile app available, many travelers report that it functions poorly compared to the website. Common issues with the app include:

  • Loading failures
  • Non-responsive dropdown menus
  • Problems with submitting forms

It is generally recommended to use the website through a web browser (preferably Google Chrome) instead of the app for a more reliable experience.

Document Requirements Questions

To complete the Check Mig form, you'll need to have the following documents ready:

  • Valid passport: Must be valid for at least the duration of your stay
  • Flight itinerary: With confirmed flight numbers and dates
  • Accommodation details: Hotel reservation or address where you'll be staying
  • Visa (if applicable): For nationalities that require a visa to enter Colombia
  • Colombian ID card (Cédula): For Colombian nationals

Having these documents ready before starting the application will make the process smoother and faster.

While it's not strictly required to print your Check Mig confirmation, it is highly recommended to have it available in multiple formats:

  • Digital copy saved on your mobile device
  • Printed hard copy as a backup
  • Saved in your email for easy access
  • Screenshot on your phone in case of internet connectivity issues

Having a printed copy can be particularly useful if your phone battery dies or if you encounter technical issues at the airport.

No, the Check Mig form does not replace the need for a visa if one is required for your nationality. These are separate processes that work together to facilitate legal entry into Colombia.

If your nationality requires a visa to enter Colombia, you must obtain it before traveling, in addition to completing the Check Mig form. Similarly, having a visa does not exempt you from the Check Mig requirement.

The Check Mig form requires details about where you'll be staying in Colombia:

  • Hotel name and address (for tourists staying in hotels)
  • Complete residential address (for those staying with friends/family)
  • City and department (state/province)

If you'll be staying at multiple locations during your trip, provide the address where you'll spend your first night in Colombia. If you don't have accommodation booked yet, you can enter the details of a hotel you're considering, but try to be as accurate as possible.

Special Cases Questions

Children and minors must be registered on the Check Mig form, but they can either:

  • Be included in their parent's or guardian's application, or
  • Have their own separate form completed

If including children in your application, you'll need to provide their passport details. If a child is traveling with only one parent or with someone who is not their legal guardian, additional documentation may be required, such as notarized permission from the absent parent(s).

If you have dual nationality, including Colombian citizenship, you should be aware of the following:

  • Colombian citizens must enter and exit Colombia using their Colombian passport
  • Both passports should be presented at immigration
  • The Check Mig form should be completed using the Colombian passport details
  • You must provide your Colombian ID card (Cédula de Ciudadanía) number on the form

Colombian nationals registered with the RNM-COL (Registro Nacional de Migrantes-Colombianos) may be exempt from the Check Mig requirement in certain circumstances.

While Check Mig is primarily enforced for air travel, requirements for land borders may vary:

  • Some land border crossings may not strictly enforce the Check Mig requirement
  • However, it's recommended to complete the form regardless to avoid potential issues
  • Select "Land" as the transport type when completing the form for land border crossings

Enforcement at land borders tends to be less consistent than at airports, but official regulations still require the form for all entry and exit points.

If you forget to complete the Check Mig form before your departure:

  • Try to complete it on your mobile device before boarding if you still have time
  • Some airlines may allow you to complete it at the check-in counter, but this is not guaranteed
  • In some cases, you may be able to complete it upon arrival in Colombia, but this could lead to delays and is not recommended

It's always best to complete the form in advance to avoid any complications or delays in your travel plans.