Colombia welcomes millions of international visitors each year, but like any country, it has specific entry requirements that all travelers must meet. Understanding these requirements before your trip will help ensure a smooth arrival experience and prevent potential issues at immigration.
All foreign visitors to Colombia must have a valid passport that meets these requirements:
Take photos of your passport's biographical page and store them securely in your email or cloud storage. This can be invaluable if your passport is lost or stolen during your trip.
Visa requirements for Colombia vary based on your nationality, purpose of visit, and intended length of stay:
Citizens of many countries can enter Colombia without a visa for tourism, business meetings, or short-term non-paid activities:
Region | Examples of Visa-Exempt Countries | Maximum Stay |
---|---|---|
North America | United States, Canada, Mexico | 90 days |
European Union | All EU member states | 90 days |
South America | Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Peru | 90 days |
Asia-Pacific | Australia, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea | 90 days |
Citizens of many countries require a visa before traveling to Colombia. If your country is not on the visa-exempt list, you must apply for an appropriate visa through a Colombian consulate before your trip.
To check if your nationality requires a visa for Colombia, visit the Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website or contact your nearest Colombian consulate.
The Check Mig pre-registration is a mandatory requirement for all travelers entering or leaving Colombia:
All travelers, regardless of nationality, must complete the Check Mig form before arrival in or departure from Colombia:
To complete the Check Mig form, you'll need to provide:
When entering Colombia, you'll need to comply with customs regulations regarding what you can bring into the country:
There are limits on the amount of currency you can bring into or take out of Colombia:
Certain items are prohibited or restricted from entry to Colombia:
If you're bringing prescription medications, carry them in their original packaging along with a copy of your prescription or a doctor's note.
Colombia has strict requirements for minors (under 18) entering the country:
Certain travelers may face additional entry requirements:
All visitors to Colombia must be able to demonstrate their plans to leave the country:
Airlines may check for proof of onward travel before allowing you to board your flight to Colombia. Have this documentation readily accessible.
Visitors may be asked to demonstrate they have sufficient funds for their stay:
While not commonly checked, having access to funds equivalent to approximately $100 USD per day of your stay is a good guideline.
Immigration officials may request proof of where you'll be staying:
Understanding common reasons for entry denial can help you avoid issues at immigration:
Reason | Description | How to Avoid |
---|---|---|
Incomplete Documentation | Missing required documents such as Check Mig confirmation or visa | Double-check all requirements before travel and carry printed copies |
Passport Issues | Insufficient validity, damage, or missing pages | Ensure passport is valid for at least 6 months and in good condition |
Previous Overstay | History of overstaying in Colombia on previous visits | Always respect visa duration limits and exit before authorization expires |
Criminal Record | Certain criminal convictions may result in entry denial | Check with a Colombian consulate if you have a criminal record |
Insufficient Funds | Inability to demonstrate financial means for your stay | Carry credit cards, cash, or bank statements showing sufficient funds |
Health Concerns | Visible signs of serious communicable disease | Comply with any health requirements and carry medical documentation if needed |
Meeting all entry requirements will help ensure a smooth arrival experience and a wonderful stay in Colombia.