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Entry Requirements for Colombia

Colombia entry requirements and passport control

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.

Note: Entry requirements may change periodically. While this guide provides comprehensive information, always verify the latest requirements with official sources before travel.

Passport Requirements

All foreign visitors to Colombia must have a valid passport that meets these requirements:

Passport Tip

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

Visa requirements for Colombia vary based on your nationality, purpose of visit, and intended length of stay:

Visa-Exempt Nationalities

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
Note: The 90-day visa-free period can typically be extended for an additional 90 days (for a total of 180 days per calendar year) by applying at a Migración Colombia office before the initial period expires.

Nationalities Requiring Visas

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.

Visa Information

To check if your nationality requires a visa for Colombia, visit the Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website or contact your nearest Colombian consulate.

Check Mig Requirements

The Check Mig pre-registration is a mandatory requirement for all travelers entering or leaving Colombia:

Online Pre-Registration

All travelers, regardless of nationality, must complete the Check Mig form before arrival in or departure from Colombia:

  • Must be completed between 72 hours and 1 hour before travel
  • Separate forms required for entry and exit
  • Available through the official Migración Colombia website or mobile app
  • Free of charge (beware of unofficial websites charging fees)

Required Information

To complete the Check Mig form, you'll need to provide:

  • Passport details (number, issue/expiry dates)
  • Flight or transportation information
  • Accommodation details in Colombia
  • Contact information
  • Purpose of visit
  • Emergency contact information

Customs Regulations

When entering Colombia, you'll need to comply with customs regulations regarding what you can bring into the country:

Currency Restrictions

There are limits on the amount of currency you can bring into or take out of Colombia:

  • Cash Limit: Up to USD $10,000 (or equivalent) without declaration
  • Declaration Required: Amounts exceeding USD $10,000 must be declared
  • Penalties: Failure to declare may result in confiscation and fines
Important: Currency declaration forms are available at airports and border crossings. Always declare amounts over the limit to avoid legal issues.

Prohibited and Restricted Items

Certain items are prohibited or restricted from entry to Colombia:

  • Prohibited: Illegal drugs, weapons, ammunition, pornography
  • Restricted: Plants, seeds, fresh fruits, meat products, animals
  • Controlled: Medications (bring prescription and keep in original packaging)
  • Cultural Items: Pre-Columbian artifacts and certain cultural items cannot be exported

Tip

If you're bringing prescription medications, carry them in their original packaging along with a copy of your prescription or a doctor's note.

Traveling with Minors

Colombia has strict requirements for minors (under 18) entering the country:

  • Valid passport for the minor
  • Birth certificate (recommended but not always required)
  • Both parents must be listed on the Check Mig form
  • Proof of relationship may be requested

  • Valid passport for the minor
  • Birth certificate
  • Notarized authorization letter from the absent parent
  • The authorization should be apostilled or legalized by the Colombian consulate
  • If applicable, sole custody documents or death certificate of deceased parent

  • Valid passport for the minor
  • Birth certificate
  • Notarized authorization letter from both parents
  • The authorization should be apostilled or legalized by the Colombian consulate
  • Guardian's identification and contact information

  • Valid passport for the minor
  • Birth certificate
  • Notarized authorization letter from both parents
  • The authorization should be apostilled or legalized by the Colombian consulate
  • Airline unaccompanied minor documentation
  • Contact information for the person receiving the minor in Colombia
Critical: Colombia has strict regulations regarding minors entering the country to prevent child trafficking. Documentation requirements are strictly enforced and may change. Always verify the latest requirements with the Colombian consulate before travel.

Special Entry Requirements

Certain travelers may face additional entry requirements:

Proof of Onward Travel

All visitors to Colombia must be able to demonstrate their plans to leave the country:

  • Return or onward flight ticket
  • Bus ticket to another country
  • Cruise itinerary showing departure from Colombia

Tip

Airlines may check for proof of onward travel before allowing you to board your flight to Colombia. Have this documentation readily accessible.

Proof of Sufficient Funds

Visitors may be asked to demonstrate they have sufficient funds for their stay:

  • Credit cards
  • Cash (in reasonable amounts)
  • Bank statements
  • Traveler's checks

Tip

While not commonly checked, having access to funds equivalent to approximately $100 USD per day of your stay is a good guideline.

Proof of Accommodation

Immigration officials may request proof of where you'll be staying:

  • Hotel reservations
  • Hostel bookings
  • Invitation letter (if staying with friends/family)
  • Rental agreement for vacation properties

Entry Denial Reasons

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

Be Prepared for Your Journey to Colombia

Meeting all entry requirements will help ensure a smooth arrival experience and a wonderful stay in Colombia.