Colombian immigration authorities have launched a new border control system—Biomig Colombia.
Find out everything you need to know about Biomig, including:
- What it is
- How it works
- Who can use Biomig
- Where you can find it
- How Biomig works with Check-Mig Form
What Is BioMig Colombia?
In simple terms, BioMig is a digital tool introduced to streamline the immigration process in Colombia. It uses biometric recognition technology to verify your identity, making the whole process faster and more secure.
The Biomig project is expected to improve immigration checks in Colombia in a number of ways.
What is the purpose of Biomig?
Colombian authorities have introduced Biomig technology for the following reasons:
- Modernize border checkpoints
- Speed up immigration checks
- Encourage automatic entry
How Biomig Works
Migración Colombia has set up special machines at some entry and exit points in the country. These machines use iris recognition to scan the eyes of each passenger and confirm their identity.
Before collecting this data, the person's name, last name, and ID or travel document are also recorded. This information, along with the iris data, is used to make sure the person registered is the same passenger entering or exiting Colombia.
How is my data used if I register with Biomig?
The information that’s collected through the Biomig system is used solely to confirm your identity when you enter and/or exit Colombia.
The Colombian government assures that the system adheres to strict privacy policies to safeguard user data. It’s also committed to complying with international standards on data protection to foster trust and confidence in the BioMig system.
Who Can Use Biomig?
Both Colombian citizens and foreigners over the age of 12 can use the Biomig system. The system is currently voluntary, but travelers are encouraged to use Biomig to save time at the border.
Colombians can use Biomig when entering and exiting the country, while other nationalities can only use it to leave.
Find out how the system works for citizens and foreigners in the sections below.
How does Biomig for Colombians work?
The first time you use Biomig Colombia, you'll need to register your details. This only takes about 5 minutes.
Once you're signed up, using Biomig in the future will only take around 30 seconds. You can use Biomig by following these steps:
- Stand in front of the touch screen. Choose your preferred language: English, French, or Spanish.
- The system will tell you to place your passport or ID near the reader
- If your document is accepted, you'll then see the ID number and your picture
- The system will ask you to confirm your details by selecting ‘YES’ or ‘NO’
- If you pick 'YES', it will show your flight details. If you haven't filled out Check-Mig, enter your flight details.
- State your reason for travel and if you're entering or leaving Colombia
- Look into the iris reader. Remember to take off glasses, contacts, and hats.
How does Biomig for foreigners work?
Visitors without a Colombian passport can currently only use Biomig at El Dorado Airport in Bogotá, and only when exiting Colombia.
You can follow these steps to register with Biomig El Dorado as a foreigner:
- Stand in front of the touchscreen
- Scan your passport
- Enter your flight number
- Look into the camera to scan your face
Tips for a smooth experience with BioMig
To ensure a seamless experience with BioMig, here are a few tips:
- Pre-registration: Make sure to register before you use Biomig for the first time
- Documents: Have all your necessary documents ready to present
- BioMig lanes: Look out for the designated BioMig lanes at the airport
Which Colombian Airports Use Biomig?
Here is a list of the Colombian airports and land crossings with Biomig:
- El Dorado Airport (Bogotá)
- José María Córdova Airport (Rionegro-Antioquia)
- Rafael Núñez Airport (Cartagena-Bolívar)
- Ernesto Cortissoz Airport (Barranquilla-Atlántico)
- Alfonso Bonilla Aragón Airport (Cali-Valle del Cauca)
- Matecaña Airport (Pereira-Risaralda)
- Rumichaca Land Migration Control Post (Ipiales-Nariño, border with Ecuador)
Note: Only El Dorado Airport currently permits foreigners to use Biomig.
The following airports are expected to use Biomig Colombia in the future:
- Jose Maria Cordoba Airport (Medellín)
- Ernesto Cortissoz Airport (Barranquilla)
- Rafael Núñez International (Cartagena)
