Entry Requirements for Colombia: Travel Documents and Advice
If you wish to travel to Colombian territory, you’ll need to meet a series of requirements to enter the country. These may vary depending on your place of origin and the reason for your trip.
In all cases, the requirements to enter Colombia in 2025 include completing the Check-Mig form for pre-registration of your trip. Find out everything you need to know here.
What Do I Need to Travel to Colombia?
To enter Colombia, all travelers must meet the country's entry requirements, which include having the following documentation:
- Valid passport
- Return journey to Colombia
- Completed Check-Mig form
- Valid visa (if required)
Although the Check-Mig form was implemented as a health measure during the pandemic, today it’s a mandatory requirement to enter or leave the country.
Do I have to give biometric information to enter Colombia?
Migración Colombia, the country's immigration authority, has implemented a system called Biomig that records the biometric data of passengers. This helps to streamline the entry and exit process.
The data collected to enter Colombia is divided into:
- Biographical data
- Visa information (if needed)
- Travel itineraries
- Accommodation details
Biomig should not be confused with the Check-Mig application. Biomig is for voluntary use, while Check-Mig is mandatory.
Countries With Entry Requirements for Colombia
Certain nationalities must have a visa to enter Colombia. This applies regardless of the reason for travel.
Check the complete list of nations for which a visa is required to visit Colombia:
(*) Visa exempt if you have an American visa or Schengen visa valid for more than 180 days at the time of entering Colombia
What Type of Visa Do I Need for Colombia?
If you’re a national of one of the countries on the list above, and do not fall under the visa exemption policy, you must apply for a visitor visa (type V).
This type of visa is intended for foreigners who wish to visit Colombia more than once for short periods of time.
If you intend to work or reside in Colombia, you must contact the country's authorities to find out the type of visa you should apply for.
What countries are visa-exempt for Colombia?
Citizens of over 80 countries are visa-exempt for Colombia for stays of up to 90 days:
FAQs About Entry to Colombia
Is it safe to travel to Colombia? Toggle faqs
Security in Colombia has significantly improved over the years, and large urban centers are considered reasonably safe.
You can enjoy the main tourist areas of the country with peace of mind, including:
- Bogotá
- Cartagena de Indias
- Cali
- Medellín
- Islands of San Andrés and Providencia
- City of Leticia in the Amazon
- Popayán
What happens if I do not complete the Colombia entry form? Toggle faqs
According to the Colombian Government, travelers who do not complete the Check-Mig form may be denied entry or exit from the country.
How long can I stay in Colombia as a tourist? Toggle faqs
Visa-exempt visitors traveling to Colombia for short-term purposes, such as vacations, can stay in the country for up to 90 days. This stay can be extended to a maximum of 180 days by contacting the country's immigration authorities.
How much money can I bring to Colombia as a tourist? Toggle faqs
Foreign visitors can bring up to $10,000 USD per visit without needing to declare it, provided the stay does not exceed the allowed 180 days. Currency over this limit must be declared to the National Tax and Customs Directorate (DIAN).
You can exchange euros and dollars for Colombian pesos at banks with your passport. Note that most businesses do not accept payments in dollars.
What vaccines do I need to enter Colombia? Toggle faqs
Currently, it’s not mandatory to present vaccination certificates to enter Colombia.
The only vaccine requirement is for certain travelers who must have a yellow fever vaccination certificate. This applies to those visiting national parks (such as the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta National Park, Tayrona Park, and Amazon reserves) and visitors coming from Angola, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, and Brazil.
Learn more about the recommended vaccines for traveling to Colombia.