Colombia Entry Requirements for British Citizens
Colombia Visa Needed
NO
(for stay of up to 90 days)
UK nationals do not need a visa to visit Colombia for up to 90 days for leisure or tourism. Air passengers do, however, need to complete the Colombia Check-Mig form.
The immigration form is mandatory for all travelers arriving to and departing from Colombia on an international flight. You must fill it out online before you travel.
You can find more information regarding the Check Mig and other entry requirements for Colombia in this guide.
Entering Colombia from the UK: Papers and Requirements
To travel to Colombia, UK nationals must meet all Colombia entry requirements.
UK citizens need:
- Valid British passport
- Check Mig form
- Visa (if applicable)
Colombia visa exemptions for British citizens
As a British citizen, you can visit Colombia visa-exempt for up to 90 days. This period can be extended up to a maximum of 180 days. Short-term visits are possible for various reasons, including tourism and business.
For long-term stays and reasons such as work or study, you need a visa. Various visa types are available through Colombian embassies or consulates. Each visa type has specific requirements and processing times. You must apply well ahead of your trip.
Key facts about the Colombia Check-Mig for British citizens
Here’s what you should know about the Colombia Check-Mig for UK nationals:
- You complete the form online and receive approval by email
- You must provide personal details, passport data, and some information about your trip
- You need 2 separate forms, one to enter and one to exit Colombia
- It is not a visa. You need a Check-Mig for Colombia even if you are visiting visa-free
Guide to Applying for Check Mig From the UK
UK nationals can fill out the online application form for the Colombian Check Mig through this site in just a few minutes. You need to provide the following information:
- Personal information (name, place and date of birth, nationality, gender)
- Passport data (document number, and date of issue and expiration date)
- Travel information (entry or exit date, reason for the trip, flight number and airline, accommodation details)
- Contact details including an email address
You can then pay the fees and submit your form. You’ll receive a confirmation email that you need to board your flight to Colombia and at immigration control when you arrive.
Tip: Double-check all your information before clicking submit. The details you provide must match your British passport exactly.
How soon before traveling to Colombia should UK nationals get the Check-Mig?
Through this site, british can apply for Colombia Check-Mig as soon as they know their travel plans. Most applications are processed and approved in 1 to 2 days, but they should allow extra time in case of delays.
If UK nationals need Check-Mig urgently, select the Priority Service for guaranteed processing in just 1 hour.
Do UK Travelers need a Check Mig to leave Colombia?
Yes, UK travelers need a Check Mig form when departing Colombia as well. The application process for the departure form is similar to the entry one.
At the beginning of the application form, travelers will be able to select departure and proceed to fill out the form with the required information.
Is it Safe to Travel to Colombia as a British Citizen?
Thousands of British citizens visit Colombia every year and the majority of these trips are trouble-free.
However, as when visiting any foreign country, travelers from the UK should remain vigilant of their surroundings and check the government’s travel advisory for up-to-date advice before any trip.
The UK government currently advises British citizens against travel to Venezuela’s border regions with Colombia. You should not use the Colombia-Venezuela land border crossings.
There are several areas of Colombia that you should only visit as part of an organized tour.
Political demonstrations may take place in Bogota. As a foreign national in Colombia, you should avoid these demonstrations.
Travel facts about UK travelers to Colombia
51,540 British tourists arrived in Colombia in 2018. This made the UK the 7th most-represented nationality among non-Latin American tourist arrivals and the 15th most-represented nationality among international tourist arrivals.
Following a significant decrease in the number of visitors in 2020 due to COVID-19 and related entry restrictions, Colombia reopened to tourism in 2021 and welcomed over 2 million visitors in that year alone.
According to the Colombian Statistical Bulletin of Migratory Flows, 9,592 British nationals traveled to Colombia in 2021, making the UK the 6th most-represented nationality among European tourist arrivals.
A number of British nationals have also decided to make Colombia their permanent country of residence. For example, there were 1,322 Britons living in Colombia in 2019 (Source: the Colombian National Population and Housing Census).
Frequently Asked Questions for British Traveles to Colombia
Do I need a Check Mig Form to leave Colombia? Toggle faqs
Yes, UK travelers need a Check Mig form when departing Colombia as well. The application process for the departure form is similar to the entry one. At the beginning of the application form, travelers will be able to select departure and proceed to fill out the form with the required information.
Is it Safe to Travel to Colombia as a British Citizen? Toggle faqs
Thousands of British citizens visit Colombia every year and the majority of these trips are trouble-free. However, as when visiting any foreign country, travelers from the UK should remain vigilant of their surroundings and check the government’s travel advisory for up-to-date advice before any trip.