Colombia Entry Requirements: 2024

Since 2020, countries’ entry requirements have kept changing, making it extremely difficult for those of us looking for a fast, easy answer to the question of ¨ what is required before entering Colombia¨.

We all know how difficult and easy it is to get scammed online. In this post, I will provide exact details of what you need to know about the Colombia entry requirements in 2024.

As well as how to stay safe while visiting Colombia and its major cities. This information will be up to date as of 2024. Living in Colombia for three years, I have seen rules and regulations change, entry requirements change, and crime fluctuate. This post will provide an overall guide to entering Colombia and staying safe so you can have an enjoyable holiday.

1. Can I Travel to Colombia Without a Visa?

Most visitors do not need a visa to visit Colombia; however, if you are not from the U.S., Canada*, Western Europe, or select countries in Asia and Middle Eastern countries, you will need to check with the Migración Colombia office and their entry requirements. 

2. What if I Am A Dual Citizen?

If you are a dual citizen and hold Colombian citizenship, you must enter and exit Colombia using:

• Colombian Identification Card
• Colombian Passport

3. Who Can Enter Colombia Without A Passport?

Citizens from Bolivia, Ecuador, and Peru can travel with their valid photo ID or Cedula from their home countries.

4. Before Your Flight, You Must Fill Out The CheckMIG

One of the most essential pieces of information before entering Colombia must be completed within 72 hours before boarding your flight. The form is known as the CheckMIG (linked here).

The form is free; you do not have to pay to enter Colombia if you are from the USA. I have read that a fake site charges you for this service. However, do not pay; follow the link, as it is directly connected to the Colombian Migración center.

You must also fill out the CheckMIG upon exiting Colombia.

FYI, the Jose Maria Cordova Airport Medellin and the El Dorado International Airport Bogotá have free Wi-Fi inside the terminal; if you have forgotten this small detail, you can complete it at the airport.

The airline may or may not ask you for an onward ticket. I recommend buying one from this website. It is a reservation on a flight out of the country and is valid for 48 hours. I do not recommend overstaying your Visa. However, this is a good option if you are still determining your next destination.

5. Entry Requirements-Colombia

You must have a passport that does not expire within six months and have one blank page available. The immigration officer may also ask you the address of your hotel/hostel or if you plan on staying with family or friends. Have the address ready and available for the officer. They will also ask you how long you plan to stay in the country and the purpose of your travel to Colombia.

However, visiting Colombia from the United States does not require a visa, and upon arrival, you will receive an entry stamp on your passport for 90 days. It is important to note the date on your entry stamp, as you are responsible for understanding and calculating 90 days from arrival or what the immigration officer marked as the number of days you are permitted to stay in Colombia.

If you plan on staying in Colombia longer than 90 days, you can fill out an online visa extension. Once it is approved, print the extension. When you leave Colombia, show it to the immigration officer.

If you overstay your Visa, you must visit the immigration office. Do not overstay your Visa, as you will be fined and unable to re-enter in severe circumstances.

6. If you have a special Colombian Visa

Then, you must carry proper identification for the type of Colombian Visa you possess. Such as a Digital Nomad Visa, Marriage Visa, or Retirement Visa.

7. Currency in Colombia

The foreign currency used in Colombia is the Colombian Peso (COP). If you travel from the USA, obtaining a Charles Schwab bank card to use overseas is recommended. The card does not charge foreign transactions or ATM fees; Charles Schwab will reimburse you for any incurred ATM fees. 

I would not recommend using the money exchange counters at the airport, as the exchange rates are horrible. Instead, I recommend removing money from ATMs or ¨cajeros¨, as they are known in Colombia.

8. Safety using an ATM in Colombia

You should only remove money during the day, as robberies at ATMs are common. I recommend taking money out at shopping centers with police officers and security guards.

ATM fraud and scamming are also common, so it is important to pay careful attention while using ATMs. However, it is recommended that you use Davivienda, as they do not charge a commission.

If you plan on going to a rural area, fewer ATMs and few places use credit cards.

Cash is king in Colombia.

You can enter and leave Colombia with up to $10,000 cash; over must be declared.

9.Border Areas – Avoid All Travel

Upon entry to Colombia, be advised that the US State Department has issued a Level 3: Reconsider travel. Avoid these areas:

• Arauca
• Cauca (excluding Popayán)
• Norte de Santander

These areas have excessive crime and terrorism—the Venezuelan-Colombian border, due to the increased risk of crime and kidnapping.

10. Movement Restrictions for Minors in Medellin

On January 30, 2024, the municipality of Medellin banned the travel of minors aged less than 18 who are vulnerable to sexual abuse. A parent or legal guardian must accompany minors and possess proper ID and passport. This area includes: For travelers traveling with children in Medellin: Decree restricting minor movement in dangerous places.

11. Violent Crime and Scopolamine

In some areas, the violence occurs even in safer areas. It may become violent. Firearms are common throughout Colombia. Arm robbery occurs frequently in the streets, buses, taxiways, restaurants, and shops. Criminals will never shy away from attacking victims who do not cooperate.

The rise of crime among men has become an issue, especially in Medellin. It would be best not to use dating apps such as Tinder to find women and to always watch your drinks. Scopolamine has been used more frequently in tourist areas, and it is often placed in drinks by women met on dating apps.

Scopolamine is a medication that temporarily incapacitates a victim who quickly disorients himself and becomes vulnerable to crime. Thieves may place the drug in advertisements and ware installs.

They can also put the drink in food or throw a stick at the victim. They work mainly in teams where the woman helps the victims feel safe. The thieves steal the goods if the victims are incapacitated. Dating apps and websites are used by criminals to lure foreigners who are traveling alone and looking to meet locals.

12. COVID-19 Rules

Travelers who enter Colombia do not require COVID-19 testing or vaccinations.

13. Petty Crime

Petty crimes like pickpockets and purse thefts are common across most areas. Several incidents occurred on motorcycles involving stolen items. They are found in poverty-ridden regions and wealthier areas.

You should carry very little cash with you in big cities such as Medellín, Bogotá, Cartagena, and Cali, and do not wear any valuables out. It is best to leave your jewelry at home and not wear it out, especially at night. It has been noted that scammers target tourists, and you should always take proper precautions and know how to contact the local authorities if necessary.

Remember ¨No Dar Papaya¨, meaning don’t make yourself an easy target for thieves.

14. Pre-Travel Vaccines and Medications

If you plan on visiting the Amazon in Colombia, it is recommended that you receive the Yellow Fever vaccine. However, if you do not receive it, you can get it for free at the Bogota airport, located at the Fontibon Hospital stand, at the 2nd-floor exit of El Dorado International Airport’s new terminal.

A friend of mine got her vaccine here, and it was completely free and straightforward.

The passport health website also recommends getting the Hepatitis A, B, and typhoid vaccines before entering Colombia. You can read more about your specific requirements here. You should also carry any prescription medication you will need during your visit.

However, if you get sick, you can go to a pharmacy and ask for antibiotics, as you do not need a prescription in Colombia. I am not giving medical advice or recommending anything, but many of us now can have a phone consultation with our doctor and then pick up what is recommended by our physician. Yet it is good to know you have the option.

15. Safe Food and Water Precautions

Since living in Colombia, I have become accustomed to the water. In most big cities, you can drink tap water. However, you can not drink the water in some smaller towns or on the coast of Colombia. I recommend using a life straw just to be safe.

Many diseases can result from eating and drinking drinks that contain contaminated substances and toxins. Travel-related diarrhea generally affects most travelers and can spread through eating or consuming contaminated food. Travelers are more prone to diarrhea if they travel within regions with poor cleanliness or water conditions.

The best treatment for travelers’ diarrhea involves drinking a lot. Carry oral hydration packets and charcoal tabs on trips. Typhoid is a bacterial infection caused by food and water contamination.

I always recommend carrying charcoal tabs and hydration packets, especially if you have a sensitive stomach. 

16. Transportation in Colombia

The best way to get around the cities is to use an Uber, Taxi, or the Didi app. It is historically not recommended to take a yellow cab on the street, and using an app such as Uber is best. However, the Didi app in Colombia is cheaper than Uber, but both are available. While on the Uber or Didi app, you can also order a yellow cab; many feel safer using a taxi in this way.

If you are taking an Uber or Didi, you must sit in the front seat since they are both illegal in Colombia but used all over.

You can also take the Metro while in Medellin. If you choose this option, you must buy a rechargeable Civica card, which costs 10,000 pesos. With the Civica card, a one-way fare in Medellin costs 2880 pesos, which at the time of this article is .73 cents.

Flying and Airports

If you are traveling around Colombia, you can fly domestic flights to one of its 168 airports. However, there are some smaller cities as well as large cities with airports.

• Alfonso B. Aragon Cali, Colombia
• Buenaventura Airport Buenaventura, Colombia
• E Cortissoz Airport Barranquila, Colombia
• Cano Airport Past, Colombia
• El Eden Airport Armenia, Colombia
• El Dorado International Airport Bogotá, Colombia
• GEn. A. V. Cobo Airport Leticia, Colombia
• Ibague Airport Ibague, Colombia
• Jose Maria Cordova Airport Medellín, Colombia
• Palo Negro Airport Bucaramanga, Colombia
• Rafael Nunez Airport Cartagena, Colombia
• San Andres Island Airport San Andres Island, Colombia
• Santaguida Airport Manizales, Colombia
• Simon Bolivar Airport Santa Marta, Colombia

Public Transportation by Bus

Another popular method of transportation, especially for backpackers and a more budget-friendly way to travel, is to take the bus. A few things to know about the buses: They stop for everyone and will drop you off anywhere you need to go, including rural areas.

If you see your stop, tell the driver ¨aqui¨, and they will stop and let you off; you can also pay directly to the driver and board anywhere, including the side of the highway or side streets.

Each city, including small pueblos, will have a bus station, even the pueblos. Even in the more remote and rural areas, there will always be a mode of transportation.

Bus Stations Medellin

Terminal del Norte

Terminal del Sur

Bus Stations Bogotá

The main bus terminal is The Salitre Terminal.

Terminal del Norte TransMilenio (if you are headed to Zipaquirá, Suesca, Guatavita, and the bus to Tunja also stops here).

17. Travel Insurance

Anyone traveling overseas should obtain travel insurance.

Safety Wing is an insurance provider that we recommend. It covers emergency services, basic medical services, and medical evacuation, including events such as local unrest and even lost checked luggage.

Travel insurance is not required to enter Colombia. Yet it is a good idea to always have travel insurance, not only in case of an emergency but if anything happens to your belongings. 

18. The Weather

Many travelers ask when the best time to travel to Colombia is. The answer is often determined by which area of Colombia you plan on visiting. If you are going to the Caribbean coast, it is hot and humid, whereas if you are going to Bogotá, it is elevated and cooler.

However, the climate is generally the same all year, as Colombia is known to have two seasons: rainy and dry. With the weather changing, it is best to plan your vacation around the geographic location and the rainy season in that specific area, as it can change from year to year.

For example, I live in Antioquia; it should be the rainy season, but we are experiencing one of Colombia’s driest rainy seasons. 

Altitude sickness is common in areas such as Bogotá or Tunja.

Common side effects of altitude sickness are:

• A headache, which is usually throbbing. It gets worse during the night and when you wake up.
• Not feeling like eating.
• Feeling sick to your stomach. You may vomit.
• Feeling weak and tired.
• Waking up during the night and not sleeping well.
• Feeling dizzy.

19. Electricity and Voltage in Colombia

Colombia uses a standard voltage of 110 volts and a frequency of 60 hertz. The electrical outlets and equipment used in Colombia are Type A and Type B, the same plugs used in the US and Canada.

Yet I advise you to always use a surge protector in Colombia. Some smaller towns have old wiring and can fry your electronic equipment. To be safe, I have always used a surge protector since I learned this after living in Colombia. Even though it looks the same, you might end up ruining your plugs or even your computer if the electricity shorts, and you do not have a surge protector.

20. Ayahuasca or Yage Tourism

Ayahuerca yage tourism in the jungles of Peru is becoming increasingly popular. Shamans use these ancient plants to perform psychedelic rituals for healing. Individuals performing this ritual have no legal authority.

Yoge is not legally allowed in Colombia, but its consumption is not regulated, and its impact on existing health conditions is unclear. Many facilities do not offer medical first aid or other emergency assistance plans. Participants reported heightened alertness and amnesia symptoms without control.

In addition, severe nausea and diarrhea. However, ayahuasca tourism is changing, so stay updated with the new rules and regulations.

21. Archipelago of San Andrés, Providencia, and Santa Catalina

If you plan to visit San Andrés Providencia or Santa Catalina Archipelago, you should purchase a Tourist Card upon arrival. Everyone, including Colombian citizens, must present this card.

The cost is 124,000 pesos, and you must pay this in cash. You will purchase this before boarding your flight, and you will have to fill it out and present it to security upon landing on San Andres Island. You must keep this card on you while you are on the island.

22. Do you Tip in Colombia?

Tipping is less common in Colombia than in the USA, but it is still appreciated. With the rise of tourism from tipping countries, it is becoming more expected. If you are at a restaurant in a major city, such as Bogotá or Medellin, they will ask if you would like ¨servicio¨added to your bill; that is the tip.

Taxis historically have not expected a tip.

However, if you go to Medellin, they will ask you for ¨propina¨. I will give 10% if they did not overcharge me for the ride. Most of the time, I tell them I overcharged them, so that is your tip, and speaking Spanish will come in handy in these situations.

However, if you are in a smaller town, they do not expect a tip, yet it is customary to leave the change from your bill or none at all, as tipping is only common in bigger cities.

23. Language Spoken

Spanish is the primary language spoken in Colombia, especially if you venture off the beaten track. If you stay in the major cities and the tourist areas, some places will speak English. However, it is still good to know a little before you go. If you want to take classes at a local Spanish school, check out Spanglish Colombia or take online lessons with a friend!

24. Emergency Services and Numbers

Fire, rescue, and emergency services call 123

Police call 112 or a local police station

US Embassy

25. Driving as a Foreigner

To rent a car in Colombia, you need only provide a valid driver’s license, passport, and credit card. Depending on the car rental service, you may also need to provide proof of insurance.

Rental agencies are found in most cities and major airports. However, if you choose to drive in Colombia, be aware of the road rules and have adequate insurance to cover driving abroad. Also, most of the cars in Colombia are manual, and the road conditions are not always the best.

Colombia is very mountainous, and a lot of the roads are very curvy.

There is often always road work and potholes, and there can also be protests. Be cautious of driving in Colombia and do not get lost as there is drug-related criminal activity and illegal armed groups. Stay on the main roads, and avoid the areas of high danger.

I do not drive in Colombia and rely on public transportation and local friends. If you drive or even ride as a passenger, be aware that there are a ton of motorcycles all over. It is an organized chaos, and the laws regarding driving are a bit more lax, especially if you come from the US. 

26. What if I Lose My Passport or My Passport Gets Stolen?

Unfortunately, if this happens, you can either go to the US Embassy in Bogotá or the US Consular Agency in Barranquilla. They will be able to issue you an emergency passport, which will be valid for up to one year. Please visit this website for more detailed information.

US Embassy Bogota

American Citizens Services Entrance:

Diagonal 24 Bis #48-50 Bogotá, D.C., Colombia

The U.S. Consular Agency in Barranquilla

The U.S. Consular Agency in Barranquilla

Centro Empresarial las Americas 1

Calle 77B No. 57-141, Suite 511

Barranquilla, Colombia

Wrap Up

It is recommended that you follow the entry rules while you are in Colombia, avoid political involvement, armed groups, illegal drugs, and dating apps, and you will have a fantastic time. Colombia is full of national parks to visit, as well as bigger cities and smaller pueblos, depending on your preferences.

Whatever you are looking for—mountains, beaches, or deserts—you can find it all in this beautiful country. If you have chosen to make Colombia your home, there will be more posts on this, but for now, you can check out the migración Colombia office or website for more details.s.