Everything you need to know to enter Colombia

Traveling to Colombia is an experience you shouldn’t miss. To keep everything running smoothly, it’s essential to have your documents in order. Learn the requirements you need to meet to enter the Country of Beauty, according to your nationality and the purpose of your trip. Also discover the best tips to make your time through airports, natural parks or special territories, such as

San Andrés and Providencia, among others, simple and without surprises.

What documents do I need to travel to Colombia?

When entering Colombian territory, all visitors must present some basic documents. Make sure you have them ready before you arrive:

• Valid passport: This is a mandatory document for tourists from almost anywhere in the world, and it’s recommended to have at least six months’ validity from the day you enter the country.
• Outbound ticket: This document can be very useful with the authorities, as it serves as evidence that you will leave

Colombia. It can be either a return ticket to your country or an onward ticket to another destination.

• Proof of financial means: Not always requested, but it’s advisable to carry bank statements, credit cards, or any document showing you have enough funds to cover your stay.
• Visa: This depends on your nationality and the purpose of your trip. Below we explain in detail who needs a visa to travel to Colombia and who doesn’t.
• National ID document: For some Latin American countries, it’s possible to enter Colombia with just an ID card, without the need for a passport or visa.

Who needs a visa to enter Colombia?

Colombia has established agreements with many countries that allow visa-free entry for short tourist or business visits. Below are the most common cases:

Countries that do NOT require a visa

Citizens of more than 90 countries do not need a visa for temporary stays. These include Germany, Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Spain, the United States, France, Japan, Mexico, Peru, and the United Kingdom, among many others. You can check the full list on the Migración Colombia website or at the nearest Colombian consulate.

In addition, according to information from the Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, nationals of countries such as Cambodia, India, Nicaragua, China, Thailand, and Vietnam may enter without a visa if they hold a valid Schengen or United States visa for at least 180 days, or if they have residency permits in those territories.

* The agency is not responsible for the content published or changes made on the Ministry’s portals.

Countries that DO require a visa

Some nationalities do need to apply for a visa to enter the country. This includes citizens of countries such as Algeria, Belarus, Haiti, Iran, Syria, Sudan, Vietnam, Zambia, among others. In these cases, you must contact the Colombian consulate in your country of origin and complete the process in advance.

If your trip is not for tourism

If you plan to come to Colombia for reasons other than tourism, such as study, work, volunteering, research, or to reside long-term, you need a specific visa.

Additional documents worth bringing

Besides your passport and visa (if applicable), there are other documents for traveling to Colombia that can make immigration checks easier or help in unforeseen situations:

• Travel insurance or medical assistance: Not mandatory, but highly recommended.
• Vaccination card: For some destinations like the Amazonía, a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required.
• Check-Mig: This is the entry form for Colombia, managed by Migración Colombia, to be completed before traveling. It can be filled out online.
• Copies of passport, bookings, and insurance: Keep physical and digital versions for safety.
• Accommodation and domestic flight bookings: Especially if you are visiting multiple regions.

Are you traveling to San Andrés or Providencia?

The islands of San Andrés and Providencia are Colombian territory, but they have special entry requirements:

Tourist Card: All visitors must obtain it, without exception. It can be purchased when buying your airline ticket or at the airport before boarding.

• Passport or ID document: You must show it upon entering the island to validate your entry.
• Tip: Include the cost of this card in your budget.

Are you going to visit natural parks or special territories?

Some protected areas in the country require additional registrations. For example:

• Parque Tayrona or Caño Cristales: Upon entry, you must register your passport as part of safety and environmental conservation protocols.
• Amazonía or Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta: There are areas with limited access out of respect for Indigenous communities. Check in advance if you need permits or authorized guides.

You can also consult the official website of Parques Nacionales Naturales de Colombia or ask at travel agencies.

Immigration controls: what to expect and how to prepare

The main points of entry into the country, such as the airports in Bogotá (El Dorado), Cartagena (Rafael Núñez), and Medellín (José María Córdova), have Migración Colombia offices where you must present your documentation. In Bogotá, you will also find service points for VAT refunds and Check-Mig assistance.

At these controls, staff may ask about your itinerary, purpose of travel, length of stay, or accommodation bookings. Ideally, answer clearly and have your documents at hand.

What if I need to stay longer?

When you enter Colombia as a tourist traveler, the immigration authorities will grant you a permit to stay and enter Colombia, generally valid for 90 days. If you want to extend your stay, you can request an extension online or at a Migración Colombia office, always before your current permit expires.

Visit the entity’s platform to schedule your appointment and check the required documentation. Do not exceed the permitted days without authorization, as this may result in penalties or difficulties in future travel.

Tips to organize your documents

Before traveling, create a folder—physical or digital—with all the essentials. This includes:

• Passport to travel to Colombia and a copy.
• Check-Mig QR code.
• Travel insurance to go to Colombia and a copy.
• Accommodation and flight bookings.
• Vaccination card (if applicable).
• Photocopies of important documents.

Carrying a secondary ID, such as your driver’s license, is also useful.

Take advantage of the VAT refund

As a foreign tourist, you are entitled to request a VAT (19%) refund on purchases made in Colombia, such as handicrafts, clothing, jewelry, emeralds, or appliances. To do so:

• Shop at stores that offer the Tax Free service.
• Keep the original invoices and your passport.
• Present everything at the DIAN office located in international airports when leaving the country.
• Bring the goods you purchased in case they ask for verification.
• Final tips for a smooth entry
• Verify the requirements for traveling to Colombia in advance, especially if you come from countries with special conditions.
• Have all documents printed and digitized so you can access them at any time.
• Plan your travel route, especially if you will visit destinations that require permits or additional fees, such as San Andrés or natural parks.
• Learn about cultural and environmental rules, especially in Indigenous territories or ecological reserves.
• Record your entry and exit if you visit protected areas, both for safety and out of respect for the environment.

Traveling to Colombia is easy as long as you prepare well. Having your documentation in order, knowing the visa procedures for Colombia, and respecting local rules will allow you to enjoy the country to the fullest, without unnecessary worries. Start your trip with confidence and let yourself be amazed by the beauty of Colombia!