Entry Requirements & Visas
New for 2026: Electronic Migration System Updates
Colombia has streamlined its entry process with the Check-Mig online form, mandatory for all air arrivals and free to submit up to 72 hours before your flight. This digital declaration replaces paper forms and helps track health and customs info efficiently.
Passport Requirements
Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure from Colombia, with at least two blank pages for entry stamps and visas if applicable.
Always verify with your airline and the Colombian consulate, as some nationalities face stricter rules for re-entry to their home country.
Visa-Free Countries
Citizens of over 100 countries, including the US, EU nations, Canada, Australia, and the UK, can enter visa-free for tourism or business stays up to 90 days.
Upon arrival, you'll receive a stamp granting the stay; overstaying can result in fines or deportation, so track your dates carefully.
Visa Applications
For nationalities requiring a visa, apply through the Colombian consulate in your home country with documents like a valid passport, proof of onward travel, financial statements showing at least $50/day, and accommodation details.
Processing times vary from 10-30 days, with fees around $50-100; tourist visas are typically valid for 90 days and can be extended once.
Border Crossings
Airports like Bogotá's El Dorado and Medellín's José María Córdova have efficient immigration with biometric scans, but expect longer lines during peak seasons.
Land borders with Ecuador, Venezuela, and Brazil require exit stamps from the previous country and may involve health checks; always carry your passport.
Travel Insurance
While not mandatory, comprehensive travel insurance is highly recommended, covering medical evacuation (essential in remote areas like the Amazon), trip delays, and adventure activities such as paragliding in the Andes.
Policies with at least $50,000 in medical coverage start at $2-5/day; ensure it includes yellow fever vaccination proof if heading to jungle regions.
Extensions Possible
Visa-free stays can be extended up to 180 days total by applying at a Migración Colombia office before your initial 90 days expire, providing reasons like continued tourism or business.
Extensions cost about 100,000 COP and require documents like proof of funds; approval isn't guaranteed, so plan extensions early to avoid penalties.
Money, Budget & Costs
Smart Money Management
Colombia uses the Colombian Peso (COP). For the best exchange rates and lowest fees, use Wise to send money or convert currency - they offer real exchange rates with transparent fees, saving you money compared to traditional banks.
Daily Budget Breakdown
Money-Saving Pro Tips
Book Flights Early
Find the best deals to Bogotá or Cartagena by comparing prices on Trip.com, Expedia, or CheapTickets.
Booking 2-3 months in advance can save you 30-50% on international and domestic flights within Colombia.
Eat Like a Local
Opt for bandeja paisa or empanadas at street vendors and markets for meals under 20,000 COP, avoiding upscale tourist restaurants to cut food costs by up to 60%.
Visit local plazas for fresh juices and snacks, and consider cooking in hostels to further reduce expenses on longer stays.
Public Transport Passes
Use affordable bus systems like Bogotá's TransMilenio for daily passes at 10,000 COP, or intercity buses via companies like Avianca for routes under 50,000 COP.
Multi-day transport cards in cities like Medellín include unlimited metro rides and discounts on cable cars to scenic neighborhoods.
Free Attractions
Explore free sites like Bogotá's Monserrate hike, Cartagena's colonial walls at sunset, and natural parks in the Coffee Triangle for authentic, no-cost experiences.
Many national parks offer free entry days, and street festivals provide cultural immersion without ticket prices.
Card vs Cash
Credit cards are accepted in cities and hotels, but carry cash (pesos) for rural areas, markets, and small vendors where fees can add up.
Use ATMs from major banks like Bancolombia for the best rates, and notify your bank of travel to avoid card blocks.
Combo Tickets & Passes
Purchase the Bogotá City Pass for bundled entry to museums and attractions at 50,000 COP, covering multiple sites and saving 40% on individual tickets.
It's ideal for cultural hubs and pays off quickly with visits to gold museums and cable car rides.
Smart Packing for Colombia
Essential Items for Any Season
Clothing Essentials
Pack lightweight, quick-dry clothes for the tropical climate, including long sleeves for sun protection and mosquito-prone evenings in the Amazon or coastal areas.
Include modest outfits for cultural sites in Cartagena and layers for cooler Andean highlands around Bogotá, where evenings can drop to 10°C.
Electronics
Bring a universal adapter for Type A/B plugs (110V), a portable power bank for long bus rides, offline maps like Google Maps for spotty internet, and a waterproof phone case.
Download Spanish language apps and a VPN for secure connections, plus a camera to capture vibrant street art in Medellín.
Health & Safety
Carry proof of yellow fever vaccination (required for jungle areas), a comprehensive first-aid kit with altitude sickness meds for Bogotá, prescriptions, and high-SPF sunscreen.
Include DEET insect repellent, hand sanitizer, and antidiarrheal for food adjustments; travel insurance docs are crucial for medical access in remote spots.
Travel Gear
Pack a durable daypack for hiking in Tayrona National Park, a reusable water bottle (for purified water), a lightweight rain poncho, and small-denomination pesos in a secure wallet.
Bring passport copies, a money belt for urban areas, and a dry bag for beach or river activities to keep essentials safe.
Footwear Strategy
Choose breathable hiking sandals or boots for jungle treks and national parks, paired with comfortable walking shoes for cobblestone streets in colonial cities like Popayán.
Waterproof options are vital for rainy seasons and river crossings; pack extra socks for muddy trails in the Coffee Region.
Personal Care
Include travel-sized biodegradable toiletries, high-humidity shampoo, lip balm with SPF, and a compact umbrella or hat for intense equatorial sun.
For multi-region trips, add wet wipes and a small towel; eco-friendly products respect Colombia's diverse ecosystems from beaches to mountains.
When to Visit Colombia
Dry Season (December-March)
Peak time for beach hopping in Cartagena and San Andrés with sunny skies and temperatures of 25-32°C, ideal for snorkeling and island festivals.
Fewer rains make road trips to the Coffee Triangle smoother, though expect crowds and higher prices during holiday periods like Carnival.
Shoulder Season (April-June)
Great for hiking in the Andes and visiting Bogotá's museums with mild weather around 18-25°C and blooming orchids in national parks.
Lower tourist numbers mean better deals on accommodations, perfect for cultural events like the Flower Festival in Medellín.
Wet Season (July-October)
Excellent for lush landscapes in the Amazon and Tayrona, with afternoon showers but warm days of 24-30°C; waterfalls are at their fullest.
Budget-friendly with discounts on eco-lodges, and ideal for birdwatching as migratory species arrive despite the rain.
Highland Dry (November)
Transitional month for city exploration in Bogotá and high-altitude adventures with cooler temps of 10-20°C and clearer skies post-rainy season.
Avoiding peak holidays, enjoy harvest festivals in rural areas and prepare for the upcoming dry season with fewer crowds.
Important Travel Information
- Currency: Colombian Peso (COP). ATMs are widespread; exchange rates fluctuate, so use apps for live updates. Cards accepted in cities, but cash rules in rural spots.
- Language: Spanish is official; English is limited outside tourist areas. Learn basic phrases or use translation apps for markets and buses.
- Time Zone: Colombia Time (COT), UTC-5 (no daylight saving)
- Electricity: 110V, 60Hz. Type A/B plugs (North American two/three-pin flat blades)
- Emergency Number: 123 for police, medical, or fire assistance nationwide
- Tipping: Common and appreciated; 10% at restaurants (often added as servicio), round up taxis, and small tips for guides
- Water: Tap water is not safe; drink bottled or purified. Avoid ice in rural areas and peel fruits before eating.
- Pharmacies: Easily found as "farmacias" with green crosses; stock up on basics in cities like Bogotá for remote travel.