Colombia Entry Requirements

Visa, immigration, and customs information

Colombia welcomes millions of visitors each year drawn by its lively culture, world-famous colombia food and idyllic colombia beaches, but every traveler must first clear immigration. Most visitors from North America, Europe and Oceania can enter visa-free for up to 90 days, making the entry process refreshingly straightforward. Despite lingering questions about “is colombia safe,” immigration officials are professional and the process at airports in Bogotá, Medellín and Cartagena usually takes 20–45 minutes. Have your passport, onward ticket and proof of funds ready; officers may ask where you plan to go, so be prepared to mention the medellín nightlife or cartagena’s walled city just as easily as the coffee region. Before you fly, double-check the latest colombia visa requirements, print or save accommodation confirmations, and download offline maps—cell service can be patchy in immigration halls. Remember that “best time to visit colombia” coincides with high season, so longer queues are common December–March and June–August. A calm, organized arrival sets the tone for the amazing things to do in colombia that lie ahead.

Visa Requirements

Entry permissions vary by nationality. Find your category below.

Colombia’s visa policy is generous to tourists: citizens of roughly 100 countries may enter without a visa, while others can obtain an eVisa or must apply at a consulate.

Visa-Free Entry

90 days, extendable for another 90 days within a 180-day rolling period

Passport holders from the following countries can enter Colombia as tourists without a visa.

Includes

United States Canada United Kingdom Australia New Zealand Germany France Spain Italy Netherlands Argentina Brazil Chile Mexico Japan South Korea

Entry is granted at the discretion of the immigration officer; return/onward ticket may be requested.

Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA/eVisa)

30–90 days depending on nationality

Citizens of select countries must obtain an eVisa online before travel.

Includes

China India Dominican Republic Vietnam

How to Apply: Apply online via the Colombian Migration portal; typical processing time 5 working days.
Cost: Approx. USD 52–82 depending on nationality

Print the approval email; airlines will ask for it at check-in.

Visa Required

30–90 days, single or multiple entry

Travelers from countries not covered above must secure a visitor visa in advance.

How to Apply: Submit application at a Colombian consulate or embassy; appointment and interview usually required.

Allow at least 15 working days; bank statements and hotel bookings are mandatory supporting documents.

Arrival Process

Expect a three-step arrival procedure at Colombia’s international airports: disembarkation & health check, immigration control, and customs inspection.

Disembarkation & Health Screening

Follow the purple “Migración” signs; temperature scanners are still in use, though COVID-19 paperwork is rarely requested as of mid-2024.

Immigration Control

Present your passport and, if required, visa or eVisa printout. The officer may ask purpose of visit, length of stay, and where you plan to stay in colombia.

Baggage Claim & Customs

Collect bags and proceed to the random customs channel. Green = nothing to declare; red = inspection. Duty-free shops are air-side if you want last-minute colombia coffee or rum.

Documents to Have Ready

Valid Passport

Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond entry date.

Return or Onward Ticket

Air, bus or ferry ticket showing departure within visa-free period.

Proof of Funds or Accommodation

Credit card, bank statement or hotel booking confirmation.

Tips for Smooth Entry

Have your address written down—hotel names in Spanish (e.g., ‘Hotel Charleston Santa Teresa Cartagena’) speed things up.

Download offline Spanish phrases; a simple “gracias” goes a long way.

If connecting domestically, allow at least 90 minutes between international arrival and domestic departure.

Customs & Duty-Free

Colombia allows reasonable duty-free import for personal use, but some items are tightly regulated to protect local industry and security.

Alcohol

3 bottles (max 3 liters total) of spirits or wine

Must be 18+; opened bottles in checked baggage may be confiscated.

Tobacco

20 packs of cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250 g loose tobacco

18+ only; e-cigarettes and liquids are permitted within personal-use limits.

Currency

USD 10,000 or equivalent must be declared

Declaration form (D-2) available in immigration hall; failure to declare may result in seizure.

Gifts/Goods

Up to USD 1,500 total value duty-free for personal effects

Electronics for personal use (1 phone, 1 laptop) are generally exempt; commercial quantities are not.

Prohibited Items

Narcotics and drug paraphernalia – zero tolerance
Explosives, fireworks – except small personal lighters
Endangered wildlife products – CITES-listed species

Restricted Items

Medications – bring prescription in English/Spanish plus original packaging
Drones – require prior authorization from Aerocivil if over 250 g
Plant & food items – phytosanitary certificate needed; fresh coffee beans confiscated

Health Requirements

No vaccinations are mandatory for most travelers, but routine and region-specific immunizations are strongly advised before you explore colombia beaches or the Amazon.

Required Vaccinations

Yellow Fever – only if arriving from Brazil, Angola, Uganda or other endemic countries

Recommended Vaccinations

Hepatitis A & B
Typhoid
MMR
Tdap
Routine flu shot

Health Insurance

Not required by law, but colombia travel insurance with medical coverage up to USD 100,000 is highly recommended for emergencies and repatriation.

Current Health Requirements: As of June 2024, Colombia has lifted all COVID-19 entry requirements. Check the Migration website 48 hours before departure for any sudden changes.

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Important Contacts

Essential resources for your trip.

Embassy/Consulate

Find your country's embassy or consulate

Check your government's travel advisory website

Immigration Authority

Official immigration website

For visa applications and official information

Emergency

Emergency services number

123 – unified police, ambulance, fire

Special Situations

Additional requirements for specific circumstances.

Traveling with Children

If only one parent is present, carry notarized consent letter from the absent parent plus child’s birth certificate; Colombian law requires proof of parental authorization.

Traveling with Pets

Dogs/cats need an international health certificate issued within 10 days of travel, rabies vaccine at least 30 days prior, and tapeworm treatment record. Birds require additional import permit.

Extended Stays

Apply online for a 90-day extension (Prórroga de Permanencia) or convert to a Migrant visa at any Migración Colombia office before the initial 90 days expire.

Know what to pack

Climate-specific clothing, travel documents, electronics, and gear — with shopping links for every item.

View Colombia Packing List →