Colombia entry requirements: All you need to travel

Colombia is a fantastic travel destination in South America. The beaches in Colombia are perfect examples of the beauty of the Caribbean, and there are plenty of other activities awaiting if that’s not your thing. 

To be allowed to enter the country, you will need to comply with the Colombia entry requirements. Discover all the mandatory Colombia travel requirements, and some essential recommendations.

Colombia entry requirements

Passport 

To meet the Colombia entry requirements, you will need to have a valid passport or ID according to your nationality.

Citizens of the following countries are allowed to travel presenting an ID instead of a passport: Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Ecuador, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay and Venezuela. 

Check Mig

Every single person traveling to and from Colombia needs to apply for the Check Mig Colombia. It’s part of the mandatory requirements to enter Colombia, and also to exit. 

It’s very important to note that the Check Mig is not a Colombia visa: it’s a travel authorization. If your nationality is required to hold a visa for Colombia to travel, you will need to provide your visa details when you apply for the Check Mig. 

You will have to send in a unique application per flight (departing and arriving), you’re not allowed to apply for both Check Migs at the same time. This travel authorization is only available for those traveling by air.

If you travel by air, you can apply in just a few minutes and in your own language at www.visagov.com. Just complete the application form, pay for the fees using a bank card and wait for the approved document to be sent to your email. 

Travel insurance 

Having travel insurance isn’t included in the mandatory Colombia travel requirements. However, it is strongly advised. Stomach illnesses are very common in Colombia and they may lead to you needing medical attention, and the same goes for the other diseases prevalent in the country. 

In these cases, having a travel insurance policy in place will guarantee you receive the care you need without having to incur any extra expenses.

Vaccinations 

The Colombia entry requirements state that the vaccine against yellow fever is mandatory for all foreign citizens.

Besides that, these are the recommended vaccines for Colombia:

• Chickenpox (Varicella)
• Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis
• Flu (influenza)
• Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)
• Polio
• Shingles
• Hepatitis A
• Hepatitis B
• Rabies
• Typhoid

Currency

The Colombia currency is the Colombian peso (COP). The bills and coins in use are of these denominations:

• Banknotes: COP$2.000, COP$5.000, COP$10.000, COP$20.000, COP$50.000 and COP$100.000
• Coins: COP$50, COP$100, COP$200, COP$500 and COP$1.000

As a primarily cash-based economy, you will definitely need to exchange your currency as soon as possible after you arrive in Colombia. However, big cities and popular tourist destinations widely accept bank cards.

The travel to Colombia requirements mandate that if you travel with more than USD$10.000, or the equivalent in the local currency, you will need to declare it when you reach customs.