7 Things You Must Know About Colombia’s Entry Requirements for Travelers

Colombian entry requirements for travelers

Are you planning to travel to Colombia in 2024? If so, you need to be prepared for the entry requirements and essential information that will affect your trip. Colombia is a wonderful country to visit and I’ll be making my fourth trip there this year, but it also has some rules and regulations that you need to follow.

In this guide are a few essentials that will ensure you have a safe and enjoyable trip to Colombia:

• Passport and entry fee
• Gender identifier and visa requirements
• Electronic immigration form and entry stamp
• Vaccine requirements and altitude considerations
• Legal considerations and embassy information
• Rainy season caution
• COVID-19 requirements and precautions (Updated for 2024)

Let’s get started!

Passport and Entry Fee

Passport Check

First things first. Check your passport. Don’t just confirm it’s still in your sock drawer. Look at the expiry date. Make sure it’s valid for at least six months beyond your planned entry into Colombia. Many countries require this, and Colombia is no exception. An expired passport can lead to delays or denied entry. If your passport is close to expiring, renew it early. Processing times and appointment slots can fill up fast.

Entry Fee for Canadians

Canadian travelers must pay an entry fee of $85 CAD (as of 2025). This applies to arrivals by air, land, or sea. The fee took effect on November 14, 2023. You can pay it at the immigration counter when you arrive. Only credit cards are accepted, so plan ahead. Make sure your card works internationally and has no blocks. When you get to the front of teh immigration line at the airport, you may be re-directed to a seperate vestibule that is equipped to take your payment.

Credit Card Tip

When you make your first transaction in Colombia, enter your PIN manually. This signals to your credit card company that it’s you using the card. It helps prevent your card from being flagged or blocked. You can also call your bank before your trip to share your travel dates. That extra step can save you a headache later.

Gender Identifier and Visa Requirements

When traveling with a passport bearing an “X” gender identifier, be aware that certain countries may not recognize this designation. Colombia is one of the countries that does not have a specific policy or procedure for travelers with an “X” gender identifier on their passports. This means that you may face some challenges or questions when entering or exiting Colombia, or when accessing services or facilities that require identification.

For stays up to 90 days, a tourist visa is not required for Canadian citizens who travel to Colombia for leisure, tourism, or family visits. However, business and student visas are mandatory for their respective purposes. If you plan to travel to Colombia for work, study, or other activities that are not covered by the tourist visa, you need to familiarize yourself with the specific requirements and application processes for these visas well in advance of your intended travel dates.

You can find more information about the different types of visas and how to apply for them on the [official website of the Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs].

Electronic Immigration Form and Entry Stamp

Before booking your flight to Colombia, completing the Check-Mig electronic immigration form is mandatory. This is an online form that collects your personal and travel information and generates a confirmation page that you need to present when boarding your flight. You can access this form on the [official website of the Colombian Migration Authority].

The Check-Mig form is valid for 30 days from the date of completion, and you need to fill it out every time you enter or exit Colombia. You should also keep a copy of the confirmation page with you during your stay in Colombia, as you may need to show it to the authorities if requested.

If you plan to arrive in Colombia by land, ensure that you obtain an entry stamp on your passport, facilitating a smooth entry process. You can get this stamp at the official border crossings, where you will also need to present your passport, your Check-Mig confirmation page, and your proof of payment for the entry fee. You should also be prepared to answer some questions about your travel plans and itinerary.

Vaccine Requirements and Altitude Considerations

Although Colombia doesn’t currently require any specific vaccines for general entry, certain destinations within the country do. If you’re planning to visit places like Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta National Park, Tayrona National Park, or remote Amazon reserves, a yellow fever vaccination may be necessary. These regions are considered high-risk for yellow fever transmission, and some entry points may ask for a valid vaccination certificate. While most travelers I’ve spoken to weren’t asked to show proof, it’s still wise to get vaccinated and carry your certificate, especially if your itinerary includes these areas.

Yellow Fever

You should get your Yellow Fever vaccine at least 10 days before your trip, and carry your certificate with you at all times. You can also check the [official website of the Colombian Ministry of Health] for the latest updates and recommendations on vaccinations and health precautions for travelers.

General Health Risks

Travelers are also encouraged to stay informed about potential health risks, including altitude-related concerns in cities like Bogota. Bogota is located at an altitude of about 2,600 meters (8,500 ft. for my American readers) above sea level, which can affect some people who are not used to high altitudes. Altitude sickness can occur due to rapid ascension, leading to symptoms such as headaches, vomiting, insomnia, and reduced performance. Understanding preventive measures is key to managing this concern.  The effects of altitude will be felt more if you are performing strenuous activities like sports.  

My Altitude Experience in Bogota

Here’s a quick story about feeling teh effects of higher altitude for teh first time in Bogota.

About 30 minutes into a sunny walk to meet friends for breakfast, it hit me..I’d left my passport locked in the hotel room. The same hotel I had just checked out of. Cue the panic.

I spun around and started sprinting back, adrenaline in full swing… for about one block. Then my lungs reminded me I wasn’t in Toronto anymore. Despite playing tennis a few times a week, the altitude had other plans. I couldn’t catch a deep breath, and running quickly turned into a brisk, slightly desperate power walk.

By the time I reached the hotel, I was sweating, winded, and mentally rehearsing how to beg the front desk for access. Luckily, the room hadn’t been cleaned yet. I got in, grabbed the passport, and exhaled, finally able to breathe again, in more ways than one. Lesson learned: always double-check the lockbox before checkout!

Altitude sickness: Preventitive Measures

• Drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol and caffeine
• Eat light and high-carbohydrate meals
• Rest and acclimatize for at least a day before engaging in strenuous activities
• Seek medical attention if symptoms worsen or persist

Note: This is not medical advice. For tips on altitude sickness check out this article by HealthLine

Legal Considerations and Embassy Information

Travelers must be aware of the legal landscape in Colombia, as penalties for breaking the law may be more severe than in Canada, with no existing treaty for offender transfer between the two countries. Some of the laws and regulations that you need to follow and respect are:

• Do not possess, use, or traffic any illegal drugs, as this can result in long prison sentences and heavy fines
• Do not engage in any sexual activity with minors, as this can result in severe criminal charges and penalties
• Do not participate in any political demonstrations or protests, as they can turn violent and result in arrests or injuries
• Do not take photographs or videos of military or police installations, personnel, or vehicles, as this can be considered a security threat
• Do not carry large amounts of cash or valuables, as this can make you a target for theft or robbery
• Do not accept food, drinks, or gifts from strangers, as they may be laced with drugs or other substances that can impair your judgment or cause harm

Check out up to date travel advice for Colombia from the Government of Canada website. 

Canadian Embassy Links

It is important to familiarize yourself with the contact details and locations of Canadian embassies in Bogota and Cartagena, providing a valuable resource for assistance during your stay. You can find the addresses, phone numbers, email addresses, and opening hours of these embassies on the [official website of the Government of Canada].

Another precaution you can take would be to register with the [Registration of Canadians Abroad] service, which allows the Government of Canada to contact you and assist you in case of an emergency abroad.

Rainy Season Caution

Colombia experiences rainy seasons from March to June and September to November, heightening the risk of flooding and mudslides, particularly in rural areas. These natural disasters can cause damage to infrastructure, disrupt transportation, and affect access to essential services. They can also pose health and safety hazards for travelers and locals alike.

Exercise caution and stay informed during these periods to ensure your safety and well-being. You can do this by:

• Checking the weather forecast and travel advisories regularly
• Avoiding travel to areas that are prone to flooding and mudslides
• Following the instructions and advice of local authorities and emergency services
• Purchasing comprehensive travel insurance that covers natural disasters

COVID-19 Requirements and Precautions

While proof of COVID-19 vaccination is no longer required to enter Colombia (as of 2024),  the following is meant to act as a general guide as to what can be expected should a similar outbreak occur.

During the peak of the Pandemic Colombia had implemented some COVID-19 requirements and precautions for travelers who planned to enter the country, to prevent the spread of the virus and protect the health of the population. 

Some of the COVID-19 requirements and precautions included:

• Present a negative PCR test result taken within 72 hours before your flight
• Wear a face mask and practice social distancing in public places
• Follow the local curfews and lockdowns that may be imposed in certain regions or cities
• Avoid crowded places and large gatherings
• Monitor your health and seek medical attention if you develop any symptoms

Bonus Tip: Learn Some Spanish

One of the best ways to enhance your travel experience and connect with the locals is to learn some Spanish, the official language of Colombia. While you may find some English speakers in major cities and tourist areas, most Colombians speak little or no English, so knowing some basic Spanish phrases and words can make a big difference. You don’t have to be fluent in Spanish to travel to Colombia, but you should at least learn how to greet people, introduce yourself, ask for directions, order food, and express gratitude. You can use tools like Duolingo, Babel, and Pimsleur.

I hope you enjoyed this guide on the 7 things you must know about Colombia’s entry requirements for travelers. Following these tips will prepare you for a smooth and hassle-free trip to this wonderful country. You are one step closer to an unforgettable experience and lasting memories.

Traveling to South America for the first time can be both exciting and nerve-wracking. You may have some fears or doubts about the safety, culture, language, or logistics of your trip. You may also have some expectations or stereotypes that may not match the reality of this diverse and beautiful continent.

For some short Spanish phrases you can use to brush up with, check out my article on Spanish Phrases.

Don’t let your fears or doubts stop you from exploring this amazing region. We have done some research and provided you with the most relevant and updated information and advice on Colombia’s entry requirements and essential information. We have also shared some cultural tips and etiquette that will help you connect with the locals and respect their traditions and customs. We have given you a bonus tip on how to start to learn some Spanish, which will make your communication and interaction easier and more fun.

Thank you for reading and happy travels! 😊