If you are planning a trip to Colombia, you need to follow a few simple rules to ensure your entry and stay go smoothly.
The good news is that U.S. citizens do not need a visa for short stays of up to 90 days for tourism or business. However, you must complete the mandatory online Check-MIG form and be ready to show proof of your travel plans.
This guide covers all the mandatory travel requirements, from your U.S. passport details to Colombia’s customs rules, so you can focus on enjoying your trip.
Quick Summary: Colombia Entry Rules
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Visa Required | No (for stays up to 90 days). |
| Mandatory Form | Check-MIG (Online form required for entry and exit). |
| Passport Validity | Recommended to be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date of entry. |
| Maximum Stay | 90 days initially; extendable up to 180 days per year. |
| Required Document | Proof of onward/return ticket is mandatory. |
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Colombia’s Entry Requirements
Below you’ll find the information you need and steps to take to meet all of the mandatory requirements for U.S. citizens traveling to Colombia.
1. Mandatory Pre-Arrival (Check-MIG)
The Check-MIG form is a mandatory declaration form that streamlines your entry and exit to and from Colombia.
What is the Check-MIG Form?
- The Check-MIG form is a free online declaration required for all travelers when entering and leaving Colombia by air.
- Purpose: It pre-screens your information (i.e., travel details, accommodation, and basic health) to speed up the entry process once you arrive in Colombia.
- Timing: You must fill out the form online between 72 hours and 1 hour before your scheduled flight time (for both arrival and departure). It is strongly recommended to complete it at least 24 hours in advance to avoid potential system glitches.
- Penalty: Failure to submit the form may cause delays or denial of boarding by the airline.
2. U.S. Passport & Stay Requirements
These are the official rules for your travel documents and how long you are allowed to stay in Colombia.
Important: Passport Validity Rule
While the official rule is that your U.S. passport must be valid for the duration of your stay, it is strongly recommended to have at least 6 months of validity beyond your entry date to avoid issues with airlines.
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U.S. Passport Validity: While the official rule is that your U.S. passport must be valid for the duration of your stay, it is strongly recommended to have at least 6 months of validity beyond your entry date to avoid issues with airlines.
Blank Pages: Your US passport needs at least one blank page for the entry and exit stamps.
Visa Waiver & Stay Duration:
- Visa Waiver: U.S. citizens are granted a Permit to Enter and Stay (PIP) upon arrival. This is a stamp, not a visa.
- Initial Stay: You are usually granted 90 days upon arrival.
- Extension: You can apply for a 90-day extension (fee applies, approx. 143,000 COP) online through Migración Colombia, bringing your total stay to a maximum of 180 days within any calendar year.
Dual Citizenship Note: If you are a U.S. citizen who was also born in Colombia, you must use your Colombian passport to enter and leave Colombia. You must carry both your U.S. and Colombian passports.
3. Colombia Entry Procedures & Compliance
You need to be ready to show proof of your planned departure from Colombia and follow the mandatory rules for long stays.
Onward or Return Ticket: You must be able to show the Immigration Officer proof that you have a ticket to leave Colombia (e.g., airline ticket home or proof of onward travel from Colombia). This is a crucial requirement.
Overstay Penalty: If you overstay your authorized time, you will face stiff fines that must be paid before you can leave Colombia.
Long-Term Visa Registration: If you have a visa that is valid for over 3 months (not a tourist permit), you must register that visa with Migración Colombia online or at an office within 15 days of arrival to avoid fines.
Currency Declaration: You must declare cash or currency (USD, COP, or equivalent) over $10,000 USD to Customs when entering or leaving Colombia.
Minors: Children with Colombian residency (and dual citizens) must carry a notarized parental consent letter if traveling alone or with one parent. This is strictly enforced upon exit.
Vaccinations: At this time, no mandatory vaccinations are required to enter Colombia.
As for the Yellow Fever vaccine, no proof of vaccination is required if you are coming directly from the U.S; the Yellow Fever vaccine is only required if you plan to visit specific high-risk national parks or rural areas (e.g., Tayrona National Park, Amazon region).
Proof of Funds: Foreign travelers may be asked to show proof of sufficient financial means to support the duration of their stay in Colombia.
Security Advisory: The U.S. Department of State currently advises Level 3: Reconsider Travel in Colombia due to crime, terrorism, civil unrest, and kidnapping. Some regions, such as Arauca, Cauca, and Norte de Santander, currently advise Level 4: Do Not Travel.
Major tourist cities are considered safer, but caution is strongly advised.
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Colombia Entry Requirements Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
A: Yes. The Check-MIG form is a mandatory, free online declaration that must be completed for both entering and leaving Colombia by air, between 72 and 1 hour before the flight.
A: No. U.S. citizens receive a visa waiver stamp (PIP) upon arrival for tourism or business stays up to 90 days.
A: The maximum stay allowed for tourists is 180 days (six months) within any calendar year.
A: While passport validity is only mandatory for the duration of your stay, 6 months of validity is highly recommended to avoid potential flight issues with airlines or entry concerns with immigration.
A: No. You are required by Colombian law to use your Colombian passport to enter and leave Colombia. You must carry both passports.
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