Colombia Entry Requirements
Visa, immigration, and customs information
Information last reviewed March 2025. Always verify with official government sources before traveling.
Visa Requirements
Entry permissions vary by nationality. Find your category below.
Colombia keeps a liberal visa policy. Roughly 100 nationalities enter visa-free, while others secure an eVisa or apply at a consulate.
Citizens of these countries receive a tourist permit on arrival, normally stamped into the passport.
The 180-day maximum in any 365-day period is strictly enforced. Entry days count even if you only transit air-side. Overstaying triggers fines and possible bans.
Citizens of these countries must secure an eVisa online before boarding a flight to Colombia.
Cost: Moderate fee payable online by credit card
Print or save the PDF approval. Airlines will deny boarding without it.
These travelers must schedule an appointment at a Colombian consulate, present documents in person, and wait for visa issuance.
Applicants from Cuba, Iran, and several other sanctioned nations may face extra scrutiny and longer processing.
Arrival Process
Arrival in Colombia follows a simple sequence once you leave the aircraft.
Documents to Have Ready
Tips for Smooth Entry
Customs & Duty-Free
Colombia allows generous duty-free allowances for personal goods but strictly controls currency, agricultural products, and electronics.
Prohibited Items
- Fresh meat, dairy, seeds, or plants, risk of foot-and-mouth or pest contamination
- Explosives, firearms, or ammunition unless pre-authorized by Colombian authorities
- Counterfeit currency or pirated media, subject to seizure and fines
Restricted Items
- Prescription medications, carry original prescription and keep quantities consistent with personal use
- Drones, require prior approval from Aerocivil for any model over 250 g
Health Requirements
Colombia no longer mandates COVID-19 testing or vaccination for entry. But other health regulations apply.
Required Vaccinations
- Yellow fever certificate if arriving from Brazil, Angola, or the Democratic Republic of the Congo
Recommended Vaccinations
- Hepatitis A
- Typhoid for rural areas
- Routine MMR, DPT
Health Insurance
Travel health insurance is not mandatory but strongly advised. Public hospitals in Colombia require up-front payment or proof of insurance for non-residents.
Protect Your Trip with Travel Insurance
Comprehensive coverage for medical emergencies, trip cancellation, lost luggage, and 24/7 emergency assistance. Many countries recommend or require travel insurance.
Get a Quote from World NomadsRead our complete Colombia Travel Insurance Guide →
Important Contacts
Essential resources for your trip.
Special Situations
Additional requirements for specific circumstances.
If only one parent or a non-parent is accompanying a child under 18, carry a notarized authorization from the absent parent(s) plus the child's birth certificate. Colombia is vigilant about preventing child abduction.
Dogs and cats need an international health certificate issued within 10 days of travel, current rabies vaccination at least 30 days before entry, and an internal and external parasite treatment. Apply for an import permit online from the Colombian Agricultural Institute (ICA) at least 15 days ahead.
Tourists can extend once for an additional 90 days by visiting any Migración Colombia office before the original stamp expires. Digital nomads or retirees can apply for a M (Migrant) visa valid for up to three years once inside Colombia.
Know What to Pack
Climate-specific clothing, travel documents, electronics, and gear, with shopping links for every item.
View Colombia Packing List →Ready to plan your trip to Colombia?
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