Colombia
Moderate — regularly checked by airlinesColombia welcomed 6.7 million international visitors in 2024, an 8.5% increase from 2023. Tourism generated over 10 billion dollars in foreign currency for the country.
Colombia requires proof of return or onward travel for all foreign visitors entering the country. Colombian immigration (Migracion Colombia) checks this document on arrival at all international airports, and airlines request it before boarding at the check-in counter. Bogota, Medellin, Cartagena, and the Coffee Triangle attract millions of travelers each year, and Colombian tourism is experiencing record growth with 6.7 million international visitors in 2024.
Updated on March 2026
Visa Requirements
Colombia offers visa-free entry for nationals of 102 countries, including France, the EU, the United States, and Canada. The authorized stay is 90 days, with a maximum of 180 days per calendar year. The online Check-Mig form must be completed between 72 hours and 1 hour before boarding.
| Visa Type | Duration | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Visa Exemption | 90 days (180 days max per calendar year) | Free0 EUR |
| Tourist Visa V-Visitante | Up to 180 days | Approximately 52 USD~50 EUR |
Transit Rules
Transiting through Colombian airports (Bogota El Dorado) generally does not require a visa if you remain in the international zone. However, airlines require a confirmed ticket to your final destination.
Documents Required
- Passport valid at least 6 months beyond planned departure date
- Check-Mig form completed online (72h to 1h before flight)
- Return or onward ticket (departure within 90 days)
- Proof of accommodation (hotel booking or invitation letter)
- Proof of sufficient financial means
- Travel insurance (not mandatory but recommended)
Practical tip
The Check-Mig form is mandatory and must be completed online between 72 hours and 1 hour before your flight's closing time. Without this form, you may face complications at boarding. Combine it with a Volward onward ticket for a stress-free entry.
Order an onward ticket for Colombia
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an onward ticket to enter Colombia?▾
Yes. Colombian immigration (Migracion Colombia) requires proof of onward travel for all foreign visitors arriving by air. Your departure ticket must show a date within 90 days of your arrival. Airlines also systematically verify this document at the check-in counter before boarding, and you risk being denied boarding without it.
What is Check-Mig and is it mandatory?▾
Check-Mig is a mandatory pre-registration form for all travelers entering or leaving Colombia. It must be completed online at the Migracion Colombia website between 72 hours and 1 hour before your flight's closing time. Without this completed form, you may face complications at boarding and delays during immigration processing on arrival.
How long can I stay in Colombia without a visa?▾
Nationals of 102 countries, including France and the EU, can stay 90 days per entry without a visa, with a maximum of 180 days per calendar year. On January 1st each year, the day counter resets. The immigration officer grants the stay duration on arrival.
Do Colombian airlines check return tickets?▾
Yes. Avianca, LATAM, Wingo, JetSMART, and all airlines operating flights to Colombia verify return tickets at the check-in counter. International carriers (Air France, Iberia, Copa) are equally strict.
Is a bus ticket to Ecuador or Venezuela accepted?▾
Colombian immigration on arrival may sometimes accept an international bus ticket as proof of exit from the country. However, airlines at the check-in counter at your departure airport almost always require a flight ticket with a verifiable PNR code. We recommend an onward flight ticket for a hassle-free experience.
Can I extend my stay in Colombia beyond 90 days?▾
Yes, you can request a stay extension from Migracion Colombia, up to a maximum of 180 days per calendar year. The request must be made before your initial stay expires. Overstaying in Colombia results in fines of approximately 850,000 COP (about 200 EUR).
Do Bogota and Medellin have different immigration checks?▾
Checks are similar at all Colombian airports, but Bogota's El Dorado Airport (BOG) is the busiest international entry point and queues can be considerably longer during peak hours. Having your Check-Mig form completed in advance and an onward ticket ready with your booking confirmation significantly speeds up the immigration process.
Does Colombia require travel insurance?▾
Travel insurance is not legally mandatory for tourists in Colombia, but it is strongly recommended for all visitors. Medical costs at private clinics and hospitals can be high, especially in major cities like Bogota and Medellin. The Colombian health system does not cover foreign tourists, so comprehensive travel insurance with medical repatriation coverage is advised for the entire duration of your stay.
