Colombia entry requirements for United Arab Emirates passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 24, 2026·View sources
No visa required
90 days
Max stay
90 days
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
UAE passport holders can enter Colombia without a visa for up to 90 days. This policy covers tourism, business, and short-term visits. Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your passport needs to be valid only for the period you plan to stay in Colombia. Airlines sometimes enforce a 6-month validity rule — check with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Colombia | Immigration officers routinely ask for a return or onward ticket at Bogotá and Medellín airports. Have a printed or digital copy ready — they will check the date matches your intended stay. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a hotel confirmation or a letter from your host with their address and phone number. Officers rarely ask, but having it avoids delays if they do. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Have a bank statement or credit card showing access to at least $1,000 USD. Immigration may ask to see it if you look underfunded or have no return ticket. | Recommended |
| Check-Mig pre-registrationCheck-Mig: Colombia's mandatory online pre-registration form at migracioncolombia.gov.co. Complete it within 72 hours before your flight — it takes under 5 minutes. Mandatory online form within 72 hours of departure | Fill out the free Check-Mig form at migracioncolombia.gov.co within 72 hours before your flight. You get a QR code — save a screenshot on your phone. Airlines check this before boarding.Open Check-Mig form | Required |
Check-Mig is mandatory
You must complete the free Check-Mig form online at migracioncolombia.gov.co between 1 and 24 hours before your flight. Without it, you may be denied boarding. Save the QR code on your phone.
Overstaying is costly
You cannot extend the 90-day visa-free stay. Overstaying even one day results in a fine (about 2-3 USD per day). Over 90 days overstay can lead to a 5-year ban. Set a reminder to leave on time.
What happens at the border
1
Complete Check-Mig online
Go to migracioncolombia.gov.co and fill in the Check-Mig form. Do this between 1 and 24 hours before your flight. You'll get a QR code — save it on your phone. It's free.
2
Arrive at the airport in Colombia
You'll land at El Dorado (Bogotá), José María Córdova (Medellín), or Rafael Núñez (Cartagena). Follow signs to 'Migración' or 'Extranjeros'. There are separate lines for nationals and foreigners — join the foreigners line.
3
Present your documents
Hand over your passport and the Check-Mig QR code (on your phone is fine). The officer may ask for your return ticket or hotel booking. Answer clearly. They'll stamp your passport with up to 90 days.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After the stamp, head to baggage claim, then customs. Green means nothing to declare, red means random check. You're free to go.
Download Colombia Entry Checklist
PDF · United Arab Emirates Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 24, 2026
Overstay calculator
Enter your arrival date and we'll tell you exactly when you need to leave.
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay90 days, extendable once for 90 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost~$50 USD (application fee varies by nationality)
Apply at Colombian embassy/consulate before travel. Allows longer stay than visa-free.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry, up to 180 days total per year
Validity1 year from issue date
Cost~$100 USD
Ideal for frequent travellers. Must apply in advance.
Long-stay visa (M visa)
Max stayUp to 2 years
Validity2 years
Cost~$200 USD
For work, study, or investment. Requires sponsorship and extensive documentation.
digital nomad visa
Digital Nomad Visa (Visa Nómada Digital)
Up to 2 years
~$200 USD application fee
For remote workers earning income from abroad. Requires proof of employment, income above ~$1,000 USD/month, and health insurance. Allows stay up to 2 years with possible renewal.
retirement visa
Retirement Visa (Visa de Pensionado)
3 years, renewable
~$300 USD application fee
For retirees with a stable pension or passive income. Requires proof of monthly income above ~$1,500 USD. Allows permanent residency after 5 years.
investor visa
Investor Visa (Visa de Inversionista)
3 years, renewable
~$500 USD application fee
For those investing at least ~$100,000 USD in Colombian business or real estate. Requires proof of investment and business plan. Path to permanent residency.
work visa
Work Visa (Visa de Trabajo)
Up to 2 years, renewable
~$200 USD application fee
For those with a job offer from a Colombian company. Requires employer sponsorship and contract. Allows family accompaniment.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Stay extension feeVisa-free stay is not extendable; must leave and re-enter. | Not available |
| Overstay fineOverstay fines are calculated per day and capped. Pay at immigration before departure. | Approximately 33,000 COP (~$8 USD) per day, max 5,000,000 COP (~$1,200 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket30%
Insufficient funds25%
Suspicious travel pattern20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Colombia
No transit visa needed
UAE passport holders transiting through Colombia do not need a visa for airside transit if staying in the international zone and not passing immigration.
Airside transitAllowed
Transit hubsEl Dorado International Airport (BOG) · José María Córdova International Airport (MDE) · Rafael Núñez International Airport (CTG)
Health & vaccines for Colombia
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission, or if visiting certain regions in Colombia.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheria-pertussisEssentialMeasles-mumps-rubellaEssentialRabiesConsider
Health risks
DengueHigh risk
Mosquito-borne disease prevalent in low-lying areas; use repellent and mosquito nets.
ZikaModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; pregnant women should take precautions.
ChikungunyaModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; causes fever and joint pain.
Malaria risk: low
Risk exists in rural areas below 1,700m, especially in Amazon and Pacific regions. Prophylaxis recommended for those areas.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Bogotá
Migración Colombia – Sede Nacional
Calle 100 No. 11B-27, Bogotá
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main office for visa extensions and permits. Arrive early to avoid long queues.
Medellín
Migración Colombia – Medellín
Carrera 52 No. 75-40, Medellín
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles extensions and re-entry permits. Bring all required documents.
Practical information for AE travellers
Country basics
CapitalBogotá
LanguageSpanish
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS license valid for tourist stays.
Money
CurrencyColombian Peso (COP)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 3,641.81 COP
Time zone
Local timeUTC-5
vs New YorkSame (EST) / -1h (EDT)
vs Los Angeles+3h (PST) / +2h (PDT)
Electricity
Voltage110V / 60Hz
Plug types
A,BType A, B — same as the US. No adapter needed.
✓ No adapter needed for US plugs
Water & health
Tap water
Safe to drink
Safe in Bogotá and major cities. Use bottled water outside cities.
Emergency numbers
US EmbassyFind contact
Getting to Colombia
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to Colombia — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
No, the visa-free stay is not extendable. You must leave Colombia before day 90. Overstaying can result in fines and a ban. If you need more time, you'd have to apply for a visa before travelling.
You'll be fined approximately 2-3 USD per day overstayed, payable at immigration when you leave. Overstaying more than 90 days can lead to a 5-year ban. Don't risk it.
Not required for UAE passport holders arriving directly from the UAE. However, if you've been in a yellow fever endemic country (e.g., Brazil, Peru) within 90 days before Colombia, you'll need proof of vaccination. Check with your airline.
Yes, you can work remotely for a foreign employer. But you cannot work for a Colombian company or provide services locally. That would require a work visa.
Check-Mig is a mandatory online pre-registration for all travellers entering Colombia. Fill it at migracioncolombia.gov.co between 1 and 24 hours before your flight. It's free. You'll get a QR code — show it at immigration.
Yes, any onward ticket leaving Colombia within 90 days is fine. It doesn't have to be back to the UAE. Immigration just wants proof you're leaving.
No, it's not mandatory for entry. But it's strongly recommended. Medical costs in Colombia can be high — a hospital stay can cost hundreds of dollars per day. Insurance also covers theft and trip cancellations.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 24, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.