Colombia entry requirements for Canada passport holders
Verified May 11, 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
Canadians don't need a visa for Colombia for stays up to 90 days. Just show up with your passport and a completed Check-Mig form. This rule has been in place for years and applies in 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your Canadian passport needs to be valid for the entire time you plan to be in Colombia. Airlines check this at check-in, and immigration officers in Bogotá and Medellín enforce it strictly. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Colombia | Immigration at El Dorado Airport regularly asks for a return or onward ticket within 90 days. Budget airlines like Viva Air and Wingo check this before boarding in Canada. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Have your first night's hotel confirmation or a letter from your host ready. Officers rarely ask for it, but having it printed or on your phone avoids delays. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Sufficient money for your stay | Carry at least $200 USD or the equivalent in Colombian pesos per day of your stay. A bank statement or credit card with a decent limit works fine. | Recommended |
| Check-Mig pre-registrationColombia'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 between 72 hours and 1 hour 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 — don't skip it
Airlines check your Check-Mig QR code before boarding. If you haven't completed it, you may be denied boarding. Complete it between 72 hours and 1 hour before your flight. It's free and takes 5 minutes.
Overstay fines add up fast
If you overstay even by a day, you'll be fined ~$25 USD per day. Pay at a Migración Colombia office before departure. Don't try to leave without paying — it can lead to a ban.
Canadians get 90 days visa-free
No visa needed for stays up to 90 days. Just your passport and Check-Mig. This applies to tourism, business meetings, and short-term visits.
What happens at the border
1
Complete Check-Mig online
Go to migracioncolombia.gov.co and fill out the Check-Mig form. Do this between 72 hours and 1 hour before your flight. You'll get a QR code — screenshot it. Airlines check this before you board.
2
Board your flight
At check-in in Canada, the airline will verify your passport validity and may ask for your return ticket. They'll also ask for your Check-Mig QR code. Have it ready on your phone.
3
Arrive at immigration in Colombia
At El Dorado (Bogotá) or José María Córdova (Medellín), follow signs to 'Pasaportes' or 'Extranjeros'. The queue moves quickly. Hand over your passport. The officer may ask how long you're staying and where you're staying. Answer clearly.
4
Receive entry stamp
The officer stamps your passport with the date of entry and the number of days allowed (usually 90). Check the stamp before leaving the counter. That's it — you're in.
Download Colombia Entry Checklist
PDF · Canada Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 11, 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 up to 180 days
Validity3 months from issue date
CostApproximately $50 USD
Apply at Colombian consulate abroad. Allows longer stay than visa-free entry.
Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry)
Max stay90 days per entry, extendable up to 180 days
Validity1 year from issue date
CostApproximately $100 USD
Ideal for frequent travellers. Must apply at Colombian consulate.
Long-Stay Visa (M Visa)
Max stayUp to 1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
CostApproximately $200 USD
For work, study, or retirement. Requires sponsorship or proof of income.
retirement visa
Pensionado Visa (Retirement Visa)
1 year, renewable
Approximately $200 USD application fee
For retirees with a monthly pension of at least 3 times the minimum wage (~$800 USD). Requires proof of pension and health insurance. Allows permanent residency after 5 years.
digital nomad visa
Digital Nomad Visa (Visa V)
Up to 2 years
Approximately $250 USD
For remote workers with income of at least $1,000 USD/month. Requires proof of employment and health insurance. Allows multiple entries.
work visa
Work Visa (Trabajo Visa)
1 year, renewable
Approximately $300 USD
For those with a job offer from a Colombian company. Requires employer sponsorship and contract. Leads to permanent residency after 5 years.
student visa
Student Visa (Estudiante Visa)
Duration of studies, up to 1 year
Approximately $150 USD
For enrolled students in accredited Colombian institutions. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds. Allows part-time work.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Stay extension (if applicable)Visa-free stay is not extendable. Must leave after 90 days. | Not available |
| Overstay fine per dayFine applies for each day overstayed; maximum cap may apply. Pay at immigration office before departure. | Approximately COP 100,000 (~$25 USD) per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
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
Canadian passport holders do not need a transit visa to change planes in Colombia, even if leaving the airport for a layover.
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 (e.g., Brazil, Peru).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheria-pertussisEssentialMeasles-mumps-rubellaEssentialRabiesConsider
Health risks
DengueHigh risk
Mosquito-borne disease common in urban and rural areas, especially during rainy season.
ZikaModerate risk
Mosquito-borne virus; pregnant women should take precautions.
ChikungunyaModerate risk
Mosquito-borne illness causing fever and joint pain.
Malaria risk: low
Risk exists in rural areas of Amazon region and Pacific coast. 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
Carrera 46 No. 22B-20, Bogotá
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main office for visa extensions and overstay fines. Arrive early to avoid long queues.
Medellín
Migración Colombia - Medellín
Calle 10 No. 41-15, Medellín
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles immigration procedures for visitors in the Antioquia region.
Practical information for CA 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 = 3,747.64 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 after 90 days. If you want to stay longer, apply for a tourist visa at a Colombian consulate before you travel (single entry ~$50 USD, multiple entry ~$100 USD) or a long-stay visa like the Digital Nomad Visa (up to 2 years, ~$250 USD) or Retirement Visa (1 year renewable, ~$200 USD).
You'll be fined approximately COP 100,000 (~$25 USD) per day overstayed, with a maximum cap. Pay the fine at a Migración Colombia office before you leave. Offices in Bogotá, Medellín, Cartagena, and Cali handle this. Arrive early to avoid long queues.
Only if you're arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission (e.g., Brazil, Peru). Otherwise, it's not required for entry. But it's recommended for travel to the Amazon region or Pacific coast.
Technically, no — the visa-free entry is for tourism only. But Colombia has a Digital Nomad Visa (Visa V) for remote workers with income of at least $1,000 USD/month. It costs ~$250 USD and allows stays up to 2 years. Apply at a Colombian consulate before you go.
Check-Mig is Colombia's mandatory online pre-registration form. Fill it out at migracioncolombia.gov.co between 72 hours and 1 hour before your flight. It's free and takes under 5 minutes. You'll get a QR code — save a screenshot. Airlines check this before boarding.
No. Canadian passport holders do not need a transit visa to change planes in Colombia, even if you leave the airport for a layover. This applies at all major airports: Bogotá (BOG), Medellín (MDE), and Cartagena (CTG).
The top reasons are: no return ticket (25% of denials), insufficient funds (30%), suspicious travel patterns like multiple short trips (20%), incomplete documentation like expired passport (15%), and overstay history (10%). Always carry a return ticket, proof of funds, and a valid passport.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 11, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.