Colombia entry requirements for Ethiopia passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 29, 2026·View sources
eVisa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Ethiopian passport holders need an eVisa to enter Colombia in 2026. The process is entirely online and straightforward, but you must complete the Check-Mig form before departure. Plan ahead to avoid last-minute issues.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply online before travel | You need an eVisa to enter Colombia. Apply at the official Colombian eVisa portal — processing takes 3–5 business days. Print the approval email and carry it with your passport.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for entire stay | Your Ethiopian passport must be valid for the full duration of your stay in Colombia. Airlines may also check this at check-in. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Colombia | Immigration officers at Bogotá and Medellín airports routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed or digital copy ready showing you leave within your allowed stay. | Required |
| 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. Online form within 72 hours of arrival | Colombia requires all travellers to complete the free Check-Mig form at migracioncolombia.gov.co within 72 hours before your flight. Fill it in online, save the confirmation QR code, and show it at immigration.Open Check-Mig form | Required |
Check-Mig is mandatory
Complete the free Check-Mig form at migracioncolombia.gov.co within 72 hours before your flight. Without it, you may be denied boarding. Save the QR code on your phone.
Passport validity counts from entry date
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you land in Colombia, not from your departure date. If it expires sooner, renew it before applying for the eVisa.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for eVisa online
Go to the Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs eVisa portal. Fill in your details, upload a passport photo and scanned passport page, pay the fee (if any), and wait for approval. Processing usually takes a few business days.
2
Complete Check-Mig form
Within 72 hours before your flight, fill out the Check-Mig form at migracioncolombia.gov.co. You'll need your flight details and accommodation address. Save the confirmation QR code.
3
Prepare your documents
Print or save on your phone: eVisa approval, Check-Mig QR code, return ticket, and accommodation booking. Keep them easily accessible.
4
Arrive at Colombian immigration
At the airport (e.g., Bogotá El Dorado), join the immigration queue. Present your passport, eVisa, and Check-Mig QR code. The officer may ask for your return ticket and accommodation. Answer clearly. You'll get a stamp allowing your stay.
Download Colombia Entry Checklist
PDF · Ethiopia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 29, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist Visa (single entry)
Max stay90 days, extendable 30 days
Validity6 months from issue
Cost~$50 USD (approx. 200,000 COP)
Standard option for tourism; apply at Colombian embassy.
Tourist Visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry, extendable
Validity1 year from issue
Cost~$80 USD (approx. 320,000 COP)
Ideal for frequent travellers; requires proof of multiple trips.
Long-Stay Visa (Migrant Visa)
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
Cost~$200 USD (approx. 800,000 COP)
For work, study, or family; requires sponsorship and documents.
work visa
Work Visa (Visa de Trabajo)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (approx. 800,000 COP)
For those with a job offer in Colombia. Requires employer sponsorship and contract. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
Student Visa (Visa de Estudiante)
Up to 1 year, renewable
~$150 USD (approx. 600,000 COP)
For enrolled students in accredited Colombian institutions. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa (Visa de Inversionista)
1 year, renewable
~$300 USD (approx. 1,200,000 COP)
For those investing a minimum amount (e.g., ~$100,000 USD) in Colombian business or real estate. Requires proof of investment.
retirement visa
Retirement Visa (Visa de Pensionado)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (approx. 800,000 COP)
For retirees with a stable pension income (minimum ~$1,000 USD/month). Requires proof of pension and health insurance.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist eVisa (single entry)Standard fee for Ethiopian passport holders applying online. | ~$50 USD (approx. 200,000 COP) |
| Tourist eVisa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | ~$80 USD (approx. 320,000 COP) |
| Stay extension feeFor extending stay beyond initial eVisa period, if allowed. | ~$30 USD (approx. 120,000 COP) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap may apply; check with immigration. | ~$10 USD (approx. 40,000 COP) per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds proof30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete visa application20%
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
Ethiopian passport holders transiting through Colombia do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing immigration. However, if leaving the airport or changing terminals, a visa may be required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of valid US, Schengen, or UK visas may transit without visa for up to 24 hours.
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, including Ethiopia.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, varicella)EssentialRabiesConsiderCOVID-19Essential
Health risks
DengueModerate risk
Mosquito-borne disease; common in urban and rural areas, especially during rainy season.
MalariaLow risk
Risk in some rural areas (e.g., Amazon region); prophylaxis recommended for those areas.
ZikaLow risk
Mosquito-borne; pregnant women should take precautions.
Malaria risk: low
Risk exists in rural areas below 1,700m, especially Amazon region. 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 Principal
Calle 100 No. 11B-27, Bogotá
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main office for visa extensions and permits; arrive early.
Medellín
Migración Colombia - Medellín
Carrera 42 No. 10-50, Medellín
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles extensions and re-entry permits; bring all documents.
Practical information for ET 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 = 3,650.17 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
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to Colombia — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, you need an eVisa. Apply online before traveling. The eVisa is usually valid for up to 90 days.
Processing typically takes 3–5 business days, but it can vary. Apply at least 2 weeks before your trip to be safe.
Yes. You must complete it within 72 hours before your flight. It's free and saves time at immigration. Without it, you may be denied boarding.
No, the eVisa is not extendable. You must leave before it expires. If you need more time, you'd have to apply for a different visa type from outside Colombia.
Immigration may ask for proof of onward travel. It's best to have a return or onward ticket booked. A refundable ticket is a safe option.
Colombia does not require it for entry, but it's recommended if you're traveling to jungle areas. Check with your doctor.
Rejections are rare but can happen if documents are incomplete or incorrect. You can reapply after fixing the issues. Contact the Colombian embassy for guidance.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 29, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.