Colombia entry requirements for France 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
French passport holders can visit Colombia without a visa for tourism or business stays up to 90 days. As of 2026, entry is straightforward but requires completing the online Check-Mig form before travel. Your passport must be valid for at least six months from your arrival date.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Complete the Check-Mig form at migracioncolombia.gov.co within 72 hours before your flight. Takes under 5 minutes — you get a QR code that immigration scans on arrival. Have the confirmation screenshot ready on your phone.Open Check-Mig form | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover your entire stay | Your French passport must be valid for at least the full duration of your stay in Colombia. No 6-month validity rule applies here — just needs to cover your dates. Airlines check this at check-in. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Colombia | Immigration officers routinely ask for a return or onward ticket out of Colombia. A flight booking to a third country or back to France works. Airlines may also check this before boarding. | 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 Show you can support yourself | Carry a bank statement or credit card showing access to funds. No fixed amount is published, but around $200–$300 USD per day of stay is a safe benchmark. Officers rarely check this for French passport holders. | Recommended |
Check-Mig is mandatory — do it before your flight
You must complete the Check-Mig form online within 72 hours of your flight. Airlines check this before boarding. Without it, you may be denied boarding. It's free at migracioncolombia.gov.co.
Passport validity counts from arrival, not departure
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date you land in Colombia. If it expires sooner, renew before you go — even if it's still valid for your return date.
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 need your passport details, flight info, and first accommodation address. Save the confirmation PDF or screenshot.
2
Arrive at Colombian airport
At immigration in Bogotá (El Dorado), Medellín, or Cartagena, join the 'Pasaportes Extranjeros' queue. Have your passport, Check-Mig confirmation, and return ticket ready. The officer will stamp your passport with up to 90 days.
3
Collect luggage and exit
After the stamp, proceed to baggage claim and customs. There's usually a green/red channel system — if you have nothing to declare, go through green.
Download Colombia Entry Checklist
PDF · France 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
Cost~$50 USD (approx. 200,000 COP)
Requires application at Colombian consulate; allows longer stay than visa-free.
Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry)
Max stay90 days per entry, extendable
Validity1 year from issue
Cost~$100 USD (approx. 400,000 COP)
Ideal for frequent travellers; must apply at consulate.
Long-Stay Visa (M Visa)
Max stayUp to 1 year
Validity1 year, renewable
Cost~$200 USD (approx. 800,000 COP)
For work, study, or investment; requires sponsorship and documentation.
retirement visa
Pensionado Visa (Retirement Visa)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (approx. 800,000 COP) application fee
For retirees with a monthly pension of at least 3 times the minimum wage (approx. $800 USD). Requires proof of pension and background check.
digital nomad visa
Digital Nomad Visa (Visa de Nómada Digital)
Up to 1 year, renewable
~$150 USD (approx. 600,000 COP) application fee
For remote workers earning at least $1,000 USD per month. Requires proof of income and remote work contract.
investor visa
Inversionista Visa (Investor Visa)
1 year, renewable
~$300 USD (approx. 1,200,000 COP) application fee
For investors making a minimum investment of $100,000 USD in Colombian real estate or business. Requires proof of investment.
work visa
Trabajador Visa (Work Visa)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (approx. 800,000 COP) application fee
For those with a job offer from a Colombian company. Requires employer sponsorship and contract.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Stay extension (if applicable)Visa-free stay is not extendable; must leave after 90 days. | Not available |
| Overstay fine per dayFines are calculated per day overstayed; maximum cap may apply. | ~$2 USD per day (approx. 8,000 COP) |
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
France passport holders transiting through Colombia do not need a transit visa for stays under 24 hours and remaining airside.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport or staying longer than 24 hours, a visa or visa-free entry may be required.
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; recommended for all travellers visiting endemic areas in Colombia.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheria-pertussisEssentialMeasles-mumps-rubellaEssentialRabiesConsider
Health risks
DengueHigh risk
Mosquito-borne disease prevalent in low-lying areas; use insect repellent and mosquito nets.
ZikaModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; pregnant women should take precautions.
ChikungunyaModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; symptoms include fever and joint pain.
Malaria risk: low
Risk exists in rural areas below 1,700m, especially in 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
Carrera 46 No. 22-45, Bogotá
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main office for visa extensions and immigration procedures; arrive early to avoid long queues.
Medellín
Migración Colombia - Medellín
Calle 10 No. 41-45, Medellín
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles visa extensions and permits; bring all required documents.
Practical information for FR 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 entry is not extendable. If you want to stay longer, you must leave Colombia before the 90 days are up and re-enter, or apply for a visa extension at a Migración Colombia office before your current stay expires. Extensions are not guaranteed and cost around 200,000 COP (about €45).
Overstaying results in a fine of about 200,000 COP per day over (roughly €45/day). You'll need to pay at a Migración Colombia office before leaving. In serious cases, you could be banned from re-entering for a period.
Not required for French passport holders arriving from Europe. However, if you've recently been in a country with yellow fever (e.g., Brazil, parts of Africa), you'll need proof of vaccination. It's recommended if you plan to visit the Amazon region.
No, you must use a valid passport. French national ID cards are not accepted for international travel to Colombia.
Yes. It's a legal requirement. Without it, you may be denied boarding by your airline or fined on arrival. Complete it at migracioncolombia.gov.co — it's free and takes about 10 minutes.
Contact the French Embassy or Consulate in Bogotá immediately. They can issue an emergency travel document. You'll also need to file a police report (denuncia) at the nearest police station. Keep a copy of your passport and visa-free entry stamp separately.
Yes, you can work remotely for a foreign employer. Colombia allows digital nomads to stay under the 90-day tourist entry. If you plan to work for a Colombian company, you'll need a proper work visa.
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.