Colombia entry requirements for Japan passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 31, 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
Japanese passport holders can visit Colombia for tourism or business for up to 90 days without a visa. As of 2026, entry requires a passport valid for at least six months from your arrival date and completion of the free online Check-Mig form before departure.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must cover entire stay in Colombia | Your passport needs to be valid for the full duration of your stay in Colombia. Airlines at check-in may ask for at least 6 months validity, but Colombian immigration only requires validity covering your visit. | 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 of your flight itinerary ready — they check this before stamping you in. | 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 for it, 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 funds. There's no fixed minimum amount, but around $200–$300 USD per day of stay is a safe benchmark if questioned. | 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 arrival | Complete the free Check-Mig form at migracioncolombia.gov.co within 72 hours before your flight. You get a QR code — save it on your phone or print it. Airlines check this before boarding.Open Check-Mig form | Required |
Check-Mig is mandatory — do it before your flight
You must complete the free Check-Mig form online at migracioncolombia.gov.co within 72 hours before departure. Airlines may refuse boarding without it. Save the confirmation as a screenshot or PDF.
Passport validity counts from entry, not departure
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you land in Colombia. If it expires sooner, renew it before you go. No exceptions.
What happens at the border
1
Complete Check-Mig Online
Go to migracioncolombia.gov.co and fill out the Check-Mig form. Do this 24–72 hours before your flight. You'll need your flight details, passport info, and accommodation address. Save the confirmation PDF or screenshot.
2
Prepare Documents for Immigration
Have your passport, printed or digital Check-Mig confirmation, return ticket, and first-night hotel booking ready. Keep them in your hand luggage, not checked bags.
3
Arrive at Immigration in Colombia
At Bogotá (El Dorado) or any other airport, follow signs to 'Migración' or 'Extranjeros'. Present your passport and Check-Mig confirmation. The officer may ask your purpose of visit and how long you're staying. Answer clearly. They'll stamp your passport with up to 90 days.
4
Collect Your Baggage and Exit
After the stamp, proceed to baggage claim, then customs. No additional visa paperwork is needed. You're free to enter.
Download Colombia Entry Checklist
PDF · Japan Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 31, 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, not extendable
Validity3 months from issue
CostFree (not required for visa-free entry)
Japanese passport holders do not need a tourist visa for stays up to 90 days.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry, not extendable
Validity1 year
CostFree (not required for visa-free entry)
Visa-free entry already allows multiple visits; no visa needed.
Long-stay visa (M visa)
Max stayUp to 1 year, extendable
Validity1 year
Cost~$50 USD (estimated)
For longer stays (e.g., work, study, retirement). Requires application at Colombian embassy in Japan.
retirement visa
Colombia Retirement Visa (M visa)
1 year, renewable
~$50 USD application fee
For retirees with a stable pension or income. Requires proof of monthly income of at least 3 times the minimum wage (approx. $900 USD). Allows permanent residency after 5 years.
digital nomad visa
Colombia Digital Nomad Visa
Up to 2 years
~$50 USD application fee
For remote workers with foreign income. Requires proof of employment and income of at least $1,000 USD per month. Allows stay and work for foreign employers.
work visa
Colombia Work Visa (M visa)
1 year, renewable
~$50 USD application fee
For those with a job offer from a Colombian company. Requires employer sponsorship and contract. Can lead to permanent residency.
student visa
Colombia Student Visa (M visa)
Up to 1 year, renewable
~$50 USD application fee
For enrolled students in accredited Colombian institutions. Requires proof of enrollment and sufficient funds. Allows part-time work with permission.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Visa-free entry covers tourism; no visa fee required. | Free (not applicable for visa-free entry) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Visa-free entry covers multiple visits within 90 days per entry. | Free (not applicable for visa-free entry) |
| Stay extension costVisa-free stay is not extendable; must leave after 90 days. | Not available |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay fines are applied daily; avoid overstaying to prevent penalties and future entry issues. | ~$100 USD per day (estimated) |
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
Japanese passport holders do not need a transit visa to change planes in Colombia, as long as they remain airside and do not enter the country.
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 AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedYellow FeverEssentialRabiesConsiderInfluenzaRecommended
Health risks
DengueHigh risk
Mosquito-borne disease prevalent in urban and rural areas; use repellent and mosquito nets.
MalariaModerate risk
Risk in rural areas below 1,700 meters; prophylaxis recommended for travel to Amazon region.
ZikaModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; pregnant women should take precautions.
Malaria risk: moderate
Risk in rural areas of Amazon, Pacific coast, and some lowland regions. Prophylaxis recommended for travel to these 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. 22B-08, Bogotá
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main office for visa extensions and immigration procedures. Bring all required documents.
Medellín
Migración Colombia - Medellín
Calle 10 No. 41-45, Medellín
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles visa extensions and permits. Appointments recommended.
Practical information for JP 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 = 3,574.94 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 the 90 days expire. Overstaying can result in fines or a ban. If you need more time, you'd need to apply for a different visa type before your 90 days are up.
You will likely be denied entry. Colombian immigration strictly requires 6 months of validity from your date of entry. Renew your passport before traveling.
Yes. It's a legal requirement. You must complete it online at migracioncolombia.gov.co within 72 hours before your flight. Without it, you may be fined or refused boarding. It's free and takes about 10 minutes.
Not required for Japanese passport holders arriving from Japan. However, if you plan to visit certain regions (Amazon, Sierra Nevada) or have recently been in a yellow fever endemic country, you may need proof of vaccination. Check with your doctor.
Technically yes, but immigration may ask for proof of onward travel. A return or onward ticket is strongly recommended to avoid delays or denial. If you're planning to leave overland, have a bus or flight booking out of Colombia.
Colombia uses the Colombian Peso (COP). Bring a mix of US dollars or euros (cash) and a debit/credit card. ATMs are widely available in cities. Avoid exchanging at airports — rates are poor. Use bank ATMs or exchange houses in town.
Generally yes, but exercise normal precautions. Avoid displaying valuables, use registered taxis or ride apps (Uber, Didi), and stay in well-reviewed areas. Petty theft is common in crowded places. Register with the Japanese embassy in Bogotá for updates.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 31, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.