Colombia entry requirements for Kenya passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 23, 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
Kenyan passport holders need an eVisa to enter Colombia. The process is entirely online and straightforward, but you must apply before you travel. As of 2026, the eVisa is the only option for tourism or business visits.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Colombia eVisa | Apply for a Colombia eVisa at the official portal before traveling. The application is processed online and you receive a digital visa linked to your passport. Start the process at least 2 weeks before departure to allow for processing time.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Kenyan passport | Your passport must be valid for the entire duration of your stay in Colombia. Colombia does not require 6 months of validity beyond your departure date, but airlines may enforce this — check with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration officers at Bogotá and Medellín airports routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed or digital copy ready showing your departure from Colombia within the visa validity period. | Required |
| 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. Online arrival form | Complete the free Check-Mig form at migracioncolombia.gov.co within 72 hours before your flight. You get a QR code that immigration scans on arrival — without it, you may be delayed or denied boarding.Open Check-Mig form | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Immigration may ask where you're staying. Have a hotel confirmation or a letter from your host with their address and contact details ready. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Bank statement or cash | Officers sometimes ask for proof you can support yourself during your stay. Carry a recent bank statement or enough cash/cards to cover your expenses. | Recommended |
Check-Mig is mandatory
You must complete the free Check-Mig form at migracioncolombia.gov.co within 72 hours before your flight. Without it, you may be denied entry or face delays.
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 the eVisa
Go to the Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs visa portal. Fill in your details, upload a passport photo and scanned passport page, pay the fee (around $50 USD), and submit. You'll receive a confirmation email. Processing takes 3–5 business days.
2
Book your travel and accommodation
Book a return or onward flight and your first night's accommodation. Keep confirmations as PDFs or screenshots on your phone.
3
Complete Check-Mig
Within 72 hours before your flight, go to migracioncolombia.gov.co and fill in the free Check-Mig form. You'll get a QR code — save it on your phone.
4
Arrive at the airport
At the check-in counter, show your eVisa approval, passport, and return ticket. At immigration in Colombia, present your passport, the eVisa, and your Check-Mig QR code. The officer will stamp you in.
Download Colombia Entry Checklist
PDF · Kenya Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 23, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay90 days, extendable 90 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$52 USD (approx. 6,700 KES)
Standard tourist visa; apply online or at Colombian embassy.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry, extendable 90 days
Validity1 year from issue
Cost$82 USD (approx. 10,600 KES)
Ideal for frequent travellers; allows multiple entries.
Long-stay visa (M visa)
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
Cost$150 USD (approx. 19,500 KES)
For work, study, or family reasons; requires sponsorship.
work visa
Work Visa (M visa)
1 year, renewable
$150 USD (approx. 19,500 KES)
For those with a job offer in Colombia; requires employer sponsorship and contract. Allows long-term stay and work.
student visa
Student Visa (M visa)
Up to 1 year, renewable
$150 USD (approx. 19,500 KES)
For enrolled students at a Colombian institution; requires acceptance letter and proof of funds. Allows part-time work.
digital nomad visa
Digital Nomad Visa (M visa)
1 year, renewable
$150 USD (approx. 19,500 KES)
For remote workers with foreign income; requires proof of income ($1,000+/month) and health insurance. Allows stay and work remotely.
retirement visa
Retirement Visa (M visa)
1 year, renewable
$150 USD (approx. 19,500 KES)
For retirees with a pension or passive income ($1,000+/month); requires proof of income and health insurance. Allows long-term stay.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry)Required for Kenyan passport holders; apply online before travel. | $52 USD (approx. 6,700 KES) |
| Tourist visa (single entry)Same as eVisa; standard fee for single entry. | $52 USD (approx. 6,700 KES) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | $82 USD (approx. 10,600 KES) |
| Stay extensionPossible for up to 90 additional days; apply at immigration office. | Approx. $50 USD (6,500 KES) per extension |
| Overstay finePay at immigration before departure; overstay may affect future visits. | Approx. $2 USD (260 KES) per day, max $200 USD (26,000 KES) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete documents20%
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
Kenyan passport holders transiting through Colombia do not need a transit visa if they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket within 24 hours.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid US, Schengen, or UK visa 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 yellow fever risk (e.g., Kenya); must show certificate.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheriaEssentialMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)EssentialRabiesConsiderCOVID-19Recommended
Health risks
DengueModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; common in tropical regions; use repellent and mosquito nets.
MalariaLow risk
Risk in rural areas below 1,700m; prophylaxis recommended for those areas.
ZikaLow risk
Mosquito-borne; pregnant women should take precautions.
Malaria risk: low
Risk exists in rural areas of Amazon, Pacific coast, and some lowland 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 Principal
Carrera 46 # 22B-45, Bogotá
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main office for extensions and visa issues; arrive early.
Medellín
Migración Colombia - Medellín
Calle 10 # 41-25, Medellín
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles extensions and permits; bring all documents.
Practical information for KE 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
Typically 3 to 5 business days. Apply at least a week before your flight to be safe.
Around $50 USD, but the exact amount depends on the visa type. You pay online during the application.
No, the eVisa is not extendable. If you need more time, you must leave and re-enter or apply for a different visa type before your current one expires.
You may be denied boarding or entry. Book a refundable ticket if you're unsure of your plans.
Not required for entry, but recommended if you're visiting the Amazon or jungle areas. Carry your yellow card if you have it.
You'll be delayed at immigration and could be fined. Complete it within 72 hours before your flight — it's free and takes 5 minutes.
No, Kenyan passport holders must have a Colombian eVisa regardless of other visas.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 23, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.