Colombia entry requirements for South Korea passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 15, 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
South Korean passport holders can visit Colombia visa-free for up to 90 days. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your entry date. Complete the free Check-Mig form online before you travel. This policy is effective as of 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your passport needs to be valid for the entire time you're in Colombia. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires before you leave, you'll be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Colombia | Immigration officers routinely ask for a flight out of Colombia within 90 days. Have a printed or digital copy of your onward ticket ready — they check this at the counter before stamping you in. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Keep a copy of your first night's hotel reservation or a letter from your host. Officers rarely ask, but if you're arriving without a clear plan, they may request it. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Evidence of sufficient money for your stay | Have a bank statement or credit card showing you can support yourself. There's no set minimum, but showing at least $500 USD for a short trip covers you if asked. | 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 the screenshot on your phone. Without it, you may be denied boarding or fined at immigration.Open Check-Mig form | Required |
Check-Mig is mandatory — don't skip it
Complete the free Check-Mig form at migracioncolombia.gov.co within 1-5 days before your flight. Without it, you may be denied boarding or entry. It's quick and saves time at immigration.
Passport validity is strict
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your entry date. Airlines check this at check-in — if it's close, renew before you go.
What happens at the border
1
Complete Check-Mig online
Go to migracioncolombia.gov.co and fill out the free Check-Mig form. Do this 1-5 days before your flight. You'll get a confirmation code — save it or print it.
2
Arrive at immigration counter
At any Colombian airport (Bogotá, Medellín, Cartagena, etc.), join the 'All Passports' queue. Have your passport, Check-Mig confirmation, and return ticket ready. The officer will stamp you in for up to 90 days.
3
Collect your luggage and exit
After the stamp, head to baggage claim, then customs. You're free to enter Colombia. Keep your passport handy — you'll need it for hotel check-ins.
Download Colombia Entry Checklist
PDF · South Korea Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 15, 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 once for 90 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost~$50 USD (approx. 200,000 COP)
Apply at Colombian embassy before travel. Allows one entry and possible extension.
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 Colombian embassy.
Student visa
Max stayDuration of studies (up to 1 year, renewable)
Validity1 year
Cost~$50 USD (approx. 200,000 COP)
Requires enrollment in a recognized Colombian institution. Allows longer stay.
Work visa
Max stayDuration of contract (up to 2 years)
Validity2 years
Cost~$100 USD (approx. 400,000 COP)
Requires a job offer and employer sponsorship. Allows residence and work.
retirement visa
Colombia Retirement Visa (Visa de Residente - Pensionado)
3 years, renewable
~$200 USD (approx. 800,000 COP) application fee
For retirees with a monthly pension of at least 3 times the minimum wage (~$900 USD). Requires proof of pension and background check. Allows permanent residence after 5 years.
digital nomad visa
Colombia Digital Nomad Visa (Visa de Nómada Digital)
1 year, renewable
~$100 USD (approx. 400,000 COP) application fee
For remote workers earning at least 3 times the minimum wage (~$900 USD/month). Requires proof of income and remote work. Allows stay and work for foreign employers.
investor visa
Colombia Investor Visa (Visa de Inversionista)
3 years, renewable
~$300 USD (approx. 1,200,000 COP) application fee
For investors who invest at least 100 times the minimum wage (~$300,000 USD) in a Colombian business or real estate. Requires proof of investment. Leads to permanent residence.
student visa
Colombia Student Visa (Visa de Estudiante)
Duration of studies (up to 1 year, renewable)
~$50 USD (approx. 200,000 COP) application fee
For those enrolled in a recognized Colombian educational institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds. Allows part-time work with permission.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Stay extension (not available)Visa-free stay is not extendable. Must leave after 90 days. | N/A |
| Tourist visa (single entry)For those who need a visa or want a longer stay. Apply at Colombian embassy. | ~$50 USD (approx. 200,000 COP) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Valid for multiple entries within a year. Apply at Colombian embassy. | ~$100 USD (approx. 400,000 COP) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum fine cap of ~$200 USD (approx. 800,000 COP). Pay at immigration before departure. | ~$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
South Korean passport holders do not need a transit visa to change planes in Colombia, as long as they remain airside and do not pass through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport or passing through immigration, a visa or visa-free entry applies.
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., Brazil, Peru).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheria-pertussis (Tdap)RecommendedMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)RecommendedRabiesConsiderInfluenzaConsider
Health risks
DengueHigh risk
Mosquito-borne disease common in low-lying areas; use repellent and mosquito nets.
ZikaModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; pregnant women should take precautions.
ChikungunyaModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; causes fever and joint pain.
Malaria risk: low
Low risk in most tourist areas; prophylaxis recommended for Amazon region and rural 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-27, Bogotá
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main office for visa extensions and permits. Arrive early to avoid long queues.
Medellín
Migración Colombia - Medellín
Calle 10 No. 41-45, Medellín
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles extensions and re-entry permits. Bring all required documents.
Practical information for KR 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 = 3,783.16 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 are up. If you want to stay longer, you'd need to apply for a different visa type (like a tourist visa extension) before your 90 days expire, but that's a separate process and not guaranteed.
Overstaying can result in a fine of about 2-3 USD per day overstayed, and a potential ban from re-entering Colombia for a period. It's best to leave on time or apply for an extension before your stay expires.
Not required for South Korean passport holders unless you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk (like Brazil or parts of Africa). If you're coming directly from South Korea, no vaccine is needed. But it's recommended if you plan to visit jungle areas like Amazonas.
Yes, the same visa-free policy applies at land borders. You'll still need a valid passport (6+ months validity) and a completed Check-Mig form. The 90-day limit starts from your first entry into Colombia, regardless of how you enter.
Yes, it's mandatory for all travelers entering Colombia by air or land. You must complete it online at migracioncolombia.gov.co within 1-5 days before your arrival. Without it, you may be denied boarding or entry. It's free and takes about 5 minutes.
You'll likely be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry by Colombian immigration. Renew your passport before traveling. There are no exceptions for South Korean passport holders.
Technically, the visa-free entry is for tourism only. Remote work for a foreign employer is a gray area — many travelers do it without issues, but officially it's not permitted. If you plan to work for a Colombian company, you'd need a work visa.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 15, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.