Colombia entry requirements for Laos passport holders

Checked daily · Updated May 26, 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

Laos passport holders need an eVisa to enter Colombia in 2026. You apply entirely online before traveling, and approval usually takes a few business days. Once approved, you can stay up to 90 days.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
eVisa application
Apply before travel
Apply for a Colombian eVisa at the official portal at least 15 days before departure. The application costs around $52 USD and processing takes 5–10 business days. Print the approval letter and carry it with your passport.Apply for eVisaRequired
Valid passport
Must be valid for entire stay
Your passport must be valid for the entire duration of your stay in Colombia. Airlines may refuse boarding if your passport has less than 6 months validity remaining.Required
Return or onward ticket
Proof of departure
Immigration officers routinely ask for a return or onward ticket out of Colombia. Have a printed or digital copy ready — they may deny entry if you cannot show one.Required
Proof of accommodation
Hotel booking or invitation letter
Carry a hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Colombia. Officers rarely ask for it, but having it avoids delays.Recommended
Proof of funds
Show you can support yourself
Have bank statements or a credit card showing access to at least $200 USD per day of your stay. Officers rarely check, but it helps 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
Complete the free Check-Mig form at migracioncolombia.gov.co within 72 hours before your flight. You get a QR code — show it at check-in and immigration. Takes under 5 minutes.Open Check-Mig formRequired
Check-Mig is mandatory
You must complete the free Check-Mig form online within 72 hours before your flight. Do it on your phone before heading to the airport — it saves time at immigration and avoids fines.
No visa on arrival
Colombia does not offer visa on arrival for Laos passport holders. You must have the eVisa approved before you fly. Airlines will check this at check-in.

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 a scan of your passport bio page. Pay the fee (around $50 USD) and wait for approval — usually 3–5 business days. Print the approval email.
2
Book your flight and accommodation
Book a return or onward flight and your first night's accommodation. Save confirmations as PDFs or screenshots on your phone.
3
Complete Check-Mig form
Within 72 hours before your flight, go to migracioncolombia.gov.co and fill in the Check-Mig form. It's free. You'll get a QR code — save it on your phone.
4
Arrive at Colombian immigration
At the airport (Bogotá, Medellín, Cartagena, Cali, etc.), join the 'All Passports' queue. Hand over your passport, eVisa approval printout, and show your return ticket and accommodation if asked. The officer will stamp you in. Keep your boarding pass handy.
Download Colombia Entry Checklist
PDF · Laos Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 26, 2026
Download PDF

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 date
Cost$50 USD (approx. $50 USD)

Standard option for tourism; extension possible at immigration office.

Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry, extendable 30 days
Validity1 year from issue date
Cost$100 USD (approx. $100 USD)

Ideal for frequent travelers; must leave and re-enter to reset stay.

Long-stay visa (M visa)
Max stay180 days, extendable
Validity1 year from issue date
Cost$150 USD (approx. $150 USD)

For longer stays; requires proof of purpose (e.g., study, work).

work visa
Work Visa (Visa de Trabajo)
1 year, renewable annually
~$200 USD (approx. $200 USD)
For those with a job offer in Colombia. Requires employer sponsorship and contract. Allows multiple entries.
student visa
Student Visa (Visa de Estudiante)
Up to 1 year, renewable
~$150 USD (approx. $150 USD)
For enrolled students in accredited Colombian institutions. Requires proof of enrollment and financial means.
digital nomad visa
Digital Nomad Visa (Visa de Nómada Digital)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (approx. $200 USD)
For remote workers with foreign income. Requires proof of income ($1,000+ USD/month) and health insurance.
Other fees
ServiceCost
eVisa (single entry)Standard fee for Laos passport holders applying online.$50 USD (approx. $50 USD)
Tourist visa (single entry)Same as eVisa, but may be obtained at embassy if needed.$50 USD (approx. $50 USD)
Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period.$100 USD (approx. $100 USD)
Overstay fine per dayCharged for each day overstayed beyond authorized period.$2 USD per day (approx. $2 USD)
Overstay maximum capMaximum fine for overstay, regardless of duration.$200 USD (approx. $200 USD)

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

Laos passport holders transiting through Colombia do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, if you need to leave the airport or have a layover over 24 hours, you must obtain a visa.

Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
  • Holders of a valid US, Canada, 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 risk of yellow fever transmission (e.g., Brazil, Peru).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheria-pertussis (Tdap)EssentialMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)EssentialRabiesConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverHigh risk

Mosquito-borne disease common in urban and rural areas; use repellent and mosquito nets.

Zika virusModerate risk

Pregnant women should avoid travel; mosquitoes active year-round.

ChikungunyaModerate risk

Similar to dengue; causes joint pain; no specific treatment.

Malaria risk: moderate

Risk 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
Carrera 13 # 27-00, 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 # 41-25, Medellín
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00

Handles extensions and re-entry permits; bring all required documents.

Practical information for LA 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
updated May 29
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

Usually 3–5 business days. Apply at least a week before your flight to be safe. There's no expedited option.
Around $50 USD. The exact amount depends on the current exchange rate. You pay online by credit card.
No, the eVisa is not extendable. If you want to stay longer, you'd need to leave Colombia and re-enter, or apply for a different visa type before your current one expires.
Not required for entry, but recommended if you're visiting the Amazon region or other jungle areas. Some tour operators may ask for proof. Carry the yellow card just in case.
You'll be denied boarding by the airline. Colombia has no visa on arrival for Laos passport holders. You must have the eVisa before you fly.
Yes, the eVisa is valid for all international airports: Bogotá (BOG), Medellín (MDE), Cartagena (CTG), Cali (CLO), and others. The process is the same everywhere.
Renew your passport first. Immigration will deny entry if your passport has less than 6 months validity from your arrival date. No exceptions.

Official sources

Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 26, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.