Colombia entry requirements for Malta passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 18, 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
Malta passport holders can enter Colombia without a visa for up to 90 days. This has been the case for years and remains unchanged in 2026. Just make sure you meet the entry requirements before you fly.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your passport must be valid for the entire time you plan to stay in Colombia. No minimum validity beyond your departure date is required by Colombian law, but airlines may enforce a 6-month rule — check with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of exit from Colombia | Immigration officers at Bogotá and Medellín airports routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return flight or a ticket to a third country ready. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a hotel confirmation or a letter from your host with their address and contact number. Officers rarely ask, but having it avoids delays at the counter. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Evidence of financial means | Have a bank statement or credit card showing you can cover your stay. No minimum amount is published, but showing at least $200 USD per week is a safe benchmark. | 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 within 72 hours before your flight. You get a QR code — save it on your phone or print it. Officers scan it at immigration.Open Check-Mig form | Required |
Check-Mig is mandatory — don't skip it
You must complete the free Check-Mig form at migracioncolombia.gov.co within 72 hours before your flight. Without it, you may be denied boarding or fined on arrival. Do it before you leave for the airport.
90 days starts from entry, not departure
Your 90-day visa-free period begins the day you land in Colombia. Count carefully — overstaying even a day can result in fines and future entry problems.
What happens at the border
1
Complete Check-Mig online
Up to 72 hours before your flight, go to migracioncolombia.gov.co and fill in the free Check-Mig form. You'll need your flight details, passport info, and first night accommodation address. Save the confirmation PDF or screenshot.
2
At the airport in Malta
Check in for your flight. The airline will verify your passport validity (6+ months) and may ask for your onward ticket. Have your Check-Mig confirmation ready — some airlines ask to see it.
3
Arrival at Colombian airport
At Bogotá (El Dorado), Medellín, or Cartagena airport, follow signs to 'Migración' (immigration). Present your passport and the immigration officer will stamp you in for up to 90 days. They may ask about your plans — just answer honestly. The process usually takes 5–10 minutes.
4
Collect your bags and exit
After immigration, collect your luggage from the carousel, then pass through customs (green/red channel). If you have nothing to declare, go through the green channel.
Download Colombia Entry Checklist
PDF · Malta Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 18, 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)
Apply at Colombian embassy before travel; allows longer stay than visa-free.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry, extendable
Validity1 year
Cost~$80 USD (approx. 320,000 COP)
Good for frequent travellers; must leave and re-enter to reset stay.
Long-stay visa (M visa)
Max stayUp to 2 years
Validity2 years
Cost~$200 USD (approx. 800,000 COP)
For work, study, or family reasons; requires sponsorship and documentation.
retirement visa
Pensionado Visa (Retirement Visa)
3 years, renewable
~$200 USD (approx. 800,000 COP) application fee
For retirees with a monthly pension of at least 3 times the Colombian minimum wage (~$800 USD). Requires proof of pension and health insurance.
digital nomad visa
Digital Nomad Visa (Visa de Nómada Digital)
1 year, renewable
~$150 USD (approx. 600,000 COP) application fee
For remote workers earning at least $1,000 USD/month. Requires proof of income, health insurance, and clean criminal record.
investor visa
Inversionista Visa (Investor Visa)
3 years, renewable
~$500 USD (approx. 2,000,000 COP) application fee
For investors putting at least $100,000 USD into Colombian businesses or real estate. Requires proof of investment and business plan.
work visa
Trabajador Visa (Work Visa)
Up to 2 years, 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 (not applicable for visa-free)Visa-free stay cannot be extended; must leave after 90 days. | N/A |
| Tourist visa (single entry)For those who need a visa or want to stay longer; apply at Colombian consulate. | ~$50 USD (approx. 200,000 COP) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | ~$80 USD (approx. 320,000 COP) |
| Overstay fine per dayFines apply for overstaying visa-free period; maximum cap may apply. | ~$5 USD/day (approx. 20,000 COP) |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket30%
Insufficient funds25%
Overstay history20%
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
Malta passport holders do not need a transit visa to change planes in Colombia, as long as they stay airside and have a confirmed onward ticket within 24 hours.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport or staying overnight, a visa-free entry (up to 90 days) applies instead.
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)EssentialMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)EssentialRabiesConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; risk in urban and rural areas, especially during rainy season.
Zika virusLow risk
Mosquito-borne; pregnant women should take precautions.
Altitude sicknessModerate risk
Risk in high-altitude cities like Bogotá (2,600m); acclimatize gradually.
Malaria risk: low
Risk in Amazon region and some rural areas; 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 Nacional
Calle 100 No. 11B-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 7 No. 52-167, Medellín
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles extensions and re-entry permits; bring all required documents.
Practical information for MT 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 = 3,791.19 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
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to Colombia — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
No, the 90-day visa-free stay cannot be extended. If you want to stay longer, you must leave Colombia before day 90 and re-enter. Overstaying can result in fines and a ban.
You will likely be denied boarding by the airline. Colombian immigration strictly enforces the 6-month validity rule. Renew your passport before travelling.
Not required for Malta passport holders entering from Europe. However, if you plan to visit certain regions (e.g., Amazon, Sierra Nevada), you may be asked for proof of vaccination. Check with your doctor.
Technically, the visa-free entry is for tourism only. Remote work for a foreign employer is a grey area — many travellers do it, but officially you're not allowed to work for a Colombian company. If you're staying long-term, consider a digital nomad visa.
Check-Mig is a free online form required for all travellers entering Colombia. You must complete it within 72 hours before your flight. Go to migracioncolombia.gov.co, fill in your details, and save the confirmation. Without it, you may be denied boarding.
No, it's not mandatory for entry. But it's strongly recommended — medical costs in Colombia can be high, and insurance covers hospital stays, theft, and trip cancellations.
The local currency is the Colombian Peso (COP). Bring a mix of cash (USD or EUR can be exchanged at airports and banks) and a debit/credit card. ATMs are widely available in cities. Avoid exchanging money on the street.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 18, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.