Colombia entry requirements for Nigeria 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
Nigerian passport holders need an eVisa to enter Colombia in 2026. The process is entirely online, and you must complete the Check-Mig immigration form before departure. Plan ahead — the eVisa can take several weeks to process.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 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. You'll receive a digital visa linked to your passport — print the approval letter and carry it with your passport.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for entire stay | Your Nigerian passport must be valid for at least the full duration of your stay 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 | Immigration officers in Bogotá and Medellín routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return flight or a ticket to your next destination ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host letter | Have your hotel confirmation or host's letter with address and contact details ready. Immigration may ask where you're staying — showing a booking avoids delays. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Carry bank statements or a credit card showing you have enough funds for your stay. There's no fixed minimum, but having at least $200 USD equivalent 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 | Complete the free Check-Mig form at migracioncolombia.gov.co within 72 hours before your flight. You'll get a QR code — save it on your phone or print it. Officers scan it at immigration, and without it you may be fined or delayed.Open Check-Mig form | Required |
eVisa processing time
Apply at least 4 weeks before your trip. Delays happen, and you cannot enter without an approved eVisa.
Check-Mig is mandatory
Complete the free Check-Mig form within 72 hours of your flight. It saves time at immigration and is required by law.
Travel insurance recommended
Not mandatory, but medical costs in Colombia can be high. A basic policy covers hospital stays and trip disruptions.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for your eVisa
Go to the Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs eVisa portal. Fill in your details, upload required documents (passport scan, photo, travel itinerary), and pay the fee. Processing can take 2–4 weeks, so apply at least a month before your trip.
2
Complete Check-Mig
Within 72 hours before your flight, fill out the free Check-Mig form on migracioncolombia.gov.co. You'll need your flight details, accommodation address, and passport info. Save the confirmation QR code on your phone.
3
Arrive at Bogotá or other airport
At immigration, present your passport (with eVisa approval), return ticket, and accommodation confirmation. The officer may ask about your plans. The process usually takes 5–15 minutes. After stamping, you're free to enter.
Download Colombia Entry Checklist
PDF · Nigeria 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 30 days
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost~$50 USD (approx. 200,000 COP)
Apply at Colombian embassy or online eVisa.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry, extendable 30 days
Validity1 year from issue date
Cost~$100 USD (approx. 400,000 COP)
Ideal for frequent travellers.
Long-stay visa (M visa)
Max stayUp to 2 years
Validity2 years from issue date
Cost~$200 USD (approx. 800,000 COP)
Requires proof of income or investment. Renewable.
work visa
Work Visa (Visa de Trabajo)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (approx. 800,000 COP)
For those with a job offer in Colombia. Requires employer sponsorship and contract. Allows long-term stay.
student visa
Student Visa (Visa de Estudiante)
Up to 1 year, renewable
~$150 USD (approx. 600,000 COP)
For enrolled students in accredited Colombian institutions. Requires proof of enrollment and funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa (Visa de Inversionista)
2 years, renewable
~$300 USD (approx. 1,200,000 COP)
For those investing a minimum amount (e.g., ~$50,000 USD) in Colombian business or real estate. Requires proof of investment.
retirement visa
Retirement Visa (Visa de Pensionado)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (approx. 800,000 COP)
For retirees with a stable pension income (minimum ~$1,000 USD/month). Requires proof of pension and health insurance.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa application feeNon-refundable, paid online before travel. | ~$50 USD (approx. 200,000 COP) |
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for single entry eVisa. | ~$50 USD (approx. 200,000 COP) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | ~$100 USD (approx. 400,000 COP) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap of ~$200 USD (approx. 800,000 COP). | ~$2 USD per day (approx. 8,000 COP) |
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
Transit visa required
Nigeria passport holders need a transit visa to change planes in Colombia, even if staying airside. Apply before travel.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid US, Canada, Schengen, or UK visa may transit without a 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., Nigeria).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderYellow FeverEssential
Health risks
DengueHigh risk
Mosquito-borne disease common in urban and rural areas; use repellent.
MalariaModerate risk
Risk in rural areas below 1,700 meters; prophylaxis recommended for those regions.
ZikaModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; pregnant women should take precautions.
Malaria risk: moderate
Risk in rural areas of Amazon, Pacific coast, and Orinoco 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 No. 22-45, Bogotá
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main office for visa extensions and permits. Arrive early.
Medellín
Migración Colombia – Medellín
Calle 10 No. 41-45, Medellín
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles extensions and re-entry permits.
Practical information for NG 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
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to Colombia — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
No. You must obtain an eVisa before traveling. There is no visa-on-arrival option for Nigerian citizens.
Processing typically takes 2–4 weeks, but can be longer during peak periods. Apply at least a month before your planned departure.
The eVisa fee varies depending on the visa type. Check the official Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website for the current fee schedule. Expect to pay around $50–$100 USD.
Check-Mig is a free online immigration form required for all travelers entering Colombia. You must complete it within 72 hours before your flight. The form is at migracioncolombia.gov.co.
No, the eVisa is not extendable. You must leave Colombia before your visa expires. If you need more time, you would need to apply for a different visa type from outside the country.
Colombia does not require yellow fever vaccination for entry, but it is recommended if you plan to visit certain regions (e.g., Amazon). Check with your doctor before traveling.
Immigration officers may deny entry if you cannot show a return or onward ticket. Always have a booked ticket ready, even if you plan to change it later.
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.