Colombia entry requirements for United States passport holders
Verified May 11, 2026·View sources
No visa 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
US citizens don't need a visa for Colombia. You can enter for tourism or business and stay up to 90 days. Simply show your valid US passport at immigration and you'll get an entry stamp — it's that easy.
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 plan to be in Colombia. Airlines check this at check-in, and immigration officers at Bogotá and Medellín will deny boarding if it expires before your departure date. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Colombia | Immigration at El Dorado Airport routinely asks for a return or onward ticket before stamping you in. Have a printed or digital copy of your outbound flight booking ready — they will check the date matches your intended stay. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Officers sometimes ask where you are staying, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary. A hotel confirmation or a letter from a host with their address and phone number is enough. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself during your stay | Colombia does not publish a fixed minimum, but carrying a credit card and a few hundred dollars in cash (or a bank statement) covers you if asked. I have never been asked, but budget travelers sometimes get questioned at Bogotá. | 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 up to 72 hours before your flight. You get a QR code — save the screenshot on your phone. Airlines check this before boarding, and immigration scans it on arrival.Open Check-Mig form | Required |
Passport validity – no wiggle room
Colombia strictly enforces the 6-month passport validity rule. If your passport expires sooner, you will not be allowed to board your flight or enter the country. No exceptions.
Check-Mig form – do it before you fly
Even though it's not mandatory per official rules, filling out the free online Check-Mig form (migracioncolombia.gov.co) within 72 hours before your flight is strongly recommended. It speeds up immigration and many airlines require it at check-in.
What happens at the border
1
Queue at immigration
After landing at any Colombian airport (Bogotá, Medellín, Cartagena, etc.), follow the 'Extranjeros' or 'Pasaportes' signs. Join the line for foreign passports. Have your passport ready, plus any printed hotel reservations or return ticket if asked.
2
Present your passport and answer questions
Hand the officer your passport. They may ask: how long are you staying? Where are you staying? What's the purpose of your visit? Answer clearly. They will stamp your passport with an entry date and a 90-day allowance (sometimes less, so check the stamp).
3
Collect baggage and pass customs
After immigration, proceed to baggage claim. Then go through customs – a simple green/red channel system. If you have nothing to declare, go through the green channel. Be aware that random bag checks happen.
Download Colombia Entry Checklist
PDF · United States Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 11, 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
CostApprox. 200,000 COP (~$50 USD)
For US citizens who want a formal visa instead of visa-free entry. Apply at Colombian consulate abroad.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry, extendable
ValidityUp to 1 year
CostApprox. 400,000 COP (~$100 USD)
Good for frequent travellers. Must apply at Colombian consulate.
Long-stay visa (M visa)
Max stayUp to 1 year
Validity1 year, renewable
CostApprox. 1,000,000 COP (~$250 USD)
For work, study, or retirement. Requires sponsorship or proof of income. Apply at Colombian consulate.
Digital nomad visa
Max stayUp to 1 year
Validity1 year, renewable
CostApprox. 1,200,000 COP (~$300 USD)
For remote workers with foreign income. Must show proof of employment and income. Apply at Colombian consulate.
retirement visa
Colombia Retirement Visa (Visa de Pensionado)
3 years, renewable
~$200 USD application fee + legal fees
For retirees with a monthly pension of at least 3 times the Colombian minimum wage (~$900 USD). Requires proof of pension and background check. Allows permanent residency after 5 years.
digital nomad visa
Colombia Digital Nomad Visa
1 year, renewable
~$100 USD application fee
For remote workers earning at least $1,000 USD/month. Requires proof of income, health insurance, and clean criminal record. Allows stay up to 1 year with option to renew.
investor visa
Colombia Investor Visa (Visa de Inversionista)
3 years, renewable
~$300 USD application fee + investment amount
For those investing at least 100 times the Colombian minimum wage (~$30,000 USD) in real estate or business. Requires proof of investment and legal registration. Leads to permanent residency.
work visa
Colombia Work Visa (Visa de Trabajo)
Up to 2 years, renewable
~$200 USD application fee + employer sponsorship
For those with a job offer from a Colombian company. Requires employment contract, company sponsorship, and professional qualifications. Allows family dependents.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Stay extension (per 30 days)Extension possible once for up to 90 additional days. Apply at immigration office before current stay expires. | Approx. 200,000 COP (~$50 USD) |
| Overstay fine (per day)Fines are calculated at immigration upon departure. Pay before leaving to avoid future entry issues. | Approx. 50,000 COP (~$12 USD) per day, max 500,000 COP (~$120 USD) |
| Tourist visa (single entry)US citizens do not need a tourist visa for short stays. | Not applicable for US citizens (visa-free) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)US citizens do not need a tourist visa for short stays. | Not applicable for US citizens (visa-free) |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket30%
Insufficient funds25%
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
US citizens transiting through Colombia do not need a transit visa. They can stay airside for up to 24 hours without passing through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- No visa needed for US citizens for any transit scenario.
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 AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderYellow FeverRecommended
Health risks
DengueHigh risk
Mosquito-borne disease common in urban and rural 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: moderate
Risk in rural areas below 1,700m, especially Amazon and Pacific coast. Prophylaxis recommended for those regions.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Bogotá
Oficina de Migración Colombia - Sede Central
Carrera 46 # 22-45, Bogotá
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main office for extensions and permits. Arrive early to avoid long lines.
Medellín
Migración Colombia - Medellín
Calle 10 # 41-70, Medellín
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Popular for tourists. Bring your passport, entry stamp, and proof of funds.
Practical information for US 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 = 3,747.64 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. US passport holders can enter Colombia visa-free for tourism, business, or transit. You just need a valid passport and you'll get a tourist stamp on arrival.
You can stay up to 90 days per entry. That can be a single block or spread over multiple visits. The exact duration is written on your entry stamp.
Yes, you can request a one-time extension of up to 90 additional days at the Colombian immigration office (Migración Colombia). It costs about 270,000 COP (around $70) and you must apply before your initial 90 days expire.
Officially, Colombia's immigration pre-registration (Check-Mig) is not mandatory based on current rules, but many airlines and border officers still expect you to fill it out online 24 to 72 hours before your flight. It's free and takes 5 minutes. Do it to avoid delays.
Not required by law, but immigration officers routinely ask for proof of onward travel. If you don't have one, you risk being questioned or even denied entry. Always carry a printed or digital onward ticket.
You will be denied boarding by the airline or entry by immigration. There are no exceptions for US citizens. Renew your passport before traveling.
No routine vaccinations are required for entry. However, the yellow fever vaccine is recommended if you plan to visit the Amazon region or certain national parks. Carry the yellow card if you get the shot.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 11, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.