Colombia entry requirements for Zambia passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 31, 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
Zambian passport holders need an eVisa to enter Colombia. The process is entirely online and straightforward — you apply before you travel, and once approved, you can stay for up to 90 days. This requirement is current as of 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | Zambian passport holders need an eVisa to enter Colombia. Apply online at the Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs eVisa portal at least 15 days before your trip. Processing takes 3–5 business days, and you'll receive the visa by email.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for entire stay | Your passport must be valid for at least the full duration of your stay in Colombia. No minimum validity beyond departure is required by Colombian law, but airlines may enforce 6 months — check with your carrier. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure | Immigration officers at Bogotá and Medellín airports routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed or digital copy of your outbound flight within your allowed stay period. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Carry a hotel reservation, hostel booking, or a letter of invitation from your host in Colombia. Officers rarely ask, but having it ready avoids delays at the counter. | 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. Immigration may ask to see this if you look underfunded or have no return ticket. | Recommended |
| Check-Mig pre-registrationCheck-Mig: Colombia'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 — show it at check-in and upon arrival. No QR code means you may be denied boarding.Open Check-Mig form | Required |
Check-Mig is mandatory — do it early
The Check-Mig form is free and must be completed online 1–5 days before your flight. It saves you time at immigration and is required for entry. Don't skip it.
eVisa processing can be slow
Apply at least 2 weeks before your trip. Processing times vary, and delays happen during holidays. Don't book non-refundable flights until you have the eVisa in hand.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for your eVisa online
Go to the Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs eVisa portal. Create an account, fill in your details, upload a passport photo and a scan of your passport bio page. Pay the fee (around $50 USD, subject to change). Processing usually takes 3–5 business days. You'll receive the eVisa by email.
2
Complete the Check-Mig form
Within 1–5 days before your flight, fill out the free Check-Mig form at migracioncolombia.gov.co. You'll need your flight details, passport info, and accommodation address. Save the confirmation QR code — you'll show it at immigration.
3
Prepare your documents for arrival
Print or save on your phone: your eVisa approval, passport, return/onward ticket, accommodation confirmation, and Check-Mig QR code. Keep them together in a folder or a clear plastic sleeve.
4
Arrive at a Colombian airport
You'll land at El Dorado (Bogotá), José María Córdova (Medellín), or Rafael Núñez (Cartagena). Follow signs to 'Migración' (immigration). Join the foreign passport queue. Hand over your passport and the officer will scan it and may ask a few questions (purpose of visit, where you're staying). Show your documents if asked.
5
Receive your entry stamp
The officer will stamp your passport with the entry date and the number of days allowed (usually 90). Check the stamp before leaving the counter. If there's an error, ask them to correct it immediately.
Download Colombia Entry Checklist
PDF · Zambia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 31, 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
Validity3 months from issue
Cost~$50 USD (approx. 200,000 COP)
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
Cost~$100 USD (approx. 400,000 COP)
Ideal for multiple visits; must leave and re-enter.
Long-stay visa (M visa)
Max stayUp to 1 year, renewable
Validity1 year from issue
Cost~$200 USD (approx. 800,000 COP)
For work, study, or investment; requires sponsor.
work visa
Work Visa (Visa de Trabajo)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (approx. 800,000 COP)
For those with a job offer from a Colombian company. Requires employer sponsorship and contract. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
Student Visa (Visa de Estudiante)
Up to 1 year, renewable
~$150 USD (approx. 600,000 COP)
For enrollment in a recognized Colombian educational institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa (Visa de Inversionista)
1 year, renewable
~$300 USD (approx. 1,200,000 COP)
For those investing a minimum of ~$50,000 USD in a Colombian business or real estate. Requires proof of investment.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry)Standard fee for Zambian passport holders applying online. | ~$50 USD (approx. 200,000 COP) |
| Tourist visa (single entry)Same as eVisa; no separate fee. | ~$50 USD (approx. 200,000 COP) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Available for frequent travellers; higher fee. | ~$100 USD (approx. 400,000 COP) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap of ~$200 USD (approx. 800,000 COP). | ~$2 USD (approx. 8,000 COP) per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete application20%
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
Zambian passport holders transiting through Colombia do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, if leaving the airport or staying overnight, a visa is required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid US, 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, including Zambia.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheriaEssentialRabiesConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; present in urban and rural areas, especially during rainy season.
Zika virusLow risk
Mosquito-borne; risk is low but pregnant women should take precautions.
Altitude sicknessModerate risk
Risk in high-altitude cities like Bogotá (2,600m); acclimatize gradually.
Malaria risk: low
Low risk in most tourist areas; prophylaxis recommended for travel to Amazon region or 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 Principal
Carrera 46 No. 22B-30, 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 ZM 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 = 3,650.82 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
Processing usually takes 3–5 business days, but it can take up to 10 days during peak times. Apply at least 2 weeks before your trip to be safe.
The fee is around $50 USD (approximately 200,000 COP). Payment is made online during the application. Fees are subject to change — check the official portal for the current amount.
Yes, you can apply for a one-time extension of up to 90 additional days at a Migración Colombia office. The cost is about 150,000 COP (around $40 USD). You must apply before your current stay expires.
You may be denied entry or delayed at immigration. The form is mandatory and must be completed online before your flight. There is no way to fill it out at the airport.
Not for entry, but it's recommended if you plan to visit the Amazon region or other jungle areas. Some tour operators may require proof. Check with your doctor.
No. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry. If it expires sooner, renew it before applying for the eVisa.
You can reapply, but first check the rejection reason (usually sent by email). Common issues include incorrect documents or insufficient passport validity. Fix the problem and submit a new application. There is no appeal process.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 31, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.