Colombia entry requirements for Zimbabwe 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
Zimbabwean passport holders need an eVisa to enter Colombia. The process is entirely online and straightforward — apply before you travel. As of 2026, the eVisa is the standard route for tourism and short visits.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | Apply for a Colombian eVisa at the official portal before departure. Processing takes 5–10 business days — do not book flights until approved. The eVisa is linked to your passport number, not a sticker in your passport.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover your entire stay | Your passport must be valid for 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 before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of exit from Colombia | Immigration officers at Bogotá and Medellín routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. A bus ticket to a neighboring country works if you're overlanding. Have a printed copy or screenshot ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host letter | Have your first night's hotel confirmation or a letter from your host ready. Officers rarely ask, but if you're flagged for secondary inspection, they'll want to see where you're staying. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Carry a bank statement or credit card showing access to at least $500 USD equivalent. Officers almost never check this for short stays, but it's a legal requirement for entry. | 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 get a QR code — save the screenshot on your phone. Without it, you may be denied boarding.Open Check-Mig form | Required |
Check-Mig is mandatory
Complete the free Check-Mig form at migracioncolombia.gov.co within 72 hours before your flight. Without it, you may be denied boarding or entry. Save the QR code on your phone.
Passport validity counts from entry date
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you land in Colombia, not from your departure date. If it expires sooner, renew it before applying for the eVisa.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for your 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 (if applicable — check current costs on the site). Wait for approval, which typically takes a few business days. You'll receive a confirmation email.
2
Complete Check-Mig before your flight
Within 72 hours of departure, fill in 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 on your phone.
3
Prepare your documents for immigration
At the airport in Colombia (usually Bogotá or Medellín), join the foreign passport queue. Have your passport, eVisa approval (printed or on phone), return ticket, and accommodation confirmation ready. The officer may ask about your plans — answer clearly. The process usually takes 2-5 minutes.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After immigration, proceed to baggage claim, then customs. If you have nothing to declare, use the green channel. Exit into the arrivals hall.
Download Colombia Entry Checklist
PDF · Zimbabwe 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~$52 USD (approx. 200,000 COP)
Standard tourist visa for single entry.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry, extendable 30 days
Validity1 year from issue
Cost~$82 USD (approx. 320,000 COP)
Allows multiple entries within validity.
Long-stay visa (M visa)
Max stayUp to 1 year, renewable
Validity1 year from issue
Cost~$150 USD (approx. 580,000 COP)
For work, study, or family reasons; requires sponsorship.
work visa
Work Visa (Visa de Trabajo)
Up to 1 year, renewable
~$150 USD (approx. 580,000 COP)
For those with a job offer in Colombia. Requires employer sponsorship and a valid contract. Allows multiple entries.
student visa
Student Visa (Visa de Estudiante)
Up to 1 year, renewable
~$100 USD (approx. 390,000 COP)
For enrolled students in accredited Colombian institutions. Requires proof of enrollment and sufficient funds.
retirement visa
Retirement Visa (Visa de Pensionado)
Up to 3 years, renewable
~$200 USD (approx. 780,000 COP)
For retirees with a stable pension income. Requires proof of monthly income above a minimum threshold. Allows long-term stay.
digital nomad visa
Digital Nomad Visa (Visa de Nómada Digital)
Up to 1 year, renewable
~$100 USD (approx. 390,000 COP)
For remote workers with income from abroad. Requires proof of employment and health insurance. Allows multiple entries.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa application feeNon-refundable, paid online during application. | ~$52 USD (approx. 200,000 COP) |
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for single entry eVisa. | ~$52 USD (approx. 200,000 COP) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity. | ~$82 USD (approx. 320,000 COP) |
| Overstay fine per dayCapped at a maximum of ~$200 USD. | ~$2 USD per day (approx. 8,000 COP) |
| Stay extension feeFor extension of up to 30 days, subject to approval. | ~$30 USD (approx. 120,000 COP) |
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
Zimbabwe passport holders transiting through Colombia do not need a transit visa if they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket. However, if you need to enter the country (e.g., to change airports or collect luggage), you must obtain an eVisa.
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, or if traveling to certain regions in Colombia.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheria-pertussisEssentialMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)EssentialRabiesConsiderCOVID-19Essential
Health risks
DengueHigh risk
Mosquito-borne disease prevalent in low-lying areas; use insect repellent and sleep under nets.
MalariaModerate risk
Risk in rural areas below 1,700 meters; prophylaxis recommended for certain regions.
Zika virusModerate risk
Pregnant women should take precautions; mosquito avoidance is key.
Malaria risk: moderate
Risk is present in rural areas of the Amazon, Pacific coast, and some parts of the Caribbean. Prophylaxis recommended for travelers to these 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
Migración Colombia - Sede Nacional
Carrera 46 No. 22B-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 ZW 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 = 3,563.97 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
Yes. You need an eVisa, which you apply for online before travel. There is no visa-on-arrival option for Zimbabwean passport holders.
Processing usually takes 3-5 business days, but can vary. Apply at least two weeks before your trip to be safe. Check the official portal for current timelines.
The cost depends on the visa type and current fees. Check the Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website for the exact amount — it's typically around $50-100 USD. Payment is made online during the application.
No, the eVisa is not extendable. You must leave before your authorized stay expires. If you need more time, you'd have to apply for a different visa type from outside Colombia.
Immigration may deny you entry. Always have a booked return or onward ticket. A screenshot on your phone is fine — just make sure it's easy to show.
Yes. It's a legal requirement for all travellers entering Colombia. Complete it online within 72 hours before your flight. It's free and saves time at immigration.
You can reapply, but first check the reason for denial. Common issues include incomplete documentation or passport validity problems. Contact the Colombian consulate for guidance.
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.