Colombia
Entry requirements
This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of Colombia’s current rules for the most common types of travel.
The authorities in Colombia set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Colombian Embassy in the UK (in Spanish).
Passport validity requirements
To enter Colombia, your passport must be valid on entry. However, Colombian immigration authorities recommend your passport has an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the date you plan to leave.
Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.
You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.
Dual nationals
If you’re a British-Colombian dual national, you must enter and leave Colombia using your Colombian passport and Colombian identification card (Cedula).
Visa requirements
You can visit Colombia for up to 90 days without a visa for business or tourism, at the discretion of the Colombian immigration officer on arrival.
You must be able to show an onward or return ticket valid within the 90-day period.
If you have a Colombian visa with more than 90 days of validity, you must register the visa at a Migración Colombia office (in Spanish) or register the visa online within 15 days of arrival in Colombia. If you do not register, you may get a fine. Check the latest entry requirements with the Colombian Consulate General in London before you travel.
You may be able to extend your stay once you are in Colombia by up to 120 days by applying at the immigration office Migración Colombia (in Spanish). As a visitor, you cannot remain in Colombia for more than 180 days in any 12-month period.
If you overstay your visa, you could be fined, or be deported at your own cost.
Checks at border control
Make sure you get your passport stamped.
If you enter Colombia by land, sea or river, make sure the immigration authorities stamp your passport. If it is not stamped, you could get a fine when you leave. If the immigration office on the border is closed, go to the nearest office of Migración Colombia (in Spanish).
You must fill in the ‘Check-Mig’ form between 72 hours and one hour before you travel to Colombia. You will receive a confirmation email that you will need to show to immigration officials when you arrive.
Travelling through Colombia
You can travel through Colombia on your way to another country as long as you meet Colombia’s entry requirements. You do not need to fill in the ‘Check-Mig’ form for internal flights in Colombia, including transit flights.
Travelling with children
Children aged 17 and under who have resident status in Colombia and who are travelling on a British passport need a notarised letter of permission from any non-accompanying parents or parent (in Spanish). The letter must be authenticated by a notary or by a Colombian consulate. You can get more information from Migración Colombia (in Spanish) or by contacting the Colombian Consulate in the UK (in Spanish).
San Andres Archipelago
If you’re travelling to the islands of San Andres, Providencia or Santa Catalina, you must buy a tourist card from the boarding gate, on the day of the flight. You do not need one if you’re staying less than 24 hours.
Departure tax
Departure tax is usually included in the price of the airline ticket, but check with your airline.
Vaccine requirements
To enter Colombia, you must have a certificate to prove you’ve had a yellow fever vaccination if you are arriving from certain countries with a transmission risk.
For full details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Colombia guide.
Customs rules
There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Colombia (in Spanish). You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.
Taking money into Colombia
You can bring up to 10,000 US dollars-worth of any currency into Colombia. You must declare anything above this amount with the National Tax and Customs Directorate (DIAN) (in Spanish).