Entry and visas

UK citizens may visit Colombia for up to 90 days without a visa for tourism or business, at the discretion of the immigration officer on arrival; they must be able to show an onward or return ticket valid within the 90-day period. A stay may be extendable up to 120 days via an immigration office, and visitors cannot remain more than 180 days in any 12-month period.

Canadian tourists may be granted a stay of up to 90 days; the immigration officer determines the permitted length of stay on entry.

Colombian immigration authorities recommend a passport with an expiry date at least 6 months after the planned departure date (per UK FCDO advice).

Migracion Colombia's Check-MIG online pre-registration can be completed from 72 hours until 1 hour before travel; it is not required when entering or leaving via a land border control post. UK FCDO advice states it can speed up entry and is not mandatory.

Migracion Colombia lists a stay-extension procedure for holders of a valid Permiso de Ingreso y Permanencia (PIP), with a listed general cost of COP 143,000 (variable) and a processing time of 3 business days.

Cancillería describes the 'Nómada Digital' visa as intended 'Para prestar servicios de trabajo remoto o teletrabajo, desde Colombia, a través de medios digitales e internet, exclusivamente para empresas extranjeras, como independiente o vinculado laboralmente, o para iniciar un emprendimiento de contenido digital o tecnologías de la información de interés para el país.'

Cancillería requires applicants for the Nómada Digital visa to 'Demostrar mediante extractos bancarios contar con ingresos mínimos equivalentes a tres (3) Salarios Mínimos Legales Mensuales Vigentes (SMLMV) durante los últimos 3 meses.'

Cancillería requires a 'Póliza de salud con cobertura en el territorio nacional contra todo riesgo en caso de accidente, enfermedad, maternidad, invalidez, hospitalización, muerte o repatriación, por el tiempo previsto para su permanencia en el país' for the Nómada Digital visa.

Cancillería lists as nomad-visa requirements a passport from a country or territory exempt from short-stay visas, plus a letter in Spanish or English from the foreign company(ies) stating the type of tie and remuneration (or, for entrepreneurs, a motivational letter describing the project and its financial and human resources).

Cancillería states the Nómada Digital visa has a validity of 'Hasta por dos (2) años' and that 'Se permite su solicitud para beneficiarios del titular principal' (dependants may be included).

Cancillería's restriction for the Nómada Digital visa reads: 'Esta visa no permite trabajar o desarrollar actividad remunerada con persona jurídica o natural domiciliada en el territorio nacional.'

Cancillería's note says nomads, remote workers and digital entrepreneurs of nationalities that do not need a short-stay visa (Resolución 5488 de 2022) 'podrán ingresar sin visa y permanecer en Colombia con Permiso de Ingreso', provided their stay generates no payments from Colombian companies and does not exceed 90 days, extendable to a maximum of 180 days per calendar year (continuous or not).

For the V Turismo visa, Cancillería states: 'La permanencia autorizada en el territorio nacional será de 90 días, prorrogable por otros 90 días calendario, continuos o discontinuos. La permanencia será improrrogable al completar 180 días, continuos o discontinuos dentro de cada trescientos sesenta y cinco (365) días calendario, contados a partir de la expedición de la visa.' It also states: 'La visa V Turismo no permite trabajar en el territorio colombiano.'

Migración Colombia says the Permiso de Ingreso y Permanencia (PIP) is granted at the migration control post on arrival, with no prior procedure, to foreign nationals whose nationality does not require a visa; the initial permit is free, and types such as the Permiso de Turismo (PT) are valid for up to 90 days.

Migración Colombia's Permiso Temporal de Permanencia (PTP), the extension of a PIP, 'No puede exceder los 180 días calendario (continuos o discontinuos) dentro del mismo año calendario' and requires a valid PIP at the time of application; a Permiso de Turismo can be extended by up to 90 calendar days (excluding tourist groups in maritime transit).

Migración Colombia lists the PTP extension cost as COP 150,000 (2026 tariff), delivered by email 3 business days after payment, and requires the request to be filed at least 5 business days before the PIP expires ('La solicitud debe realizarse 5 días hábiles antes del vencimiento del PIP').

Migración Colombia requires foreigners over 7 who hold a visa valid for more than 3 months to obtain the cédula de extranjería within 15 calendar days of entry or visa issuance; the general fee is listed as COP 294,000 (2026), paid by card or bank slip issued at the migration center, and its officials are not authorized to receive cash under any circumstances.

The US State Department country page states: "No visa required for 90 days or less." for tourist stays in Colombia.

US page: passport "Must be valid at the time of entry and for the duration of your stay."; must have 1 blank passport page for the entry stamp unless enrolled in Migración Automática; "Recommend 6 months validity."

US Embassy tips on the State Department page: complete Colombia's free Online Check-Mig Form between 1 and 72 hours before your flight; U.S.-Colombian citizens must travel with both passports; "Colombia may deny entry without a return ticket."

FCDO: "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."

FCDO: 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."

Migración Colombia describes CheckMig as a free online service of "uso no obligatorio" (non-mandatory use) that lets travellers pre-load trip information up to 72 hours, or up to one hour, before travel to speed up the immigration interview.

CDC lists the Colombia country entry requirement as "Vaccine is required for all arriving travelers ≥1 year old." CDC adds that entry requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed with embassies or consulates.

Migración Colombia: foreign visitors present a valid passport (or other listed travel document), accompanied by a visa if their nationality or activity requires it, an exit travel ticket and proof of financial solvency "según corresponda"; any paid activity requires a visa.

Migración Colombia's Permiso Temporal de Permanencia (PTP, prórroga) page, for foreigners whose nationality does not require a visa: a Permiso de Turismo can be extended up to 90 calendar days; total stay cannot exceed 180 calendar days within the same calendar year; request it 5 business days before the PIP expires; 2026 fee COP 150,000 (EU-citizen fee listed as COP 0).

British citizens may visit Colombia for up to 90 days without a visa for business or tourism, at the discretion of the Colombian immigration officer on arrival.

Canada states a tourist visa is not required for stays of up to 90 days.

UK guidance says visitors must be able to show an onward or return ticket valid within the 90-day period. Rough Guides likewise notes travellers may be asked for proof of onward travel.

UK guidance says Colombian immigration authorities recommend a passport expiry date at least 6 months after the date the traveller plans to leave. Rough Guides states the passport needs to be valid for at least six months on arrival.

A visitor cannot remain in Colombia more than 180 days in any 12-month period; overstaying can bring a fine or deportation at the traveller's own cost.

Migracion Colombia's Check-Mig lets travellers pre-load trip data online from 72 hours before travel until one hour before. Biometric data use (BIOMIG) is voluntary and travellers may choose non-automated immigration control channels.

Canada states an entry fee must be paid on arrival in Colombia, with the amount updated annually, payable in person by card during immigration processing or online in advance via the Single Form for Procedures. Listed exemptions include travel to San Andres/Providencia/Santa Catalina, valid Colombian visa holders, travellers under 14 or over 79, and international transport crew (with conditions).

UK advises that if entering Colombia by land, sea or river, travellers should make sure immigration authorities stamp the passport; an unstamped passport can lead to a fine on departure.

Up to USD 10,000-worth of any currency may be brought into Colombia; larger amounts must be declared to the National Tax and Customs Directorate (DIAN).

Canada states drones may only be brought into Colombia through El Dorado International Airport in Bogota, and a customs form must be completed on arrival to confirm the intended use.

FCDO: always carry a colour printout of your passport photo page and Colombian visa for identification and keep the passport somewhere safe; do not change money on the street, and never exchange money for strangers as this is a common practice among money launderers.