Colombia Travel Guide

• Colombia covers all bases – you get everything from busy cities to deserted forest trails and mountain slopes
• The scenery is gorgeous: Pristine beaches, dense jungles, snow-capped peaks
• You will visit places well and truly off the beaten gap year trail
• The country is brimming with fascinating history and culture
• Colombia loves to salsa – get your dancing shoes on!
• The cities are super cool. Bogota is covered in street art and Medellin has legendary nightlife

Colombia has a huge variety of food because it has such a huge variety of climates. From the warming stews of the Andes to the crispy fish and barbecues of the Caribbean coast, you’re sure to find plenty of delicious offerings wherever you are in the country. 

Bandeja paisa is a big plate of red beans cooked with pork, chorizo, black pudding and avocado with Hogao sauce drizzled over white rice. Ajiaco soup is also a favourite, made up of chicken, potatoes and herbs. On the coast, you’ll find all manner of crispy fried fish served with rice and vegetables along with various stews, risottos and barbecued meats. Yum.

The climate in Colombia is very warm and tropical. The country is close to the equator so there is little variation in the temperature. Temperature changes are often dependent on altitude. Mountainous regions can be very cold and almost freezing at night depending on how high you are. Luckily, 80% of the country is less than 1,000m above sea level so you can expect characteristically warm and sunny weather. The rainy season lasts from May to November.

Visa Assistance

Visas may be required in order to enter or transit through certain countries depending on your passport nationality, your reason for travel and how long you intend to stay.

Visa, passport and entry rules are subject to change and you should check the most up-to-date information from the relevant embassy or visa specialist.

To make things easier we have teamed up with The Travel Visa Company who are one of the UK’s leading travel visa specialists. You can use their website, alongside embassy websites,  to find out the specific entry requirements for the countries you intend to travel to.

For a fee, their dedicated team of experts can also apply for visas on your behalf, taking away the hassle and streamlining the process for you if you wish. For more details on the services they provide please click here – The Travel Visa Company

Entry Requirements for UK Travellers

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 (for English choose ‘Ingles’ from the drop down menu).

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  

When returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. See Dual citizenship.

British-Colombian 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. 

Applying for a visa

Check the latest entry requirements and how to apply for a visa with the Colombian Consulate General in London before you travel.

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 (in Spanish) within 15 days of arrival in Colombia. If you do not register, you may get a fine.

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 get a fine, or be deported at your own cost. 

Checks at border control 

Colombian authorities advise that you can speed up your entry to the country by completing the ‘Check-Mig’ form on Migración Colombia, although this is not mandatory. You can complete the 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.

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). 

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. You may also be asked to show it if you are travelling to areas in Colombia which are considered high risk. Carry your vaccination certificate at all times.

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).  

Do not get involved with illegal drugs of any kind. Drug trafficking detection methods are very sophisticated in Colombia and anyone attempting to traffic drugs should expect to be arrested. Conviction leads to very severe penalties.

You should carry a photocopy of your passport and visa with you at all times for identification.

Photographing of military or strategic government sites is not allowed.

Health

You should visit your doctor at least 6-8 weeks before you travel for up to date vaccination information. Make sure you have good travel health insurance to cover the cost of medical treatment abroad. If you need emergency medical assistance you should dial 123.

Cases of Zika virus, Chikunyuga virus, Malaria and Dengue fever have been confirmed in Colombia. You should take steps to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes.

Transport

We do not recommend hiring motorbikes, scooters, ATV vehicles, quad bikes or other types of motorised vehicles whilst abroad. Safety and quality of vehicles vary considerably and the traffic conditions can be much more dangerous than what UK travellers are used to. Should you wish to go against this advice, you should ensure you are hiring from a reputable company and that your travel insurance covers you for such activities.

Crime

There have been massive improvements in safety and security in Colombia over recent years. However, the crime rate still remains high. Certain areas of Colombia are particularly dangerous and you are not advised to travel to these locations by the UK foreign office. Check the foreign office website for the latest safety recommendations.

Be vigilant in public places and take care on city streets, especially after dark. Do not carry large amounts of money or have valuables on show. Do not walk alone and avoid using your mobile phone in the street. Remember possessions are just possessions and can be replaced. Do not put yourself at risk.

Avoid leaving food or drinks unattended and don’t accept anything from strangers. When you are out, have someone in your group watch your drinks if you need to leave for any reason. Only use pre-booked taxis and be wary if you are approached by a stranger.

Terrorism

There is a threat of terrorism in Colombia, particularly from revolutionary groups. The security situation can change very quickly and you should pay close attention to warnings issued by the Colombian authorities and monitor up to date travel advice.

Natural disasters

Earthquakes occur regularly in Colombia and there are risks of floods and landslides after heavy rains. In the event of a natural disaster, you should monitor media reports and follow the advice of local authorities.