Travel requirements for U.S. citizens visiting Colombia


Posted by Natvisa Content Team | Updated on Jan 21, 2025

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U.S. citizens can easily visit Colombia for tourism without a visa for stays of up to 90 days, requiring only a valid passport (with at least six months' validity), proof of onward travel, and completion of the mandatory Check-MIG form before departure. Extensions to tourist stays are simple and can be completed online through the Colombian Immigration Authority. For emergencies, the U.S. Embassy in Bogotá and the consulate in Barranquilla offer assistance, such as passport replacement or legal aid. Read on to see how Natvisa can help with entry requirements.

The US citizens who want to visit Colombia should find entering the country relatively easy since they do not need a visa if they travel as tourists.

This is especially true if they know what to expect before they arrive. Here’s what American travelers need to know before they visit Colombia. Armed with this information, they should be able to enter the country and travel to their hearts’ content.



What travel permissions do Americans need to visit Colombia

American travelers who plan to enter Colombia as tourists and who plan to spend 90 days or less in the country do not need a visa. All other American travelers to Colombia will need to get the relevant Colombia visa. There are several different types of visas that are popular among American visitors to the country.

Travelers will also need to fill out Colombia’s Check-MIG form before they travel. This is a screening form related to COVID-19. Every visitor to Colombia needs to complete this form before they can travel to the country. If they do not, they will not be permitted to board a plane to Colombia. Additional COVID-19 precautions and requirements are subject to change. Travelers need to make sure they know what is expected of them in this area before they travel to Colombia.

What do U.S. citizens need to do to enter Colombia

Americans who do not need a visa can enter Colombia by showing only two documents: their US passport and proof that they plan to leave the country.

Their passport needs to be valid for up to six months past the date on which they are entering Colombia. If it is not, the US government recommends that they renew it before their trip. Proof of onward travel must be fully purchased. Reserved seats on a flight, for instance, will not qualify.

American travelers who need to get a Colombia visa to travel to the country will need to show the document when they enter Colombia, as well as their passport and Colombia Check-MIG form.


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How to extend stay in Colombia

Travelers who want to extend their tourist visas in Colombia can do so easily. The process can be completed online, so they don’t have to visit an office or stand in line. The Colombian Immigration Authority website has a section called “Permiso Temporal de Permanencia para Prorrogar Permanencia.” Travelers can click here to start the process. There’s a simple online form that they will need to fill out. They will also need to upload photos of their passport with their Colombian entry stamp shown clearly.

Finally, they will need proof of onward travel here, too. Once everything is uploaded, they will pay a small fee and submit the application. These visa extensions are usually processed within 1-2 business days. Travelers will receive confirmation of their visa extension by email. They should save this email so they can show it if there’s any confusion about their stay in Colombia. Most visa extensions double the length of the original tourist visa.

American embassies and consulates in Colombia

The United States embassy in Colombia is located in Bogota. They also have a consulate office in Barranquilla. Americans can visit these or contact them as needed.

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Why visit an embassy or a consulate

Travelers in Colombia might contact an embassy or a consulate office for many reasons. For the most part, these offices serve people who are in distress. Travelers might contact an embassy or consulate if they are the victims of a robbery, if they need to replace their passports, or if there’s an emergency and they need aid.


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Embassies will also help citizens in the event that someone in their party dies while in Colombia. They can expedite the process of getting a body back home and dealing with local authorities. Embassies can also help with legal trouble. For instance, if someone gets arrested in Colombia, the embassy may help them get out of jail or hire legal counsel. In general, any citizens who have trouble while overseas or who need help can contact their embassy for help. The embassy personnel will do all they can to remedy the situation.

Visiting Colombia is simple for Americans, especially if they have all their documents in order. With the right paperwork, they shouldn’t have a problem entering the country or traveling there.

Feature Natvisa Colombia Gov Site
Ease of Use User-friendly platform Complicated interface
Application Time Quick, streamlined form Lengthy and cumbersome process
Customer Support Customer support No support
Instructions Clear instructions Confusing content
Payment Method Accepts various payment methods Fewer payment options
Processing Updates Tracking of application status No updates
Mobile Fully optimized for mobile Poorly optimized for mobile
Refund Policy Transparent refund policy No refunds
Overall Convenience Designed to save time and effort Confusing flow

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