Santodomingo Entry Requirements

Visa, immigration, and customs information

Santodomingo, like the rest of Colombia, welcomes tourists with a relatively straightforward entry process. Upon arrival at El Dorado International Airport in Bogotá (BOG) or other major international airports, travelers will go through immigration control where passports are stamped, and the permitted duration of stay is granted. It is important to ensure your passport has sufficient validity and that you have proof of onward travel and sufficient funds, as immigration officers may request these. The process is generally efficient, but travelers should be prepared with all necessary documents to avoid delays. Colombia uses a system of visa exemptions and electronic visas for many nationalities, simplifying entry for short-term visitors. Before traveling, visitors should check the most current entry requirements, as Colombian immigration policy can change. The country has been modernizing its systems, including the implementation of electronic authorizations for certain nationalities. Understanding whether you need a visa, an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA), or can enter visa-free is the most critical step in planning your trip to Santodomingo. Always ensure your travel documents are in order well before your departure date.

Visa Requirements

Entry permissions vary by nationality. Find your category below.

Colombia's visa policy categorizes countries based on whether their citizens require a visa, can enter visa-free, or must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) for short stays.

Visa-Free Entry

Up to 90 days (extendable for another 90 days)

Citizens of listed countries can enter Colombia for tourism without a visa.

Includes

United States United Kingdom European Union member states Canada Australia Japan South Korea Israel Chile Peru Mexico Costa Rica Panama

The 90-day stay is per calendar year. It can be extended once for an additional 90 days by applying at a Migración Colombia office before the initial period expires. Entry is granted for tourism only; other activities require a different visa type.

Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA/eVisa)

Up to 90 days

Citizens from certain countries must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) online before travel.

Includes

China India Qatar Saudi Arabia Thailand Turkey Ukraine Vietnam

How to Apply: Apply online through the official Migración Colombia portal. Processing typically takes 5-10 business days. The ETA is electronically linked to your passport.
Cost: Approximately $35 - $55 USD (subject to change)

The ETA is mandatory for air travel. You must apply before booking flights. Approval is not guaranteed and should be secured well in advance of travel.

Visa Required

As determined by the visa issued (typically up to 90 days)

Citizens of countries not listed in the visa-free or ETA categories must apply for a traditional tourist visa at a Colombian consulate.

How to Apply: Apply in person at a Colombian embassy or consulate in your country of residence. Requires an application form, passport, photos, proof of funds, travel itinerary, and often an interview.

Processing times vary significantly by consulate. Start the application process several weeks before your planned travel date.

Arrival Process

The entry process at Colombian airports is standardized. Upon disembarking, follow signs for 'Migración' or 'Inmigración'.

Passport Control

Present your passport, completed customs form (Check-Mig), and, if applicable, proof of onward/return travel and sufficient funds. The immigration officer will stamp your passport with an entry date and the number of days granted (up to 90).

Baggage Claim

Proceed to baggage claim to collect your luggage.

Customs Inspection

After collecting baggage, you will pass through customs. You may be asked to present your customs declaration form and may be selected for a random baggage scan or inspection.

Documents to Have Ready

Valid Passport

Must be valid for at least the duration of your stay. While not always enforced, it is recommended to have at least 6 months validity remaining.

Proof of Onward Travel

A confirmed ticket for departure from Colombia (air, land, or sea) may be requested by the airline at check-in or by immigration upon arrival.

Proof of Sufficient Funds

May be requested to show you can financially support yourself during your stay (e.g., recent bank statements, credit cards).

Completed Check-Mig Form

An online immigration and customs form (Check-Mig) must be filled out between 72 hours and 1 hour before your flight's departure to Colombia AND before your departure from Colombia. A screenshot or printout of the confirmation is recommended.

Visa/ETA (if required)

Must be obtained prior to travel if you are from a country that requires it.

Tips for Smooth Entry

Complete the Check-Mig form online before both your arrival and departure flights to save time at the airport.

Have digital or physical copies of your important documents: passport main page, visa/ETA, flight itineraries, and hotel reservations.

Answer immigration questions clearly, politely, and truthfully. Overstaying your visa can result in fines and future entry bans.

Keep the immigration entry stamp slip safe. You may need it for hotel registration or when extending your stay.

Customs & Duty-Free

Colombia has standard customs regulations. All travelers must declare items exceeding duty-free allowances or items that are restricted/prohibited.

Alcohol

Up to 2 liters of alcoholic beverages per adult traveler.

Traveler must be 18 years or older.

Tobacco

Up to 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars, or 250 grams of tobacco per adult traveler.

Traveler must be 18 years or older.

Currency

USD $10,000 or its equivalent in other currencies.

Amounts exceeding USD $10,000 (or equivalent) MUST be declared upon both entry and exit using the appropriate declaration form.

Gifts/Goods

Goods for personal use with a total value not exceeding USD $1,500.

Commercial quantities or items that appear to be for resale are subject to duties and taxes.

Prohibited Items

Illegal narcotics and psychotropic substances
Counterfeit goods and pirated software/media
Obscene or pornographic materials
Weapons, ammunition, and explosives without special permits
Endangered species and products derived from them (CITES)

Restricted Items

Medications - Bring only personal-use quantities with a doctor's prescription. Some controlled substances may require prior authorization.
Plants, seeds, fruits, and soil - Require phytosanitary certificates from the Colombian Agricultural Institute (ICA).
Animals and animal products - Require health certificates and permits from ICA.
Communications equipment (e.g., certain radios) - May require approval from the National Spectrum Agency (ANE).

Health Requirements

Colombia has minimal mandatory health requirements for entry, but certain vaccinations are strongly recommended.

Required Vaccinations

Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is required if traveling from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission (e.g., Brazil, Peru, parts of Panama) OR if traveling to rural areas within Colombia's yellow fever zones.

Recommended Vaccinations

Routine vaccines (MMR, DTaP), Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid ( for longer stays or rural travel)

Health Insurance

While not mandatory for entry, complete travel health insurance that includes medical evacuation is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. Medical care for foreigners is not free, and costs can be high.

Current Health Requirements: As of June 2024, there are no COVID-19 vaccination, testing, or quarantine requirements for entry into Colombia. This is subject to change; check the latest updates from the Colombian Ministry of Health before travel.

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Important Contacts

Essential resources for your trip.

Embassy/Consulate

Find your country's embassy or consulate in Colombia.

Check your government's travel advisory website (e.g., travel.state.gov for US citizens, gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice for UK) for contact details and location-specific advice.

Immigration Authority

Migración Colombia (Colombian Immigration)

Official source for visa applications, extensions, and official immigration rules. Website: www.migracioncolombia.gov.co

Emergency

National emergency number

Dial 123 from any phone for police, ambulance, or fire services.

Special Situations

Additional requirements for specific circumstances.

Traveling with Children

Minors (under 18) with Colombian citizenship or dual nationality must have a notarized travel authorization from the non-traveling parent(s) if leaving Colombia. For foreign minors entering Colombia, it's advisable to carry a notarized letter of consent from both parents, if traveling with only one parent or without parents, to avoid potential scrutiny from immigration.

Traveling with Pets

Dogs and cats require a Veterinary Health Certificate issued by an official government veterinarian in the country of origin, issued within 10 days of travel. The certificate must state the animal is healthy, free from contagious diseases, and has a valid rabies vaccination (administered at least 30 days prior to travel for animals over 3 months). An import permit from the Colombian Agricultural Institute (ICA) may also be required. Advance planning is essential.

Extended Stays

Tourists on a 90-day visa-free or ETA entry can apply for a one-time 90-day extension at a Migración Colombia office before the initial period expires. For longer stays, you must leave the country and re-enter (potentially limited by the 180-day per calendar year rule for tourists) or apply for a different type of visa (e.g., Visitor Visa for specific activities, Temporary Residence Permit) from a Colombian consulate abroad before traveling.

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