Visiting Colombia: travel restrictions and entry requirements

Colombia offers everything you could wish for a dream vacation. With its ever-changing landscapes, there’s something for everyone!

Covid 19

Do I need to be vaccinated to travel to Colombia?

Since December 14, 2021, international travelers (tourist or business trips of less than 90 days) over the age of 18 to Colombia are required to be vaccinated to enter Colombian territory without restrictions.

Partially vaccinated travelers (one dose or a second dose less than 14 days before travel) must present proof of their first injection and the negative result of a PCR test carried out less than 72 hours before the flight. Please note that antigenic tests are not accepted. They do not have to undergo quarantine on arrival.

Travellers must also complete the Check Mig online form 48 hours before their international flight.

What is the complete vaccination schedule accepted by Colombia?

Vaccines accepted in Colombia are the two-dose Pfizer, Sinovac, AstraZeneca, Moderna and Janssen single-dose vaccines. The last dose must have taken place 14 days before the date of travel to be recognized as valid.

What are the entry conditions for children under 18?

Children under 18 are exempt from vaccination.

However, a full course of vaccinations is required for entry to certain public and private places such as bars, restaurants, discotheques, museums, etc. for children aged over 12.

Do I need COVID insurance?

Travel insurance is not required to visit Colombia. However, hospitalization costs are relatively high, so we strongly recommend that you take out travel insurance covering hospitalization costs as well as COVID-19.

Is it compulsory to wear a mask outdoors?

Masks must be worn on all outings. It is also strongly recommended to avoid gatherings and to respect barrier gestures.

Is there a curfew in Colombia?

Temporary curfews are regularly imposed in Bogotá and other cities across the country (including Medellin, Barranquilla, Cali and Santa Marta). It is therefore advisable to keep up to date with the measures taken before travelling to each of the cities visited, as each town hall may take specific measures.

You should regularly consult the website of the French embassy and the websites of the following municipalities, in particular: the website of the French embassy in Colombia.

What about public places (shopping centers, bars, cinemas…) and activities?

A Colombian health pass known as “carné de vacunación” has been introduced by the local authorities. This is required, along with a full vaccination course, for people over 12 years of age to enter certain public and private places such as bars, restaurants, discotheques, museums, etc. Foreign health passes proving full vaccination against Covid-19 are accepted.

Bars, restaurants and stores are therefore open, but most museums require advance booking, and the number of simultaneous visitors is limited to ensure that safety distances are kept to a minimum.

Where can I get tested for COVID 19 in Colombia?

You can find a list of test sites in Colombia on the government website.

I’ve tested positive on the spot. What should I do?

If you test positive during your trip, you must isolate yourself for 7 days, and re-test at the end of this period until you are no longer contagious.

How much does a PCR or antigen test cost in Colombia?

The price of a PCR test in Colombia ranges from €40 to €65. The antigen test costs between €20 and €26.

Can I move freely between Colombia’s regions?

Yes, it’s possible to move freely between all regions.

What is the procedure for returning to France?

To return to France, all travellers, including vaccinated persons aged 12 or over, must present a negative antigen or PCR test less than 48 hours old.

You will need to self-isolate for 7 days, and retest only if you have not been vaccinated.

Important information

Do I need a VISA, passport or identity card?

French passport holders can enter Colombia without a visa and stay for up to 90 days, on presentation of a return ticket.

Beware: exceeding the visa duration can result in a heavy fine, and sometimes even a ban from France.

What documents must I request before I leave?

To travel to Colombia, you’ll need to fill in the Check Mig online form 48 hours before your flight.

What vaccinations (excluding covid) are recommended for my stay in Colombia?

For a stay in Colombia, vaccinations are strongly recommended:

• Up-to-date vaccination schedule
• Diphtheria-Tetanus-Polio
• Whooping cough and measles
• Hepatitis A (subject to medical advice)

Drinking water: Water is safe to drink in the major cities, but it is advisable to buy bottled water.

Medicines: are often different abroad, especially in Colombia. We strongly advise you to bring your own medication.

Security: delinquency is quite high in the country and is on the increase.

As a result, great vigilance is required in urban centers such as Bogotá, Cali and Medellin.

Assaults are regularly committed in a context where the festive atmosphere does not encourage vigilance.

It is recommended not to show any ostentatious sign of wealth and to leave valuables in a safe place. In the event of a violent attack, it’s best not to resist.

What’s more, bogus police officers are allegedly running scams under the pretext of checking identity documents and currency. If you are stopped by the police in the street, particularly in Bogotá, ask to be escorted to the nearest police station or to a public place (e.g. your hotel). Fake couriers also break into restaurants to rob customers. Take care of yourself.

Useful contacts

Embassy of Colombia in Paris

(+33) 01.42.65.46.08

Colombian Consulate in Paris

(+33) 01.53.93.91.91

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