Colombia - Immigration

A valid passport is required which will remain valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry.

Immigration (Migracion) Procedure:

Immigration have a pre-arrival form that all visitors must complete in advance: https://apps.migracioncolombia.gov.co/pre-registro/en. However, in 2024 the maritime tick box is not active, therefore this can only be completed if arriving by air. Do check prior to departure for Colombia, in case the maritime tick box has now become active, in which case it should be completed.

When clearing in with immigration you will normally be issued a 90-day tourists’ visa. This can subsequently be extended for a further 90 days for a total of a (maximum) 180 day stay (not 6 months necessarily) per 12-month period.

Note that the clock still runs if you leave Colombia to return after a period away. The only advantage is that the time away will be added to the original visa expiration date.

If you are planning to be here for longer than 90 days, remember to renew your visa before the 90 days runs out. This can now be processed on line at the Migracion website.  You will also need to pay an extension fee at a bank.

For a list of countries that need to arrange a visa in advance see the official government website. Speak with your agent prior to arrival if you have any doubts.

Other Visa Information:

Applications must be made before the previous visa expires. For lack of clarity on this make sure you apply for the extension on day 89 or before if this day should fall on a public holiday or Sunday. Ask your agent to keep you informed (it still remains your responsibility). If you need assistance renewing your 90 day initial tourist visas, the maritime agent could make an additional modest charge besides that required by immigration itself.

Other Information:

• A passport exit stamp from the Migration office must be obtained on departure.
• Identification must always be carried; as a precaution against theft, authenticated copies are acceptable, and the Migration office will witness and photocopy passports and other documents for US$20. A notorized copy of your passport (with entry visa) should also suffice (costing perhaps just $2.00 USD)
• A Colombian cruising permit and visas can be obtained from any Colombian embassy or consulate in one of the countries in the vicinity, such as Venezuela or Panama. There is a Colombian consulate in Colón in Panama, which is used to dealing with yachts intending to visit Colombia.

Crew Flying in:

Immigration have a pre-arrival form that all visitors arriving by air must complete in advance: https://apps.migracioncolombia.gov.co/pre-registro/en.

Last updated:  January 2024