If you’re considering a family trip to Colombia, it’s crucial that you properly plan your journey. With international travel, you should have all your plans set, and paperwork finished before you leave, so you’re sure to get into the country with no problems and have a fantastic trip.

Like most international travel, you do need a passport to enter Colombia. Here’s a guide on ensuring that your passport is up to date and ready, as well as all other paperwork you will need and the various ways to get to the country.

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Do You Need a Passport To Go to Colombia?

Whether you visit Colombia by air or by land, a passport is required to enter the country. As with any international travel, you must have a valid, unexpired United States passport as an international form of identification.

You will also need your passport to get back into the United States. Although the U.S. doesn’t require one to leave the country, it’s standard practice to check it at the border, so they know you have a way to get back home.

Do You Need a Visa to Go to Colombia?

You don’t need a visa for a Colombia trip unless you are staying for longer than 90 days. If you are going to Colombia for a semester abroad, a year-long trip, or to move permanently, you will need to fill out and be approved for a visa.

Colombia does not require short-term visas, but they require proof of a return trip. Your return flight must be booked before you enter the country so that officials know the length of your trip. A round-trip ticket is usually cheaper and works well with itineraries.

Colombia Travel Requirements

If you’re planning a trip to Colombia, you’ll need to be aware of all the travel requirements and how far ahead to plan for them. Here are the requirements to enter the country of Colombia, including passports, visas, and vaccination requirements.

Passports and Visa Requirements

As stated above, the Colombian government requires passports for all visitors to the country. If you have an American passport, it’s highly recommended to renew it within six months of expiration. You must be able to get back home no matter what, and traveling with a passport close to expiring isn’t recommended.

If you don’t have a passport, applying for one and getting it in the mail is not complicated. However, it does take time, so go to your local post office and fill out the necessary forms several months before your departure. This will ensure that you get your passport in the mail long before you board the plane.

Visas aren’t required for American citizens for short periods. Most developed countries, including Australia, Canada, Japan, America, and most of Europe, are included in this exemption. There are a few exceptions, but mostly short trips to Colombia don’t require visas.

COVID and Vaccine Requirements

You will either need to show proof of a COVID vaccination or a negative COVID test taken within the last ten days to enter Colombia. These official documents will prove your health to government officials and clear you for travel into and within Colombia. If you take a test before you leave and test positive, you won’t be allowed through customs.

Although proof of the COVID vaccine isn’t required when entering Colombia, it is strongly encouraged to stop the spread of Coronavirus and protect the more vulnerable travelers and citizens. However, other vaccinations may be required for your trip to Colombia.

The main vaccination that the Colombian government may require is the yellow fever vaccination. This requisite depends on where you are traveling in Colombia and where you are traveling from. Although most Americans don’t have this vaccination, it’s easy to make an appointment at your primary care physician’s office.

Standard vaccinations are highly recommended for any kind of international travel. When traveling to a different country, you are exposed to localized germs and bringing your bacteria with you. The best way to stay healthy and protect those around you is to keep yourself and your family updated and healthy.

Getting to Colombia by Air

The majority of visitors travel to Colombia by air. There are plenty of direct flights from large airports in the United States, including the Dallas Fort Worth international airport and the Atlanta international airport. Most direct international flights land in Bogota, the capital of Colombia.

If you visit Colombia, you probably have a specific plan set for your trip. Flying into Bogota can be stressful, but if you prepare your travel arrangements in advance, you’ll be able to complete your trip with your family in safety and ease.

Getting to Colombia by Land

It’s not nearly as easy or convenient, but some families choose to drive through Central America to get to Colombia. This is a longer route and winds through multiple countries, each with its laws and passport regulations. However, it can be done by an intrepid international traveler.

It is not recommended to drive to Colombia if you aren’t used to traveling internationally. Although most the central and south American countries speak English and Spanish, you shouldn’t assume that you will know where to go without experience and careful planning.

If you choose to drive to Colombia, you’ll be required to show your passport at every international border. You’ll have to show an itinerary at the border to assure officials that you have a set plan and won’t be in the country for more than 90 days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some of the most common questions about visiting Colombia.

Is it safe to visit Colombia?

Colombia is not known for being incredibly safe. Although the statistics vary throughout the year, you can check the country’s safety at any time. Especially in the city centers, Colombia has high rates of crime and kidnapping.

If you decide to visit Colombia, make sure you take some safety measures, such as staying in known safe places and away from dangerous areas, avoiding illegal taxis and public transportation, and hiring a trusted local guide.

What is the best time of year to visit Colombia?

Colombia is beautiful all year round, but it is an equatorial country and gets very hot in the summer. The best times of the year to visit for good weather are December through March and June through September. It’s sunny but not too hot, and the rainy season is over.

Colombia has many mountain ranges, and if you are staying in a mountain lodge or resort, the weather will be cooler because of the high altitude. Even though it’s warm year-round, the mountains can get much cooler, especially at night.

Do you need a passport if you have Colombian citizenship?

If you have Colombian citizenship, you’re not required to show a passport when you enter the country. However, you’ll have to provide proof of citizenship, such as a government-issued identification. A passport is an easy way of doing this, so it might be easiest to bring your it to Colombia as a citizen.

So, Do You Need a Passport to Go To Colombia?

No matter which way you enter Colombia, you’ll be required to show a valid, unexpired passport to begin your adventure. However, once in the country, you can enjoy its rich culture and nature without needing to show it again. Your passport is the key to your ideal Colombian trip.

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James Brockbank

Founder at The Family Vacation Guide

A seasoned traveller, Dad, and avid sports tourist, James foundered The Family Vacation Guide to share his expert vacation experiences- especially when it comes to being a travelling family man.

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