Colombia
South America • COL
Last updated: October 12, 2026
Colombia is a vibrant South American nation known for its incredible biodiversity, ranging from Caribbean beaches to the Andean highlands. Visitors are drawn to its rich history, colorful colonial architecture, and the welcoming warmth of the local culture.
Visa Requirements
Most Western nationals, including those from the US, Canada, and the EU, can enter Colombia for tourism for up to 90 days without a visa, extendable to 180 days per calendar year.
Typically Required Documents
- Passport valid for at least six months beyond the date of entry
- Proof of onward or return travel
- Completed Check-Mig form submitted online within 72 hours of arrival
- Proof of sufficient funds for the duration of the stay
Popular Attractions
Cartagena's Walled City: A UNESCO World Heritage site known for its well-preserved colonial buildings and lively atmosphere.
Tayrona National Natural Park: A stunning protected area offering a perfect blend of lush rainforests, mountains, and pristine Caribbean beaches.
Medellin's Comuna 13: Once a dangerous neighborhood, it is now a hub for street art, escalators, and inspiring social transformation.
The Coffee Axis (Eje Cafetero): A scenic region featuring rolling hills, coffee plantations, and the towering wax palms of Cocora Valley.
Bogota's Gold Museum: Home to the world's largest collection of pre-Hispanic gold pieces, providing deep insight into indigenous civilizations.
Local Customs & Etiquette
Always greet people with a polite 'buenos dias' or 'buenas tardes' when entering shops or interacting with locals.
Colombians are generally expressive and value physical touch, so a light handshake or a single kiss on the right cheek is common.
Avoid discussing sensitive political history or drug-related topics, as these subjects can be uncomfortable for many locals.
When visiting local markets, it is acceptable to negotiate prices politely, but remember that many vendors operate on very thin margins.
Punctuality is often flexible in Colombia, so do not be surprised if social plans start a bit later than scheduled.
Safety Tips
Adopt the 'no dar papaya' mindset, which translates to not making yourself an easy target by flashing valuables like jewelry or phones.
Use reputable ride-hailing apps rather than hailing taxis on the street, especially at night, for better security and tracking.
Stay in well-lit, populated tourist areas and avoid walking alone in deserted streets or unfamiliar neighborhoods after dark.
Only drink bottled or purified water rather than tap water to avoid gastrointestinal issues.
Stick to main roads and established trails when hiking, as some remote areas may still have remnants of historical conflicts.
AI-generated content. Visa requirements vary by nationality — verify with the official embassy before travel.
Yellow Fever
Source: CDC
Certificate required for travelers arriving from specific countries with risk of YF transmission.
View sourceYellow Fever
Source: CDC
Not required when traveling directly from non-risk countries.
View sourceCore Vaccines
Routine Vaccines (MMR, Tdap, Polio, Varicella, Influenza)
Source: CDC
Ensure all routine vaccinations are up to date before travel.
View sourceRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, Polio, Varicella, Influenza)
Source: CDC
Ensure all routine vaccinations are up to date before travel to prevent common preventable diseases.
View sourceRoutine Vaccines (MMR, DTaP, Polio, Varicella, Influenza)
Source: CDC
Ensure all routine vaccinations are up to date before travel to prevent common preventable diseases.
View sourceRoutine Vaccines (MMR, Tdap, Varicella, Polio, Influenza)
Source: CDC
Ensure all routine vaccinations are up to date before travel.
View sourceCOVID-19 vaccine
Source: CDC
To reduce risk of severe disease and complications during travel.
View sourceMMR Vaccine
Source: CDC
Recommended to protect against measles, mumps, and rubella.
View sourceTdap Vaccine
Source: CDC
Recommended for protection against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (whooping cough).
View sourceTdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis)
Source: CDC
Make sure your Tdap vaccine is up to date, especially if you will be in close contact with others.
View sourceMMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella)
Source: CDC
Ensure you are vaccinated against measles, mumps, and rubella before traveling to Colombia to protect yourself and the local population.
View sourceCOVID-19 vaccination
Source: CDC
Follow local requirements and recommendations related to COVID-19 vaccination.
View sourceRoutine vaccinations (MMR, DTaP, etc.)
Source: CDC
Ensure routine vaccinations are up to date before travel.
View sourceRoutine vaccines (MMR, Tdap, etc.)
Source: CDC
Ensure that routine vaccinations are up to date before traveling.
View sourceRoutine vaccines
Source: CDC
Make sure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines before every trip.
These vaccines include measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), diphtheria, pertussis, and tetanus (Tdap).
View sourceFor Most Travelers
Insect bite prevention
Source: CDC
Crucial to prevent vector-borne diseases like malaria, dengue, and Zika.
Use EPA-registered insect repellent, wear long sleeves/pants, and use permethrin-treated clothing.
View sourceFood and water safety
Source: CDC
Preventive measure to avoid gastrointestinal infections.
Drink only bottled or boiled water and avoid raw or undercooked foods.
View sourceInsect Bite Prevention
Source: CDC
Use insect repellent, wear protective clothing, and stay in climate-controlled lodging to prevent diseases like Dengue, Zika, and Malaria.
View sourceFood and Water Safety
Source: CDC
Prevent foodborne and waterborne illnesses by eating safe food and drinking treated/bottled water.
View sourceFood and water safety precautions
Source: CDC
Prevent food and waterborne diseases by consuming only safe food and beverages.
Eat food that is cooked and served hot; drink bottled or boiled water.
View sourceHepatitis A Vaccine
Source: CDC
Recommended due to the risk of food and waterborne illness.
View sourceTyphoid Vaccine
Source: CDC
Recommended for travelers to areas with food and water safety concerns.
View sourceHepatitis B
Source: CDC
Recommended for adults, especially those engaging in sexual activity or needing medical care.
View sourceFood and water safety precautions (drinking bottled or boiled water)
Source: CDC
To reduce the risk of traveler's diarrhea and other foodborne illnesses.
View sourceInsect bite prevention measures (using DEET, staying in well-screened areas)
Source: CDC
To prevent insect-borne diseases such as dengue and Zika virus.
View sourceInsect bite prevention measures (e.g., insect repellent, bed nets)
Source: CDC
To prevent diseases such as Zika, dengue, and chikungunya transmitted by mosquitoes.
View sourceOlder adult vaccines (like pneumococcal and shingles)
Source: CDC
Recommended for older adults to prevent disease during travel.
View sourceCOVID-19 vaccine
Source: CDC
Fully vaccinated travelers are less likely to be severely ill and may be less likely to spread COVID-19.
Check the latest travel health notices.
View sourceMalaria prevention measures
Source: CDC
In areas of risk, such as rural areas, prevent malaria through effective strategies.
Consult local guidelines for specific areas.
View sourceHepatitis A
Source: CDC
Recommended for most travelers due to risk of food or water contamination.
View sourceTyphoid
Source: CDC
Recommended for most travelers, especially those staying with friends/relatives or visiting smaller cities.
View sourceItinerary-Specific
Yellow Fever (for travel)
Source: CDC
Recommended for travelers visiting areas with risk of yellow fever.
Check specific regional recommendations based on your itinerary.
View sourceYellow Fever
Source: CDC
Recommended for travelers aged 9 months or older who are visiting areas with risk of yellow fever transmission in Colombia.
View sourceHepatitis B
Source: CDC
Considered for travelers who may have sexual contact or medical procedures during their stay.
View sourceInsect bite prevention
Source: CDC
Important in preventing mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue and Zika.
Use repellents and wear protective clothing.
View sourceRabies Vaccine
Source: CDC
Consider if engaging with wildlife or at risk of animal bites, especially in remote areas.
View sourceHepatitis B Vaccine
Source: CDC
Can be considered depending on travel plans involving medical procedures or sexual contact.
View sourceRoutine vaccines (chickenpox, polio)
Source: CDC
Ensure routine vaccinations are up to date to safeguard against common infections.
View sourceInsect protection measures
Source: CDC
Use insect repellent and wear long sleeves to prevent mosquito bites that could lead to diseases such as dengue.
View sourceTraveler's diarrhea precautions
Source: CDC
To minimize the risk of gastrointestinal issues while traveling.
Consider carrying medication for diarrhea.
View sourceRabies pre-exposure vaccination
Source: CDC
Consider for travelers engaging in activities that may expose them to bats or other animals.
View sourceRabies
Source: CDC
Considered for travelers involved in outdoor activities or working with animals.
View sourceHepatitis B
Source: CDC
Especially for travelers who may have sexual encounters or get a tattoo or piercing.
View sourceRabies
Source: CDC
Recommended for travelers involved in outdoor activities that may bring them into contact with bats, dogs, or other wildlife.
Particularly important if you will be in rural areas.
View sourceRisk Area: Major cities (Bogota, Medellin, Cali) and areas above 2000m
Seasonality: No malaria risk
View sourceRisk Area: Major cities and high altitude areas (Bogota, Medellin, etc.)
Seasonality: No malaria risk
View sourceRisk Area: Rural areas below 2000m
Chemoprophylaxis: Atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine
Seasonality: Year-round
View sourceRisk Area: Major cities (Bogotá, Medellín, Cali) and high-altitude areas above 1,600 meters
Chemoprophylaxis: No chemoprophylaxis needed
View sourceRisk Area: Rural areas below 1,600 meters (5,249 feet) in departments such as Amazonas, Chocó, Guainía, and others.
Chemoprophylaxis: Atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine
Seasonality: Year-round
View sourceRisk Area: Rural areas below 1,700 meters
Chemoprophylaxis: Atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine
Seasonality: Year-round
View sourceRisk Area: Urban areas (Bogota, Medellin, Cartagena, etc.)
Chemoprophylaxis: No chemoprophylaxis required
View sourceRisk Area: No malaria risk
View sourceRisk Area: Certain rural areas in Colombia
Chemoprophylaxis: Atovaquone-proguanil or doxycycline
Seasonality: Risk in some rural areas, recommended for certain travelers.
View source