Colombia entry requirements for Australia passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 17, 2026·View sources
No visa required
90 days
Max stay
90 days
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Australians can visit Colombia for tourism up to 90 days without a visa. Just bring your valid Australian passport. Make sure your passport has at least 6 months of remaining validity and a blank page for the entry stamp.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must cover your entire stay in Colombia | Your Australian passport needs to be valid for the full duration of your stay. No minimum validity beyond departure is required by Colombian law, but airlines may enforce a 6-month rule — check with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Check-Mig pre-registrationCheck-Mig: Colombia's mandatory online pre-registration form at migracioncolombia.gov.co. Complete it within 72 hours before your flight — it takes under 5 minutes. Mandatory online form for all travellers | Complete the free Check-Mig form at migracioncolombia.gov.co within 72 hours before your flight. It takes under 5 minutes — you get a QR code that immigration scans on arrival. Without it, you may be denied boarding.Open Check-Mig form | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof you will leave Colombia within 90 days | Immigration officers routinely ask for a return or onward ticket at Bogotá and Medellín airports. A flight booking to any country outside Colombia within 90 days works — a bus ticket to Ecuador or a flight to Panama both count. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Have a printed or digital hotel confirmation for your first few nights. If staying with friends, a simple letter of invitation with their contact details is usually enough — officers rarely ask, but it smooths things if they do. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Carry a bank statement or credit card showing access to at least $500 USD equivalent. Officers rarely check this for Australian passport holders, but having it ready avoids delays. | Recommended |
Mandatory Check-Mig Registration
All travellers must complete the Check-Mig form online (migracioncolombia.gov.co) within 72 hours before departure (no earlier than 72 hours, no later than 1 hour). Failure to do so can result in denied boarding by the airline or refusal of entry at immigration. The form is free and takes less than 5 minutes. Save the confirmation QR code on your phone.
Overstay Penalties Are Strict
Colombia fines heavily for overstaying. The fine starts at about 870,000 COP (around AUD 350) and increases with each day. If you overstay more than 30 days, you risk a multi-year entry ban. Set a reminder to leave before day 90.
What happens at the border
1
Complete the Check-Mig Registration
Go to the Migración Colombia website and fill out the Check-Mig form within 72 hours before your flight (no earlier than 72 hours, no later than 1 hour before departure). You'll need your flight details and passport info. After submission, you'll get a QR code or a PDF. Save it on your phone or print a copy.
2
At Immigration in Colombia
When you land at any Colombian airport (Bogotá El Dorado, Medellín, Cartagena, Cali), follow signs to 'Migración' or 'Extranjeros'. Have your passport, printed or digital Check-Mig confirmation, and your return ticket ready. The officer will stamp your passport with 'Turista' and a stay up to 90 days. The process usually takes a few minutes.
3
Collect Your Baggage and Exit
After the immigration stamp, proceed to baggage claim, then to customs. Declare any items over the duty-free limit. Green/red light system. Exit the arrivals hall.
Download Colombia Entry Checklist
PDF · Australia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 17, 2026
Overstay calculator
Enter your arrival date and we'll tell you exactly when you need to leave.
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Visitor Visa (Type V)
Max stayUp to 180 days (extendable once for 180 days)
ValidityUp to 1 year from issue date
CostApproximately $50 USD (application fee)
Apply at Colombian embassy/consulate before travel. Requires proof of funds, itinerary, and return ticket.
Migrant Visa (Type M)
Max stayUp to 3 years (renewable)
ValidityUp to 3 years
CostApproximately $200 USD (application fee)
For long-term stays, work, or residency. Requires sponsorship or specific criteria (e.g., retirement, investment).
Digital Nomad Visa
Max stayUp to 1 year (renewable for 1 more year)
ValidityUp to 2 years total
CostApproximately $100 USD (application fee)
For remote workers with foreign income. Must show proof of employment and income. Apply at Colombian consulate.
digital nomad visa
Digital Nomad Visa (Visa Nómada Digital)
1 year, renewable
COP 1,000,000 (~$250 USD) application fee
For remote workers with foreign income. Requires proof of employment, income of at least $1,000 USD/month, and health insurance. Allows stay up to 1 year.
retirement visa
Retirement Visa (Visa de Pensionado)
1 year, renewable
COP 1,000,000 (~$250 USD) application fee
For retirees with a pension of at least $1,000 USD/month. Requires proof of pension and health insurance. Renewable annually.
work visa
Work Visa (Visa de Trabajo)
1 year, renewable
COP 1,000,000 (~$250 USD) application fee
For those with a job offer in Colombia. Requires employer sponsorship and contract. Allows multiple entries.
student visa
Student Visa (Visa de Estudiante)
1 year, renewable
COP 1,000,000 (~$250 USD) application fee
For enrolled students in accredited Colombian institutions. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Stay extension (if applicable)Visa-free stay is not extendable. Must leave after 90 days. | Not available |
| Tourist visa (single entry)Australian passport holders do not need a tourist visa for short stays. | Not applicable |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Not required for visa-free entry. | Not applicable |
| Overstay fine per dayFine is assessed upon departure. Maximum cap may apply; avoid overstaying. | Approximately COP 100,000 (~$25 USD) per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket30%
Insufficient funds25%
Suspicious travel pattern20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Colombia
No transit visa needed
Australian passport holders do not need a transit visa to change planes in Colombia, as long as they remain airside and do not pass through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed
Transit hubsEl Dorado International Airport (BOG) · José María Córdova International Airport (MDE) · Rafael Núñez International Airport (CTG)
Health & vaccines for Colombia
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission; may be asked for proof at entry.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheria-pertussisEssentialMeasles-mumps-rubellaEssentialRabiesConsiderCOVID-19Essential
Health risks
Dengue feverHigh risk
Mosquito-borne disease common in urban and rural areas; use insect repellent.
MalariaModerate risk
Risk in Amazon region and some rural areas; prophylaxis recommended for those areas.
Zika virusModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; pregnant women should take precautions.
Malaria risk: moderate
Risk is low in major cities and tourist areas, but moderate in Amazon basin and rural regions. Prophylaxis recommended for travel to those areas.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Bogotá
Migración Colombia – Sede Nacional
Carrera 46 No. 22B-27, Bogotá
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main office for visa inquiries and permits. Bring passport, Check-Mig registration, and proof of funds.
Medellín
Migración Colombia – Medellín
Calle 10 No. 41-45, Medellín
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles extensions and re-entry permits. Arrive early to avoid long queues.
Practical information for AU travellers
Country basics
CapitalBogotá
LanguageSpanish
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS license valid for tourist stays.
Money
CurrencyColombian Peso (COP)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 3,791.19 COP
Time zone
Local timeUTC-5
vs New YorkSame (EST) / -1h (EDT)
vs Los Angeles+3h (PST) / +2h (PDT)
Electricity
Voltage110V / 60Hz
Plug types
A,BType A, B — same as the US. No adapter needed.
✓ No adapter needed for US plugs
Water & health
Tap water
Safe to drink
Safe in Bogotá and major cities. Use bottled water outside cities.
Emergency numbers
US EmbassyFind contact
Getting to Colombia
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to Colombia — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
No, the visa-free stay for Australians is not extendable. You must leave Colombia before day 90. Overstaying results in fines (roughly COP 870,000 – COP 2,500,000 depending on days) and possible entry bans.
No, the tourist stamp is for tourism and short-term visits only. You cannot legally work for a Colombian company or earn income during your stay. For work, you need a work visa (Visa de Trabajo) approved before arrival.
Not required if you are travelling directly from Australia or other non-endemic countries. However, some regions in Colombia (e.g., Amazonas, Leticia) may require the certificate for entry. It's recommended for those visiting rural or jungle areas, regardless.
You'll be fined per day of overstay. The fine is calculated at the time you leave Colombia. Overstaying by more than 30 days can lead to an entry ban of up to 5 years. Always leave within the stamped period.
Yes, it is mandatory since 2020. Airlines check it at check-in, and Colombian immigration won't let you through without it. The form is free and takes 5 minutes. Fill it out between 72 and 1 hour before your flight.
Not always, but often. Airlines typically ask for it. Colombian immigration officers also have the right to ask. If you don't have one, they may deny entry. A refundable flight booked through an airline is the safest option.
Yes, you can leave and re-enter under the visa-free arrangement, but each time you are allowed only up to 90 days. There's no limit on the number of entries as long as you don't exceed the combined stay. However, frequent back-to-back visits may raise questions about genuine tourism.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 17, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.