Colombia entry requirements for China passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 2026·View sources
eVisa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Chinese passport holders need an eVisa to enter Colombia. The process is entirely online and straightforward — just make sure you apply at least a few weeks before your trip. As of 2026, the eVisa is the standard way for Chinese citizens to visit Colombia for tourism or business.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply online before travel | Apply for a Colombian eVisa at the official portal at least 15 days before departure. The process takes 3–5 business days for most nationalities. You receive a digital visa linked to your passport — print the approval letter and carry it with your passport.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for entire stay | Your passport must be valid for the full duration of your stay in Colombia. No minimum validity beyond your departure date is required by Colombian immigration, but some airlines may enforce 6 months — check with your carrier. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration officers at Bogotá and Medellín airports routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed or digital copy of your flight itinerary ready. Overstaying your visa-free period results in a fine of 1–2 USD per day. | 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 | Complete the free Check-Mig form at migracioncolombia.gov.co within 72 hours before your flight. You get a QR code that immigration scans on arrival — no QR code means you may be denied boarding. Takes under 5 minutes.Open Check-Mig form | Required |
eVisa processing time
Apply at least 3 weeks before your trip. Processing can take up to 15 business days, and there's no expedited option. Don't book non-refundable flights until you have the visa.
Check-Mig is mandatory
You must complete the free Check-Mig form 1-5 days before your flight. Without it, you may be denied boarding or entry. Save the QR code on your phone.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for eVisa online
Go to the Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs eVisa portal. Fill in your details, upload a passport photo and scanned passport page, and pay the fee (approx. $50 USD). Processing takes 5-15 business days. You'll receive the visa by email.
2
Complete Check-Mig
Within 1-5 days before your flight, fill out the Check-Mig form at migracioncolombia.gov.co. It's free and takes 5 minutes. Save the confirmation QR code on your phone.
3
Arrive at Bogotá or Medellín airport
At immigration, present your passport, eVisa (printed or digital), return ticket, and accommodation confirmation. The officer may ask about your plans. The Check-Mig QR code speeds things up.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After immigration, collect your bags and proceed through customs. There's a green/red channel system — if you have nothing to declare, go through the green channel.
Download Colombia Entry Checklist
PDF · China Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay90 days, extendable 30 days
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost$52 USD (approx. 200,000 COP)
Apply online before travel; extension possible at immigration offices.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry, extendable 30 days
Validity1 year from issue date
Cost$82 USD (approx. 320,000 COP)
Ideal for frequent travellers; extension possible per stay.
Long-stay visa (M visa)
Max stayUp to 1 year
Validity1 year, renewable
Cost$150 USD (approx. 580,000 COP)
Requires proof of purpose (work, study, investment); apply at Colombian embassy.
work visa
Work Visa (Visa de Trabajo)
Up to 2 years, renewable
~$200 USD (approx. 780,000 COP)
For those with a job offer in Colombia. Requires employer sponsorship and contract. Allows multiple entries.
student visa
Student Visa (Visa de Estudiante)
Up to 1 year, renewable
~$150 USD (approx. 580,000 COP)
For enrolled students in recognized Colombian institutions. Requires proof of enrollment and sufficient funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa (Visa de Inversionista)
Up to 3 years, renewable
~$300 USD (approx. 1,170,000 COP)
For those investing a minimum of $100,000 USD in Colombian business or real estate. Requires proof of investment.
retirement visa
Retirement Visa (Visa de Pensionado)
Up to 3 years, renewable
~$200 USD (approx. 780,000 COP)
For retirees with a monthly pension of at least $1,000 USD. Requires proof of pension and health insurance.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa application feeNon-refundable, paid online during application. | $52 USD (approx. 200,000 COP) |
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for single entry eVisa. | $52 USD (approx. 200,000 COP) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | $82 USD (approx. 320,000 COP) |
| Overstay fine per dayFines accumulate daily; pay at immigration before departure. | Approx. $10 USD per day (max $500 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete documentation20%
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
Chinese passport holders transiting through Colombia to a third country do not need a transit visa if they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket within 24 hours.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid US, Schengen, or UK visa may transit without visa for up to 48 hours.
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 (e.g., Brazil, Peru).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheria-pertussisEssentialMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)EssentialRabiesConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverHigh risk
Mosquito-borne disease prevalent in urban and rural areas; use repellent and mosquito nets.
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 highest in Amazon basin and some rural areas; prophylaxis recommended for travel to those regions.
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 Central
Carrera 46 # 22-45, Bogotá
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main office for visa extensions and permits; arrive early to avoid long queues.
Medellín
Migración Colombia - Medellín
Calle 10 # 41-70, Medellín
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles extensions and re-entry permits; bring all original documents.
Practical information for CN 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 = 3,388.84 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
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to Colombia — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
Processing time is typically 5-15 business days. Apply at least 3 weeks before your trip to be safe. You'll receive the visa by email as a PDF.
No, the eVisa is not extendable. You must leave before it expires. If you want to stay longer, you'd need to apply for a different visa type from outside Colombia.
Immigration will likely deny entry. You need a confirmed onward or return ticket. A refundable ticket works if you're unsure of your plans.
Not required for entry, but recommended if you're visiting the Amazon or other jungle areas. Some airlines may ask for proof. Check with your doctor.
No. Chinese passport holders need an eVisa regardless of other visas. There's no visa waiver for US, UK, or Schengen visa holders.
You'll be fined and may face a ban from re-entering Colombia. Overstays are taken seriously. If you need more time, leave before the visa expires.
No, it's a single-entry visa. If you leave Colombia and want to return, you'll need to apply for a new eVisa.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 28, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.