Colombia entry requirements for Ireland passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 18, 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
Irish passport holders don't need a visa for Colombia for tourism or business stays up to 90 days. From 2026, you just need a valid passport and a completed Check-Mig form. Colombia is one of the easiest South American countries to visit from Ireland.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must cover your entire stay in Colombia | Your Irish passport needs to be valid for at least the duration of your stay. Colombia does not require 6 months of remaining validity beyond your departure date — just enough to cover your trip. Airlines sometimes enforce the 6-month rule, so 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 within 72 hours of departure | Complete the free Check-Mig form at migracioncolombia.gov.co no earlier than 72 hours before your flight. The system asks for your flight details, passport info, and accommodation address. Have a screenshot of the confirmation QR code ready — immigration officers scan it on arrival.Open Check-Mig form | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Colombia | Immigration officers routinely ask for a return or onward ticket showing you leave Colombia within 90 days. A printed or digital copy of your flight itinerary works. If you're continuing to another country, a bus or ferry ticket also counts. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Have your hotel confirmation, hostel booking, or a letter from your host ready. Immigration rarely asks for it, but having a printed copy or a PDF on your phone avoids delays if they do. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself during your stay | Carry a bank statement or credit card showing access to funds. Colombia does not publish a specific minimum amount, but having around $500 USD equivalent or a credit card with a reasonable limit covers what officers typically expect. | Recommended |
Check-Mig is mandatory — don't skip it
Complete the free online form at migracioncolombia.gov.co within 72 hours before your flight. Without it, you'll be turned away at immigration. Save the confirmation as a PDF or screenshot.
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry. Airlines check this before boarding. If your passport expires sooner, renew it before you travel.
What happens at the border
1
Complete Check-Mig online
Up to 72 hours before your flight, go to migracioncolombia.gov.co and fill in the Check-Mig form. You'll need your flight details, passport info, and accommodation address. Save the confirmation as a PDF or screenshot.
2
Arrive at immigration counter
At Bogotá El Dorado or any other Colombian airport, follow signs to 'Migración' (immigration). Join the 'Extranjeros' (foreigners) queue. Have your passport, Check-Mig confirmation, and return ticket ready.
3
Present documents and get stamped
Hand over your passport and Check-Mig confirmation. The officer may ask how long you're staying and where. They'll stamp your passport with up to 90 days. Keep the stamp visible — you'll need it when leaving.
4
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, collect your bags from the carousel, then walk through customs (green channel if nothing to declare). You're now in Colombia.
Download Colombia Entry Checklist
PDF · Ireland Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 18, 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:
Tourist Visa (Single Entry)
Max stay90 days, extendable once for 90 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost~$50 USD (approx. 200,000 COP)
Apply at Colombian embassy in Ireland. Allows longer stay than visa-free.
Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry)
Max stay90 days per entry, extendable
Validity1 year from issue
Cost~$100 USD (approx. 400,000 COP)
Ideal for frequent travellers. Must apply in advance.
Work Visa (Visa de Trabajo)
Max stayUp to 2 years, renewable
Validity2 years
Cost~$200 USD (approx. 800,000 COP)
Requires employer sponsorship and contract. Allows long-term stay.
Student Visa (Visa de Estudiante)
Max stayDuration of studies, up to 1 year
Validity1 year, renewable
Cost~$100 USD (approx. 400,000 COP)
Must be enrolled in a recognized Colombian institution.
digital nomad visa
Digital Nomad Visa (Visa de Nómada Digital)
Up to 2 years, renewable
~$200 USD (approx. 800,000 COP) 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 2 years without leaving.
retirement visa
Retirement Visa (Visa de Pensionado)
3 years, renewable
~$300 USD (approx. 1,200,000 COP) application fee
For retirees with a permanent pension of at least $1,000 USD/month. Requires proof of pension, criminal record check, and health insurance. Allows long-term residence.
investor visa
Investor Visa (Visa de Inversionista)
3 years, renewable
~$500 USD (approx. 2,000,000 COP) application fee
For those investing at least $100,000 USD in Colombian business or real estate. Requires proof of investment and business plan. Leads to permanent residency.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Stay extension (not applicable for visa-free entry)Visa-free stays cannot be extended; must leave after 90 days. | N/A |
| Overstay fine per dayFines accumulate daily; maximum cap may apply. Pay at immigration office before departure. | ~$2 USD per day (approx. 8,000 COP) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
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
Irish passport holders do not need a transit visa to change planes in Colombia, even if leaving the airport for a short layover.
Airside transitAllowed
Transit hubsEl Dorado International Airport (BOG), Bogotá · José María Córdova International Airport (MDE), Medellín · Rafael Núñez International Airport (CTG), Cartagena
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-pertussis (Tdap)EssentialMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)EssentialRabiesConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverHigh risk
Mosquito-borne disease common in urban and rural areas; use repellent and mosquito nets.
Zika virusModerate risk
Pregnant women should take precautions; avoid mosquito bites.
ChikungunyaModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; symptoms include fever and joint pain.
Malaria risk: low
Risk exists in rural areas below 1,700m, especially Amazon region. 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 Principal
Carrera 46 No. 22B-45, Bogotá
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main office for visa extensions and overstay fines. Arrive early to avoid long queues.
Medellín
Migración Colombia - Medellín
Calle 10 No. 41-25, Medellín
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles extensions and permits. Bring all original documents.
Practical information for IE 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
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to Colombia — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
No, the visa-free entry is not extendable. You must leave after 90 days. To stay longer, apply for a different visa type before your 90 days expire, or leave and re-enter (though re-entry may be questioned if done repeatedly).
You'll be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry at immigration. The 6-month validity rule is strictly enforced. Renew your passport before traveling.
Not for Irish passport holders arriving directly from Ireland. But if you've recently been in a country with yellow fever (e.g., Brazil, Peru), you may need proof of vaccination. Check current requirements before travel.
Yes, the same 90-day visa-free rule applies at land borders. You'll still need a valid passport, Check-Mig form, and proof of onward travel. Land crossings are generally straightforward but can involve longer queues.
Contact the Irish Embassy in Bogotá immediately. They can issue an emergency travel document. You'll also need a police report (denuncia) from the nearest police station. Keep a photocopy or digital scan of your passport separately.
Yes, it's mandatory. You won't be allowed through immigration without it. It's free and takes about 10 minutes online. Complete it within 72 hours of your flight — not earlier, not later.
Technically, the visa-free entry is for tourism or business meetings only. Remote work for a foreign employer is in a grey area — many digital nomads do it, but it's not officially permitted. Colombia has a specific digital nomad visa if you plan to stay longer.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 18, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.