Colombia entry requirements for New Zealand 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
New Zealand passport holders can visit Colombia visa-free for up to 90 days. No visa application is needed before travel, but you must complete the online Check-Mig form within 1-2 hours before your flight. This policy is in effect for 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your passport needs to be valid for the entire time you're in Colombia. No minimum validity period beyond your stay is required by Colombian immigration, but airlines may enforce a 6-month rule — check with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Colombia | Immigration officers routinely ask for a confirmed onward or return ticket at Bogotá and Medellín airports. Have a printed or digital copy ready — they may deny boarding if you can't show one. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a hotel confirmation or a letter from your host with their address and phone number. Officers rarely ask for it, but having it avoids delays if they do. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Evidence of sufficient money for your stay | Have a bank statement or credit card showing you can cover your expenses. There's no fixed minimum amount, but showing at least $500 USD for a short trip is a safe bet. | Recommended |
| Check-Mig pre-registrationColombia'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 | Fill out the free Check-Mig form at migracioncolombia.gov.co within 72 hours before your flight. You'll get a QR code — save a screenshot or print it. Airlines check this before boarding, and immigration scans it on arrival.Open Check-Mig form | Required |
Check-Mig timing is critical
The Check-Mig form must be completed within 1-2 hours before your flight departure. Do it at the airport before you check in. If you do it too early, the system may reject it. Save the confirmation — you'll need it at immigration.
Overstaying is costly
Overstaying even a day can trigger a fine and a record that may affect future travel to Colombia. Set a reminder to leave before day 90. If you need more time, apply for a visa before you arrive.
What happens at the border
1
Complete Check-Mig online
Go to migracioncolombia.gov.co and fill out the Check-Mig form within 1-2 hours before your flight. It's free and takes about 5 minutes. Save the confirmation as a PDF or screenshot.
2
Arrive at immigration counter
At Bogotá or Medellín airport, follow signs to 'Extranjeros' (Foreigners). Have your passport, boarding pass, and Check-Mig confirmation ready. The officer will stamp you in for up to 90 days.
3
Show onward ticket if asked
Immigration may ask for proof of onward travel. Have your return or onward ticket ready on your phone. They rarely ask, but it's better to be prepared.
4
Collect luggage and exit
After the stamp, head to baggage claim. Customs is usually straightforward — declare any goods over $500 USD. You're free to enter Colombia.
Download Colombia Entry Checklist
PDF · New Zealand 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:
Tourist Visa (Single Entry)
Max stay90 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
CostApproximately $50 USD
Apply at Colombian consulate before travel; allows one entry.
Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry)
Max stay90 days per entry, extendable 30 days
Validity1 year from issue
CostApproximately $100 USD
For frequent travellers; apply at Colombian consulate.
Long-Stay Visa (M Visa)
Max stayUp to 1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
CostApproximately $200 USD
Requires proof of income or investment; allows multiple entries.
retirement visa
Colombia Retirement Visa (M Visa – Rentista)
1 year, renewable
Approximately $200 USD application fee
For retirees with a monthly pension or passive income of at least 3 times the minimum wage (~$800 USD). Allows residency and multiple entries.
digital nomad visa
Colombia Digital Nomad Visa (M Visa – Trabajador Remoto)
1 year, renewable
Approximately $200 USD application fee
For remote workers earning at least $1,000 USD/month. Requires proof of employment and income. Allows stay and work in Colombia.
investor visa
Colombia Investor Visa (M Visa – Inversionista)
1 year, renewable
Approximately $200 USD application fee
For investors putting at least 100 times the minimum wage (~$25,000 USD) in a Colombian business or real estate. Leads to permanent residency.
student visa
Colombia Student Visa (M Visa – Estudiante)
Up to 1 year, renewable
Approximately $200 USD application fee
For enrolled students in a recognized Colombian institution. Requires proof of enrollment and financial means.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Stay extension (if available)Visa-free entry is not extendable; must leave after 90 days. | Not applicable |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay fines are assessed at immigration upon departure; maximum cap may apply. | Approximately COP 100,000 (~$25 USD) per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket35%
Insufficient funds25%
Overstay history20%
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
New Zealand 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; recommended for travel to certain regions in Colombia.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderYellow FeverEssential
Health risks
DengueHigh risk
Mosquito-borne disease prevalent in urban and rural areas; use repellent and mosquito nets.
MalariaModerate risk
Risk in Amazon and Pacific regions; prophylaxis recommended for those areas.
ZikaModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; pregnant women should take precautions.
Malaria risk: moderate
Risk is present in Amazon, Pacific coast, and some rural areas; prophylaxis recommended for 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 Principal
Carrera 46 # 22B-20, Bogotá
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main office for visa extensions and permits; arrive early.
Medellín
Migración Colombia – Medellín
Calle 10 # 41-50, Medellín
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles extensions and re-entry permits; bring all documents.
Practical information for NZ 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 90-day visa-free stay cannot be extended. You must leave Colombia before day 90. If you want to stay longer, you'd need to apply for a different visa type before travel.
Overstaying can result in a fine of around 2-3 USD per day overstayed and a possible ban from re-entering Colombia. Pay the fine at the immigration office before you leave. It's best to leave on time.
Not required for New Zealand passport holders arriving directly from New Zealand. However, if you're coming from a country with yellow fever (like Brazil or Peru), you'll need proof of vaccination. It's recommended anyway if you're visiting the Amazon region.
No. Immigration strictly requires at least 6 months validity from your entry date. If your passport expires sooner, renew it before you travel.
Yes. It's a legal requirement. You must complete it within 1-2 hours before your flight departure. Without it, you may be denied boarding or entry. It's free and takes 5 minutes online.
Immigration may ask for proof of onward travel. If you don't have one, you could be denied entry. Book a refundable onward ticket or a bus ticket out of Colombia to be safe.
Technically, tourism doesn't allow work. But remote work for a foreign employer is generally tolerated for short stays. If you plan to work for a Colombian company, you need a work visa. Check with the Colombian consulate for the latest rules.
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.