Colombia entry requirements for Uganda 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
Ugandan passport holders need an eVisa to enter Colombia. The process is entirely online — you apply before you travel, and approval usually takes a few business days. As of 2026, there is no visa-free access for Ugandans to Colombia.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | You need a visa to enter Colombia. Apply online through the Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs eVisa portal at least 15 days before your trip. Processing takes 3–5 business days, and you'll receive the visa by email — print it and carry a copy with your passport.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for entire stay | Your Ugandan passport must be valid for the entire duration of your stay in Colombia. Colombian immigration does not enforce a 6-month validity rule, but airlines may check it at check-in. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Recommended | Immigration officers at Bogotá and Medellín airports routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return flight or a ticket to your next destination ready. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended | Hotel bookings or an invitation letter from your host in Colombia can speed up the immigration process. Have the address and contact details handy. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended | Carry evidence of sufficient funds for your stay — bank statements or a credit card with a decent limit. Immigration rarely asks, but it's better to have it ready. | Recommended |
| 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. Complete within 72 hours of departure | Colombia requires all travellers to fill out the Check-Mig online form at migracioncolombia.gov.co within 72 hours before your flight. It's free and takes under 5 minutes — you'll get a QR code to show at immigration.Open Check-Mig form | Required |
Check-Mig is mandatory
You must complete the free Check-Mig form online within 1-5 days before your arrival. Without it, you may face delays at immigration. Save the QR code on your phone.
Passport validity counts from entry date
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you land in Colombia, not from your departure date. If it expires sooner, renew it before applying for the eVisa.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for your eVisa online
Go to the Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs eVisa portal. Fill in your details, upload a scanned copy of your passport bio page and a passport-style photo. Pay the visa fee (around $50 USD, varies by nationality). Submit and wait for approval — typically 3-5 business days.
2
Complete Check-Mig form
Within 1-5 days before your flight, fill out the free Check-Mig form on migracioncolombia.gov.co. You'll need your flight details, passport info, and accommodation address. Save the confirmation QR code on your phone.
3
Prepare your documents for immigration
At the airport in Colombia (Bogotá, Medellín, or Cartagena), join the 'Foreigners' queue. Have your passport, printed or digital eVisa approval, return ticket, accommodation booking, and Check-Mig QR code ready. Immigration officers may ask a few questions about your trip — answer clearly.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After immigration, collect your bags from the carousel. If you have nothing to declare, use the green channel. If you're carrying goods over $1,500 USD or restricted items, use the red channel.
Download Colombia Entry Checklist
PDF · Uganda 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
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$52 USD (approx. 200,000 COP)
Standard option for tourism; apply online before travel.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry, extendable 30 days
Validity1 year from issue
Cost$82 USD (approx. 315,000 COP)
Ideal for frequent travelers; must leave and re-enter.
Long-stay visa (M visa)
Max stayUp to 2 years
Validity2 years from issue
Cost$150 USD (approx. 577,000 COP)
For work, study, or family reasons; requires sponsorship.
work visa
Work Visa (Visa de Trabajo)
Up to 2 years, renewable
$150 USD (approx. 577,000 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
$100 USD (approx. 385,000 COP)
For enrollment in a recognized Colombian educational institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa (Visa de Inversionista)
Up to 3 years, renewable
$200 USD (approx. 770,000 COP)
For those investing at least $100,000 USD in a Colombian business or real estate. Requires proof of investment.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry)Standard fee for Uganda passport holders applying online. | $52 USD (approx. 200,000 COP) |
| Tourist visa (single entry)Same as eVisa; no separate single-entry visa fee. | $52 USD (approx. 200,000 COP) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | $82 USD (approx. 315,000 COP) |
| Stay extension feeFor extending stay beyond initial eVisa period, if allowed. | $30 USD (approx. 115,000 COP) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap of $500 USD (approx. 1,900,000 COP). | $5 USD (approx. 19,000 COP) per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete application20%
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
Uganda passport holders transiting through Colombia do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, if you need to leave the airport or have a layover over 24 hours, you must obtain an eVisa.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid US, Schengen, or UK visa may transit without visa for up to 24 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, including Uganda.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheria-pertussis (Tdap)EssentialMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)EssentialRabiesConsiderCOVID-19Essential
Health risks
Dengue feverHigh risk
Mosquito-borne disease common in urban and rural areas; use repellent and mosquito nets.
MalariaModerate risk
Risk in rural areas below 1,700 meters; prophylaxis recommended for those regions.
Zika virusModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; pregnant women should take precautions.
Malaria risk: moderate
Risk in rural areas below 1,700 meters, especially Amazon and Pacific coast regions. Prophylaxis recommended for 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. 22-45, Bogotá
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main office for visa extensions and permits; arrive early.
Medellín
Migración Colombia - Medellín
Calle 10 No. 41-45, Medellín
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles extensions and re-entry permits; bring all documents.
Practical information for UG 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 usually takes 3-5 business days, but it can take up to 10 days during peak periods. Apply at least a week before your flight to be safe.
The eVisa fee is around $50 USD, but it can vary based on the visa type and your nationality. Check the official portal for the exact amount before paying.
No, the eVisa does not allow extensions. You must leave before your visa expires. If you need more time, you'd need to apply for a different visa type from outside Colombia.
Colombia does not require a yellow fever vaccine for entry from Uganda, but it is recommended if you plan to visit jungle areas like Amazonas or Sierra Nevada. Some neighbouring countries may require it if you travel overland.
You will be asked to complete it at the airport, which can cause delays. It's free and takes 5 minutes online — do it before you fly.
No, you need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive legally in Colombia. Your Ugandan license alone is not accepted.
Colombia is generally safe for tourists, but exercise normal precautions. Avoid displaying valuables, use registered taxis or ride-hailing apps, and stay in well-touristed areas. Petty theft can occur in crowded places.
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.