Colombia entry requirements for South Africa 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
South African passport holders need an eVisa to enter Colombia. The process is straightforward and entirely online — no embassy visit required. As of 2026, you must complete the application before you travel.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | South African passport holders need an eVisa to enter Colombia. Apply at the Colombian eVisa portal at least 15 days before your trip. Processing takes 5–10 business days, and you'll receive the visa by email.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for entire stay | Your passport must be valid for the duration of your stay in Colombia. No minimum validity beyond your departure date is required, but airlines may enforce 6 months — check with your carrier. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of exit from Colombia | Immigration officers routinely ask for a return or onward ticket at Bogotá and Medellín airports. Have a printed or digital copy of your flight out of Colombia ready. | 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. Online form within 72 hours of departure | Colombia requires all travellers to complete the free Check-Mig form at migracioncolombia.gov.co within 72 hours before your flight. Fill it in online, get a QR code, and show it at check-in and immigration. Takes under 5 minutes.Open Check-Mig form | Required |
Check-Mig is mandatory
You must complete the free Check-Mig form online 1–5 days before your flight. Without it, you may be refused entry or delayed at immigration. Do it at migracioncolombia.gov.co.
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 the eVisa online
Go to the official Colombian visa portal (tramitesmre.cancilleria.gov.co) and complete the eVisa application. Upload your passport scan, photo, and supporting documents. Pay the fee online. Processing usually takes 5–10 business days.
2
Complete Check-Mig before your flight
Between 1 and 5 days before departure, fill out the free Check-Mig form at migracioncolombia.gov.co. You'll get a QR code — save it on your phone or print it.
3
Arrive at El Dorado Airport (Bogotá) or other entry point
At immigration, present your passport, eVisa approval, and return ticket. The officer may ask about your accommodation and travel plans. The process is usually quick — 10–20 minutes.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After passing immigration, collect your bags from the carousel and proceed through customs. There are no additional visa-related steps after this.
Download Colombia Entry Checklist
PDF · South Africa 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. R950)
Standard option for tourism.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry, extendable
Validity1 year from issue
Cost$82 USD (approx. R1,500)
Ideal for frequent travellers.
Long-stay visa (Migrant)
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
Cost~$200 USD (approx. R3,600)
Requires proof of income or investment.
digital nomad visa
Digital Nomad Visa (Visa Nómada Digital)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (approx. R3,600)
For remote workers with foreign income. Requires proof of employment and minimum income of ~$1,000/month. Allows stay and work legally.
retirement visa
Retirement Visa (Visa de Pensionado)
1 year, renewable
~$150 USD (approx. R2,700)
For retirees with a pension of at least $700/month. Requires proof of pension and health insurance. Renewable annually.
investor visa
Investor Visa (Visa de Inversionista)
1 year, renewable
~$300 USD (approx. R5,400)
For those investing at least $25,000 USD in Colombian business or real estate. Requires proof of investment and business plan.
work visa
Work Visa (Visa de Trabajo)
1 year, renewable
~$250 USD (approx. R4,500)
For those with a job offer from a Colombian company. Requires employer sponsorship and contract. Allows family to accompany.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry)Standard fee for South African passport holders. | $52 USD (approx. R950) |
| Tourist visa (single entry)Same as eVisa; may be applied at embassy. | $52 USD (approx. R950) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | $82 USD (approx. R1,500) |
| Stay extension (per month)Extension possible up to 90 days total stay. | ~$30 USD (approx. R550) |
| Overstay fine (per day)Maximum cap of $200 USD. | ~$2 USD (approx. R35) |
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
South African passport holders do not need a transit visa for airside transit in Colombia. You may stay in the international transit area for up to 24 hours without passing through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
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 yellow fever risk (e.g., Brazil, Peru).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheria-pertussisEssentialMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)EssentialRabiesConsider
Health risks
DengueModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; present in low-lying areas. Use repellent.
ZikaLow risk
Mosquito-borne; pregnant women should take precautions.
Altitude sicknessModerate risk
Common in Bogotá (2,600m) and other high-altitude cities. Acclimatize gradually.
Malaria risk: low
Risk exists in rural 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
Calle 100 No. 11B-27, Bogotá
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main office for extensions and visa issues.
Medellín
Migración Colombia – Medellín
Carrera 42 No. 5-15, Medellín
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Popular for tourists; bring all documents.
Practical information for ZA 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
Getting to Colombia
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to Colombia — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
Typically 5–10 business days. Apply at least 2–3 weeks before your trip to be safe. You'll receive the approval by email.
The fee varies depending on the visa type and your nationality. Check the official portal for the exact amount — it's usually around $50–$100 USD.
No, the eVisa is not extendable. You must leave before it expires. If you need more time, you'd have to apply for a different visa from outside Colombia.
You may be delayed at immigration or denied boarding. It's free and takes 5 minutes — don't skip it.
Not required for entry, but recommended if you're visiting the Amazon or other jungle areas. Some border crossings may ask for proof. Check with your doctor.
Technically no — immigration can ask for proof of onward travel. A bus ticket to a neighboring country or a flight out works. Best to have one ready.
You can reapply with corrected information or contact the Colombian consulate. Common reasons for denial include incomplete documents or passport validity issues.
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.