1. Cartagena: Known for its well-preserved colonial architecture, Cartagena is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visitors can explore the historic Old Town, visit the Castillo San Felipe de Barajas, and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of the walled city.
2. Bogotá: The capital city, Bogotá, is a bustling metropolis with a mix of modern and historic attractions. Highlights include the Gold Museum, Monserrate Hill for panoramic views, and the historic La Candelaria neighborhood.
3. Medellín: Once known for its tumultuous past, Medellín has transformed into a dynamic city. Explore innovative public spaces like Parque Arví, ride the cable cars for stunning views, and visit the Botero Plaza to see works by Fernando Botero.
4. Cocora Valley: Located in the Andes, Cocora Valley is famous for its towering wax palm trees, Colombia's national tree. Visitors can take a hike to appreciate the stunning landscapes and witness the unique flora.
5. Tayrona National Natural Park: Offering a combination of lush jungles and beautiful beaches along the Caribbean coast, Tayrona National Park is a haven for nature lovers. It provides opportunities for hiking, wildlife spotting, and relaxing on pristine beaches.
The best time to visit Colombia is during the summer months of July and August and the winter months of December and January. These months have some of the lowest rainfall of the year. In addition to low rainfall, July and August coincide with whale watching season on the Pacific Coast and the very popular Medellin Flower Festival.
If you are planning a trip to Colombia, you will need the following documents:
- A valid passport (with at least one blank page).
- Visa (most citizens of the world require a tourist visa to enter Colombia).
- Booking of round-trip airline tickets.
- Confirmation of hotel or other accommodation reservation.
- Proof of financial solvency during your stay in Colombia.
Visa for Colombia: basic requirements and procedure for obtaining
Depending on your citizenship and travel purposes, you may need a tourist visitor visa to enter Colombia.
To find out in more detail whether you need a visa to Colombia, as well as for how long you can enter the country without a visa, depending on your citizenship, use the search engine on the page by entering your citizenship.
If you do not need a visa to enter the country, your total stay in the country should not exceed 90 days within 180 days.
Tourist visa to Colombia - visitor visa
A visitor (V) visa for Colombia, also known as a tourist visa, is granted to foreigners who are planning a short visit to Colombia. A Colombian visitor's visa is usually valid for up to 90 days, but in some cases it can be extended up to two years. The decision to issue a visa is made by the consular or immigration service that considers your application.
A visitor (V) visa for Colombia is granted for the following purposes:
• Tourism and recreational activities
• Transit through the airport
• Business
• Participation in short-term educational programs, trainings, internships, or other educational activities
• Receiving medical care (or accompanying a person receiving medical treatment)
The required documents for obtaining a visa include:
• A valid passport and copies of the main pages, including the autobiography, of previous visas to Colombia (if any), as well as previous entry stamps to Colombia (if any).
• Passport-size photo (with a digital copy).
• Proof of financial solvency (bank statements not older than the last 3 months).
• Airplane ticket and travel itinerary.
• Proof of accommodation (hotel reservation or address of accommodation in Colombia).
• If you are visiting relatives or friends, please prove your relationship or explain your connections.
• Travel insurance covering the entire period of stay in Colombia.
Obtaining a visa to Colombia
To obtain a Colombian visa, apply through the online service available on the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Colombia. Enter your personal information, citizenship, and passport number to start the process. The visa application must be completed in 30 minutes, otherwise the session will end.
The next steps are as follows:
1. Fill out the online Colombia visa application form. Answer the questions carefully and truthfully. The questions will ask about your citizenship, purpose of travel, address of residence in your home country and address where you plan to stay in Colombia, previously issued and/or denied visas to Colombia, and other questions.
2. Select the type of visa you need.
3. Attach an electronic copy of your visa photo.
4. Next, attach the files of all required documents in PDF format.
5. Choose a method of payment for the Colombia visa fee.
6. After that, you will receive a notification to the email address you provided about the status of your visa application.
Upon arrival in Colombia
After receiving your visa, visit the local immigration office (Migración Colombia) to register your arrival in the country within 15 days. If you are already in Colombia, register within 15 days of receiving your visa. If your stay in the country exceeds three months, you will be issued a foreigner's certificate (Cedula de Extranjeria).
Health insurance in Colombia
To travel to Colombia, you may need a health insurance policy. You can purchase insurance on the Visit World website here. Remember that a reliable insurance policy is the key to your confidence while traveling. Do not risk your finances and health, choose the right insurance package and let your trip leave only pleasant memories.
• Bus: Bus fares can vary based on the distance and the type of bus (standard, semi-luxury, luxury). Short-distance urban bus rides may cost around COP 2,000 to COP 5,000, while longer intercity routes can range from COP 15,000 to COP 50,000 or more.
• Taxi: Taxi fares vary by city, but generally, the initial meter charge is around COP 3,500 to COP 6,000, with additional charges per kilometer. Short rides within a city may cost between COP 8,000 to COP 15,000.
• Metro: In cities with metro systems like Medellín and Cali, metro fares are affordable, typically ranging from COP 2,000 to COP 3,000 per ride.
• Domestic Flights: Domestic flights vary in price depending on the route and the airline. On average, a one-way domestic flight may cost anywhere from COP 100,000 to COP 500,000 or more, depending on factors like distance and booking time.
• Long-Distance Buses: For longer intercity journeys, the cost of long-distance buses (coaches) can range from COP 40,000 to COP 150,000 or more, depending on the distance and the type of service.
• Shared Rides: Shared rides, such as colectivos or shared taxis, are available in some regions. Prices can vary but are generally more affordable than private taxis. Costs may range from COP 5,000 to COP 20,000, depending on the distance.
• Car Rental: Renting a car varies in price depending on the rental company, the type of car, and the rental duration. On average, daily rental rates can range from COP 80,000 to COP 300,000 or more.
• Motorcycle Taxis: Motorcycle taxis, known as "mototaxis" or "moto-ratones," are available in some areas. Prices are typically negotiated and can range from COP 3,000 to COP 10,000 for short trips.
Free Import:
• Personal Items: Travelers are generally allowed to bring personal items such as clothing, toiletries, and personal electronics for personal use without duty fees.
• Medication: Travelers can bring a reasonable amount of prescription medication for personal use.
• Gifts: Gifts for personal use with a total value up to USD 2,000 may be brought into the country without incurring customs duties.
Restricted Items:
• Alcohol and Tobacco: Limits apply to the quantity of alcoholic beverages and tobacco products that can be brought into the country duty-free.
• Cash: There are limits on the amount of cash that can be brought into Colombia. It's advisable to declare amounts exceeding the limit to customs authorities.
• Pets: Bringing pets into Colombia may require specific documentation, including a health certificate and proof of vaccinations.
Prohibited Items:
• Narcotics and Controlled Substances
• Weapons and Firearms
• Counterfeit Goods
• Endangered Species and Wildlife Products
• Obscene Material
• Plants and Agricultural Products
• 123 – general number
• 125 – for medical services
• 132 – for ambulance
