Coastal regions in the Pacific and the Caribbean. Prosperous internationally renowned urban centers such as Bogotá and Medellín. A rich human, colonial and pre-Colombian history, which is tens of miles old.
General Guidance
Can I travel to Colombia without a visa?
Most visitors do not need to apply for a visa to visit Colombia beforehand. The U.S., Canada*, Western Europe, and select countries in Asia and Middle Eastern countries are exempt from requiring a visa upon arrival. Citizens from these countries and regions will automatically receive a tourist visa upon entering the country. This visa allows tourists to stay in Colombia for up to 90 days. Additionally, it is highly recommended that visitors also have their return ticket handy, as immigration officials may request this upon entry.
If you’re a citizen not from one of the aforementioned countries or regions, please do check if you need one.
Can I travel to Colombia without a passport?
Citizens from Bolivia, Ecuador, and Peru can easily travel with their passports, as they can readily enter with a valid photo ID from their respective countries. Otherwise, you’ll be required to show your passport at your Colombian point of entry.
Important: Remember that your passport must still be valid for at least six months after your return date from Colombia.
What language is spoken in Colombia?
Spanish is the dominant language of Colombia, with over 99% of the population using it to go about their daily lives. Nevertheless, in certain major cities, you may find Colombians who speak English with varying degrees of fluency.
What currency is used in Colombia?
The peso is the official currency of Colombia; no other cash is accepted. Colombia uses the same symbol as the US does to designate its currency.
Does Colombia accept and use credit/debit cards?
Credit and debit cards (Visa, American Express, and MasterCard) are accepted throughout Colombia. It’s worth noting, however, that you’ll likely only be able to use these at major commercial establishments, such as shopping centers, restaurants, and/or hotels. Otherwise, if you’re looking to buy items from artisanal markets, pay for a local taxi, or eat at a small, typical restaurant, you’ll want to keep cash on you.
What time zone is Colombia in?
Colombia’s time zone is GMT-5
When is the best time to travel to Colombia?
Thanks to its geographical location and incredible topography, Colombia’s climate is generally attractive all year round.
What’s the electricity and voltage in Colombia?
The standard voltage in Colombia is 110 volts, with a frequency of 60 hertz, the same as that used in the US.
Two kinds of electrical outlets are used in Colombia: Type A and Type B.
Type A plugs are those that are typically seen in the US and Canada, which consist of two flat prongs that are parallel. Type B is the same as Type A, except that these have an extra, rounded prong for grounding. Type A plugs work with either Type A or B outlets, while Type B plugs only work with Type B outlets. If you’re planning on visiting Colombia and residing in a country that doesn’t use either, it’s recommended that you bring an electrical outlet adaptor.
What vaccines or vaccinations do I need to travel to Colombia?
Proof of having received specific vaccinations is not required to enter Colombia. Nevertheless, normal precautionary measures should be taken, and it’s best to check with your country’s embassy, disease control and prevention center, and/or consulate to see what vaccinations they recommend for traveling to Colombia.
Do I need to have health insurance to travel to Colombia?
Proof of health insurance is not required to enter Colombia. However, we strongly recommend having it in the rare event that an unfortunate incident occurs during your travels, as it always helps to have that peace of mind when traveling in a country far from home.
Is it safe to visit Colombia?
Colombia has, over the course of the past two decades, managed to become one of the safest destinations to travel to in Latin America.
