British passport holders can visit Colombia without a visa for trips of up to 90 days, whether for tourism or business. The only mandatory formality before you board is the online Check-Mig form, which is completely free to complete. Here is everything you need to get ready before you go.
Entry Documents and Formalities
Passport and Visa
British passport holders do not need a visa to visit Colombia for tourism or business stays of under 90 days. Your passport must be in good condition, valid for the entire duration of your stay and have at least two blank pages. There is no formal requirement for additional validity beyond your stay, but it is always advisable to travel with a passport that has at least six months remaining.
On arrival, Migración Colombia officers may grant a shorter stay than 90 days at their discretion. A return ticket to the UK (or to a third country) is required at the border.
Dual nationals: those holding both British and Colombian nationality must enter and exit Colombia using their Colombian passport.
The Check-Mig Form: Mandatory Before You Board
All travellers arriving in or departing from Colombia by air or sea must complete the Check-Mig migration form. This pre-registration is free of charge and must be completed between 72 hours and 1 hour before your scheduled departure.
To fill in the form, you will need your passport, your flight number and airline, your accommodation address in Colombia and an emergency contact. Once submitted, you will receive a QR code by email to present to Migración Colombia officers at the airport.
Access the official form on the Migración Colombia website: apps.migracioncolombia.gov.co/check-mig.
Get travel insurance for ColombiaLength of Stay and Extensions
The standard tourist stay is 90 days, granted automatically on arrival (PIP). It can be extended once by a further 90 days through the PTP process (Permiso Temporal de Permanencia), up to a maximum of 180 consecutive days and 180 days per calendar year. This extension is free of charge for British passport holders.
For any stay exceeding 60 days, an exit tax is charged at the airport on departure. Check with the Colombian authorities for the current amount applicable at the time of your trip.
Overstaying your permitted time can result in a heavy fine and, in some cases, a ban from re-entering the country. This is not a risk worth taking.
Recommended Vaccinations for Colombia
No vaccinations are required to enter Colombia from the UK. However, several are strongly recommended depending on where you plan to travel in the country and your current immunisation status:
- Routine vaccinations up to date: measles and whooping cough in particular, with an uptick in cases reported across Colombia in 2026.
- Hepatitis A: recommended on medical advice, especially if you are travelling to rural areas.
- Yellow fever: strongly recommended if you are heading into forested areas, the Amazon or other at-risk regions; the vaccine must be given at least 10 days before departure.
Consult your GP or a travel health clinic before you go. Outside major cities, stick to bottled water. Bring any prescription medication from home, as local equivalents may differ.
If Medellín is on your radar among the standout destinations for 2025-2026, find practical inspiration in our guide Patagonia, Medellín, Oman: destinations worth discovering.
Safety: Essential Tips Before You Go
Staying Safe in Major Cities
Crime is present throughout the country, and particularly in urban centres: Bogotá, Medellín, Cali, Barranquilla and Cartagena. Bag snatching, night-time muggings and fake police officers are genuine risks. If you are stopped by someone claiming to be a police officer on the street, insist on being accompanied to the nearest police station or a public place such as your hotel.
Scopolamine (known locally as “burundanga” or “devil’s breath”) is on the rise and has increasingly targeted foreign visitors, often through contact made via dating apps. The use of these apps is strongly discouraged in Colombia. Never leave your drink unattended in bars or restaurants.
Areas to Avoid or Approach with Caution
The FCDO advises against all but essential travel to border regions with Venezuela, Panama, Ecuador, Peru and Brazil, as well as the Pacific coast (the Chocó department, with the exception of Nuquí and Bahía Solano). Other areas, classified as high-risk, are also advised against unless you have an essential reason to travel there.
Check the latest travel advice on FCDO Travel Advice for Colombia before finalising your itinerary.
Good Habits on the Ground
- Use only licensed taxis and apps such as Uber or Cabify; never hail a cab in the street.
- Keep your phone, jewellery and other valuables out of sight in public spaces.
- Never resist if you are targeted: your safety comes first, always.
- Avoid travelling by road at night, especially outside well-established tourist areas.
- Leave valuables in the hotel safe.
Travel insurance with medical evacuation cover and 24/7 assistance is strongly recommended: hospital costs in Colombia can be significant for uninsured foreign visitors. For entry requirements in other destinations, take a look at our guide to travelling to Tunisia.
Useful Contacts
British Embassy in Colombia (Bogotá) Official website: gov.uk/world/organisations/british-embassy-bogota
Colombian Embassy in London Tel: +44 (0)20 7589 9177
Colombian Consulate General in London Tel: +44 (0)20 7584 7272
Sign up for travel alerts via FCDO TravelAware to receive notifications in the event of an exceptional situation in the country.
FAQ
Do I need a visa to visit Colombia from the UK?
No. British passport holders can enter Colombia without a visa for tourism or business stays of up to 90 days. A return ticket to the UK (or a third country) is required at the border.
How do I complete the Colombia Check-Mig form?
The Check-Mig form is available free of charge on the official Migración Colombia website (apps.migracioncolombia.gov.co/check-mig). It must be completed between 72 hours and 1 hour before your flight. Have your passport, flight details and accommodation address to hand. You will then receive a QR code by email to present on arrival.
What vaccinations are required to enter Colombia?
No vaccinations are required to enter Colombia from the UK. However, the following are strongly recommended: keeping your routine jabs up to date (measles, whooping cough), hepatitis A, and for forested or Amazonian areas, yellow fever at least 10 days before departure.
Can I stay in Colombia for more than 90 days?
Yes, subject to conditions. The initial 90-day stay can be extended once by a further 90 days through the PTP (Permiso Temporal de Permanencia), up to a maximum of 180 days per calendar year. Beyond that, a long-stay visa is required. For stays exceeding 60 days, an exit tax is payable at the airport.
Is Colombia safe for British tourists?
Colombia requires sustained vigilance. The main risks are bag snatching, scopolamine drugging (an increase flagged by the FCDO in 2026) and fake police officers, particularly in Bogotá. Certain rural and border areas are formally advised against. By staying in well-known tourist areas, avoiding dating apps and following official guidance, the vast majority of trips pass without serious incident.
