Colombia Visa RequirementsFor Australia passport holders
Australians can visit Colombia visa-free for up to 90 days, with stays extendable to 180 days in a calendar year, as Colombia has become an increasingly popular destination.
Great news! Australia passport holders can enter Colombia without a visa for tourism or business purposes. You can stay up to 90 days.
No visa is required for Australian passport holders. On arrival, immigration will stamp your passport for up to 90 days. You can request an extension of up to another 90 days (total 180 days per calendar year) from Colombia's immigration authority, Migración Colombia, before your initial period expires. Carry your passport at all times as police may request identification.
Entry Requirements
Passport Validity
6 months beyond date of entry
Blank Pages
2 blank pages required
Multiple Entry
Single entry only
Work Permitted
No - requires work visa
Current Travel Situation
Australia to Colombia: What You Need to Know
Colombia has undergone a significant transformation in recent decades and now attracts millions of international visitors annually. Cities like Medellin, Cartagena, and Bogota offer vibrant culture, food, and nightlife. However, the Australian Government advises exercising a high degree of caution due to the high level of violent crime and the ongoing presence of illegal armed groups in rural and border regions. Drug-facilitated crime, including scopolamine spiking, is a documented risk in nightlife areas.
Practical Tips
Be cautious with drinks in bars and nightlife venues, particularly with strangers offering drinks, due to the risk of drug-facilitated robbery. Use only licensed taxis booked through apps such as InDriver or Cabify rather than hailing street taxis. Keep valuables out of sight, particularly on smartphones, as phone snatching is common in major cities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Australians need a visa to visit Colombia?
No. Australian passport holders can enter Colombia visa-free for up to 90 days. You can extend your stay for an additional 90 days through Migración Colombia, for a maximum total of 180 days per calendar year.
Is Colombia safe for Australian tourists?
Colombia is safer than it was in previous decades and millions of tourists visit annually without incident. However, crime including robbery, express kidnapping, and drug-facilitated crime does occur, particularly in cities. Travellers should remain vigilant, avoid displaying valuables, and use reputable transport apps.
What is the risk of scopolamine in Colombia?
Scopolamine (known locally as "burundanga") is a drug that can be administered in drinks or through skin contact, rendering victims compliant or unconscious and vulnerable to robbery. The risk is highest in nightlife areas. Avoid accepting drinks from strangers and cover your drink at all times.
Can I visit all parts of Colombia safely?
No. Border regions with Venezuela and Ecuador, as well as remote areas in departments such as Choco, Narino, and Arauca, have a significant presence of illegal armed groups and are considered high risk. The Australian Government advises against travel to these specific areas. Major tourist cities and the Coffee Region are generally safer for travellers.