Colombia Visa RequirementsFor United Kingdom passport holders
UK nationals can visit Colombia visa-free for up to 90 days per trip. Colombia has transformed significantly as a tourist destination and offers everything from colonial cities to Caribbean beaches and Amazon rainforest.
Great news! United Kingdom passport holders can enter Colombia without a visa for tourism or business purposes. You can stay up to 90 days.
No visa is required before travel. At Bogota El Dorado International Airport or any official entry point, present your valid UK passport, a return or onward ticket, and accommodation details. An entry stamp indicating your permitted stay will be issued. Note the date carefully and ensure you depart before it expires to avoid fines.
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
United Kingdom to Colombia: What You Need to Know
Colombia and the UK have maintained a longstanding visa-free arrangement. The 90-day allowance renews each time you exit and re-enter, though Colombian immigration officers have discretion to grant shorter periods if they suspect misuse. UK nationals entering as tourists cannot work formally; digital nomads operating on a foreign income are generally tolerated but should check current regulations. If you plan to stay longer than 90 days, Colombia offers a digital nomad visa and various long-stay options through Migración Colombia.
Practical Tips
Parts of Colombia, particularly border regions with Venezuela, Ecuador, and Panama, and some rural coca-producing areas, carry elevated security risks. Research your specific destinations using FCDO guidance. In cities, petrol-spiking scams (scopolamine) targeting tourists have been reported; avoid accepting drinks or food from strangers and use only registered taxis or ride-hailing apps. The Colombian peso is the local currency; ATMs are widely available in cities. Altitude adjustment may be needed in Bogota at 2,600 metres.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do UK passport holders need a visa for Colombia?
No. UK nationals can enter Colombia visa-free for up to 90 days. Present your passport and a return or onward ticket on arrival.
Is it safe to travel to Colombia as a UK national?
Many parts of Colombia are safe and popular with tourists, including Bogota, Cartagena, Medellin, and the Coffee Region. However, the FCDO advises against travel to border areas with Venezuela and Panama, and certain rural coca-growing regions. Always check the latest FCDO guidance for specific regions.
What is scopolamine and should I be worried?
Scopolamine (also called burundanga) is a drug used in robbery and sexual assault scams in Colombia, typically administered by strangers offering food, drinks, or cigarettes. Do not accept anything from strangers and use only reputable taxi services or ride-hailing apps such as InDriver or Cabify.
Can UK nationals work remotely from Colombia?
Yes, under the digital nomad visa introduced by Colombia. If you plan to work for a foreign employer while in Colombia for more than 90 days, you should apply for the digital nomad or other appropriate visa through Migración Colombia before your visa-free period expires.