Colombia Visa Requirements
For 🇺🇸 United States passport holders
Great news! United States passport holders can enter Colombia without a visa for tourism or business purposes. You can stay up to 90 days within any 180-day period.
US citizens can stay up to 90 days without a visa. Extension possible for additional 90 days.
Entry Requirements
Passport Validity
6 months beyond stay
Blank Pages
2 blank pages required
Multiple Entry
Allowed
Work Permitted
No - requires work visa
Required Documents
Valid US Passport
Must be valid for at least 3-6 months beyond your planned departure date (varies by country)
Return or Onward Ticket
Proof of departure from the country, such as a return flight or onward travel booking
Proof of Accommodation Recommended
Hotel reservation, Airbnb booking, or address where you will be staying
Proof of Sufficient Funds Recommended
Credit cards, bank statements, or cash to cover expenses during your stay
Travel Insurance Recommended
Recommended for all international travel covering medical emergencies
Travel Essentials
Health & Safety
Safety Rating
Vaccinations
Hepatitis A/B, Typhoid, Yellow Fever.
Tap Water
Bottled water recommended
Safety Tips
Much improved. Tourist areas safe. Avoid certain rural areas. Use official taxis.
Money & Costs
Currency
$ Colombian Peso (COP)
Daily Budget (USD)
Budget: $35 · Mid: $70 · Luxury: $180+
Cards & ATMs
Major cities and tourist areas.
Tipping
10% often included. Extra appreciated.
Practical Info
Power
Type A, B, 110V, 60Hz
Driving
Right side
Emergency
Emergency: 123
Police: 112
Mobile/SIM
Buy at Claro, Movistar, Tigo.
Getting There
Airport Transfers
Bogotá: Taxi $10-15. Cartagena: Taxi $10.
Local Transport
Bogotá TransMilenio. Medellín has metro. Buses between cities.
Culture & Travel Tips
Best Time to Visit
Colombia's weather varies dramatically by region due to altitude, so 'best time' depends on where you're going. The country lies near the equator, so temperatures are consistent year-round - elevation determines climate, not season.
For Bogotá and the coffee region, December through March and July through August are driest. Bogotá is always cool (50-65°F/10-18°C) due to altitude; bring layers.
The Caribbean coast (Cartagena, Santa Marta) is best December through April during dry season. Beach weather is hot year-round but afternoon rains are common May through November.
Medellín - the 'City of Eternal Spring' - has pleasant weather year-round (70-80°F/21-27°C). Slight rainy seasons exist but shouldn't deter visitors.
Semana Santa (Easter week) and Christmas/New Year see domestic tourist peaks with higher prices. August brings flower festival to Medellín - spectacular but crowded.
Cultural Notes
Colombians are exceptionally warm and friendly - among the most welcoming people you'll meet. Don't mistake friendliness for naivety though; they're also savvy.
Time is flexible - 'Colombian time' means late is normal for social events. Business meetings aim for punctuality but social gatherings start late.
Dancing is essential - if you can't salsa or cumbia, you'll be taught. Colombians dance everywhere: clubs, parties, and spontaneously in the streets. Embrace it.
Football (soccer) is a passion - especially the rivalry between Millonarios and Santa Fe in Bogotá, and Nacional and Medellín. Attending a match is electric but wear neutral colors if unsure.
The drug trade history is sensitive - don't joke about Pablo Escobar or cocaine, especially in Medellín where the wounds are still raw. Colombia has worked hard to move beyond that era.
Family bonds are strong and Sundays are family days. Many businesses close or reduce hours. Lunch is the main meal and can extend for hours.
Insider Tips
Colombia has transformed dramatically - the dangerous reputation is decades outdated. Normal tourist areas are safe. That said, use common sense: don't flash valuables, avoid isolated areas at night, and stay aware.
Internal flights are affordable and save huge time given the mountainous terrain. Avianca and Viva Air offer competitive prices. Book ahead for peak periods.
Cash is still common outside major cities. ATMs are widespread but often have low withdrawal limits. Inform your bank before travel to avoid card blocks.
Uber works well in major cities and is often safer than street taxis. If using regular taxis, use official ones and ask your hotel to call one.
The coffee region (Eje Cafetero) around Armenia, Pereira, and Manizales is gorgeous and worth several days. Stay on a working coffee farm for the full experience.
Altitude sickness is real - Bogotá sits at 8,660 feet (2,640m). Take it easy your first day, stay hydrated, and avoid alcohol initially.
Dress Code
Casual. Layers for Bogotá altitude.