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Travel to Colombia from Spain: All the requirements
Planning to visit Bogotá or any other Colombian destination? These are the requirements for travelling to Colombia from Spain in 2025.
Can you imagine spending months planning an itinerary to explore Bogotá, Cartagena, and other amazing Colombian destinations, only to be turned away at the airport? Or you decide to move to any of their cities and you can’t because they won’t let you past immigration control? It isn’t the norm, but it has happened. Although Colombia isn’t particularly strict with Spanish travellers, it’s important to take the time to review the requirements for travelling from Spain.
To help you plan your adventure in this fascinating corner of South America, we’ve brought you a guide with everything you need to know. Throughout it, we’ll review the documents you’ll need upon arrival, depending on the type of trip you’re planning. We’ll also discuss whether any vaccines or insurance are required, along with useful tips for your stay in the country. Come with us so that everything is well prepared and so that there are no incidents on arrival.
Tip before travelling to Colombia
Before diving into the details of everything you need to present upon arrival in Colombia, here’s a recommendation. It’s far from being an obligation, but it could be very useful when you arrive. We’re talking about having an internet connection.
Having this sorted will allow you to connect at the airport to order a taxi, contact your accommodation, or let home know you’ve arrived safely. Airport Wi-Fi is often inefficient, slow and many travellers haven’t been able to connect directly to the network. It’s best to think about it before you go.
If you’re planning a short trip, Holafly’s eSIM for Colombia could be your best option. It offers unlimited data and you can choose the number of days you want to sign up for. It’s available from as little as €6.90 ($7.20)
Are you staying for a long time? In that case you would be best served by Holafly’s global internet Connect plans. You have a choice of 10GB, 25GB or unlimited data from as little as €39.90 per month ($40.93). You can cancel or change from one tariff to another at any time. In addition, the latter two allow you to share your data with multiple devices.
Whichever one you choose, you’ll be able to carry it configured from Spain. When you land, all you have to do is switch on your device and start navigating.
Important: If you are a frequent traveler and want to stay connected without worrying about expensive roaming or looking for a new SIM at every destination, Holafly’s subscription plans are for you. With a single eSIM, enjoy internet in more than 170 countries for a fixed price and no surprises on your bill. Travel without limits and connect easily and securely! 🚀🌍
With this important recommendation in mind, let’s now dive into the requirements for travelling to Colombia from Spain as of 2025.
1. A round-trip plane ticket to Colombia and back to Spain
The first requirement to consider when preparing your trip to Colombia from Spain is that you’ll need a return flight ticket. Unlike other countries, if you’re travelling with a tourist visitor’s permit, you’re required to show it on arrival at the airport. It’s done to show that you intend to leave the country. There have been cases where tourists had to purchase a return ticket at the immigration control itself.
If you’re staying for a while and have a visa, you probably don’t need it. Check the conditions when you apply.
2. Valid passport
As you might expect, since it’s a requirement for travelling to any country outside the Schengen Area, you’ll also need a valid passport. In this case your ID card isn’t valid. It must be valid for at least six months from the date of entry.
Don’t be complacent; you wouldn’t be the first to be turned away for a damaged passport, one in poor condition, lacking blank pages, or with less than six months of validity. They’re quite strict in this respect. Also, if you reported it lost and then found it, it won’t be valid either unless you’ve withdrawn the report.
Spanish authorities recommend, as a precaution, making a photocopy of your passport along with the entry stamp to the country. To avoid problems in case of loss or theft.
3. Tourist, residence or work visas for Colombia
Spanish citizens don’t need a visa for trips to Colombia of less than 90 days. If you’re travelling for other reasons, you’ll need it. Let us look at the most frequent cases:
- Work visa (M-5 and M-4): Mandatory for those wishing to work in Colombia. It’s granted to those who have a contract with a local company or work as freelancers with verified income in the country. It can last from 1 to 3 years. You can find more information about it in our post about Colombia’s digital nomad visa.
- Student visa (M-9): The Colombian student visa is for foreigners who’re going to study at a Colombian university. Requires a letter of admission and proof of financial solvency. It allows working with restrictions.
- Migrant visa (M): For those who wish to reside in Colombia on a temporary basis. It’s granted to spouses of Colombians, investors, retirees, and other categories that meet the requirements.
- Residence visa (R): Intended for foreigners who’ve lived in Colombia for more than five years with a migrant visa, parents of Colombians, or those who invest more than $650,000 COP ($137,000) in the country.
4. Check-Mig Form
Although a visa isn’t required for tourism, you’ll need to fill out a form before your trip (and also upon departure). Doing the Check-Mig Form is a simple and quick process, but you shouldn’t forget it. Its purpose is to speed up migration procedures and reduce waiting times at checkpoints.
You’ll need to fill it in 72 to 1 hour before your flight. It’s done online, through the Colombian Migration website. Upon completion, you’ll receive the voucher to the email address you’ve provided. Upon arrival, you can present it either printed or digitally. To complete it, you’ll need:
- Personal data and passport number
- Flight information (airline, flight number, date and time)
- Places to stay in Colombia
- Declaration of health status
5. Address of your accommodation in Colombia
You should be aware that upon arrival in Colombia, immigration authorities may ask you where you’ll be staying. They don’t always ask for it if you’re a tourist, but it’s highly recommended to have this information ready to avoid passport control issues It will be enough for you to hand in the printed confirmation of your hotel, Airbnb or co-living reservation in Bogotá (or the city where you’re staying). Also a letter of invitation from the person you’ll be staying with.
Are you travelling on a work, study or residence visa? In that case you’ll need to give the address where you’re going to stay. You’ll usually be asked to complete the online visa application form.
6. Medical insurance to travel to Colombia
Although tourists don’t need medical insurance for foreigners in Colombia, for entry on some visas it’s compulsory. Here are some cases in which you might be asked to do so:
- Pensioner visa (M-11): Mandatory to prove that you’ll have medical coverage in the country. There is no immediate access to the Colombian health system.
- Student visa (M-9): Some universities require international health insurance as part of the admissions process.
- Work visa (M-5 and M-4): Although it’s not always required, some companies ask foreign workers for health insurance before joining the country’s social security.
- Migrant visa (M): Depending on the category (spouse of a Colombian national or investor, for example), you may be asked for proof of medical coverage.
- Residency visa (R): For those planning to live in Colombia permanently, having health insurance is key to becoming affiliated with the local health system.
7. Pass immigration control in Colombia
Great, you have all the necessary documents collected. What now? Although some travellers get nervous at immigration controls, if you’re prepared, there will be no issue. The authorities only need to verify and assess that you meet the requirements to travel from Spain to Colombia.
When you land at your destination airport, you’ll need to go to the Colombian Migration area before collecting your luggage. There, an immigration officer will ask for your passport, the Check-Mig Form and, if applicable, the corresponding visa. In addition, you may be asked questions about the reason for your trip, the length of your stay and your accommodation.
More tips to travel to Colombia
With these six points, we’d have already covered the requirements to travel to Colombia from Spain in 2025. However, there are a few more things we advise you to bear in mind. Aspects that, while not required to enter the country, can greatly impact your experience there. Let’s see at some of the things you might want to think about bringing from home:
1. Travel insurance for Colombia
As we mentioned earlier, having travel insurance with medical coverage isn’t mandatory for Spanish tourists travelling to Colombia. Neither is one that covers baggage loss, flight cancellations or delays. But it’s very smart to carry one.
Colombia doesn’t have a health agreement with Spain. This means that you’ll have to pay out of pocket for any consultations, hospitalisation or treatment. And private healthcare in cities like Bogotá or Medellín can be very expensive. Travel insurance will guarantee assistance in case of emergencies and protect you against other unforeseen events.
If you don’t have a trusted insurer you usually use for your trips, be sure to check our article on travel insurance for Colombia. In it we take a look at the best policies for travelling to the country.
2. Driving licence in Colombia
Are you planning to rent a car to travel around Colombia or to get around on a day-to-day basis in case you move? In that case, you’ll be pleased to know that you can drive with your Spanish driving licence without any problems during the first 90 days of your stay.
Be aware, however, that some rental agencies may require an International Driving Permit (IDP). You can apply for it at the Dirección General de Tráfico (DGT) before travelling. It’ll also be useful at roadblocks or in the event of an accident.
3. Vaccinations to travel to Colombia
One thing you may be wondering is whether you’ll need any vaccinations to enter, as many countries require them. In the case of Colombia, no. No vaccinations are required for Spanish citizens.
However, there are some health considerations you should keep in mind before your trip, especially if you plan to visit rural areas or engage in outdoor activities. According to Circular 018 from Colombia’s Ministry of Health, travellers visiting endemic areas like the Amazon, Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, or national parks are advised to take certain precautions..
Frequently Asked Questions about requirements to travel to Colombia from Spain
If you’re travelling for tourism and you are staying less than 90 days, you don’t need a visa. However, if you’re travelling for work, study or residence, you’ll need to apply for a visa before you go.
Yes, if you enter as a tourist, the immigration authorities may ask you for a ticket to leave the country. This is to make sure you don’t overstay your welcome. If you’re travelling on a work or residence visa, this isn’t necessary.
Yes, the Check-Mig Form is compulsory for both entering and leaving Colombia. You must complete it online between 72 and 1 hour before your flight on the Migration Colombia website.
It isn’t mandatory for tourists, but it’s required for some visas. For example, for retirees, students or residence. In addition, it’s recommended to take out international health insurance, as health care in Colombia can be very expensive for foreigners.
If you’re travelling as a tourist, they may not always ask for it, but it’s advisable to have a hotel or Airbnb reservation confirmation. If you’re travelling on a work, study or residence visa, you’ll be required to provide a fixed address in Colombia.
You won’t be able to enter Colombia. The document must be valid for at least six months from the date of entry. If your passport expires soon, it’s best to renew it before you travel.
