Travel Requirements for Colombia from Mexico or the US in 2026

Before packing your bags for your trip to Cartagena, it's important to understand Colombia's entry requirements. The good news is that for most travelers from Mexico and the United States, the process is simple: no visa is needed for short tourist stays. Still, there are a few mandatory steps — like the Check-Mig registration — that you must complete before your flight. Here's everything you need to know, updated for 2026.

Passport: validity and requirements

To enter Colombia you need a valid passport. As a general rule and to avoid issues, it's recommended that your passport be valid for at least six months from your travel date. Also check that you have at least one blank page available for the entry stamp.

Do you need a visa to enter Colombia?

Travelers from Mexico

Mexican citizens with a valid passport do not need a visa to enter Colombia as tourists. Immigration authorities authorize an initial stay that can normally be extended up to a maximum cumulative total of 180 days per calendar year.

Travelers from the United States

US citizens with a valid passport also don't need a visa to enter as tourists, with similar conditions for length of stay. If you hold dual citizenship, you can generally enter with either of your valid passports.

Check-Mig: the mandatory immigration registration

Check-Mig is a free, mandatory online form that all travelers (Colombian and foreign) entering or leaving the country by air must complete. It's filled out on the official Migración Colombia website before your flight and generates a QR code that you must present at check-in or upon arrival.

• When to do it: ideally between 72 hours and 1 hour before your flight.
• What you'll need: your passport details, flight number and itinerary, and the address where you'll be staying in Colombia (for example, your hotel in Cartagena).
• Cost: the registration itself is free; be wary of third-party sites that charge a fee to "process" it for you.

Vaccines and health requirements

For most travelers arriving directly from Mexico or the United States to Cartagena, no vaccines are mandatory for entry. However, if your itinerary includes other regions of Colombia (such as the Amazon) before or after your trip, additional recommendations may apply, such as the yellow fever vaccine. Check with your doctor or embassy if you have questions about your full itinerary.

Customs and currency declaration

When you arrive in Colombia, you'll complete a baggage declaration. If you enter or leave the country carrying more than USD 10,000 (or its equivalent in another currency), you must declare it to customs authorities. For most tourists traveling with cash for personal expenses, this isn't an issue, but it's good to know the limit exists.

Proof of onward travel and means of support

Immigration authorities may ask for evidence of your return ticket or onward travel, as well as an accommodation address (the same one you register on Check-Mig). In practice, most travelers with normal itineraries don't run into problems, but it's a good idea to have this information handy, either printed or on your phone.

Summary: checklist before you travel

1. Valid passport (ideally with 6+ months of validity).
2. Complete Check-Mig between 72 hours and 1 hour before your flight.
3. Have your return ticket and your Cartagena accommodation address handy.
4. Bring a card or some cash for expenses — check our Cartagena travel cost guide to budget better.
5. If you're coming from the United States, also read our complete US traveler's guide.
6. If you're deciding between Caribbean destinations, read our Cartagena vs. Cancún comparison.

Frequently asked questions