Colombia Entry Requirements for Cartagena and Medellin Tourists

Who this guide is for

US, Canadian, UK and EU tourists planning a trip to Colombia focused on Cartagena (the colonial Caribbean city) and Medellin (the transformed Antioquia capital), with possible stops in Bogotá. Based on official UK government guidance.

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Visa-free entry

Most Western nationalities do not need a visa to enter Colombia as tourists for up to 90 days. Entry is granted at the border — no pre-travel visa application is required for standard tourist visits.

Key conditions:

• Valid passport (full duration of stay, 6 months+ recommended)
• Return or onward ticket — this is actively enforced
• Stated purpose must be tourism or another permitted short-stay activity

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The return ticket requirement

Unlike some countries where this is theoretical, Colombia actively checks for return or onward travel at entry points. Airlines also verify this before boarding. A fully booked return flight is the simplest approach. If your plans are flexible, consider a refundable or changeable return ticket.

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Migración Colombia registration

This requirement surprises many first-time visitors:

• In a hotel: The hotel registers you automatically. No action required.
• In private accommodation (Airbnb, apartment, family/friends): You must register with Migración Colombia within 3 days of arrival. This is done at a Migración office. Check the current process with the office nearest your accommodation, as it can change.

Failing to register when required can complicate your stay and any future visa applications to Colombia or other countries.

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Understanding the regional risk map

Colombia's safety profile varies sharply by region. The UK FCDO advises against all but essential travel to specific areas — including some Pacific coast departments, border zones and certain rural regions. These do not include the tourist areas of Cartagena or Medellin city.

However, you must read the full GOV.UK Colombia regional risks section before planning any travel beyond the main cities — including Pacific coast excursions, Amazon trips, or travel to border areas.

Cartagena: Located in Bolívar Department on the Caribbean coast. Not in a restricted zone. The main tourist district (Old City / Getsemaní) is the focus for most visitors.

Medellin: Located in Antioquia Department. The city itself is not in a restricted zone. Parts of Antioquia Department outside the city are in higher-risk areas — check before planning day trips or regional travel.

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Getting between cities

• Cartagena to Medellin: Domestic flights (approximately 1 hour). Multiple daily flights. Recommended over road travel.
• Medellin to Bogotá: Frequent domestic flights (approximately 1 hour). The road journey is long and passes through areas of varying safety.
• Internal flights: Colombia's domestic air network is well-developed. Flying between cities is safer and quicker than long overland journeys.

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Sources

Checked on 25 July 2026. Colombia's entry rules and regional risk ratings change — re-read the full GOV.UK Colombia travel advice before every trip.

• GOV.UK: Colombia entry requirements
• GOV.UK: Colombia regional risks
• GOV.UK: Colombia safety and security