Before planning your trip to Colombia, it’s important to understand entry requirements, safety tips, cultural basics, and practical information that will make your journey smoother and more enjoyable.
This guide covers everything from visa rules for different nationalities to staying safe and staying connected during your trip. By knowing these essentials ahead of time, you’ll arrive prepared, confident, and ready to explore this vibrant country.
Bogotà
Salento
Guatapé
Medellin
Santa Marta
Tayrona
Cartagena
Cocora Valley
Palomino
Visa Requirements
No Visa Required — Valid Passport Only
As per 2026, many travelers can enter Colombia without a visa for short stays (typically up to 90 days). Nationals from many countries, including Morocco and most Western European countries , the United States, Canada, Australia, Japan, Mexico, and basically All South America nationals, are exempt from a visa for tourism purposes.
In these cases, you simply need a valid passport (usually valid at least 6 months) and proof of onward travel or return ticket to receive a tourist entry at immigration
Note: Always check the official list at Migración Colombia or your nearest consulate before departure, as policies can evolve
Mandatory Visa Before Arrival
As per 2026, some nationalities must apply for and receive a visa before entering Colombia. These usually include travelers from countries that do not have visa-exemption agreements, such as Algeria, Belarus, Haiti, Iran, Syria, Sudan, Vietnam, Zambia, and others. If you are a national of a country not listed on the visa-exempt list, you must contact the Colombian consulate or embassy in your home country to apply for the correct visa type well before travel
E-Visa and Visa on arrival
Colombia does not offer visa on arrival nor have an e-visa platform for tourism purposes in most cases. Visitors either fall under the visa-exempt list or must obtain the appropriate visa before arrival if their nationality requires it
For official visa processing and any available online options, visit the Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs visa portal
Safety in Colombia
Colombia is a diverse and welcoming destination that has improved significantly in terms of safety and tourism infrastructure over recent years. Like any travel destination, it’s important to be aware of your surroundings and practice common-sense precautions to ensure a positive experience.
In our personal experience, we found Colombia to be very safe when following basic travel habits. We stayed in well-populated areas, avoided isolated spots late at night, and used trusted transportation services such as Uber, especially for longer distances in big cities like Bogotá and Medellín.
In general, well-known cities and tourist hubs like Santa Marta, Salento, and Cartagena felt safe, lively, and comfortable for visitors when we explored them, even at dusk or early evening.
Some general safety tips:
Stick to busy, well-lit areas, particularly at night.
Use official transport options (Uber, taxis, public transport in busy hours).
Keep valuables secure and avoid displaying expensive gear.
Ask hotel staff for local neighborhood safety advice.
Overall, Colombia’s major tourist areas are considered safe for travelers who exercise normal vigilance, and many visitors travel without any issue. The key is awareness and preparation rather than fear.
General Information
Language
Spanish is the official language of Colombia, and while English is spoken in some tourist areas, basic Spanish phrases will help immensely
Currency
The currency is the Colombian Peso (COP). Cash and cards are widely accepted in cities, but it’s useful to carry small bills in rural areas (1USD ~ 4000 COP)
Culture
Colombians are known for their warm hospitality, lively music (like cumbia and vallenato), and rich traditions. Friendly greetings and respect for local customs go a long way, don't be afraid if people start speaking to you or inviting you for a drink in bar, it's part of local culture to be open for discussions with people they barely know or just meet
Health Advisory
No vaccines are universally mandatory for entry, but some areas (Amazon, remote rainforests) may recommend the yellow fever vaccine; always consult travel medicine resources before departure.
we are already vaccinated against yellow fever, but if you are following our route, no need for it.
Weather
Colombia’s weather varies greatly: coastal regions are tropical and humid, Andean highlands are cooler, and Amazon areas are hot and rainy. Pack accordingly depending on your itinerary.
Other Useful Tips
Colombia uses UTC-5 time zone.
Electrical outlets are 110V, like in the United States, bring adapters if needed (if you're coming from Europe for example)
Tipping is customary for good service (restaurants, tours).
Staying Connected in Colombia
Staying connected in Colombia is generally easy, whether you are in major cities or small towns. Mobile networks are widespread and fast in urban centers, and even in many rural or beach regions you’ll find reliable coverage.
We use personnaly 👉 Airalo everywhere around the word, it' an a reliable eSim card with network coverage in more than 200+ countries and regions, easy to activate everywhere without any need of a local Sim Card or paying excessive roaming charges
But if you are looking for physical Sim Card that might be cheaper than the e-Sim card, here are the Main Mobile Operators in Colombia
Claro: One of the largest networks in Colombia with broad coverage nationwide; plans often start around modest prices with data packages included.
Movistar: Good urban coverage and affordable prepaid SIM options; popular for travelers looking for reliable data in cities.
Tigo: Strong network with competitive prices and easy top-up options at kiosks or online in most cities.
You can buy a prepaid SIM at the airport upon arrival or at official shops in the city center. Prices can vary but expect roughly 20,000–40,000 COP ( ~5-10 Usd) for basic data plans (about 10 GB), with larger packages available at incrementally higher costs. These plans make it simple to stay connected, use navigation apps, WhatsApp, social media, and stay in touch with home while exploring Colombia.
