Colombia | South America

Colombia is a sovereign state in northwestern South America. Its economy is the fourth largest in Latin America, driven by petroleum, coffee, emeralds, and a rapidly expanding fintech sector; the capital is Bogotá, while Medellín serves as the primary innovation and textile hub.

Visa & Entry Policy

As of January 11, 2026, EU, US, and UK passport holders are granted visa-free entry for tourist or business stays of up to 90 days.

Check-Mig: All travelers must complete the "Check-Mig" digital form via the Migración Colombia portal between 72 hours and 1 hour before departure. Failure to present the confirmation QR code can result in boarding denial.

Extensions: The initial 90-day permit can be extended for an additional 90 days at a Migración Colombia office or online, for a maximum of 180 days per calendar year.

Requirements: A passport valid for at least six months from the date of entry and proof of onward or return travel.

San Andrés: Travelers to the San Andrés archipelago must purchase a "Tourist Card" (OCCRE) at the departure airport (approx. $35 USD).

Language & Communication

Spanish is the official language. English proficiency is moderate in the business districts of Bogotá and the tourist sectors of Cartagena and Medellín but remains low in residential areas and smaller cities.

Currency & Payment Systems

The official currency is the Colombian Peso (COP).

Bre-B: Launched in late 2025, Bre-B is Colombia's national real-time payment rail (equivalent to Brazil's Pix). It enables instant P2P and P2M transfers 24/7 using identifiers like phone numbers or QR codes.

Digital Wallets: Nequi and DaviPlata are the dominant mobile wallets used for daily transactions, from street vendors to high-end retail.

Cards: Contactless (NFC) credit and debit cards are standard in all urban areas.

Cash: While digital adoption is high, cash is still required for public buses (except for integrated systems like TransMilenio), rural areas, and small traditional markets.

National Transport Grid

Bogotá Metro: As of early 2026, construction on Line 1 of the Bogotá Metro is at peak intensity, with the first viaduct segments visible. Operations are not expected until 2028.

Rail Reactivation: Under the 2025-2026 "Railway Reactivation Plan," the Bogotá–Belencito and La Dorada–Chiriguaná corridors have been modernized for freight; limited passenger "tourist trains" operate on the Bogotá Savannah.

Urban Transit: Bogotá relies on the TransMilenio (BRT) system, which requires a "Tullave" card. Medellín features the only functional integrated Metro and Metrocable (gondola) system in the country.

Aviation: El Dorado (BOG) is a major regional hub. Low-cost carriers like Avianca and Wingo provide the primary links between distant cities like Cali, Barranquilla, and Bucaramanga.

Digital Infrastructure

5G Deployment: 5G standalone (SA) is commercially active in Bogotá, Medellín, Cali, Barranquilla, and Cartagena as of 2026. Claro holds the largest coverage footprint, followed by Movistar and Tigo.

Connectivity: Fiber-optic broadband is ubiquitous in Tier 1 and Tier 2 cities. Starlink provides primary high-speed coverage for the Amazon and Pacific jungle regions.

Network Sunsets: Major carriers have finalized the decommissioning of 2G networks; 3G is currently being phased out in 2026 to prioritize 4G/5G spectrum.

Climate & Seasonality

Bogotá/Highlands: "Cold" tropical climate ($7°C–19°C$) year-round. Rainy seasons are typically April–May and October–November.

Medellín: "City of Eternal Spring" ($16°C–28°C$).

Caribbean Coast: Hot and humid ($24°C–32°C$); dry season runs December–April.

Amazon/Pacific: Tropical rainforest climate with heavy rainfall year-round.

Health & Safety

As of January 2026, travel advisories suggest Exercise a High Degree of Caution.

Safety: Street crime (phone snatching, "scopolamine" drugging, and armed robbery) remains a significant risk in major cities. Avoid the "Do Not Travel" zones along the Venezuelan border, the Catatumbo region, and parts of the Cauca department due to active conflict between illegal armed groups.

Health: Yellow Fever vaccination is mandatory for entering National Parks (e.g., Tayrona) and the Amazon. Tap water is potable in Bogotá and Medellín but should be avoided elsewhere.

Emergency: All services are accessed via 123.

Top 3 Major Regions & Cities

Andean Region: Hub: Bogotá (Politics/Finance) and Medellín (Innovation).

Caribbean Coast: Hub: Cartagena (History/Tourism) and Barranquilla.

Coffee Axis (Eje Cafetero): Hub: Pereira and Salento (Eco-tourism/Agriculture).

Local Cost Index

1L Water: 3,100 COP ($0.75 USD)

1 Domestic Beer (0.5L): 5,000 COP ($1.25 USD)

1 SIM Card (10GB+ Data): 40,000 COP ($10.00 USD)

Facts & Legends

Colombia is the second most biodiverse country in the world. Local folklore features the Leyenda de El Dorado, centered on the Muisca people's ritual at Lake Guatavita. Other figures include La Llorona and El Sombrerón. Historically, it was the heart of the "Gran Colombia" federation envisioned by Simón Bolívar. Geologically, it is the only South American country with coastlines on both the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. It produces the world's highest quality "mild" Arabica coffee and roughly 70-90% of the world's emeralds.