Location & Travel

Bogotá FAQs

• What is the official language?

  Spanish is the official language of Colombia.

• What is the time zone in Bogotá?

  Bogotá is in the GTM-5 (Eastern time zone in the US).  It does not change during the year

• What is the currency and how can I pay?

  The currency is the Colombian Peso (COP).  One US dollar (USD) is equal to approximately 4,000 COP.  The 20,000 COP bill available at ATMs is about $5 US.  

  Credit cards are also accepted in most stores and shopping centers.  There are ATMs at Bogota’s airport and an ATM (Scotiabank) in the grocery store across the street from the Hilton Corferias Bogotá.
   

• What is the weather like in Bogotá?

  Bogota is located at 8,661 feet above sea level on the eastern mountain range of the Colombian Andes. The average temperature is a spring-like 50-66° F year-round. It is not unusual to have overcast weather with occasional showers.

  For information about traveling to destinations at high altitudes, click here.

• What is the population of Bogotá?

  Bogotá is the largest city in Colombia. People converge from all around the country with almost 11 million inhabitants in the metropolitan area with different origins, cultures, and accents. Bogotá is divided into 20 districts. The most recognized areas for tourism include Chapinero, Usaquen, Barrios Unidos, Teusaquillo and La Candelaria. 

• How do I get to Bogotá?

  El Dorado International Airport (BOG) is located inside the city limits.  It is the main hub of Colombia, served by airlines such as American, Delta, United, Jet Blue, Avianca, Copa, etc. Services for travelers include machines (ATMs), Notary Office, restaurants, shops and a convenient taxi center. 

  The two authorized taxi companies are Taxis El Dorado and Radio Taxi Aeropuerto. You will find them easily after passing through the international arrivals exit.
   

• How do I travel around Bogotá?

  El Dorado International Airport offers convenient taxi service. The two authorized taxi companies are:  

  • Taxis El Dorado  
  • Radio Taxi Aeropuerto 

   You will find them easily after passing through the international arrivals exit.

  Uber is NOT recommended for airport transfers as it is not officially recognized by the airport.

  In the city, hailing a taxi on the street is not recommended. Request a taxi through a hotel or restaurant or use one of the following apps:

  • Taxis Libres 
  •  Easy Taxi  
  •  Cabify 
  • Didi
     

• Public Transportation System

  Inaugurated in 2001, Transmilenio is part of Bogota´s mass transportation system, with high level infrastructure, including 114 kms of exclusive lanes for high capacity “bendy-buses.”  There are two types of buses: One has a capacity for 150 passengers and the other one for 250 passengers each. 

  The system allows you to move all around Bogotá, with 9 main stations in key locations around the city and a total of 143 bus stops.
   
  Here are the fees:

  • Rechargeable Card Fee: less than $2 USD
  •  Single ride fee:  less than $1 USD
     

• How to find an address in Bogotá?

  In Bogotá, the best way to orient yourself is to look for the eastern mountains, visible from most of the city.  If you are facing the mountains, the left side will mark the north, the right side is the south and the west will be behind you. 
   
  You will find streets (Calles) and races as well as diagonals and cross-sections.  Streets go from east to west and cross the races vertically. The abbreviation for street is “Cll,” “Cl,” or “C”.
   
  Streets known as “races” run parallel to the mountains from south to north and can be found with abbreviations such as “Cra,” “K,” and “Kra.” The transversal ones go like the races, from south to north. The avenues run parallel, diagonally or perpendicular to the streets.
  Credit: www.bogotadc.travel
   
   

• How is phone service in Colombia?

  The country calling code is + 57.  The code for Bogotá is + 601 + the number. On mobile phones, the number is only + 57 + the cell phone number.

  Local and cell phone signals are quite good, especially in the cities. In mountainous or forested areas, the signal can be intermittent. SIM cards are easy to find at local stores and cost about US$ 5-10 USD.
   

• You are not sure whether you need a visa?

  Visit the Colombian Travel Website for information. 

  All U.S. citizens who do not also hold Colombian citizenship must present a valid U.S. passport to enter and leave Colombia. U.S. citizens do not need a Colombian visa for a tourist or business stay of 90 days or less or for cumulative stays of 180 days or less per calendar year.  All holders of passports from other countries should consult the Colombian travel website for full details. 

  Visa processing for Colombia can take several months. You are encouraged to apply early and no later than April 1, 2023

• Obtaining a Visa

  If you require a visa to travel to Colombia to attend the IADR/LAR General Session in Bogotá, you should apply for your visa at least three (3) months in advance in order to allow sufficient time for the consideration of visa applications and the issuing of decisions. The visa application can be found online here (click ENGLISH at the top, if required).

  The application requires verification of your registration for the IADR/LAR General Session, a letter of invitation by IADR, hotel reservation confirmation, and airline ticket. Incomplete applications risk the chance of rejection by the government of Colombia unless you provide all requirements!

  Application Tips:

  • Purpose of travel is “tourism/event participation”
  •   Type of visa required is “visitor”
  • Cost to apply is USD $ 52 / EUR $ 40
  •   Cost when visa is granted is USD $ 170/ EUR $131
  •  It can take up to 30 days to receive a response to your application

  General visa application submission instructions:

  1. Have a valid passport or travel document, in good condition and with free space for visas.
  2. Fill out the electronic visa application form.
  3. All required documents, other than identity documents or travel documents, must have an issue date not later than three months from the date of application registration.
  4. All documents from abroad must have apostille or legalization and official translation into Spanish when it is not in this language. The official translation must be legalized or apostilled according to the case.
  5. In the event of requiring submittal of bank statements, these may be without apostille or legalization and without translation into Spanish, if the content can be clearly established by the visa officer.
  6. If the filing of criminal records is required, when the application for this visa is submitted to a Colombian consulate based in the country of origin of the foreigner, the criminal background certification according to the established procedures in that country will be sufficient. When the application is submitted to the Internal Visa and Immigration Working Group, it can include the criminal records certified by the consulate of the country of origin accredited in Colombia or apostilled and legalized as the case may be.

   

Required Traveler Documentation: Check-MIG Application

• What is the Check-MIG?

  The Colombia Check-MIG form is required by all international travelers planning to enter the country. It is required because it reduces direct interaction time at the border.
  The form’s purpose is to keep people safe from COVID-19 while still making sure that Colombia's borders are safe and secure.
  The form asks all sorts of travel questions, such as which flights a traveler is arriving on and how they can be contacted while in Colombia.
  This is information that immigration officials used to ask for during face-to-face interactions.
  Now, the form must be filled out within 24 hours of traveling to Colombia. Otherwise, travelers may not be allowed to board their flights to the country and will be denied entry, too.

  As of now, it is still a requirement to enter/exit the country and it must be done before departing. 

  Failure to have the Check Mig can result in not being able to board the flight to Colombia.
  Three easy steps to get Check-Mig for Colombia

  1.  Apply online. Fill out basic details concerning your travel details and health state.
  2.  Fill out remaining required information and make online payment.
  3.  Once your payment is confirmed, the Check-MIG will be sent to the email address you provided in your application.

  4.    Submit Form.

• Do I need to fill the Check MIG Colombia online?

  In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, many countries introduced health declaration certificates for visitors, in order to help the authorities pre-screen travelers before entry. The Check- MIG form must be completed by all passengers before entering and leaving Colombia.

• Entering Colombia

  The Check-MIG form asks for personal information and health data. It mostly pertains to COVID-19 and helps the government keep both visitors and citizens healthy. It will ask for passport data, as well as contact data for the time the traveler is planning to be in Colombia. This allows for contact if a person was exposed to COVID en route to the country.

  It also asks for personal health information, such as previous COVID infections, vaccination status, etc. This helps the government to screen individuals who may need to quarantine, etc. The form can be accessed on the internet, or via a special app set up by the Colombian government. Travelers should follow instructions completely, then submit the form.

  They should not, however, submit the form more than 48 hours before they leave for Colombia. That way, the data submitted will be as up-to-date as possible.

  It usually takes less than 24 hours for the form to be accepted, though in occasional cases it may take longer.

  Travelers will likely not be permitted to board transportation to Colombia without an accepted form.

International Travel and Check-MIG Form Information

• Colombia Visa and Check-MIG for Canadians

  Canadian citizens will also need to show an approved Check-MIG form before they cross the border. They can submit this form online and receive approval before they travel.

  Finally, Canadians will need to demonstrate that they are in compliance with Colombia’s current COVID-19 travel restrictions.

  These change as the disease progresses and changes, so travelers will need to check for updated information before they travel.

  They should do this in plenty of time to get test results if Colombia is requiring negative ones in order to cross the border.
   

  Canadian Travelers Should Fill Out the Check-MIG Form

  Canadians can find the Check-MIG form online, or they can download the mobile app specific to the form. This was designed by the Colombian government to make it easy to find the form. 
  The form pertains to health information related to COVID-19. It may ask about previous travel, infections, vaccinations, negative test results, and more.
  It will also ask travelers where and how they can be contacted while they are in Colombia. This is in case they are exposed to COVID during their travel to the country.

  Travelers should wait until they are 48 hours or less from their departure for Colombia before they submit the form. They should have an approved form within 24 hours of submission.
   

  Note that most airlines will not allow people to board if they do not have the correct Check-MIG permission in place.

  Paperwork Canadian Citizens Should Bring When They Try to Enter Colombia
  Canadian citizens who plan to get a 90 day visa to Colombia should bring two important documents with them when they go to enter Colombia.

  The first of these is their Canadian passport. This not only needs to be valid on the day they are entering, but should be valid for at least six months beyond that date.
  If it is not valid for that long, they should consider renewing it before they travel. 

  Secondly, Canadians who want the short-term travel visa need to bring proof that they plan to leave Colombia before that visa expires.

  The best way to show this is to have already purchased an airline ticket that departs Colombia. Note that reserved tickets don’t qualify; they must be paid for by the time they are used as proof.

  Canadian citizens who plan to enter Colombia for reasons other than tourism should have their relevant visa in hand, too. Immigration officials will not let them enter without this document.
   

• Colombia Visa and Check-MIG for Americans/United States Citizens

  
  US citizens who want to visit Colombia should find entering the country relatively easy, since they do not need a visa if they travel as tourists.

  This is especially true if they know what to expect before they arrive.

  Here’s what American travelers need to know before they visit Colombia. Armed with this information, they should be able to enter the country and travel to their hearts’ content.

  What Travel Permissions Do Americans Need to Visit Colombia?
  American travelers who plan to enter Colombia as tourists and who plan to spend 90 days or less in the country do not need a visa.

  All other American travelers to Colombia will need to get the relevant visa. There are several different types of visas that are popular among American visitors to the country.

  Travelers will also need to fill out Colombia’s Check-MIG form before they travel. This is a screening form related to COVID-19.

  Every visitor to Colombia needs to complete this form before they can travel to the country. If they do not, they will not be permitted to board a plane to Colombia.

  Additional COVID-19 precautions and requirements are subject to change. Travelers need to make sure they know what is expected of them in this area before they travel to Colombia.

  What is a Check-MIG and How to Fill It Out?

  The Colombia Check-MIG asks travelers for their passport details, contact information both while in Colombia and at home, and travel details.

  All of this information allows the Colombian government to contact people who might be in danger of contracting COVID-19. It also allows them to better track the disease in their country.

  Travelers can fill out the Check-MIG form online, or they can download the app specific to the form. Either way, they can complete the requirement and get approved to travel electronically. 

  The form asks for details like a passport number, an email address, and a phone number. It also asks for travel information like the person’s flight number, arrival time, and more. 

  Regarding COVID-19, the form asks about symptoms of the disease, previous exposures and quarantines, contact with symptomatic people, and tests the traveler has taken for the condition.

  The Check-MIG should be processed within 24 hours of submission, though some travelers will hear back immediately.

  It should not be started more than 48 hours before the person departs for Colombia, so that the information it contains is accurate and updated. 

  Travelers can print out their Check-MIG or they can show its approval on their mobile device.

  What Do U.S. Citizens Need to Do to Enter Colombia?

  Americans who do not need a visa can enter Colombia by showing only two documents: their US passport and proof that they plan to leave the country.

  Their passport needs to be valid for up to six months past the date on which they are entering Colombia. If it is not, the US government recommends that they renew it before their trip.

  Proof of onward travel must be fully purchased. Reserved seats on a flight, for instance, will not qualify.
  American travelers who need to get a visa to travel will need to show that when they enter Colombia, as well as their passport and Check-MIG form.
   

• Brazilian Travelers and the Check-MIG Form

  Citizens of Brazil who are traveling to Colombia as tourists or as short-term visitors who do not plan to make money in the country do not need a visa to travel.

  However, they do still have to meet some entry requirements. Here’s what Brazilians traveling to Colombia need to know to make their visit a success.
  Paperwork Brazilian Citizens Need at the Border With Colombia
  At the border with Colombia, Brazilian citizens who need a visa will need to show that they have gotten one.
  All travelers from Brazil will need to show their passport, which needs to be valid and should continue to be valid for at least six months from their date of entry.

  They will also need to show that they have an accepted Check-MIG form for Colombia. There is more information on that listed below.

  Finally, Brazilian citizens will need to show that they meet all of Colombia’s current requirements regarding COVID-19. These change, so they should update themselves before traveling.
  Note that travelers may need to show negative COVID-19 test results to travel, and so should check requirements in plenty of time to get these results before they leave if they need them.

  In addition to their Check-MIG form, valid passport, and their visa if they have one, Brazilian citizens may need to bring a few other documents to get through Immigration.

  First, they may need to show proof that they plan to leave the country within the time allowed by their visa. This is particularly true for those entering on 90-day tourist visas.

  They will need to show a ticket on a departing form of transportation that has been already paid for. Simply reserving travel will not be accepted, as these tickets are easier to change. 

  Travelers may also need to show proof of their travel plans while in Colombia. This proof may take the form of booked tours, hotel rooms, spa reservations, etc.

  The Colombian government reserves the right to ask for any relevant documentation, so travelers should have that in order before they try to enter the country.
   

• Travelers from Asia

  Before traveling to Colombia, travelers from Asia, including citizens from China, Japan and India, must first meet the requirements to enter the country.

  Citizens from some Asian countries need to present a tourist visa processed at the Colombian embassies or consulates abroad by completing the Check-Mig form required by the Colombian authorities.
  These are some of the steps necessary to complete the declaration form (Check-Mig):

  • Travel method (air, land, Maritime or river).
  • Provide personal data, including names, date of birth, nationality, and country of origin.
  • Travel details including date of entry, country of origin, and other general travel information.
  •  If applicable, flight information including airline name, flight number and itinerary.
  • Travel documents.

  You can obtain the complete pre-registration form (Check-Mig) and fill it out.
  There are different types of visas for those who are not traveling to Colombia for tourism purposes. These travelers should consult with the Colombian consulate before starting their trip for the requirements specific to the reason for their visit to Colombia.