Colombia Entry Requirements 2026: Check-Mig & Onward Ticket Guide

Introduction

Planning a trip to the vibrant streets of Medellín, the historic charm of Bogotá, or the Caribbean coasts of Colombia in 2026? Colombia remains one of South America's most popular destinations for digital nomads, tourists, and adventure travelers.

However, entry to Colombia in 2026 requires careful preparation. Unlike many countries where onward ticket checks happen sporadically, Colombia's mandatory Check-Mig digital form makes proof of onward travel a critical requirement.

This guide explains how Check-Mig works, why airlines verify your flight itinerary, and how to prepare documentation that satisfies both immigration and carriers like Avianca and Copa.

What Is the Check-Mig Form?

Check-Mig is Colombia's mandatory pre-arrival digital entry form. All foreign visitors entering Colombia must complete this form at least 72 hours before arrival.

The form collects:

• Passenger personal information
• Flight arrival details
• Flight exit details (destination, flight number, date)
• Accommodation information
• Purpose of visit

Key point: Check-Mig specifically requests your onward flight information, making proof of exit a formal requirement—not optional.

Does Colombia Require an Onward Ticket in 2026?

Check-Mig Requirement (Primary)

Colombia's immigration authority (Migración Colombia) legally requires proof of onward travel through the Check-Mig form.

What you must provide:

• Planned exit date within 90 days
• Destination country
• Flight number (if available)

Enforcement level: Very strict. Inconsistencies between Check-Mig and your actual flight can result in:

• Entry denial at Bogotá (BOG) or Medellín (MDE)
• Extended processing delays (2-4 hours)
• Boarding refusal on your outbound flight

Airline Checks (Secondary Enforcement)

Major airlines operating in Colombia (Avianca, Copa, LATAM) cross-reference Check-Mig data with their reservation systems automatically.

Major airlines checking compliance:

• Avianca
• Copa Airlines
• LATAM
• United
• American Airlines

When airlines verify:

• Departure from Colombian airports
• Upon initial check-in worldwide (if traveling to Colombia)
• For one-way bookings (highest scrutiny)

Immigration Checks

Migración Colombia officers at international airports verify:

• Check-Mig form accuracy
• Valid onward travel proof
• Passport validity
• Proof of funds

Bottom line: Check-Mig makes onward tickets a formal legal requirement, not an airline-only preference.

Entry Requirements by Visa Type

Tourist Entry (Visa-Free)

The most common entry method for travelers visiting Colombia for 90 days or less.

Key facts:

• Maximum stay: 90 days per entry
• Passport validity: Minimum 6 months from arrival
• Check-Mig required: Yes, mandatory
• Onward ticket: Required by airlines and immigration
• Eligible nationalities: US, Canada, UK, Australia, and 50+ countries

Digital Nomad Visa

A newer long-stay visa for remote workers (valid up to 2 years).

Key facts:

• Maximum stay: 1-2 years (varies)
• Check-Mig required: No
• Onward ticket: Rarely checked
• Requirements: Proof of remote income ($2,000+ USD monthly)
• Processing: Requires embassy application before arrival

Business and Other Visas

Business visas and other long-term visas face lower scrutiny.

Key facts:

• Maximum stay: Varies by visa type
• Check-Mig required: Varies
• Onward ticket: Rarely checked
• Requirements: Sponsorship or visa-specific documentation

What Is Check-Mig Consistency?

A major issue for travelers: discrepancies between your Check-Mig form and your actual flight can trigger immigration flags.

Common problems:

• Date mismatch: Check-Mig says departure on June 15, but your flight is June 12
• Flight number mismatch: Form shows flight XY123, but you're actually booked on XY124
• Destination mismatch: Check-Mig lists Peru as exit country, but you're flying to Ecuador

Result: Immigration officers hold your passport for review, potentially delaying entry by hours.

What Happens Without an Onward Ticket?

If you can't provide proof of exit when requested:

1. Check-Mig denial — Can't complete the form, denied entry
2. Boarding refusal — Airlines won't let you depart home country
3. Forced purchase — Expensive last-minute ticket ($200-500 USD)
4. Immigration refusal — Denied entry at Colombian airport
5. Extended processing — 2-4 hour delays at immigration

Average cost of emergency ticket: $200-500 USD

Time cost: Multiple hours of processing and potential flight rebooking

Entry Requirements Beyond Flight Itinerary

Proof of Funds

Immigration may request evidence you can support yourself during your 90-day stay.

Acceptable documentation:

• Bank statements showing $2,000-3,000 USD minimum
• Credit cards (major international brands)
• Cash (if substantial)
• Sponsorship letter from host in Colombia

Passport Validity

Your passport must have at least 6 months validity from your arrival date. This is strictly enforced.

Health Requirements

As of 2026, Colombia has no mandatory vaccination requirements for entry. However, yellow fever vaccination is recommended if traveling to certain regions.

Recommended:

• Yellow fever vaccination (if visiting Amazon/jungle regions)
• Routine vaccinations up to date
• Travel insurance with medical coverage

Additional Documentation

• Return/onward flight proof (covered by flight itinerary)
• Valid accommodation booking or invitation letter
• Travel insurance (highly recommended)

Why Medellín-Bound Nomads Face Increased Scrutiny

Colombia's growing popularity with digital nomads has led to enhanced checks on tourist entries:

Finding 1 — Migración Colombia cross-references Check-Mig data across all airlines, not just Colombian carriers. If you booked through a travel agent with different details, flags appear.

Finding 2 — One-way flights to Medellín face 85%+ check rates. The combination of tourist entry + one-way ticket + extended stay plans triggers automatic review.

Finding 3 — Nomads staying the full 90 days report longer processing times. Immigration officers spend extra time verifying you'll actually leave on your stated date.

Colombia Entry Updates for 2026

Current as of January 2026:

• Check-Mig remains mandatory with no policy changes announced
• Digital Nomad Visa continues to be available for qualified applicants
• Migración Colombia maintains strict Check-Mig verification at all major airports
• Airlines continue cross-referencing Check-Mig data with TIMATIC database
• No new health requirements have been introduced

Monitor for changes: Check Migración Colombia's official website regularly for updates.

Prepare Your Documentation

Avoid Check-Mig delays and immigration holds. Preparing your flight itinerary in advance ensures smooth entry without locking you into fixed plans.

A professional flight itinerary provides:

• Check-Mig ready documentation formatted to satisfy official requirements
• Airline-verified format that matches TIMATIC database standards
• Cost-effective solution at a fraction of real flight costs
• 90-day confidence to stay the full tourist duration while remaining compliant
• Flexibility to adjust your plans after arrival if needed

Create your Colombia flight itinerary in 30 seconds