Colombia Visa Requirements For British Citizens (2025)

There are so many things you must know as a British citizen planning to visit Colombia. Let’s examine the crucial ones.

Colombia Visa Requirements For British Citizens

Visa exemption: British passport holders do not need a visa for tourism or business trips up to 90 days, granted at the discretion of Colombian immigration upon arrival. A return or onward ticket valid within the 90-day period is required
Passport validity: Your passport must be valid on arrival; it’s recommended to have at least six months’ validity beyond your departure date

Arrival & Entry Formalities

Check-Mig form: All travellers must fill out the Check-Mig online form between 72 hours and 1 hour before departure and present the confirmation email upon arrival (and again at departure)
Passport stamping: Ensure your passport is stamped at border entry and exit—especially for land, sea, or river crossings—to avoid fines

Extending Your Stay

Extension options: You can apply in-country through Migración Colombia to extend your initial 90-day stay by up to another 90 days, for a total maximum of 180 days in any 12‑month period
Long‑stay visas: If staying longer for work or study, you must obtain the appropriate visa in advance. Any visa over 90 days must be registered within 15 days of arrival at a Migración Colombia office or online

Health & Vaccination

Yellow fever: A certificate may be required if arriving from a yellow fever risk country or visiting high-risk areas within Colombia .

Travelling with Children

Children under 17 (with British passports and resident status in Colombia) need a notarised parental permission letter in Spanish, from non-accompanying parent(s), authenticated by a Colombian consulate .

Summary Table

Requirement	Details
Visa	Not needed for stays ≤ 90 days (tourism/business)
Passport validity	Valid on entry; 6 months’ validity recommended beyond departure
Check-Mig form	Mandatory for entry and exit (72 h – 1 h before flight)
Proof of onward/return	Required to board and enter
Passport stamp	Necessary at both entry and exit
Extend stay	Up to 90 days extension

Does British Citizens Needs Visa To Travel To Colombia?

British citizens currently do not need a visa to travel to Colombia for tourism or business stays of up to 90 days. Upon arrival, you receive a stamp granting a stay of up to 90 days

How Long Does It Takes For A British Citizen To Get Colombian Visa?

For a British citizen, the processing time for a Colombian visa generally depends on the type of visa you’re applying for (tourist, work, student, etc.), but here are the general timeframes:

Colombian Visa Processing Times for British Citizens:

Tourist Visa (if required):
- Processing Time: 5 to 10 business days
- However, British citizens don’t need a tourist visa for short stays (up to 90 days for tourism or business).
Migrant Visa (e.g. work, marriage, retirement):
- Processing Time: 5 to 30 calendar days
- Complex applications (like business investment or marriage visas) may take longer, especially if additional documentation or verification is required.
Resident Visa (for long-term stay or permanent residence):
- Processing Time: up to 30 business days, but in practice, it may take 4 to 6 weeks

What Do You Need As A British Citizen To Move To Colombia

Colombia is vibrant, dynamic, and at times unpredictable. Life moves at a different pace here. Whether it’s the laid-back attitude in coastal towns or the bustling chaos of Bogotá traffic, being open to change is crucial. British punctuality might be challenged, and systems may operate differently than expected. Instead of fighting it, embracing the local rhythm can make your transition smoother and more enjoyable.

Colombians value social interaction and spontaneity, so flexibility isn’t just helpful—it’s necessary. Things may not always go to plan, but if you can remain adaptable, you’ll find the experience far more rewarding

Though many Colombians are friendly and welcoming, English is not widely spoken outside tourist areas or international business circles. Knowing some Spanish—even at a beginner level—opens up the country in profound ways. It allows you to connect more deeply with locals, navigate daily tasks, and understand cultural nuances.

Investing time in learning the language will enrich your experience, help avoid misunderstandings, and show respect for Colombian culture. Plus, Colombians generally appreciate any effort to speak their language, no matter how basic.

A Sense of Curiosity and Respect for Culture

Colombia has a complex history marked by conflict and recovery, but it is also filled with pride, music, dance, and a deep sense of community. Understanding its past, while embracing its present, is part of integrating into the culture. Whether you’re attending a local festival, tasting regional dishes like ajiaco or bandeja paisa, or simply chatting with your neighbors, showing genuine interest and respect goes a long way.

This cultural awareness will not only help you build relationships but also avoid inadvertently offending others or making inappropriate assumptions.

Life in Colombia can be significantly more affordable than the UK, but it’s important to have a clear idea of your financial situation. Exchange rate fluctuations, the cost of setting up a new home, and unexpected expenses can all affect your budget.

Consider factors like rent deposits, furniture (as many rentals are unfurnished), private health insurance, and travel within the country. It’s smart to have a financial cushion to help you settle in without stress.

Also, be aware that opening a local bank account can be a bureaucratic challenge, especially if you don’t have residency or proof of income. Many foreigners rely on international cards or digital banks until they’re more established.

Patience with Bureaucracy

While we won’t focus on specific requirements, it’s important to be mentally prepared for bureaucratic processes. Things often take longer than expected, and documents might need to be translated, notarized, or submitted multiple times.

Appointments may be rescheduled, and information may vary depending on who you speak with. Staying calm, organized, and patient is key. It helps to keep multiple copies of important documents and to seek advice from other expats or local lawyers when necessary.

Moving abroad can be lonely, especially if you’re not immediately surrounded by friends or family. Finding community is essential—not just for social reasons but also for support in navigating a new culture.

Thankfully, Colombia has a growing expat population in cities like Medellín, Bogotá, and Cartagena. From language exchange meetups to expat Facebook groups, there are many ways to connect. But don’t limit yourself to other foreigners. Engaging with Colombians will enrich your life and help you feel truly at home.

A Spirit of Adventure

Colombia is incredibly diverse—from the lush Amazon rainforest and Caribbean beaches to the Andean peaks and colonial towns. Living there gives you the opportunity to explore this stunning geography at your leisure.

Take time to travel, try unfamiliar foods, dance to rhythms like salsa and vallenato, and celebrate local holidays. Living in Colombia isn’t just about relocating your life; it’s about expanding it.

Each region has its own personality, accent, cuisine, and customs. This makes every trip within the country a learning experience and every new friendship an insight into another facet of Colombian identity.

Looking after your health in a new environment is essential. The healthcare system in Colombia is generally good, with both public and private options, and many British citizens are pleasantly surprised by the quality of care.

However, adjusting to new foods, climate, and routines can take a toll. Stay active, eat well, and don’t hesitate to seek support if you feel overwhelmed. Culture shock is real, but manageable if you’re honest about how you feel and take steps to care for your mental and emotional health.

Moving to Colombia isn’t just a temporary escape—it’s a commitment to a new way of life. Success comes not from trying to replicate the UK in South America, but from building a lifestyle that blends the best of both worlds.

Give yourself time to adapt. Expect challenges. Celebrate small victories, like successfully navigating a conversation in Spanish or discovering your favorite local coffee shop.

Conclusion

Moving to Colombia as a British citizen requires more than documents and plane tickets. It takes courage, curiosity, and compassion—both for the culture around you and for yourself as you navigate change. If you arrive with an open heart and a willingness to grow, Colombia has a way of welcoming you in and making you feel like you belong.