Last updated: 8 September 2026. US passport holders should complete the free Colombia Check-Mig form on apps.migracioncolombia.gov.co within 72 hours to 1 hour before departure. The form is officially optional since 2025, but airlines like Avianca may still deny boarding without it. A valid US passport, proof of onward travel, and a 90-day visa-free tourist stay complete entry requirements. Submitting it prevents delays at US check-in counters.
Disclaimer: This is an independent guide, not affiliated with Migración Colombia or any government entity. Always verify with official sources, including co.usembassy.gov.
Is the Colombia Check-Mig Required for US Citizens in 2026?
Verdict: The Colombia Check-Mig is officially optional, but U.S. passport holders should complete it regardless. Migración Colombia announced the form is no longer obligatory in a video dated 2 January 2025 [Source: Migración Colombia YouTube], and the US State Department changed its wording from “required” to “should fill out” [Source: travel.state.gov]. However, airlines operating from the US still request proof at check-in.
| Layer | Status |
|---|---|
| Migración Colombia (official position, 2025) | Optional – no longer obligatory |
| Airline enforcement (US departure gates) | Avianca at LAX requires Check-Mig for boarding; Copa Airlines occasionally requests it |
| Airport reality in Colombia (2025-2026) | BOG: rarely checked (“99% of the time not asked”); CTG: not asked on departure; MDE: inconsistent – some travellers fill it in line |
The highest risk of denial is at US check-in counters, not Colombian immigration. Completing the Colombia Check-Mig takes under 10 minutes, costs nothing, and prevents delays.
How to Complete the Colombia Check-Mig Form Step by Step
US travellers submit the Colombia Check-Mig form at apps.migracioncolombia.gov.co in under 10 minutes, selecting “Estados Unidos” from the Spanish drop-down. Complete it 72 hours to 1 hour before departure; allow 24 hours for corrections. Entry and exit require separate submissions.
Type of journey (Tipo de trayecto)
Select route (entry/departure), transport type, and flight type (commercial/private).
Travel information (Información del viaje)
Enter flight number as digits only (e.g., “107”, not “AV107”). Select “Estados Unidos” for the USA from the Spanish drop-down.
Personal data (Datos personales)
Enter passport details.
Lodging data (Datos de hospedaje)
Provide your accommodation address in Colombia.
Questions (Preguntas)
Complete the declarations.
U.S. passport holders receive a confirmation code by email and can download a PDF from the portal. A frequent traveller login saves data for future submissions. For a more detailed walkthrough, see our step-by-step guide to filling out the Colombia Check-Mig form.
Browser Tips and the Mobile App vs. Website
Use Google Chrome on a desktop for the most reliable experience; Safari and iPad browsers have historically displayed blank screens.
Avoid Check-Mig Scams – The Form Is Free
The Colombia Check-Mig form costs 0 USD on the official portal. Third-party sites charge $25 (iVisa), up to $70 (Handy Visas), and even $129 for the same free document.
Only legitimate URL: apps.migracioncolombia.gov.co/pre-registro/en – look for the .gov.co domain, the Migración Colombia logo (top-left), and a language selector (top-right). There is no payment page. Learn more about how to identify fraudulent Check-Mig websites and avoid unnecessary fees.
Red flags – do not use a site that:
- Has a .com or .net domain instead of .gov.co
- Asks for credit card details or charges any fee
- Misspells “Colombia” as “Columbia” (e.g., Handy Visas)
- Displays no Migración Colombia logo in the top-left corner
- Redirects to an external payment processor
| Feature | Migración Colombia Portal | Typical Third-Party Service |
|---|---|---|
| Domain | .gov.co | .com / .net |
| Cost | Free (0 USD) | $25-$129 USD |
| Migración Colombia logo | Top-left | Absent |
| Payment page | None | Credit card required |
Other Entry and Stay Requirements for US Passport Holders in Colombia
US passports must be valid for the full stay duration, and proof of onward travel may be requested at airline check-in or immigration. The Colombia Check-Mig does not replace these border control requirements.
| Requirement | Status | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Passport validity | Required | Valid for the duration of stay (per US State Department; no 6-month rule). Carry 2 to 3 blank pages for entry and exit stamps. |
| Visa exemption | Automatic | 90-day tourist stay granted on arrival. Extendable once for 90 additional days. Maximum 180 days per calendar year. |
| Proof of onward travel | Conditional | Airlines may require a return or onward ticket at check-in. Colombian immigration may ask randomly. |
| Yellow fever vaccination | Conditional | Required only if visiting Amazonas, Meta, or parts of Boyacá (ICVP card needed). |
| Cash declaration | Required (threshold) | Mandatory customs declaration for carrying $10,000 USD equivalent or more. |
| Reciprocity fee | Not applicable | US citizens pay no reciprocity fee. This fee applies to Canadian citizens only. |
| Travel insurance | Recommended | Not legally mandatory but highly recommended. |
| Stay extension | Conditional | Apply via Migración Colombia online portal before the initial 90 days expire. Check-Mig does not affect this. |
| Dual US-Colombian citizens | Required | Colombian law mandates that citizens of Colombia must enter and depart using their Colombian passport. See our guide for Check-Mig requirements for dual citizens. |
Colombia Check-Mig From USA: Frequently Asked Questions
Do US citizens need a Check-Mig to enter Colombia?
Officially optional since Migración Colombia’s 2 Jan 2025 announcement; Avianca at LAX still requires it at check-in.
How far in advance should I complete the Colombia Check-Mig form?
Submit between 72 hours and 1 hour before departure. Complete at least 24 hours prior for corrections and to avoid portal issues.
Is the Colombia Check-Mig form free?
Yes, completely free via apps.migracioncolombia.gov.co. Third-party sites charge $25 to $129 for the same form.
What documents do US passport holders need to enter Colombia by air?
Valid US passport (duration of stay), Check-Mig confirmation (recommended), proof of onward travel, 90-day automatic visa.
Can I complete the Colombia Check-Mig on my phone or tablet?
Yes – app or browser. Use Google Chrome; Safari/iPad historically show blank screens.
Do I need a yellow fever vaccination to visit Colombia?
Only if visiting Amazonas, Meta, or parts of Boyacá (ICVP card required). Not required for standard tourist entry from the US.
Can US citizens travel to Colombia by land without a Check-Mig?
Yes. Check-Mig does not apply to land borders. Physical printed documents and passport inspection required at crossings like Rumichaca bridge. Cross during daylight hours.
What is the maximum length of stay for US citizens in Colombia without a visa?
90 days initially, extendable once for 90 additional days via Migración Colombia portal. Maximum 180 days per calendar year.
What happens if I lose my Check-Mig confirmation code?
Recover it via “Double check and download completed form” on the portal; PDF download or screenshot also works.
Does a dual US-Colombian citizen need a Check-Mig?
Colombian law mandates citizens enter and depart on their Colombian passport. Check-Mig submission recommended for streamlined processing.
