Last updated: 2 August 2026. Verified against Migración Colombia’s current guidance on the .gov.co portal.
Colombia Check-Mig (Chequeo Migratorio) became voluntary in January 2025 when Migración Colombia removed the legal mandate. By 2026, the free form dropped COVID-19 health questions and added a Frequent Traveller module. Airlines still request Colombia Check-Mig confirmation at check-in despite its optional status.
Colombia Check-Mig 2025 vs 2026: In January 2025, Migración Colombia made Check-Mig voluntary, removing the legal mandate. By 2026, the free form remains recommended, airlines frequently still request it, COVID-19 health questions have been removed, a Frequent Traveller module has been added, and the 72-hour pre-departure submission window is unchanged.
For UK travellers, the practical rule is to complete the free Colombia Check-Mig form 72 to 1 hour before departure; airlines at Bogotá El Dorado still ask for the QR code despite the voluntary status.
Check-Mig Evolution Timeline: 2020 to 2026
2020
Launched as a mandatory COVID-19 screening tool by Migración Colombia (Special Administrative Unit) to reduce immigration wait times during the pandemic.
Late 2023
The Check-Mig portal was redesigned.
2 January 2025
A Migración Colombia YouTube announcement removed the legal mandate, shifting Colombia Check-Mig to voluntary.
21 April 2025
The agency reiterated the voluntary stance through a Facebook repost.
2026
All former COVID-19 health questions removed; a Frequent Traveller module added. The form operates as a recommended pre-registration step, available in English and French with an average completion time of 10 minutes or less.
Colombia Check-Mig 2025 vs 2026 Comparison
The Colombia Check-Mig 2025 vs 2026 comparison reveals a shift from mandatory to voluntary status, the addition of a Frequent Traveller module, and the removal of COVID-19 health questions. The 72-hour to 1-hour submission window and free ($0) cost remained unchanged. Enforcement evolved from strict airline checks to inconsistent requests, while the BIOMIG biometric system expanded its voluntary iris-scan rollout. The comparison below consolidates data from the Migración Colombia .gov.co portal and traveller reports verified as of 2 August 2026.
| Feature | 2025 | 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Legal status | Mandatory in practice for most of the year; voluntary status announced 2 Jan 2025 | Voluntary / recommended (verified 2 Aug 2026) |
| COVID-19 health questions | Already removed | Not present |
| Submission window | 72 hours to 1 hour before departure | 72 hours to 1 hour (unchanged) |
| Cost | Free ($0) | Free ($0) |
| Enforcement at airports | Strict – airlines checked at check-in and gate | Inconsistent – some airlines still request it; some travellers not asked |
| Entry and exit forms | Two separate submissions required | Two separate submissions (unchanged) |
| Frequent Traveller module | Not available | Available – register without refilling the full form |
| BIOMIG biometric enrolment | Voluntary opt-in (iris scans) | Voluntary opt-in (expanded rollout) |
While legal compulsion ended, airline enforcement remains inconsistent, so completing Colombia Check-Mig is still recommended.
How to Complete Colombia Check-Mig in 2026
Travellers complete Colombia Check-Mig on the Migración Colombia .gov.co portal within 72 hours to 1 hour before departure, receiving a free QR code confirmation. The form takes approximately 10 minutes and is available in English and French.
Access the portal
Visit apps.migracioncolombia.gov.co/pre-registro/en and choose “Check completed form” or start a new registration.
Select travel direction and transport mode
Choose your travel direction (entry or exit) and transport mode from the dropdown (air or fluvial).
Enter your details
Provide your passport details, commercial flight number (digits only, no letters), and accommodation address in Colombia.
Review all mandatory fields
Check all mandatory fields across the 5-step form: journey type, travel information, personal data, accommodation data, and questions.
Submit and save your QR code
Submit and download or screenshot your QR code confirmation. A confirmation email may also be provided. Processing is free ($0).
Entry Form vs. Exit Form for Colombia Check-Mig
Colombia Check-Mig requires two separate submissions: one for entry into Colombia and one for exit. Many travellers overlook the departure leg. Complete the exit form within the same 72-hour to 1-hour window before your departing flight.
Enforcement, Scams, and Technical Issues in 2026
Despite the 2025 mandate removal, airlines at Bogotá El Dorado and other hubs still routinely request the QR confirmation, an enforcement disconnect noted in the Colombia Check-Mig 2025 vs 2026 comparison. Migración Colombia removed the mandate on 2 January 2025, yet check-in agents continue asking UK travellers for Colombia Check-Mig throughout 2026.
A March 2026 forum report noted one traveller (David, arriving c. 13 March 2026) was not asked for Colombia Check-Mig at all, while another (airmiles1, 13 March 2026) faced a page error where the form would not advance past the first page. The recommended workaround, confirmed by a third forum user (CDY, 17 March 2026), is switching browsers or clearing the cache.
UK tourists should avoid third-party sites charging a fee for what Migración Colombia provides at $0. Legitimate processing occurs only on the .gov.co domain. Red flags include non-.gov.co URLs, payment screens, and “guaranteed approval” claims. Personal data submitted through Colombia Check-Mig is retained for immigration-control purposes. The Privacy Notice is accessible via QR code scan, and user consent for personal and biometric data processing is required before submission. BIOMIG iris scans remain voluntary, are used for security purposes exclusively, and regular non-automated immigration channels remain available at any time. Further guidance is available from independent travel guides and the Cartagena Explorer Check-Mig resource.
Frequently Asked Questions About Colombia Check-Mig in 2026
Do UK passport holders need a visa for Colombia in 2026, or just Check-Mig?
UK passport holders can enter Colombia visa-free for up to 90 days for tourism. Colombia Check-Mig is a separate pre-registration step, not a visa. Completing it is recommended but not legally required as of 2026.
Is Check-Mig still mandatory in 2026?
No. Migración Colombia made Colombia Check-Mig voluntary on 2 January 2025, but many airlines still request it at check-in.
How long before departure should I submit Check-Mig?
Submit 72 hours to 1 hour before departure (unchanged from 2025); practically, aim for 24 to 48 hours before travel.
Can a family complete one joint Check-Mig form?
No. Each traveller, including minors, requires an individual Colombia Check-Mig submission with their own passport details. Parents must file separate forms for each child.
Does Check-Mig apply at land borders like crossing from Ecuador?
The Migración Colombia Check-Mig form’s transport-type dropdown lists air and fluvial options but does not include overland or land border crossings. Travellers crossing by bus should check current Migración Colombia guidance directly.
My flight was rescheduled. Do I need to resubmit Check-Mig?
Yes. If your departure time shifts outside the original submission window, submit a new Colombia Check-Mig form. The Frequent Traveller module available in 2026 speeds up re-entry for repeat visitors.
How long is my Check-Mig confirmation valid?
The QR code confirmation is valid for the specific trip and flight date submitted. It does not carry over to future travel. Past Colombia Check-Mig submissions can be retrieved using the Check and Download module on the portal.
Can I edit my Check-Mig details after submitting?
The portal does not allow direct editing after submission. If details are incorrect, such as a wrong passport number or flight date, submit a new Colombia Check-Mig form with the corrected information.
