Last verified: 8 September 2026. This guide was prepared by a travel journalist who has personally completed the Check-Mig form for multiple trips to Colombia. Travel requirements can change; always confirm on the Migración Colombia portal. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
The Colombia Check-Mig is a free online pre-registration managed by Migración Colombia. Not legally mandated, but airlines deny boarding without a valid confirmation PDF. UK travellers must complete it between 72 hours and 1 hour before departure. British citizens need a valid passport, flight details, and accommodation address to submit the form on the Migración Colombia portal, where applicants receive a PDF confirmation via email to present at check-in and upon arrival in Colombia.
What Is the Check-Mig Form and Do UK Travellers Need It?
The Colombia Check-Mig form is a free online immigration pre-registration managed by the Special Administrative Unit Migración Colombia. Mandatory enforcement ended in 2023, but airlines deny boarding without a valid confirmation PDF.
Every foreign national, including British citizens, UK residents, dual nationals, and children, must complete the Check-Mig for each trip. A separate form is required for entry and exit. The submission window opens 72 hours before departure and closes 1 hour before travel; community consensus recommends submitting 24 hours ahead to allow troubleshooting time. The form costs $0.
The Check-Mig supports four transport modes: Air, Land, Maritime, and Fluvial. Third-party completion on behalf of another traveller is permitted. The system allows a maximum of 2 submissions in a short period before imposing a temporary block.
Submit the form via the Migración Colombia portal: apps.migracioncolombia.gov.co/pre-registro/en
Step-by-Step: How to Complete the Colombia Check-Mig From the UK in 2026
Completing the Colombia Check-Mig takes 7 actions across 5 form screens, from portal access to PDF confirmation.
Access the portal
Visit apps.migracioncolombia.gov.co/pre-registro/en and select “I travel to Colombia”.
Select transport type
Choose Air, Land, Maritime, or Fluvial, then Commercial or Private.
Enter travel information
Provide country of origin, flight number (numeric only, no letters), estimated date and time.
Enter personal data
Full name as on passport, nationality, select “Reino Unido” (known bug: “United Kingdom” or “England” may not appear), passport number, issue/expiry date, country of issue.
Enter accommodation data
Hotel name + city, or host’s full address and phone.
Answer health declaration questions
Complete the required health declaration.
Review and submit
Accept terms and submit to receive confirmation email with downloadable PDF.
Do not use accents or special characters (ñ, quotation marks). The QR code is NOT on the Check-Mig confirmation. The PDF/email itself IS the proof. Present it at check-in and Colombian immigration upon arrival.
What You Need Before You Start: Documents Checklist
UK travellers need the following before starting the Colombia Check-Mig form:
- Valid British passport (minimum valid on entry; FCDO recommends 6+ months validity)
- Confirmed flight booking (airline, flight number, dates)
- Accommodation address in Colombia (hotel name + city, or host’s full address + phone)
- Active email address for confirmation receipt
- Travel insurance details (mandatory for Colombia entry)
- Yellow fever vaccination certificate only if arriving from an endemic country or visiting high-risk municipalities
Having these ready speeds up your Check-Mig submission and avoids errors that require resubmission.
UK Visa Requirements and Extending Your Stay in Colombia
British citizens enter Colombia visa-free for up to 90 days (max 180 days per 12-month period, PTP included); the immigration officer may stamp fewer days based on your return ticket or stated purpose. UK residents who are non-British citizens must check visa rules by passport nationality, not UK residency.
At the Colombian immigration desk, present: valid British passport, Check-Mig confirmation PDF, return/onward ticket within 90 days, proof of accommodation, and proof of sufficient funds.
To extend a stay beyond the initial 90 days, UK travellers can apply for a PTP (Permiso Temporal de Permanencia) extension online via the Migración Colombia portal. The 2026 fee is approximately 150,000 COP (~£28-30 as of September 2026, subject to GBP/COP exchange rate). Processing takes approximately 3 business days; apply 10 days before the initial 90-day stamp expires. The annual cap is 180 days total per 12-month period (90 initial + 90 extension).
Overstay penalties include a fine or deportation at the traveller’s own cost. Common PTP rejection reasons: incomplete application, overstaying before applying, and missing passport scan. The Colombia Check-Mig form does not replace or extend visa-free stay limits.
Transit Rules, Passport Validity and Health Requirements
UK citizens flying via Amsterdam (KLM) or Madrid (Iberia) need only the Colombia Check-Mig for Colombia entry; no separate Dutch or Spanish transit form applies, and British passport holders are exempt from the Schengen airside transit visa. US hubs (Delta/United via Atlanta, Miami, Houston) require a valid ESTA in addition to the Check-Mig, with extra connection time for US CBP clearance.
British passports must be valid on entry; FCDO recommends at least 6 months remaining beyond planned departure to prevent airline denial. Passports reported lost or stolen result in denied entry. Migración Colombia accepts UK Emergency Travel Documents for departure.
A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required if arriving from an endemic country or travelling to high-risk Colombian municipalities; the policy was updated in March 2026, and vaccination must occur at least 10 days before travel. No COVID-19 testing or vaccination requirements apply for entry as of 2026. Travel insurance is mandatory for Colombia entry and must cover emergency medical repatriation to the UK.
For prescription medications, carry a GP letter with an apostilled English-to-Spanish translation for controlled substances. Currency imports up to 10,000 USD require no declaration; above this threshold, mandatory declaration to DIAN (National Tax and Customs Directorate) applies. Departure tax is usually included in the airline ticket price.
FCDO Travel Advice and Insurance Consequences for UK Visitors
FCDO advises against all but essential travel to parts of Colombia. Travelling against this advice voids most UK travel insurance policies. The advisory was last updated on 3 September 2026 and remains current as of 8 September 2026 (gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/colombia).
Restricted zones: Norte de Santander (incl. Cúcuta), Arauca, parts of Chocó (excl. Quibdó, Nuquí, Bahía Solano, Capurganá), western Valle del Cauca (incl. Buenaventura, Jamundí), Cauca (excl. Popayán), and the Colombia-Venezuela border within 5 km. UK travellers should not use any Colombia-Venezuela land crossings. Popular destinations not under advisory: Bogotá, Cartagena, Medellín, Cali (central), Santa Marta, and Popayán.
British-Colombian dual nationals must enter and exit Colombia on a Colombian passport and Cédula. A British passport alone is insufficient. Children aged 17 or younger holding Colombian residency need a notarised letter of permission from any non-accompanying parent, authenticated by a notary or Colombian consulate.
At Colombian airports, voluntary BIOMIG iris scans collect sensitive data. Privacy notice via QR code on-site. Completing the Colombia Check-Mig from the UK does not require biometric enrolment, but UK travellers should be aware of BIOMIG before arrival.
Troubleshooting Common Check-Mig Issues for UK Applicants
The most frequent issue UK travellers face when completing the Colombia Check-Mig form is “United Kingdom” not appearing in the country dropdown. Select “Reino Unido” to resolve it. A UK traveller confirmed this workaround resolved the dropdown bug in August 2026.
| Problem | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| “United Kingdom” not in country dropdown | Form uses Spanish naming | Select “Reino Unido” |
| Confirmation email not arriving | Spam filter or system delay | Check spam/junk; resubmit (max 2 times before temporary block); contact Migración Colombia |
| Name mismatch with passport | Form requires exact match | Include all names exactly as on passport, including middle names |
| Wrong flight date entered | Cannot edit after submission | Submit a new Colombia Check-Mig form with correct details |
| QR code / PDF won’t display on phone | Browser or connectivity issue | Download PDF; print a hard copy as backup |
For more help with validation, captcha, and missing field problems, see our guide on common Check-Mig error messages and how to fix them. Upon arrival at Bogotá El Dorado Airport, expect immigration queues of 1-2 hours. There is no airside connection for international-to-domestic transfers. You must clear immigration, walk to the domestic terminal, and clear security again. For San Andrés, Providencia or Santa Catalina, purchase the tourist card (Tarjeta de Ingreso) at the boarding gate on the day of your flight; stays under 24 hours are exempt.
Colombia Check-Mig From UK: FAQ
Do UK citizens need the Check-Mig to fly to Colombia in 2026?
Yes. While not legally mandated, all airlines require a valid Check-Mig confirmation PDF. Without it, you will be denied boarding. Complete the free form between 72 hours and 1 hour before departure at the Migración Colombia portal.
How much does the Colombia Check-Mig cost for UK residents?
The Colombia Check-Mig is completely free ($0). Beware of third-party websites that charge a fee. The Migración Colombia portal costs nothing for both entry and exit forms.
When should I submit the Check-Mig before my flight from the UK?
Submit between 72 hours and 1 hour before departure. Community consensus recommends submitting approximately 24 hours ahead to allow troubleshooting time before you fly.
Do I need a visa for Colombia as a British citizen in 2026?
British citizens enter visa-free for up to 90 days for tourism or business within a 180-day period. The immigration officer may stamp fewer days. You must hold a return or onward ticket valid within the 90-day window.
Can I extend my stay in Colombia beyond 90 days as a UK citizen?
Yes, apply for a PTP extension online via the Migración Colombia portal. The extension grants up to 90 additional days, subject to a 180-day annual cap. Fee: ~150,000 COP, processing: 3 business days, apply 10 days before expiry.
What happens if my Check-Mig confirmation email doesn’t arrive?
Check spam/junk first. If not there, resubmit (max 2 times before temporary block). If issues persist, contact Migración Colombia directly.
Do I need to complete a separate Check-Mig when leaving Colombia?
Yes, a separate Check-Mig form is required for each entry and each exit. Complete the form online before your departure from Colombia, following the same submission window.
Can I transit through the US on my way to Colombia with just a Check-Mig?
No. UK citizens transiting through the US (Atlanta, Miami, Houston) must have a valid ESTA in addition to the Check-Mig. Allow extra connection time for US CBP clearance.
What documents do I need at Colombian immigration as a UK traveller?
Valid British passport, Check-Mig confirmation PDF, return/onward ticket within 90 days, proof of accommodation, and proof of sufficient funds.
Is travel insurance mandatory for UK citizens visiting Colombia in 2026?
Yes, travel insurance is mandatory for entry. It must cover emergency medical repatriation to the UK. Travelling against FCDO advice voids most UK policies.
Can I use my UK driving licence to rent a car in Colombia?
A standard UK photocard licence is accepted by most rental agencies. Carrying a 1949 or 1968 International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended. Obtain one from any UK Post Office for £5.50.
What power adapter do I need for Colombia from the UK?
Colombia uses Type A/B outlets at 110V. UK Type G plugs need a Type A/B adapter. UK 230V electronics may need a step-down converter for appliances without dual-voltage support.
