Check-MIG Colombia — Form in English
Fill out your Colombia Check-MIG in English with our online form. Prepare your entry from Cartagena to Bogota via Medellin with peace of mind.
Welcome to Colombia
Before traveling to Colombia, you must complete the online migration pre-registration called Check-MIG, administered by Migración Colombia. This electronic form is mandatory for all international travelers entering or leaving Colombian territory by air. The Check-MIG must ideally be completed between 24 and 72 hours before your arrival. It is not a visa but a prior migration check that facilitates your passage through immigration. French citizens do not need a visa for tourist stays under 90 days in Colombia.
Colombian specificity
Check-Mig for entry AND exit: what it really means
Migración Colombia requires two separate Check-Migs for each trip: one on arrival, one before departure. A specificity from the 2022 digitalization that catches most travellers off guard.
The entry Check-Mig is usually well filled: airlines check it at boarding and alert negligent travellers. The portal opens 72 hours before arrival at Bogota, Medellín, Cali, or Cartagena.
The exit Check-Mig is the blind spot. No airline systematically checks it at return flight boarding — many travellers discover its existence at check-in, sometimes at exit immigration. Good news: it can be filed up to 1 hour before takeoff.
Why this dual obligation? Migración Colombia justifies it by combating trafficking and tracking stay durations. The system automatically cross-references entry and exit to detect overstayers, now rarer since 2022.
Tip
File both Check-Migs (entry and exit) even before leaving for Colombia. On ArrivalCards, the "round trip" option generates both QR codes in a single submission.
Colombia Check-MIG Information
What does the Check-MIG application consist of?
The procedure must be completed between 24 and 72 hours before your arrival in Colombia. The online form will ask you to provide your personal data, passport information, flight details, and your accommodation address in Colombia. Once validated, you will receive an email confirmation to present to immigration authorities upon arrival. Processing is usually instant. If you are multiple travelers, each person must complete their own application. This procedure also applies to minors.
Which nationalities are concerned by the Check-MIG?
All nationalities are concerned by the Check-MIG, including Colombian nationals. All international travelers entering or leaving Colombia by air must complete this form.
Which entry points are eligible for the Check-MIG?
The Check-MIG is required for all travelers arriving in Colombia by air. The main international airports are: El Dorado International Airport (Bogotá), José María Córdova International Airport (Medellín), Rafael Núñez International Airport (Cartagena), Alfonso Bonilla Aragón International Airport (Cali).
Who must file the Check-Mig for Colombia?
Check-Mig is a mandatory registration with Migración Colombia, required before every entry and exit.
All international travellers
Check-Mig is required for all nationalities, whether arriving by air, land, or sea.
Entry AND exit
Two separate Check-Mig forms must be filed: one for entry into Colombia and one for departure.
Minors included
Every child, accompanied or not, must have their own Check-Mig registration.
Airside transit: exempt
Travellers in airside transit who do not cross Colombian immigration are not required to file the Check-Mig.
Required Information Table
| INFORMATION TO PROVIDE | PERSONAL DATA |
|---|---|
| PERSONAL DATA | Name, First Name, Date of Birth, Nationality, Passport Number, Passport Expiration Date, Residential Address |
| TRAVEL DETAILS | Arrival Date, Departure Date, Purpose of Travel, Mode of Transport |
| FLIGHT INFORMATION | Airline, Flight Number, Departure Airport |
| ACCOMMODATION | Accommodation Address in Colombia, City, Contact Phone |
| ITINERARY | Country of Origin, Departure City |
| HEALTH | - |
Land borders
Check-Mig and land borders: Ecuador, Venezuela, Brazil
Colombia shares 6,200 km of borders with five countries. Does Check-Mig apply when you arrive by road?
Ecuadorian border (Rumichaca, main): yes, Check-Mig is mandatory at Rumichaca/Ipiales. Colombian checks are rigorous since digital rollout. International Lima-Bogotá buses now require Check-Mig QR verification at Quito boarding.
Venezuelan border (Cúcuta, Maicao): tense situation with random checks. Check-Mig is technically required but field enforcement is uneven, especially for humanitarian flows. For tourist travellers, filing remains strongly recommended.
Brazilian border (Leticia, Amazonas): river crossing via the Brazil-Colombia-Peru "tri-border". Check-Mig applies when entering Colombia from Leticia on the Brazilian side (Tabatinga). The rarity of checks does not exempt from the formality.
Places to visit in Colombia
Colombia
Cartagena de Indias is a colonial city listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its cobblestone streets, colorful facades, and flower-filled balconies make the old town a true gem. Stroll through the Getsemaní neighborhood, visit the Castillo San Felipe de Barajas, and enjoy the beaches of the nearby Rosario Islands.
Bogotá, the capital, is a vibrant metropolis perched at 2,640 meters altitude in the Andes. Visit the historic La Candelaria district, the Gold Museum (Museo del Oro) which houses the world's largest collection of pre-Hispanic goldwork, and climb to the top of Cerro de Monserrate for a spectacular panoramic view.
Medellín, the city of eternal spring, has undergone a remarkable transformation. Discover Botero's sculptures at Plaza Botero, take the metrocable for stunning valley views, and explore the trendy El Poblado neighborhood with its restaurants and lively nightlife.
San Andrés is a paradise island in the Colombian Caribbean, known for its sea of seven colors. Its crystal-clear waters, coral reefs, and white sand beaches make it an ideal destination for diving, snorkeling, and tropical relaxation.
Tayrona National Natural Park, located on the Caribbean coast, is one of Colombia's most beautiful natural parks. It offers a unique blend of paradise beaches, dense jungle, and archaeological remains of indigenous peoples. The beaches of Cabo San Juan and Arrecifes are among the most spectacular in the country.
Pitfalls to avoid with Check-Mig
Check-Mig is free and fast, but these mistakes come up regularly.
Forgetting the exit declaration
Many travellers only file the entry. The exit must also be declared 1 to 24 hours before the return flight.
Wrong arrival date
Check-Mig is linked to your flight. Any mismatch with your booking can block registration.
Misspelt passport number
Double-check every character, including zeros and capital O that are often mixed up.
Filing too late
Do not wait until you reach the airport: connectivity issues can block boarding.
Document Timeline
History and evolution of the document.
2019
Colombia introduces pre-registration system (Check-MIG).
2019
Colombia introduces pre-registration system (Check-MIG).
2020
Check-MIG made mandatory with health declaration during COVID.
2020
Check-MIG made mandatory with health declaration during COVID.
July 2022
Health declaration removed, Check-MIG simplified.
July 2022
Health declaration removed, Check-MIG simplified.
2024
New digital platform with improved processing speed.
2024
New digital platform with improved processing speed.
March 2026
Integration with airline systems for pre-population of data.
March 2026
Integration with airline systems for pre-population of data.
When to submit Check-Mig
Migración Colombia opens a precise window to validate your Check-Mig before each travel leg.
Earliest
72 hours before flight
Optimal
24 hours before departure
Latest
1 hour before take-off
A reliable and secure service.
Processing Time
Your arrival card is typically processed within 24 hours. We recommend applying at least 3 days before your travel date.
Requirements
Valid passport with at least 6 months validity, recent passport photo, travel itinerary, and accommodation details.
Fees
The service fee is €29 incl. tax per arrival card issued, excluding any consular fees. This covers form translation, application verification, and customer support.
How It Works
Simple, fast, and stress-free.
Fill in the online form
Complete our secure form with your personal information and travel details
Receive your arrival card by email
We process your application and send your electronic arrival card directly to your inbox
Present your card upon arrival
Upon arrival, simply present your electronic card to immigration authorities
Frequently Asked Questions — Colombia
What is the Check-MIG for Colombia?
The Check-MIG is the online migratory pre-registration form administered by Migración Colombia. Mandatory for all international travelers entering or leaving Colombian territory by air, it streamlines the immigration control process upon your arrival.
How to fill out the Colombia Check-MIG online?
Fill out your Check-MIG for Colombia through ArrivalCards. The form asks for your personal details, passport information, flight details, and accommodation address in Colombia. After validation, you will receive a confirmation by email.
Is the Check-MIG mandatory to enter Colombia?
Yes, the Check-MIG is mandatory for all international travelers entering Colombia by air, including Colombian nationals. Without this form, you could face difficulties at immigration in Bogotá, Medellín, or Cartagena airports.
How far in advance should I fill out the Check-MIG?
The Check-MIG should ideally be completed between 24 and 72 hours before your arrival in Colombia. Processing is generally instant. We recommend filling it out at least 48 hours before departure for maximum peace of mind.
Do I need a visa in addition to the Check-MIG for Colombia?
The arrival card does not replace a visa. Many nationalities enjoy visa exemptions for short tourist stays (e.g., up to 90 days). However, requirements vary by nationality. The Check-MIG is mandatory regardless of your visa status. You will receive an entry stamp at immigration valid for the duration of your authorized stay. We recommend checking the specific entry requirements for your passport before departure.
Which airports in Colombia require the Check-MIG?
The Check-MIG is required at all international airports in Colombia: El Dorado Airport (Bogotá), José María Córdova Airport (Medellín), Rafael Núñez Airport (Cartagena), and Alfonso Bonilla Aragón Airport (Cali), among others.
How much does the Colombia Check-MIG cost?
The Check-MIG is free on the official Migración Colombia website. On ArrivalCards, the service fee is €29 incl. tax per arrival card issued, excluding any consular fees. This covers the translated form, information verification, and customer support.
Is the form available in my language?
Official government websites are usually only available in English and the local language. ArrivalCards offers a translated and simplified form in 9 languages (French, English, German, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, Chinese, Arabic, and Russian). We verify your information and submit your application to the authorities.
What documents are needed for the Colombia Check-MIG?
To complete the Check-MIG, you will need a passport valid for at least 6 months, your return or onward travel ticket, flight details, and your accommodation address in Colombia. Proof of financial means may also be requested.
Is the Check-MIG required for children and babies?
Yes, every traveler, including children and babies, must have their own Check-MIG to enter Colombia. Each person must submit their own application — group applications are not possible. Parents must complete the form on behalf of minors.