Quick answer

Check-MIG is Colombia's free online pre-registration for travelers flying into or out of Colombia. Complete it on Migración Colombia's official .gov.co site, apps.migracioncolombia.gov.co, between 72 hours and 1 hour before your flight, once for arriving and again for leaving. Migración Colombia describes it as optional but recommended; airlines often ask for it at check-in, so complete it to avoid delays. U.S. citizens don't need a visa for tourist visits of up to 90 days.

It's free. Some websites charge $50 to $70 or more to fill it in for you. You don't need them.

What Americans need to visit Colombia

No visa is needed for tourist visits of up to 90 days, extendable once for up to 90 more (180 days a year in total). Check that your passport is valid for your whole stay: Passport validity checker →

The timing rule: 72 hours to 1 hour

The form opens 72 hours before your flight and closes 1 hour before it. Too early, and it won't accept your dates. Ideally, complete it the day before you fly, so your confirmation is ready at check-in.

Arrival and departure: two separate forms

Check-MIG covers both directions, but each is a separate submission:

  • arriving: within 72 hours before your flight to Colombia;
  • leaving: within 72 hours before your flight home. Set a reminder during your trip.

What you'll need

  • Your passport, with details entered exactly as printed;
  • Your flight number and dates;
  • Your address in Colombia (hotel or rental);
  • An email address for your confirmation.

Step by step

  1. Go to the official Migración Colombia site, apps.migracioncolombia.gov.co. Check that the address ends in .gov.co.
  2. Choose whether you're entering or leaving Colombia.
  3. Enter your passport details exactly as printed.
  4. Add your flight details and your address in Colombia.
  5. Submit, and save the confirmation email on your phone.
  6. Before your flight home, repeat steps 1 to 5 for your departure.

Common mistakes to avoid

  • Paying a website. Check-MIG is free on the official .gov.co site.
  • Filling it out too early. It only accepts submissions from 72 hours before your flight.
  • Forgetting the departure form. You need a separate Check-MIG to leave Colombia.
  • Typos in passport details. Double-check before submitting.
  • An expiring passport. Check your passport before you book. If it needs renewing, we can expedite it as quickly as 4 business days from when your documents reach us.

Questions

Migración Colombia describes it as optional but recommended, but airlines often ask for it at check-in. Completing it avoids delays at the airport, and it's free.