Colombia | Northern Colombia Birding Trail: A Birder`s Paradise

Entry & Exit Requirements

U.S. citizens must present a passport valid for at least the duration of their stay to enter Colombia.

A Colombian visa is not required for tourist stays of 90 days or less. Travelers entering Colombia are sometimes asked to present evidence of return or onward travel, usually in the form of a plane ticket.

No arrival tax is collected upon entry into Colombia, but travelers leaving by plane must pay an exit tax in cash at the airport. Most airlines include all or a portion of this fee in the cost of your airline ticket. Check with your airline beforehand to find out how much you will have to pay at the airport.

If you are not traveling with a U.S. passport, please check with the Colombian Embassy for the requirements based on your nationality.

Health and Safety

Please consult your physician for guidance on medical issues. Holbrook Travel is not authorized to provide medical information and the following advice should be confirmed with your doctor.

Immunizations

The Centers for Disease Control recommends that all travelers be up-to-date on routine vaccinations such as measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-pertussis-tetanus vaccine, varicella (chicken pox) vaccine, and your yearly flu shot before every trip.

There are no vaccinations required for entry into Colombia. Some physicians recommend that travelers get hepatitis A and typhoid vaccines before visiting Colombia.

Please visit cdc.gov/travel or consult your physician for additional information and recommendations based on your individual circumstances.

Malaria

The CDC warns that travelers to Colombia may be at risk for exposure to malaria. Malaria is caused by a parasite found in Anopheles mosquitos, which are active from dusk until dawn. Prevention is twofold: the use of anti-malarial drugs and the prevention of insect bites. If you choose to use an anti-malarial drug, as recommended by the CDC, see your physician for a prescription.

Yellow Fever

According to the CDC, yellow fever is a risk in certain parts of Colombia. For more information please consult your physician, who can determine whether a yellow fever vaccination is recommended based on your travel itinerary.

Chikungunya

​Locally transmitted cases of chikungunya have been reported in several South American countries, including Colombia. Local transmission means that mosquitoes in the area have been infected with chikungunya and are spreading it to people. The CDC recommends that travelers to Colombia protect themselves from mosquito bites.

ZIKA VIRUS

Locally transmitted cases of Zika virus have been reported in Colombia. Local transmission means that mosquitoes in the area have been infected with Zika and are spreading it to people. The CDC recommends that travelers to Colombia protect themselves from mosquito bites. As a precaution, the CDC advises women who are pregnant to consider postponing travel to any area where Zika virus transmission is ongoing.

ALTITUDE SICKNESS

Upon arrival at locations of high elevation, shortness of breath and a pounding heart are normal responses to the lack of oxygen in the air. However, for some visitors, these symptoms can deteriorate into altitude sickness. Headache, extreme tiredness, dizziness, nausea, and loss of appetite are standard symptoms. Staying hydrated and well rested is important to adjust to the altitude. Avoiding heavy, fatty foods and alcohol in the days before arriving to altitude can help. Over-the-counter medications are also available to help prevent or alleviate symptoms. It’s advisable to avoid sleep medications, as they can slow breathing and respiration, which aid in getting the blood oxygenated while sleeping. Participants who take blood pressure medications should discuss this with their doctor as the medication can drop pressure too low at times.