Colombia Announces New Vaccine Entry Requirement

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Last Updated 3 years ago

For travelers looking to visit a destination without any restrictions this winter, you can cross Colombia off of that list. As of December 14, 2021, all arrivals to Colombia must show proof of full vaccination. If a foreign tourist is only partially vaccinated, or 14 days have not yet passed since the final dose, they can still enter with a negative PCR test result taken no later than 72 hours prior to travel.

Note: When this article was first published December 8th, it was reported that tourists could enter with ‘either/or' a PCR test or proof of vaccination, but the latest news out of Colombia's Ministry of Health is now showing proof of vaccination is required for entry. (See below image)
It reads that without at least a first dose started, no entry into Colombia is possible.

As reported today in a local Bogota English-language newspaper, the announcement was made on Tuesday by President Iván Duque with confirmation by the Health Minister Fernando Ruíz Gómez. The minister also confirmed that there however won’t be any restrictions on inbound or outbound flights from Colombia.

These updated entry requirements will apply to Colombians as well as all international tourists.

What Are The New Entry Guidelines For Colombia? A Traveler's Checklist

• Fill out the online pre-registration Migracion Colombia form called CheckMiG. Travelers will have to add all of the relevant information about their trip to the form, including how you will be traveling (air, land, sea) and your point of entry.
• The immigration form can be filled out 48 hours before your flight and up to one hour before the flight closes, according to the official website.
• Show proof of full vaccination against Covid-19, with the last dose being administered at least 14 days before departure. According to the official Colombian government website, either paper or digital form works as proof.
• Any traveler to Colombia that can't show proof of being full vaccinated, or 14 days has not yet passed since the final dose, they'll be required to provide a negative PCR test result for Covid, taken no later than 72 prior to departure. All documents for entry to Colombia must be provided at the airport pre-departure.

“The justification for being vaccinated 14 days before the flight is that during this period the desired protection is achieved with a vaccine,” Health Minister Ruíz said during Tuesday's announcement.

He also mentioned that airline staff can impose the measures to make sure the new entry guidelines are followed by all persons traveling to Colombia.

New Restrictions Come Amidst Worry Of A 4th Wave

With the fourth wave already in Europe, there is talk that it will hit the shores of South America.

While there hasn't been a case of the Omicron variant detected in the country so far, the Health Minister stated that the variant “could already be circulating in several regions of the country.”

Local Restrictions And Vaccination Rate In Colombia

“Colombia has been increasing rapidly vaccination rates, surpassing many richer countries at least in first dose coverage, and for this reason, the government has taken the new decision,” minister Ruíz stated.

According to the latest data, 49.5% of the population in Colombia is fully vaccinated.

And last month, the country began administering vaccines to persons ages 3 to 11.

A local vaccine mandate for private and public events was put in place across the country on November 16.

Proof of vaccination is now required for entrance to a number of services including bars, cinemas and churches. The mandate also includes large-scale events such as soccer matches in big stadiums. Health Minister Ruíz also extended the mask mandate until the February 28 of next year.

Colombia No Longer A Restriction-Free Destination For Travelers

For the past year and a half, international travelers have been welcomed in Colombia without strict entry requirements. With tightening restrictions and vaccine mandates popping up around the world, Colombia one of the only countries in recent months for U.S, Canadian and UK travelers to visit without any entry requirements.

Pre-pandemic, Colombia had already earned the reputation of being a bustling tourist destination, offering lots to do and see in all corners of the country. From multi-cultural Cartagena on the Caribbean coast to breathtaking historical sites like the Lost City, Colombia is filled with wonders.

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