Colombia
Phone Code
+57
Capital
Bogotá
Population
51 Million
Native Name
Colombia
Region
Americas
South America
Timezone
Colombia Time
UTC-05:00
On This Page
From the vibrant, salsa-fueled streets of Cali to the serene, towering wax palms of the Cocora Valley, Colombia is a country reborn. Once defined by a troubled past, it has transformed into one of South America's most exciting and diverse destinations. With coastlines on both the Caribbean and the Pacific, three ranges of the Andes mountains, and a vast expanse of the Amazon rainforest, Colombia offers a breathtaking array of landscapes, climates, and biodiversity. It's a nation where world-class coffee, pre-Columbian history, and innovative cities converge, all powered by the warmth and resilience of its people.
Visa Requirements for Colombia
Colombia has a welcoming visa policy, allowing citizens of many countries, including the US, UK, and the European Union, to enter for up to 90 days for tourism without a visa. This period can often be extended for another 90 days. However, for longer stays, work, or study, a specific visa is required. It's crucial to check the latest regulations with your local Colombian consulate, as requirements can change. Upon entry, be prepared to show proof of onward travel and sufficient funds for your stay.
Common Visa Types
Visitor (V) Visa
For tourism, short-term business, cultural exchange, or temporary academic programs. This is the most common category for travelers.
Migrant (M) Visa
For individuals seeking to establish themselves in Colombia long-term, such as for work, study, investment, or as a spouse of a Colombian national.
Resident (R) Visa
For those who have held an M-type visa for a specified period and wish to obtain permanent residency, or for those with direct family ties.
Essential Information for Colombia Travellers
Travel Guide
Colombia packs an extraordinary range of experiences into a single country — Caribbean beaches, Andean peaks, Amazon jungle, Pacific coast and coffee country, all connected by a culture that runs on salsa, café tinto and warmth. Cartagena de Indias is the showpiece: a walled colonial centre of pastel facades, bougainvillea-draped balconies, rooftop bars and a 400-year history as Spain's gateway to South America (UNESCO World Heritage). Medellín — once infamous, now one of Latin America's most innovative cities — cascades down a green valley connected by cable cars, with street art, craft breweries and a year-round spring climate (20-28°C). Bogotá surprises at 2,600 m: the Museo del Oro (55,000+ pre-Columbian gold pieces, one of the world's great museums), the hilltop Monserrate viewpoint, the La Candelaria historic quarter, and a booming restaurant scene. The Eje Cafetero (Coffee Triangle) between Manizales, Pereira and Armenia produces some of the world's finest arabica — visit working fincas, taste coffee at origin, and hike the Cocora Valley with its 60-metre wax palms (Colombia's national tree). The Ciudad Perdida (Lost City) in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta predates Machu Picchu by 650 years and requires a 4-day jungle trek to reach. Tayrona National Park merges rainforest with Caribbean beaches. San Andrés and Providencia offer the 'Sea of Seven Colours.' Cali is the undisputed salsa capital of the world — hundreds of salsotecas pulse until dawn. And Colombia is affordable: budget travellers manage comfortably on USD 30-50/day.
Ways to Experience This Destination
Cartagena's UNESCO-listed walled city with pastel colonial facades, fortress walls and the Castillo de San Felipe. The Ciudad Perdida (Lost City) — a pre-Columbian site in the Sierra Nevada reached only by a 4-day jungle trek, predating Machu Picchu by 650 years. Bogotá's Museo del Oro housing 55,000+ pre-Columbian gold artefacts (free on Sundays). San Agustín's mysterious stone sculptures (UNESCO). Villa de Leyva's perfectly preserved colonial plaza.
The Eje Cafetero (Coffee Triangle) between Manizales, Pereira and Armenia: tour working coffee fincas, learn the bean-to-cup process, taste single-origin Colombian arabica at the source. Salento and Filandia are the prettiest base towns. Colombian cuisine is regionally diverse — bandeja paisa (Antioquia's massive platter), arepas de choclo, ceviche on the coast, ajiaco (Bogotá's chicken potato soup), empanadas everywhere, and tropical fruits you've never seen (lulo, guanábana, maracuyá). Bogotá's restaurant scene is booming, with several entries on Latin America's 50 Best.
Tayrona National Park: where rainforest meets white-sand Caribbean beaches (hiking, camping, snorkelling). The Rosario Islands for day trips from Cartagena (crystal water, coral reefs). San Andrés and Providencia — remote Caribbean islands with the 'Sea of Seven Colours,' better diving than most Caribbean destinations, and a Raizal Creole culture distinct from mainland Colombia. Santa Marta as a laid-back coastal base. Palomino for beach-and-river tubing.
Colombia is the second most biodiverse country on Earth (after Brazil). The Amazon basin around Leticia for jungle lodges, pink river dolphins and indigenous communities. Caño Cristales — the 'River of Five Colours' in La Macarena (June-November, when aquatic plants bloom). The Cocora Valley's 60-metre wax palms. The Chocó Pacific coast for humpback whale watching (July-October). Cloud forests, páramo ecosystems and over 1,900 bird species — more than any other country.
The Ciudad Perdida trek (4-5 days through Sierra Nevada jungle to a 1,300-year-old city). Paragliding over Medellín and the Chicamocha Canyon. White-water rafting in San Gil (Colombia's adventure capital). The Cocora Valley hike among giant wax palms. Multi-day treks in the Sierra Nevada del Cocuy. Diving and snorkelling in Providencia and the Rosario Islands. Mountain biking in Boyacá.
Cali is the salsa capital of the world — hundreds of salsotecas where locals dance with a passion that puts dance schools to shame. Take a salsa lesson, then hit clubs like Tin Tin Deo or Zaperoco. Medellín's El Poblado and Laureles neighbourhoods offer vibrant nightlife with rooftop bars, craft cocktails and reggaeton. Bogotá's Zona Rosa and Chapinero districts pulse until late. Cartagena's Getsemaní neighbourhood blends live music, street art and open-air bars. Colombia's nightlife starts late (after 23:00) and runs until dawn.
Money & Currency
Colombian Peso (COP)
Currency code: COP
Practical Money Tips
Colombian Peso (COP) — Rapidly Growing Economy, Large Denomination Numbers
Colombia uses the Colombian peso (COP). The peso fluctuates but typically trades at several thousand COP per USD or EUR — numbers look large but the currency is easy to use once you calibrate. Check current rates before travelling. Exchange at banks, authorised casas de cambio, or use ATMs on arrival in Bogotá or Medellín. Avoid exchanging at airports and hotels where rates are typically 5–8% worse. USD is the easiest foreign currency to exchange; EUR is also well-accepted in major cities.
Good ATM Network in Cities — Exercise Caution with Withdrawal Safety
Colombia has a functional ATM network in major cities: Bogotá, Medellín, Cali, Cartagena, and Santa Marta all have Bancolombia, Davivienda, Banco de Bogotá, and BBVA machines. Daily limits are typically COP 800,000–1,200,000 per withdrawal (roughly USD 200–300). In rural and remote areas, ATMs are scarce. Use ATMs inside bank branches, shopping centres, or well-lit indoor locations — never at night on the street. Keep your card covered and be aware of surroundings.
Card Acceptance Growing Rapidly — Nequi and Daviplata for Digital Payments
Colombia's card infrastructure has improved significantly. Visa and Mastercard are accepted at most hotels, restaurants, and shops in tourist areas and major cities. Apple Pay and Google Pay are supported at an increasing number of modern terminals in Bogotá, Medellín, and Cartagena. Nequi (Bancolombia's mobile payment app) and Daviplata are extremely popular for digital peer-to-peer payments among locals. In smaller towns and rural areas, cash remains essential.
Very Affordable Destination — One of South America's Best Value Travel Experiences
Colombia offers outstanding value for visitors. Budget hostel dorm in Medellín: COP 40,000–70,000/night (USD 10–18). Budget meal (corrientazo): COP 12,000–20,000 (USD 3–5). Fresh juice (jugo): COP 3,000–6,000. Cartagena's Old City is more expensive. Mid-range hotel in Cartagena: USD 80–200/night. Coffee farm tour in the Coffee Triangle (Eje Cafetero): COP 60,000–120,000. Colombia remains one of the most affordable major destinations in South America.
Note: Always check current exchange rates before traveling. Currency exchange is available at airports, banks, and authorized money changers.
Cities with missions
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Colombia Embassies Worldwide
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Planning a trip to Colombia? Whether you need to check visa-free eligibility, apply for a longer-stay visa, or verify entry requirements — get step-by-step guidance.
Apply for Colombia Visa