Colombia Visa and Check-MIG for Mexicans

It’s easy for Mexicans to travel to Colombia as tourists because they do not need a visa. However, they should still know what is expected of them before they enter the country.

That way, they can make entry easier and more straightforward, both for themselves and for the people traveling with them. Here’s what they need to know.

Everything Mexicans Need to Enter Colombia

As long as a Mexican citizen does not plan to work in Colombia or stay for longer than 90 days, they do not need a visa. In fact, they may only need to show two items to enter the country.

Note that these short-term visas do not permit a person to work in Colombia. This requires a different kind of visa, even if the work is short-term and will be completed in the 90-day period.

The first of these is proof that they plan to leave the country before the 90 days are up. They need to have purchased a ticket out of the country. This cannot just be reserved, as that will not qualify.

Secondly, they need to show their valid Mexican passport. This should be valid for at least 6 months past the day on which they are entering Colombia.

Note that there may be COVID-19 requirements around entering Colombia, too. These are subject to change and travelers are responsible to know what is expected of them.

They should be able to find this information online easily. They should check with enough time to get COVID test results before they travel, in case these are needed.

What Mexican Travelers to Colombia Need to Know About the Check-MIG

Every traveler entering Colombia, including those from Mexico, will need to fill out a Check-MIG form before they can even board transportation to the country.

This form pertains to COVID-19 and other medical conditions. It may ask about health status, previous travels, exposures, vaccinations, and more.

It also asks travelers for email and phone contact information while they are in Colombia. This allows someone to reach out to them if they may have been exposed to the virus in transit.

The Colombian government has an app for this form, or travelers can find it and submit it online. They should not start it more than 48 hours before they leave for Colombia.

It usually takes less than 24 hours for this form to be processed and approved, and approval may come immediately. Travelers will get this approval via email. Once they have this email, they can show it electronically or they can print it out and show a hard copy at the border.

What Do Mexicans Need to Enter Colombia?

Mexican travelers need to show that they have permission to enter Colombia or the paperwork they need to get that permission.

If their travel requires a visa, they should have that on hand to show when they try to enter the country. If it does not, they should show the paperwork outlined above. The Check-MIG is also essential, as is any COVID-19 paperwork that the government requires at the time of entry.

The Colombian government reserves the right to ask for more paperwork at any time. For instance, they may ask for proof of a person’s activities in the country.

They may also ask about travel plans, including where a visitor plans to stay while in Colombia. Travelers who have this information at hand will find it easier to enter than those who do not.

Can Mexican Travelers Without a Visa Extend Their Time in Colombia?

If a Mexican traveler wants to stay for more than 90 days in Colombia and is not planning to work during that time, they can extend their travel visa online.

They should start by going to the website of the Colombian Immigration Authority. There, they can click on an option that says, “Permiso Temporal de Permanencia para Prorrogar Permanencia”. After that, they can follow the directions online to fill out and submit the form. They will also need to submit a small payment, to cover the processing of the form.

They will need to have a photo of their Colombian entry stamp in their passport, and that should be uploaded electronically as part of the form.

They should hear back within one or two days, though occasionally, processing takes longer. Once they receive email approval for their extended visa, they should follow directions to make sure there’s no confusion later on. They should also keep the email, for this same purpose.

The Most Popular Visas for Mexicans in Colombia

Travelers from Mexico who want to visit Colombia for reasons other than tourism or who want to stay for an extended period often get one of the following visas.

Retirement Visas

Many people want to retire in Colombia, and there’s a Retirement Visa they can get.

In addition to showing their passport information, applicants will need to prove that they have medical coverage while in Colombia and that they receive money from a pension.

This will need to be over a certain amount, though this amount is subject to change based on the year, inflation, and more. Travelers can check the amount before they apply.

Retirement visas are usually good for up to 3 years or until the person’s passport expires, whichever comes first. They can be renewed for visitors who want to stay in Colombia longer.

Visitor Visas

Sometimes, travelers want to visit Colombia for longer than 90 days because of a particular opportunity or activity they want to participate in while they are there. 

These visitors can get a Visitor Visa. These visas allow for tourism but also allow for academic exchanges, educational programs, internships, and more.

All travelers will need to submit copies of their passports and photos of themselves. They will also need to submit proof of the reason they are visiting Colombia.

The length of the visitor visa will depend on the reason for travel, the length of the program the person is pursuing, and more. They may be renewable.

Resident Visas

Mexican visitors who want to stay in Colombia beyond 90 days can sometimes qualify for a Resident Visa. These are usually good for up to 5 years and most are renewable after that.

Mexicans qualify for this visa if they invest more than a set amount in Colombia if they have a Colombian father, if they marry a Colombian, or if they meet other criteria. Sometimes, people who once had Colombian citizenship and who renounced it can get this visa to move back to Colombia.

They will need to submit proof that they qualify for this visa, along with a photo and passport information. The proof will depend on their reason for qualification.

Work Visas

Mexicans who want to work in Colombia will need a work visa. To get one of these, they need to have a contract with a Colombian company.

Only certain companies qualify for hiring international employees. The company needs to make more than a certain amount each year, which is subject to change.

Applicants will also need to submit proof of academic credentials and certification that these are legitimate and valid. All of this must be in Spanish.

Many companies help potential employees navigate this process, as it can be confusing. They will usually streamline it as much as possible to get employees into the country fast.

Mexican Consulates & Embassies in Colombia

The Mexican government has its embassy in Bogota, the capital of Colombia, as is standard. They also have consulates in Barranquilla, Cali, and Medellin.

How Embassies/Consulates Can Aid Travelers

Embassies and consulates exist to help distressed travelers. They can help with many problems.

Most travelers don’t like to think about facing problems overseas. However, embassy staff handles these all the time and they are always ready to help. 

They can issue new passports if they get lost or stolen. They can also provide all sorts of legal aid, depending on the specifics of a visitor’s situation.

Embassies are also there to help people who are victims of crimes while they travel. Visitors who suffer assault, robbery, or anything else can reach out to them for help.

Many embassies will also help if one of their citizens dies overseas. They can help with getting the body from authorities, transporting the body home, and any complications along the way. Now that they know how to enter Colombia and who can help them while they’re there, Mexican citizens can travel with confidence.