The Simple Truth
Americans don't need a visa for Colombia. You get 90 days upon arrival, extendable to 180 days total. No application, no fee, no waiting period. Book your flight and go.
Unlike destinations like Turkey (e-visa required), Brazil (visa required until 2025), or many Asian countries (various visa requirements), Colombia makes entry effortless for Americans. This is one of the practical reasons Colombia has become the world's leading destination for plastic surgery tourism.
What You Need to Enter
Valid US Passport
Must have at least 6 months validity remaining (recommended, though not strictly required). Need at least 1 blank page for entry stamp.
Return or Onward Ticket
Immigration may ask for proof you're leaving Colombia. Have your return flight confirmation accessible (screenshot on phone is fine).
Check-Mig Form (Mandatory)
Complete online 72 hours to 1 hour before departure at apps.migracioncolombia.gov.co/pre-registro/. Takes 5 minutes. You'll get a QR code to show at immigration.
Proof of Funds (Sometimes)
Immigration officers occasionally ask for proof you can support yourself. Having a credit card and recent bank statement accessible is smart—but rarely actually requested.
COVID-19 Requirements
All COVID restrictions were lifted April 5, 2023. No vaccination certificate, no negative test, no quarantine, no mask mandate. Entry requirements are back to pre-pandemic simplicity.
The 90/180 Day Rule
Here's how your allowed stay works:
| Scenario | Days Allowed |
|---|---|
| Initial entry (PIP-5 stamp) | 90 days |
| After one extension | 180 days total |
| Maximum per calendar year | 180 days |
For plastic surgery recovery, 90 days is more than enough—most patients stay 10-21 days. If you wanted to stay longer for extended recovery or combine your trip with tourism, you can extend once for an additional 90 days.
Extending Your Stay
If you decide to extend your initial 90 days:
- Apply online through Migración Colombia website
- Submit 10-15 days before your initial 90 days expire
- Cost: approximately 125,000 COP (~$30 USD)
- Extension grants additional 90 days (180 total)
- Cannot extend twice—after 180 days, you must leave Colombia
Medical Tourism Visa (For Longer Stays)
If your treatment requires more than 180 days in Colombia (rare for plastic surgery, more common for complex reconstructive work), Colombia offers a V-Visitante visa for medical treatment:
V-Visitante Medical Visa Requirements
- • Valid passport
- • $50 application fee
- • Medical certification from Colombian doctor specifying treatment and duration
- • Proof of financial solvency
- • Health insurance with Colombian coverage (accident, illness, hospitalization, repatriation)
- • Valid up to 1 year, allowing 180 days physical presence
Most plastic surgery patients will never need this. A standard 2-week trip for body contouring or 3-week trip for combined procedures fits easily within the 90-day tourist entry.
Practical Conveniences
Beyond visa-free entry, Colombia offers several practical conveniences for American visitors:
Same Time Zone
Colombia is UTC-5, same as US Eastern Standard Time. No jet lag. Virtual consultations happen during normal hours.
USD Widely Accepted
Major hotels, clinics, and many businesses accept US dollars. Credit cards work everywhere in tourist areas.
Cell Phone Works
US carriers offer international plans. Or buy a local SIM for ~$10 with data. Excellent cell/internet coverage.
Uber Functions Normally
Same app, same experience. Works throughout Medellín. Charges to your US card.
At Immigration: What to Expect
Arrival at José María Córdova International Airport (MDE) is straightforward:
- Join the "All Passports" line (there's no separate US citizen line)
- Have ready: Passport, Check-Mig QR code, return ticket confirmation
- Officer may ask: Purpose of visit (say "tourism" or "medical tourism"), where you're staying, how long
- Receive stamp: PIP-5 Entry Permit with date and 90-day allowance
- Collect bags and exit through customs (rarely inspected unless flagged)
Total time: 15-45 minutes depending on flight arrivals and lines. Much faster than most US international arrivals.
The Bottom Line
Colombia makes it easy. No visa application, no fee, no waiting period. Complete the Check-Mig form online, bring your passport and return ticket, and you're in for 90 days.
Combined with same time zone, USD acceptance, and working US credit cards/apps, Colombia is one of the most logistically simple international destinations for Americans—which is part of why it's become the world's leading plastic surgery tourism hub.