Unvaccinated visitors are now able to enter Colombia for tourism purposes with proof of a negative Covid-19 test result, as of May 1, 2022.
The nation had previously banned entry – in November 2021 – for individuals that had not received their vaccination against Covid-19.
What Were Colombia’s Previous Entry Requirements?
There is no doubt that Colombia’s entry requirements have been somewhat challenging to keep up to date with – as the nation has continually made changes to them, since officially reopening for tourism back in September, 2020.
Let’s take a dizzying look at how the entry requirements for international visitors have changed throughout the last two years.
Colombia Officially Reopened For Tourism On 21 September 2020
When the country reopened its borders for international tourists – from all countries – on 21 September, 2020, visitors to the country were required to:
- show proof of a negative PCR test
- complete an online migration form
- undergo health screening on arrival into the country.
And, there was no requirement for tourists to undertake any sort of quarantine, so overall the entry requirements were pretty straightforward for anyone wanting to enter Colombia.
Colombia Removed Its PCR Test Requirement On 4 November 2020
Fast forward less than two months (4 November) – following the country’s reopening – the Colombian government made the decision to remove the requirement for travelers to show proof of a negative Covid-19 PCR test result upon arrival.
The news came as somewhat of a surprise at the time, due to the nation having experienced an increase in the number of Covid cases – since welcoming back tourists.
Colombia Reinstated Its PCR Test Requirement In January 2021
Having only removed the requirement for travelers to show proof of a negative Covid-19 PCR test result just a few months before, the government of Colombia made the decision to reinstate the requirement for all travelers to undertake a PCR test in January, 2021.
The news came following the emergence of a new variant of Covid-19.
Colombia Once Again Removed Its PCR Test Requirement In June 2021
The Colombian government – once again – decided to remove the requirement for visitors to show proof of a negative Covid-19 PCR test in June 2021, which meant that all travelers could once again enter the country restriction-free.
The announcement meant that Colombia became just the sixth country – at the time – to welcome tourists without the need to undergo testing or quarantine.
Colombia Continued To Have ‘Easy’ Entry Requirements For All Travelers
Following the removal of the requirement for all travelers to undertake a PCR test before entering, Colombia once again returned to having extremely simple entry requirements for all visitors to the country.
This meant that travelers – whatever their vaccination status – were able to enter the country with just a requirement to complete an online migration form, which was titled ‘Check Mig’.
And, there is no doubt that Colombia benefited from having such ease of entry – with a regular flow of tourists entering the country to see all that this amazing nation has to offer.
Colombia Banned Unvaccinated Tourists In December 2021
Having welcomed heaps of tourists into the country for a considerable length of time – with the nation having had basically ‘zero-entry requirements for all travelers – Colombia’s government made the decision to ban unvaccinated visitors from entering the country in December 2021.
This meant that international visitors to the country were now required – from 14 December, 2021 – to show proof that they had received their full vaccination against Covid-19 to be able to enter.
Just a month earlier (November, 2021), the nation had announced that it was launching a mandatory vaccine passport which was required for entry into all public places inside the country.
Summary – Colombia Will Soon Allow Unvaccinated Visitors To Enter The Country
From 1 May, 2022, travelers that are unvaccinated will now be able to once again visit Colombia – if they show proof of a negative Covid-19 PCR test (taken no longer than 72 hours prior to departure) or a Rapid Antigen test (taken no longer than 48 hours prior to departure).
For individuals that have received their full vaccination, there is still a requirement to show your vaccination certificate – which has been the case since December last year (2021), if you want to enter test-free.
All visitors to the country must still complete the online ‘Check-Mig’ form – before their departure to Colombia.
Colombia Set To Remove Its Indoor Mask Mandate
Just yesterday (26 April) it was reported that Colombia had removed its indoor mask mandate – from 1 May.
This will mean that people will no longer be required to wear a face mask when inside places such as bars, restaurants, and shops inside the country.
However, indoor mask mandates will only be removed in municipalities that have seen more than 70% of their population receive their full vaccination against Covid-19.
