Planning a trip to Colombia involves finding out about the conditions for entering and staying in the country. As a tourist or business traveller, you've probably heard of the Check-mig travel permit issued by the Colombian authorities. In this article, we'll take a closer look at this permit, the steps you need to take to obtain it and, above all, answer the question: How long can you stay in Colombia with the Check-Mig?
What is Check-Mig?
The Check-Mig is a document issued by Migración Colombia, the government agency responsible for managing migration in the country. It mainly concerns foreign nationals wishing to enter Colombia for tourism or business purposes for a limited period of time. The main purpose of this document is to facilitate migration controls on arrival in and departure from Colombia. But it also concerns people leaving Colombian territory.
Who is the Check-Mig authorisation intended for?
This authorisation applies to nationals of many countries, including France, Belgium, Canada, Switzerland and, of course, the member countries of the European Union. Requirements vary according to the nationality of the applicant, but generally speaking, the information needed includes :
- possession of a valid passport
- a return air ticket or a ticket to another destination outside Colombia
How do I obtain Check-Mig authorisation?
The Check-Mig authorisation request is made online, using our form. The process involves filling in at least one form [country:submitting_case_
The cost of Check-Mig authorisation
Obtaining a Check-Mig travel authorisation is free of charge (excluding our service charges).
Authorised length of stay with Check-Mig authorisation
The maximum length of stay authorised in Colombia with a Check-Mig travel authorisation is 90 consecutive days.. This period includes the date of entry into and exit from Colombia.
However, it should be stressed that the actual length of your stay will depend on the decision of the immigration officers when you arrive. Although your Check-mig authorisation allows you to stay for up to 90 days, the officers have the power to reduce this period depending on their assessment and the documents you present (hotel reservation, return ticket, etc.).
Is it possible to extend your stay?
Yes, it is possible to extend your stay beyond the 90 days initially grantedprovided that certain procedures are followed. Extensions can be applied for at Migración Colombia offices in the country's main cities, such as Bogotá, Medellín and Cali. Applicants must present their passport, fill in a form and pay an administrative fee, the amount of which varies according to their nationality, the reason for the extension and the additional period requested.
It is important to note that the extension request must be made before the initial 90 days have expired. Exceeding this period without obtaining an extension may result in a ban on entry to Colombia and/or fines..
What are the alternatives for a longer stay in Colombia?
If you plan to stay in Colombia for more than 90 days, or if your activity in the country is not covered (studies, employment, etc.), you will need to apply for an appropriate visa from the Colombian embassy or consulate in your country. The different categories of visa available are: the visitor visa (type V), the migrant visa (type M) and the resident visa (type R).
The procedures, documents required and costs vary depending on the category of visa and the specifics of your situation. It is therefore essential to find out all you need to know about the procedure before making your application.
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