How will the Check-Mig affect waiting times on arrival in Colombia?

In recent years, the Colombian authorities have introduced a migration control system known as the Check-Mig. The aim of this system is to make it easier for travellers to cross borders by allowing them to provide their personal and residence details to the authorities beforehand.

Why was Check-mig introduced?

The introduction of Check-mig has a number of objectives, for both travellers and local authorities. Firstly, to improve security in the country by enabling more effective control of entry to and exit from the country. It also makes it easier to manage migratory flows, particularly during peak tourist periods or migratory crises such as the one in Colombia following the political and economic situation in Venezuela.

What's more, Check-mig saves travellers a considerable amount of time, enabling them to avoid long queues at checkpoints throughout the country. All they have to do is fill in an online form before departure, providing all the information required by the authorities.

How does Check-mig work?

To access Check-mig, travellers must visit the official Colombian Migration website and create a personal account with their passport details. Once they have done this, they can fill in a form indicating, among other things, :

• their planned destination in Colombia
• their arrival and departure dates
• the address where they will be staying in the country
• their reason for travelling.

It should be noted that certain health data may also be requested, particularly in the case of travel for medical purposes.

The Check-mig and its influence on waiting time on arrival

By allowing travellers to provide their information in advance of their arrival, the Check-mig helps to significantly reduce waiting times at border crossing pointsThis facilitates the task of migration officers, who already have the data they need to check each individual. This facilitates the task of migration officers, who already have the data they need to check each individual.

However, it is important to point out that using Check-mig does not guarantee a systematic reduction in waiting time for all passengers. Additional checks may be carried out on the spot, depending on the profile, particularly if there is any doubt about the accuracy of the information provided. Likewise, travellers who fail to complete the Check-mig beforehand will have to undergo the traditional formalitiesThis can lead to queues.

How can I optimise my use of the Check-mig to reduce waiting time?

Fill in the form carefully and completely

To make the most of Check-mig and save time when you arrive, make sure you provide the following information complete and accurate information when you fill in the form. Any error or omission could lead to an additional check and lengthen your waiting time.

Anticipate and validate the form before departure

To avoid any nasty surprises, make sure you complete the Check-mig by the deadline set. In general, it is recommended to do at least [country:submitting_case_deadline destination="CO"] days before your departure using our form. Once the form has been validated, you will receive the document by email, which you will need to present to the authorities on arrival.

Keep abreast of any regulatory changes

It is essential to keep a close eye on legislative and regulatory developments concerning the procedures for entering Colombia. The authorities may decide to modify the Check-mig requirements according to circumstances, as was the case with the addition of a health section during the Covid-19 pandemic.