What you need to know before you go

Visas

Australians and most New Zealander’s don’t need a visa for entry into Colombia; however, visa regulations change frequently so make sure you check before you leave home.  Visitors will get an entry stamp in their passport upon arrival at the airport or land border crossing from the Departamento Administrativo de Seguridad (DAS).  Make sure you have your passport stamped, as some banks and money changers require proof.  You also need to show your entry stamp upon departure, or you may be fined.  Make sure you get your departure stamp for any return visits in the future.

Visas are valid for a maximum of 90 days but most officials will stamp 30 or 60 days. 

Visa Extensions

Visa extensions are available for 30 days for USD$25 from a DAS office in any departmental capital.  If you are looking to extend your stay, there is no need to wait until the expiry date, as the new 30 days begin from the end of the original visa start date stamped in your passport.

Vaccinations

Yellow Fever, Malaria and Rabies are all recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) before travelling to Colombia. 

A Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate is required by airlines for exit out of Colombia.  If you have been in Colombia six days prior to arrival in Australia, you will be required to show a Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate for entry into Australia.

Hep A, Hep B & Typhoid are also recommended for travel through Colombia and South America.

If you are not sure what immunisations you have had or what is required for Colombia, it’s best to talk to your doctor or a travel clinic for more information before travelling.

Money Exchange
The local dollar in Colombia is the Colombian Peso (COP). 

Colombia is a relatively cheap country to travel in.  Budget travellers can get by on between AUD$20 to AUD$30 per day.  For those of you with a little more to spend, you can still have a reasonably cheap holiday for around AUD$30 to AUD$50 per day.

You won’t have any problems traveling with credit and debit cards in Colombia.  Most banks have ATMs nearby that you can access your money from easily.  Although not necessary, it can be handy to have some US dollars on you, if you are planning on having cash upon arrival.

It doesn’t hurt to notify your bank before travelling, so that you don’t end up with your accounts being frozen.