Flag

An official website of the United States government

Travel Advisory Level 3: Reconsider Travel Travel Advisory Level 3: Reissued with updates to high-risk areas. Read More...
Travel Advisory: UPDATED: Changes in Inbound Travel Policy and Other Public Health Measures
By
10 MINUTE READ
January 8, 2021

Location: Bogotá, Colombia

Event: UPDATED: Changes in Inbound Travel Policy and Other Public Health Measures

The U.S. Embassy continues to monitor the rapidly changing conditions due to COVID-19 in Colombia and in other locations worldwide. The most current information regarding the impact of COVID-19 may be found at our COVID Information page.

PCR Tests for Inbound Travelers The latest notices from the Colombian government indicate that, as of Thursday, January 7, the Ministry of Health is requiring of all inbound international travelers with a negative COVID-19 test result or a statement that the traveler was unable to obtain a test result, followed by a COVID-19 test and/or 14 days of isolation in Colombia.

A negative COVID-19 test result must result from a PCR test administered no more than 96 hours prior to departure. This rule applies to all international arrivals regardless of age (including infants) or nationality. Failure to adhere to Colombian government requirements may result in denial of boarding, detention at the port of entry, and/or removal from Colombia. The U.S. Embassy has no authority to intervene in the decisions of Colombian immigration authorities or the boarding decisions of commercial airlines. For further information on the policy of COVID-19 testing for inbound travelers, contact your airline and refer to press from the Government of Colombia here.

This test requirement is in addition to – and does not replace – the existing “Check-Mig” requirement for both inbound and outbound travelers. All travelers must complete the online Check-Mig form here between 24 hours and 1 hour prior to arrival in, or departure from, Colombia. Carry a print-out of the form and be ready to show the electronic version on your mobile device at Colombian immigration.

Additional Public Health Measures in Bogotá Given significant rates of COVID-19 infection and diminishing hospital capacity, the Mayor of Bogotá has decreed a “red alert” for the entire city. Current and additional public health measures in Bogotá include:

For the entire city of Bogotá,

  • A complete restriction on movement from 11:59 PM on Thursday, January 7, until 4:00 AM on Tuesday, January 12;
  • A curfew from 8:00 PM to 4:00 AM nightly from Tuesday, January 12, through Sunday, January 17; and
  • The pico y cédula policy, which restricts access to some services based on identification number, through 11:59 PM on Friday, January 15.

For the neighborhoods of Kennedy, Teusaquillo, and Fontibón,

  • An additional strict quarantine and complete restriction of movement from 12:01 AM on Tuesday, January 12, through 11:59 PM on Thursday, January 21.

For the neighborhoods of Usaquén, Suba, and Engativá,

  • The current strict quarantine and complete restriction of movement through 11:59 PM on Sunday, January 17.

Under policies of quarantine and curfew, movement is prohibited, and non-essential businesses must remain closed. However, certain allowances exist, including for obtaining groceries, exercise, healthcare, and pharmaceuticals. Visit the website for the Office of the Mayor of Bogotá for additional information on these restrictions. For further information on the policy of pico y cédula in Bogotá, please refer to our message here.

Public Health Measures in Other Cities 

Other departments and cities in Colombia have instituted a variety of public health measures in response to rising COVID-19 infection rates and the upcoming holiday weekend, including curfews, quarantines, and commercial restrictions. You should continue to monitor local press and governmental news for these updates. U.S. citizens in Colombia must follow all local laws and regulations or risk local sanctions, including fines, detention, and prosecution.

Further Information 

Assistance 

Alerts
Bogotá