Colombia FAQs

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Written by
Jennifer Richt, Lily Bunker, David Corvacho Puente & Charles Kronsten

Published on: October 21st, 2012

Last modified: September 23rd, 2022

We've compiled our list of most frequently asked questions to help you get prepared before your big adventure to Colombia. Please read through the questions, using the navigation bar on the left hand side of your page to move easily between the different sections.

Please note that requirements and advice can change so we do recommend you check in with your own travel insurer, doctor and relevant local embassies before embarking on your adventure.

Are there any entry requirements for Colombia?

Visas

Visas are not required for UK, European, American, Canadian or South African passport holders for stays of up to 90 days. For any nationality that does require a visa before arrival please make sure you have enough time to arrange the relevant paperwork before your departure. 

Please note that requirements can change and we recommend that our guests contact the local embassy in the country where you live for the most recent and up to date information. 

 Passports

All passports must be valid for at least six months after your intended departure and have at least two blank pages for immigration stamps.

We will confirm certain elements of your trip such as regional flights or permits using your current passport details. If a member of your party changes their name in their passport after booking (for example, through marriage or adoption) this could mean having to reissue important parts of the trip at an extra cost and subject to availability. 

 

Do I need travel insurance?

Yes, once your trip is confirmed it is essential that you take out comprehensive travel insurance to cover you in case anything unexpected happens. 

We always recommend that our guests get the maximum level of coverage that you feel comfortable investing in. Read more about travel insurance for US travellers here and for travellers from other countries here.

Do I need to visit a travel doctor before my trip?

Yes, you should visit a travel doctor before your trip as they may recommend certain vaccinations or medications before or during travel. 

Some vaccines commonly recommended for travellers to Latin America include: Tetanus, Diphtheria, Polio, Typhoid, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Rabies and Meningitis.

A yellow fever certificate and proof of tetanus vaccination is required If you’re visiting the southern Amazon, Amacayacu and Gorgona National Parks. After visiting these areas, if you travel to other countries in Central and Latin America you could be asked to produce your yellow fever certificate to enter.  It’s recommended to confirm with the authorities of your next destination whether they require a certificate following your visit to Colombia.

Malaria

Colombia is a tropical country so good quality mosquito repellent is recommended, especially if you visit the Amazon. Your medical advisor might recommend anti-malarial tablets, depending on the areas of Colombia you will be visiting, so be sure to arrange a time well in advance of your departure to discuss your itinerary and medical needs with your doctor.

 

What do I need to know about my regional flights?

Some of the regional flights in Colombia will be on small, sometimes light aircraft, depending on the destinations you’re visiting – usually only to the very remote areas. These planes do have a more restrictive luggage allowance so please speak with your travel designer or concierge about this. 

In general regional flights within Colombia to the main hubs will be on an Airbus A320 – luggage allowances do vary and sometimes need to be purchased in advance. Please let us know if you have seat assignment preferences and we will notify the airlines. Please note that seat assignment is subject to change and always at the discretion of the airline. 

What will I receive from Jacada before I depart?

Travel pack

Before you head off on your adventure you will be sent a travel pack. The travel pack is full of great information and is also a beautiful keepsake. It is not necessary to travel with vouchers or confirmations on your trip but we do recommend having a printed copy of your travel itinerary to hand when you arrive into Colombia.

Bon Voyage email

Around 2 weeks before you depart we will email you an electronic version of your travel pack including your domestic flight tickets. Once you’ve received this email your Travel Designer will reach out to arrange a time for you to talk on the phone to go over any last minute questions and talk you through the information we’ve sent over.

Do I need to bring the local currency?

The local currency is called the Colombian Peso. You will need the local currency throughout your trip to purchase items in shops and for some small tips, US dollars are also fine to tip in. You may be able to buy Colombian currency from your bank or currency exchange at home, if not,  exchanging US Dollars or withdrawing local currency from an ATM in the major Colombian hubs is straightforward. When exchanging money in Colombia we recommend using only authorised money exchange bureaus, banks or hotels and never on the street. The US dollar is the easiest currency to exchange.

ATMs are always nearby in big cities, but you must be sure to look for the relevant symbol to ensure it is an international machine (displaying the VISA, MasterCard etc symbols), local ones will not work. In rural, remote areas ATMs are often very limited or unreliable. If you are travelling to a remote area make sure you have the cash you need for the stay, before leaving the major hubs.

Major credit cards are usually accepted in most important tourist destinations. Generally it’s good to have more than one card, so that you have an alternative if there is a problem with the connection for one.

It’s not advisable to bring travellers cheques to Colombia as they are difficult to use outside of Bogota and the rate is often poor.

Can you tell me about tipping and etiquette in Colombia?

Although tipping in Colombia is not required it does help to make up the salary for many who work in the tourism industry. We’ve put a list together below to act as a guide but please remember that tipping is discretionary and you can add more or less depending on service. You can tip in US Dollar cash.

  • Guides: 8-15 USD per person
  • Hosts: 25-30 USD per day
  • Drivers: 10-15 USD per day
  • Hotel or airport porters: 1 – 2 USD per bag
  • Restaurants: 10% of the bill, but to make sure it’s not already included. If you receive outstanding service then you can add more on for your server.
  • Taxis: It’s not necessary to tip taxi drivers. In Cartagena please note that there’s a flat fee of 10,000 COP between the Old City, Getsemani or Bocagrande.

What’s the weather like and how should I pack?

Colombia is a year round destination and much of the country (at sea level) experiences a warm climate all year. The average daily temperature is 27°C (81°F). Colombia does experience a rainy season from May to October which is considered low season.

What you pack for your trip will very much depend on where you are going and what you will be doing. Overall it’s recommended to pack lightweight clothing such as cotton shirts and trousers so that you can cover up in the hot sunshine.

Here are a few of our packing essentials, however please do contact your travel designer or concierge for a personalised packing list.

  • Sunhat
  • Sunglasses
  • Shorts
  • T shirts
  • Swimwear
  • Day bag – for your day to day essentials, consider something waterproof if you travel in the rainy season or take boat trips
  • Suntan lotion
  • Mosquito repellent
  • Lightweight, quick dry trousers that can zip off to shorts are handy if you hike during your trip
  • Waterproof, comfortable hiking shoes – if hike during your trip
  • Raincoat – even in the dry season Bogota can see some rain
  • Windbreaker, lightweight jacket
  • Evening outfit – Colombia is casual, smart clothes are not required but in the major cities, later in the evening, locals do sometimes ‘dress up’ a little in the restaurants, bars and salsa clubs.

Laundry

Almost all of the properties in Colombia will offer a laundry service at an extra cost. You might find some pricing to be quite expensive so please do check the costs with reception before sending your items to be washed.

Should I make restaurant reservations?

We highly recommend that you make restaurant reservations in advance of your trip. Once your trip is confirmed you will be introduced to your concierge who will be able to assist you in not only making the reservations but also  making  recommendations based on your preferences.

What’s the transport like?

We only recommend taking transfers arranged by Jacada travel, the team on the ground, your hotel or a restaurant we’ve reserved for you. Although there are metered taxis and even uber in the major cities these shouldn’t be necessary on your trip. 

How can I keep connected on my trip?

Plugs and power

All of Colombia uses 110 volt electricity with US type flat two pin plugs.  It is best to bring an adapter if you need one.

Wifi and Internet

Wifi is common in most hotels and lodges in Colombia. In remote areas the connection can be patchy and is not always available throughout the entire property, sometimes only being available in the common areas or in the rooms. There are some exceptions, so if regular and reliable connectivity is important to you please discuss this with your travel designer or concierge.

Remote areas

Cell phone reception and roaming is not always possible in some remote areas so please bear this in mind when planning communications while on your trip. You can speak with your provider at home to ask about roaming charges.

Please contact your Jacada travel designer or concierge before your trip with any further questions