Everything You Need to Know About Colombia Check-MIG in 2026
Planning a trip to Colombia? Before you board your flight, you must complete the Colombia Check-MIG form – the country’s official online migration registration system. This free digital form, available at apps.migracioncolombia.gov.co/check-mig, is mandatory for every traveler entering Colombia and must be submitted within 24 hours before arrival.
Whether you are flying into Bogotá’s El Dorado International Airport (BOG), José María Córdova Airport in Medellín (MDE), or Rafael Núñez Airport in Cartagena (CTG), completing Check-MIG is not optional – it is a legal requirement enforced since 2022 by Migración Colombia.
What Is the Colombia Check-MIG Form?
Check-MIG stands for Check Migration – Colombia’s digital pre-arrival registration system managed by Migración Colombia, the country’s immigration authority. It replaces the old paper-based Tarjeta Andina de Migración (TAM) form that travelers used to fill out on the plane.
The form collects basic travel information including your personal details, passport data, flight information, accommodation in Colombia, and health-related questions. It is entirely free to complete and takes about 10-15 minutes.
For a detailed breakdown of the form, visit our guide on what is Colombia Check-MIG.
Who Must Complete Check-MIG?
All travelers entering Colombia by air must complete Check-MIG, regardless of nationality. This includes:
- Tourists visiting Colombia for leisure
- Business travelers
- Foreigners returning after a trip abroad
- Colombian nationals living overseas
- Transit passengers staying in Colombia temporarily
There are very limited exceptions. Diplomatic passport holders and certain officials may be exempt, but for the vast majority of international travelers, Check-MIG is mandatory. Learn more about who needs to complete Check-MIG.
When Should You Fill Out Check-MIG?
You must complete the Colombia Check-MIG form within 24 hours before your scheduled arrival in Colombia. You cannot complete it more than 24 hours in advance, and attempting to fill it too close to boarding may cause issues at check-in.
The ideal time is 12-20 hours before your flight departs. This gives you enough time to correct any errors and receive your confirmation. Read our full guide on the Check-MIG submission deadline.
How to Complete Check-MIG – Step by Step
Completing Check-MIG is straightforward. Here is a quick overview of the process:
- Visit apps.migracioncolombia.gov.co/check-mig on any device
- Select your language (English is available)
- Enter your personal details exactly as they appear on your passport
- Provide your flight information – airline, flight number, departure and arrival dates
- Enter your accommodation address in Colombia
- Answer the health declaration questions
- Review all information and submit
- Save or print your QR code confirmation
For a detailed walkthrough with screenshots, see our step-by-step guide to filling out Check-MIG.
What Documents Do You Need?
To complete Check-MIG you will need:
- Valid passport – with at least 6 months validity from your arrival date
- Flight details – airline name, flight number, departure date
- Accommodation information – hotel name and address in Colombia
- Emergency contact – name and phone number
- Email address – to receive your confirmation QR code
See the complete list of Colombia Check-MIG requirements before you begin.
Entry Requirements for Colombia in 2026
Beyond Check-MIG, Colombia requires travelers to have a valid passport. Most nationalities – including citizens of the USA, UK, EU countries, Canada, and Australia – do not need a visa for tourist stays under 90 days. Check-MIG is separate from the visa requirement and applies to all nationalities.
Upon arrival, Colombian immigration officers will stamp your passport with a Permiso de Ingreso y Permanencia (PIP) allowing a stay of up to 90 days, extendable once for an additional 90 days.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Many travelers encounter issues with Check-MIG. The most common problems include:
- Entering passport details that don’t match exactly (watch for middle names)
- Using an old or expired browser
- Submitting the form too early (more than 24h in advance)
- Not saving the QR code confirmation
- Wrong flight number or date
If you run into technical issues, our guide to fixing Colombia Check-MIG errors covers the most common problems and solutions.
Colombia Check-MIG vs. Visa
It is important to understand that Check-MIG is not a visa. It is a migration registration form that all travelers – whether they need a visa or not – must complete. If your nationality requires a Colombian visa, you must obtain it separately before traveling. Check-MIG is an additional requirement on top of any visa.
Key Facts Summary
- ✓ Cost: Free
- ✓ When: Within 24 hours before arrival
- ✓ Who: All travelers entering Colombia
- ✓ Where: apps.migracioncolombia.gov.co/check-mig
- ✓ Since: 2022 (mandatory)
- ✓ Time to complete: 10-15 minutes
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Colombia Check-MIG mandatory in 2026?
Yes. Check-MIG is mandatory for all travelers entering Colombia. It has been required since 2022 and remains a compulsory step for entry into Colombia in 2026. Airlines may deny boarding to passengers who have not completed it.
Is Check-MIG free?
Yes, the Colombia Check-MIG form is completely free to complete on the official government portal at apps.migracioncolombia.gov.co/check-mig. Beware of third-party websites that charge fees for completing the form.
How early can I fill out Check-MIG?
You can fill out Check-MIG within the 24-hour window before your arrival in Colombia. Filling it out more than 24 hours in advance is not possible as the system will not accept submissions outside this window.
What happens if I forget to fill out Check-MIG?
If you forget to complete Check-MIG, you may be required to fill it out at the airport before passing through immigration. This can cause significant delays. Some airlines may also deny boarding if you cannot show your Check-MIG QR code confirmation.
Do Colombian citizens need to fill out Check-MIG?
Colombian nationals returning to Colombia from abroad are also required to complete Check-MIG before their arrival. The form applies to all individuals entering Colombia, regardless of nationality.
Which airports require Check-MIG?
Check-MIG is required for all air entry points into Colombia, including El Dorado International Airport (BOG) in Bogotá, José María Córdova Airport (MDE) in Medellín, Rafael Núñez Airport (CTG) in Cartagena, and all other Colombian international airports.
