Colombia Check-MIG Airports – International Entry Points 2026
Every traveler arriving at a Colombian international airport must have completed the Colombia Check-MIG form within 24 hours before arrival. This guide covers Colombia’s main international airports and what to expect at each for immigration and Check-MIG processing.
For the complete Check-MIG process, visit our Colombia Check-MIG guide.
El Dorado International Airport – Bogotá (BOG)
Colombia’s largest and busiest airport – the main gateway for international travelers. Hub for Avianca with direct connections worldwide.
- IATA code: BOG
- Location: Bogotá, Cundinamarca
- Key routes: Miami, New York, Madrid, Amsterdam, London, Paris, Lima, Buenos Aires, São Paulo
- Airlines: Avianca, LATAM, American, Delta, United, Iberia, Air France, KLM, Copa, Lufthansa
- Immigration: Modern facilities with QR scanners; can have significant queues during peak hours
- Tip: Having your Check-MIG QR ready considerably speeds up processing at this busy airport
José María Córdova International Airport – Medellín (MDE)
The airport serving Medellín, Colombia’s second-largest city. Located in Rionegro, about 45 minutes from downtown Medellín by road.
- IATA code: MDE
- Location: Rionegro, Antioquia
- Key routes: Miami, Fort Lauderdale, New York, Panama City, Lima, Cancún
- Airlines: Avianca, LATAM, American, Spirit, Copa, JetBlue
- Immigration: Efficient processing with biometric screening
- Note: Medellín also has Olaya Herrera Airport (EOH) for domestic flights only
Rafael Núñez International Airport – Cartagena (CTG)
Cartagena’s airport serves Colombia’s most famous colonial city and Caribbean resort destination.
- IATA code: CTG
- Location: Cartagena de Indias, Bolívar
- Key routes: Miami, Fort Lauderdale, New York, Panama City, Bogotá
- Airlines: Avianca, LATAM, American, Spirit, Copa, JetBlue
- Immigration: Smaller facility than BOG – generally faster for international arrivals
Other Colombian International Airports
Check-MIG is required at all international entry points, not just the three main ones:
- Alfonso Bonilla Aragón (CLO) – Cali – gateway to salsa capital
- Matecaña International (PEI) – Pereira – Coffee Region gateway
- Gustavo Rojas Pinilla (SMR) – Santa Marta – gateway to Tayrona Park
- Ernesto Cortissoz (BAQ) – Barranquilla – Caribbean coast gateway
- Camilo Daza (CUC) – Cúcuta – border city with Venezuela
What to Expect at Colombian Immigration
After landing at any Colombian international airport:
- Follow “Migración / Immigration” signs
- Join the “Extranjeros” (foreigners) or Colombian nationals queue
- Present your passport and Check-MIG QR code
- Biometrics (photo and fingerprints) taken if first entry or periodically
- Receive your PIP stamp (Permiso de Ingreso y Permanencia)
- Check authorized days on the stamp
- Proceed to baggage claim
Do I Need Check-MIG for Domestic Flights?
Check-MIG is only required for international arrivals – flights coming from outside Colombia. If you fly domestically within Colombia (Bogotá to Medellín, for example), Check-MIG is not required for that leg. For your international arrival leg, Check-MIG is required. See our Check-MIG deadline guide for timing.
Also review Colombia’s complete entry requirements for 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is Colombia’s busiest international airport?
El Dorado International Airport (BOG) in Bogotá is Colombia’s busiest, handling the majority of international arrivals. It is the main hub for Avianca and has direct connections to many cities worldwide.
Is Check-MIG required at all Colombian airports?
Yes. Check-MIG is required for international arrivals at all Colombian airports – not just BOG, MDE, and CTG, but all international entry points across the country.
How long does immigration take at El Dorado Airport?
Processing times vary. During peak periods, queues can be 30-60 minutes. Having your Check-MIG QR code ready and documents in order significantly speeds up the process.
Can I fly directly from the USA to Medellín?
Yes. Direct flights to Medellín’s MDE airport operate from Miami, Fort Lauderdale, New York, and other US cities on American, Spirit, JetBlue, and other carriers.
