Colombia Check-MIG: The Official Migration Form Explained
If you are planning to travel to Colombia in 2026, you need to know about Colombia Check-MIG. This mandatory digital form is required for all international travelers before entering the country. Understanding what it is, why it exists, and how it works will help you arrive prepared and avoid any immigration delays.
Check-MIG is administered by Migración Colombia, the country’s official immigration authority, and is available free at apps.migracioncolombia.gov.co/check-mig.
Definition – What Is Check-MIG?
Check-MIG (short for Check Migration) is Colombia’s online pre-arrival migration registration system. It is a mandatory digital form that collects traveler information before arrival in Colombia. Think of it as an electronic immigration card – instead of filling out a paper form on the plane, you complete it online before your flight.
The system was introduced in 2022 to modernize Colombia’s border control process. It gives immigration authorities advance notice of incoming travelers, speeds up airport processing, and enables better health and security screening. Every traveler entering Colombia – tourist or not, visa-required or visa-exempt – must complete it. Learn about who exactly needs to complete Check-MIG.
Why Does Colombia Require Check-MIG?
Colombia implemented Check-MIG for several important reasons:
- Advance data collection: Immigration authorities receive traveler data before arrival, enabling faster processing at airports
- Health monitoring: The form includes a health declaration that helps Colombia monitor public health risks
- Security pre-screening: Travelers can be cross-referenced against security watch lists before landing
- Tourism statistics: Accurate data for national tourism and migration statistics
- Reducing queues: Less paperwork at border control means shorter waiting times for all travelers
What Information Does Check-MIG Collect?
Personal Information
- Full name (exactly as on passport)
- Date of birth and nationality
- Gender
- Passport number, issue country, and expiry date
Travel Information
- Airline and flight number
- Departure country and city
- Date of arrival in Colombia and port of entry
- Purpose of visit (tourism, business, study, etc.)
- Planned length of stay
Accommodation Details
- Name of hotel, hostel, or host
- Street address and city in Colombia
Health Declaration
- Current health status
- Symptom questions
See the complete Check-MIG requirements list before you begin filling the form.
Check-MIG vs. the Old TAM Card
Before Check-MIG, travelers to Colombia filled out the paper Tarjeta Andina de Migración (TAM) – distributed on international flights. Check-MIG modernizes this entirely:
| Feature | Old TAM Card | Check-MIG (2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Format | Paper form | Online digital form |
| When completed | On the plane | Within 24h before arrival |
| Cost | Free | Free |
| Confirmation | Paper half retained | QR code by email |
Is Check-MIG a Visa?
No. Check-MIG is not a visa and does not replace a visa. It is a pre-arrival migration registration form. If your nationality requires a Colombian visa, you must obtain it separately before traveling. Check-MIG is required in addition to any visa. For a full breakdown, see our page on Check-MIG vs. visa requirements.
What Happens After You Submit Check-MIG?
After completing and submitting the form, you receive an email confirmation with a QR code. This QR code is your proof of registration. You should save it to your phone or print a copy and have it available at check-in and at Colombian immigration. Officers may scan your QR code as part of the border control process, which significantly speeds up your entry.
Where to Complete Check-MIG
The official portal is apps.migracioncolombia.gov.co/check-mig. This is the only legitimate free portal. Avoid third-party websites that charge fees for this free service. The portal is available in English and Spanish, works on all modern devices (desktop, tablet, mobile), and takes approximately 10-15 minutes to complete.
For detailed instructions, see our step-by-step guide to filling out Check-MIG.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Check-MIG stand for?
Check-MIG stands for Check Migration – Colombia’s official online pre-arrival migration registration form managed by Migración Colombia.
When was Check-MIG introduced?
Check-MIG became mandatory in 2022, replacing the old paper Tarjeta Andina de Migración (TAM) card that was distributed on international flights to Colombia.
Is Check-MIG the same as a Colombian visa?
No. Check-MIG is a migration registration form, not a visa. All travelers must complete it regardless of whether they need a visa or not.
What language is Check-MIG available in?
The Check-MIG portal is available in Spanish and English, making it accessible to international travelers from all over the world.
Do I need to print my Check-MIG confirmation?
You do not need to print it, but you should have the QR code accessible on your phone or as a screenshot. A printed copy is a useful backup in case of phone battery issues.
