You have filled out your CheckMig form, downloaded the PDF, and landed in Colombia. Now what? This guide explains exactly what happens at the airport when you arrive – from the moment you step off the plane to walking out of the terminal.
Understanding the arrival process helps you move through immigration faster, avoid common mistakes, and start your trip without unnecessary stress.
What to Have Ready Before Landing
Before your plane touches down at a Colombian airport, make sure you have these items accessible:
- Passport – The same one you used for your CheckMig form
- CheckMig confirmation PDF – On your phone screen or printed on paper
- Boarding pass – Some officers ask for it as proof of your flight
- Return or onward flight details – May be requested if your stay looks long
- Accommodation address – In case the officer asks where you are staying
Open your CheckMig PDF on your phone before landing so you are not searching through emails while standing in line. The confirmation contains a QR code that immigration officers will scan.
Step 1: Disembark and Follow Signs to Immigration
After exiting the aircraft, follow the signs toward Migración (Immigration). At major Colombian airports like Bogotá (El Dorado), Medellín (Olaya Herrera / Rionegro), and Cartagena (Rafael Núñez), the route is straightforward and clearly marked in both Spanish and English.
You will walk through a corridor toward the immigration hall. There are no stops between the gate and immigration – no forms to fill out on paper, no health declarations at a desk. The CheckMig form replaced all of that.
Step 2: Join the Immigration Queue
Colombian airports typically have two types of immigration lines:
- Foreign nationals (Extranjeros) – This is the line for tourists and non-Colombian passport holders
- Colombian nationals (Nacionales) – For Colombian citizens and residents
Make sure you join the correct line. Joining the nationals line as a foreign traveler will waste time and you will be redirected.
At Bogotá’s El Dorado airport, there are also automated biometric gates for some nationalities. If your passport qualifies, you can use these self-service machines to speed up the process. Look for signs that say Migración Automática or Automated Immigration.
Typical wait times:
| Airport | Normal Hours | Peak Hours (Morning Arrivals) |
|---|---|---|
| Bogotá (BOG) | 15-30 minutes | 45-90 minutes |
| Medellín (MDE) | 10-20 minutes | 30-60 minutes |
| Cartagena (CTG) | 10-25 minutes | 30-50 minutes |
| Cali (CLO) | 10-15 minutes | 20-40 minutes |
Peak hours are typically between 5:00 AM and 9:00 AM when multiple international flights land simultaneously.
Step 3: Present Your Documents at the Immigration Counter
When you reach the counter, the immigration officer will ask for:
- Your passport – Opened to the photo page
- Your CheckMig confirmation – The PDF with the QR code
The officer will scan the QR code from your CheckMig confirmation. This pulls up all the information you submitted online – your personal details, flight information, accommodation address, and health declaration.
What the officer checks:
- That your passport matches the information in the CheckMig form
- That your flight number matches the one you declared
- Whether you have any immigration alerts or overstay history
- Your allowed length of stay (typically 90 days for most nationalities)
The officer may ask you a few simple questions:
- “¿Cuántos días se queda?” – How many days are you staying?
- “¿Dónde se hospeda?” – Where are you staying?
- “¿Cuál es el motivo de su viaje?” – What is the purpose of your trip?
Answer clearly and honestly. Most interactions last 2 to 3 minutes.
Step 4: Get Your Entry Stamp
If everything checks out, the officer will stamp your passport with the entry date and the number of days you are allowed to stay. For most tourists, this is 90 days.
Important things to verify on the stamp:
- Date – Confirm it matches today’s date
- Days allowed – Should say 90 (or the number matching your visa if applicable)
- Entry type – Should show “Entrada” (Entry)
If the officer writes a different number of days (e.g., 30 or 60), ask about it politely before leaving the counter. It is easier to clarify at immigration than to fix later at Migración offices.
Do not lose your passport stamp. Overstaying even by one day can result in fines, deportation, or a ban from re-entering Colombia. Track your allowed stay carefully.
Step 5: Collect Your Baggage
After immigration, proceed to the baggage claim area (Reclamo de Equipaje). Look for the carousel displaying your flight number.
At Colombian airports, baggage claim typically takes 15 to 30 minutes after the plane lands. If your bag does not appear:
- Go to the airline’s baggage service desk in the arrivals hall
- File a Property Irregularity Report (PIR) before leaving the airport
- Keep your boarding pass and baggage tag receipt
Step 6: Pass Through Customs (DIAN)
After collecting your bags, you will pass through customs operated by DIAN (Dirección de Impuestos y Aduanas Nacionales). There are typically two lanes:
- Green lane (Nada que declarar) – Nothing to declare. Walk through if you are within the duty-free limits.
- Red lane (Tengo algo que declarar) – Use this if you exceed duty-free limits or carry items that require declaration.
Duty-free limits for Colombia:
| Item | Limit |
|---|---|
| Personal items | Reasonable quantity for trip duration |
| Gifts | Up to USD $1,500 total value |
| Alcohol | Up to 2 liters |
| Cigarettes | Up to 200 units (1 carton) |
| Cash | Up to USD $10,000 (must declare if exceeding) |
If you carry more than USD $10,000 in cash, you must declare it. Failure to do so can result in seizure and fines.
What Happens If You Arrive Without CheckMig
If you arrive at a Colombian airport without a completed CheckMig form, you will face delays. Here is what typically happens:
- You are directed to a special area – Some airports have kiosks or tablets where you can fill out the form on the spot
- You wait longer – Completing the form at the airport adds 15 to 30 minutes to your process
- You need internet access – The form is online, so you need a connection. Some airports offer free Wi-Fi
- Immigration may question you – Officers may ask why you did not complete it in advance
While Colombian immigration does not typically deny entry solely for a missing CheckMig, the delays and extra scrutiny are avoidable. Complete the form before your flight.
Common Arrival Mistakes to Avoid
1. Not having the PDF ready
Searching through emails while at the counter slows you down and holds up the line. Have the PDF open on your phone before you land.
2. Passport and CheckMig details do not match
If you renewed your passport after filling out CheckMig, the passport number will not match. Fill out a new form with the correct passport number.
3. Using someone else’s CheckMig form
Each traveler needs their own form. A family of four needs four separate CheckMig confirmations.
4. Forgetting the departure CheckMig
You need a separate CheckMig form when leaving Colombia as well. Fill it out 72 hours to 1 hour before your departure flight.
5. Overstaying your allowed days
The entry stamp shows how many days you can stay. Overstaying results in fines and potential bans. Count your days carefully.
Arrival at Different Colombian Airports
Bogotá – El Dorado International Airport (BOG)
The busiest airport in Colombia. Immigration lines can be long during early morning hours. The airport has automated biometric gates for select nationalities. Baggage claim is on the lower level after immigration.
Medellín – José María Córdova International Airport (MDE)
Located about 45 minutes from Medellín city center. Immigration is typically faster here than in Bogotá. The airport is smaller and easier to navigate.
Cartagena – Rafael Núñez International Airport (CTG)
A small, single-terminal airport. Immigration is usually quick, but the airport can feel crowded when multiple international flights arrive at the same time. The arrivals hall is compact.
Cali – Alfonso Bonilla Aragón International Airport (CLO)
Also known as Palmaseca airport. Located between Cali and Palmira. Immigration is fast and rarely crowded. Good option if your final destination is in the Valle del Cauca region.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to print the CheckMig confirmation?
No. A digital copy on your phone is accepted. However, having a printed backup is recommended in case your phone battery dies or you cannot load the PDF.
Can I go through immigration without showing CheckMig?
In most cases, immigration officers require the CheckMig confirmation or at minimum your QR code. Some officers can look you up in the system by passport number, but this takes extra time and is not guaranteed.
How long does the entire arrival process take?
From landing to walking out of the terminal, the process typically takes 30 minutes to 1.5 hours, depending on the airport, time of day, and queue length. Immigration is usually the longest step.
What if my CheckMig has a mistake?
Minor typos (e.g., a small spelling error in your hotel name) are usually not a problem. Major errors (wrong passport number, wrong flight) may require you to fill out a new form. Some airports have facilities for this, but it adds significant time.
Do I need CheckMig for domestic flights within Colombia?
No. CheckMig is only required for international flights entering or leaving Colombia. Domestic flights do not require this form.
Is CheckMig checked on arrival only, or also on departure?
Both. You need a separate CheckMig form for arrival (entry) and another one for departure (exit). Each form is specific to one flight in one direction.
Can immigration officers ask additional questions beyond CheckMig?
Yes. The CheckMig form streamlines the process, but officers can still ask about the purpose of your trip, your accommodation, how long you plan to stay, and whether you have a return ticket.
Related Guides
- What Is CheckMig? Colombia’s Immigration Form Explained – Learn what the form is and why it exists
- How to Fill Out the CheckMig Form: Step-by-Step Guide – Detailed instructions for completing the form
- CheckMig for Departure: Leaving Colombia – What you need when leaving Colombia
- Is CheckMig Still Required in 2026? – Confirm the current rules before your trip
- CheckMig Not Working? Fixes for Common Problems – Troubleshooting tips if the form does not load
