Check Mig Colombia - Complete Guide 2026
Essential information about Colombia's mandatory electronic immigration form for all travelers
What is Check Mig Colombia?
Check Mig Colombia is an electronic border control system implemented by Colombian immigration authorities to monitor and manage migratory movements of all travelers entering and exiting the country. This digital immigration form replaced traditional paper-based entry cards and has become mandatory for everyone traveling to or from Colombia by air.
The system was initially introduced in September 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic to reduce waiting times at immigration checkpoints and collect essential health information. While health-related questions have been removed, the Check Mig form continues to serve as a crucial tool for strengthening border security and streamlining immigration procedures.
All travelers must complete this form between 72 hours and 1 hour before their scheduled flight time, whether entering or leaving Colombia. The process is free of charge when completed through the official Migración Colombia website.
Who Must Complete Check Mig?
The Check Mig form is mandatory for all travelers regardless of nationality, age, or immigration status. This comprehensive requirement ensures complete tracking of all individuals crossing Colombian borders by air.
Required for:
- Colombian citizens and residents - Both when entering and exiting the country
- Foreign tourists - All international visitors must complete the form
- Business travelers - Regardless of visa status or purpose of visit
- Transit passengers - Even if not leaving the airport
- Children and minors - Parents or guardians must fill out forms for children of all ages
Failure to complete the Check Mig form can result in denied boarding at your departure airport or complications upon arrival in Colombia. Airlines verify form completion before allowing passengers to board flights to Colombia.
Required Documents for Check Mig Colombia
Prepare these essential documents before starting your application
Valid Passport
Passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your departure date from Colombia. You'll need passport number and expiry date.
View DetailsFlight Information
Complete flight details including flight number, airline, departure and arrival dates, and airport codes are required.
Learn MoreAccommodation Details
Address, city, department, and phone number of your accommodation in Colombia must be provided.
Read MoreEmail Address
Valid email address to receive your confirmation PDF (Confirmación de Pre-Registro Migratorio) after submission.
How to Complete Check Mig Colombia Form
Follow these simple steps to fill out the form correctly
-
Access the Official Website
Visit the Migración Colombia official website between 72 hours and 1 hour before your flight. Avoid unofficial websites that charge fees. -
Provide Travel Information
Select your mode of transport (air), entry or exit status, immigration checkpoint city, travel date, and flight details. Enter only the flight number without airline code. -
Enter Personal Details
Complete all personal information including passport number, full name (as shown on passport), gender, date of birth, nationality, country of residence, and email address. -
Accommodation Information
Provide complete address details including department, city, street address, and phone number of your accommodation in Colombia. -
Currency Declaration
Declare if carrying more than $10,000 USD in cash or equivalent. This is mandatory under Colombian customs regulations. -
Minor Travelers
If traveling with children under 18, complete separate forms with their personal and passport information. -
Submit and Download
Complete the captcha, accept terms and conditions, then submit. Download and save your confirmation PDF for presentation at the airport.
When to Fill Out Check Mig Colombia
Proper timing is crucial for a smooth travel experience. The Check Mig form must be completed within a specific timeframe to be valid.
Official Timeframe
- Earliest: 72 hours (3 days) before scheduled flight time
- Latest: 1 hour before scheduled flight time
- Recommended: 24-48 hours before departure
Important: Complete the form for both entry into Colombia and exit from Colombia. Each journey requires a separate form submission.
Why Early Completion Matters
- Allows time to resolve technical issues with the website
- Ensures you receive confirmation email before travel
- Reduces stress at the airport
- Airlines may request proof before boarding
Check Mig Validity Period and Renewal
Understanding the validity period of your Check Mig authorization is essential for planning extended stays in Colombia.
Validity Duration
The Check Mig authorization is valid for 90 days from the date of issue. This means travelers can enter Colombia within 90 days of completing the form.
For tourists, the initial permitted stay is typically 90 days, which can be extended for an additional 90 days through the Permiso Temporal de Permanencia (PTP) process.
Renewal Process
If your stay exceeds 90 days, you must:
- Apply for extension 15-20 days before initial 90 days expire
- Submit application online through Migración Colombia website
- Provide required documentation for extension
- Print PTP confirmation if approved
Common Check Mig Issues and Solutions
Many travelers experience technical difficulties with the Check Mig website. Here are the most common issues and how to resolve them:
Frequent Problems
- Website crashes or freezes - Try different browsers (Chrome, Firefox, Safari) or devices
- Form not accepting data - Avoid special characters and diacritics in text fields
- Confirmation email not received - Check spam folder; contact Migración Colombia after 1 hour
- Flight number not recognized - Enter only numeric portion without airline code
- Country dropdown in Spanish - Use Spanish names (e.g., "Estados Unidos" not "United States")
Recovery Options
If you lose your confirmation email, you can recover your registration through the Check Mig application status page using your passport number and travel date.
Check Mig for Children and Minors
Children and minors of all ages require their own Check Mig forms. Parents or legal guardians must complete separate forms for each child traveling with them.
Requirements for Minors
- Each child needs individual form regardless of age
- Valid passport for the child required
- Parent/guardian completes form on behalf of child
- Same documentation as adult travelers needed
Unaccompanied Minors
- Children under 18 traveling alone require additional documentation
- Notarized parental consent may be necessary
- Contact airline for specific requirements
- Check with Colombian consulate for latest regulations
Exiting Colombia - Check Mig Requirements
The Check Mig form is not only required when entering Colombia but also when departing the country. This ensures complete tracking of all travelers' movements.
Exit Form Requirements
- Complete new form 24-72 hours before departure flight
- Select "Exit from Colombia" (Salida) option
- Provide outbound flight information
- Download and print exit confirmation PDF
At the Airport
Arrive at Colombian airports 3 hours before international flights. Present your Check Mig exit confirmation along with your passport at immigration control.
Important: Wear masks from airport entry through flight until reaching final destination, as some airlines and destinations still require them.
Check Mig vs Colombia Visa - Understanding the Difference
These are two separate requirements with different purposes
Check Mig Colombia
- Electronic immigration form
- Mandatory for all travelers
- Free of charge
- Valid for 90 days
- Required for each entry/exit
- Completed online before travel
- Does not grant entry permission
Colombia Visa
- Entry authorization document
- Required for specific nationalities
- Application fees apply
- Various validity periods
- Allows legal entry and stay
- Applied through embassy or online
- Grants permission to enter
Nationals of approximately 100 countries enjoy visa-free entry to Colombia for stays up to 90 days. However, all travelers must complete the Check Mig form regardless of visa status. Check Mig is an immigration control tool, not a visa replacement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Check Mig Colombia
Yes, completing the Check Mig form is completely free when done through the official Migración Colombia website. Beware of unofficial websites that charge fees (up to $70) for the same service. Always use the official government website to avoid unnecessary charges.
Failure to complete the Check Mig form can result in:
- Denied boarding - Airlines verify Check Mig completion before allowing passengers to board
- Entry refusal - Colombian immigration may deny entry at the airport
- Immediate deportation - You may be sent back to your country of origin
- Travel delays - Additional processing time at immigration
Always complete the form within the required timeframe to avoid these complications.
While technically possible, it is not recommended to wait until arriving at the airport to complete your Check Mig form. Reasons include:
- Limited time before flight departure
- Potential internet connectivity issues
- Risk of website technical problems
- Airlines may request confirmation before boarding
Complete the form 24-72 hours before travel to ensure a stress-free experience.
No, as of January 2023, Migración Colombia has waived the Check Mig requirement for land border crossings. The form is only mandatory for air travel - flights entering or exiting Colombia.
Travelers entering Colombia by land or sea do not need to complete the Check Mig form. However, they must still meet all other entry requirements including valid passports and visas where applicable.
If you didn't receive the confirmation email or lost your PDF, you can recover it by:
- Visiting the Migración Colombia website
- Accessing the recovery/status check section
- Entering your passport number and travel date
- Downloading your confirmation again
If the email hasn't arrived within 1 hour, contact Migración Colombia for assistance.
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