Colombia: Authorities to ease domestic and travel COVID-19 restrictions May 1 /update 46

Event

Officials in Colombia have issued orders to ease COVID-19-related domestic and travel restrictions effective May 1 due to a decrease in infections and high levels of vaccine coverage. Under the new directives, the use of facemasks will no longer be required in most indoor public spaces, in municipalities where at least 70 percent of the population has received two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine and 40 percent of the population has received a booster shot. Additionally, the requirement for individuals to have vaccine certificates to enter most businesses, such as restaurants, clubs, and mass events, will be lifted nationwide. Regarding travel restrictions, nonresident foreign nationals will be allowed to enter Colombia without proof of vaccination, as long as they have a negative pre-travel test.

Domestic Measures

Besides the measures mentioned above, few restrictions will remain effective May 1. The use of facemasks indoors will continue to be required in public transportation, health and education centers, and in all municipalities with low levels of COVID-19-vaccinations. Additionally, the use of facemasks outdoors is no longer a requirement, except in municipalities with fewer than 70 percent of their population vaccinated.

International Travel Restrictions
Effective May 1, nonresident foreign nationals 18 years and older who have not received any dose of an approved COVID-19 vaccine will be allowed to enter Colombia as long as they show a negative result from a PCR test taken within 72 hours or an antigen test taken within 48 hours before their departure for the country.

Fully vaccinated travelers who show proof of their vaccination status do not need a pre-travel test. Colombian citizens and residents aged 18 years and older, regardless of their vaccination status, and partially vaccinated nonresident foreign nationals, may continue entering the country as long as they have proof of a pre-travel negative test (taken 72 hours prior if it is a PCR test, or 48 hours if it is an antigen test).

People arriving on cruise ships must continue to be fully vaccinated and have a negative result from a PCR test taken within 72 hours before arrival, regardless of their citizenship.

All travelers wishing to enter Colombia need to complete the "Check-Mig" online form between 24 hours and one hour before departure; they must also comply with regulations associated with contact tracing upon arrival. Additionally, travelers must complete the online form before leaving Colombia.

Authorities could further tighten, reimpose, extend, ease, or otherwise amend any restrictions with little-to-no notice, depending on disease activity over the coming weeks.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Consider delaying traveling if experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19, as they may prompt increased scrutiny and delays.

Resources

World Health Organization (WHO)
Government COVID-19 Updates (Spanish)
Check-Mig Online Form (Spanish)
Government of Bogota - COVID-19 Updates (Spanish)