Colombia: Authorities reapply COVID-19-related testing requirements for international travelers as of Jan. 4 /update 23

Event

As of Jan. 4, authorities in Colombia are reintroducing testing requirements for all international arrivals as part of their ongoing coronavirus disease (COVID-19) response. All travelers must present proof of a negative COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test taken no more than 96 hours before departure. Persons without a test may be permitted entry but will be subject to testing upon arrival and a 14-day quarantine.

All travelers still need to complete the "Check-Mig" online form between 24 hours and one hour before departure and must comply with regulations associated with contact-tracing upon arrival. Travelers with COVID-19 symptoms will not be allowed to enter the country.

Approved international commercial passenger flights are continuing at Colombia's main airports, including from Bolivia, Brazil, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Guatemala, Mexico, Curacao, Panama, and the US. All international flights to and from the UK, have been restricted since Dec. 21 due to the spread of a variant strain of COVID-19 in that country. It is unclear when the restrictions will be lifted. Only Colombian citizens, residents, and other authorized travelers who have been in or traveled to the UK within 14 days before arrival are permitted entry subject to a 14-day mandatory quarantine. Colombia's land and river borders remain closed, except for cargo and humanitarian aid, until at least Jan. 16.

Domestic Measures
Authorities are maintaining existing nationwide COVID-19-related restrictions until at least Feb. 18. Under the nationwide directives, only people who present COVID-19 symptoms are required to remain quarantined at home for at least 14 days. All other individuals must continue to wear facemasks in public spaces and adhere to physical-distancing and sanitization protocols. All open establishments must continue to follow strict safety and sanitation guidelines. The following restrictions remain in place nationwide:

• Restaurants may operate with a 50-person capacity limit. No alcohol may be served.

• Entertainment establishments, including cinemas, theaters, bars, and casinos, are allowed to open. No alcohol may be served. Nightclubs remain closed.

• Spas and sporting facilities, such as gymnasiums and swimming pools, are open, with a maximum capacity of 50 people. Sporting events are prohibited.

• Religious services may take place in certain municipalities but may have no more than 50 people in attendance.

Officials in cities, municipalities, and departments are empowered to enforce stricter business and movement restrictions, depending on local disease activity. Localized curfew measures could sporadically be enforced in some areas.

In Bogota, officials plan to impose strict quarantine measures in the Usaquen, Engativa, and Suba neighborhoods Jan. 5-17. Under the localized quarantine orders, all nonessential establishments must remain closed, and a curfew will be enforced 2000-0500. In the wider Bogota area, individuals may only attend to the acquisition and payment of goods and services according to the last number of the individual's document. Persons with ID numbers ending in 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9 are permitted on odd-numbered days, while ID numbers ending in 0, 2, 4, 6, and 8 are permitted on even-numbered days. The measure will last until Jan. 15.

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. Reconfirm all travel arrangements. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions. Emphasize basic health precautions, especially frequent handwashing with soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are unavailable. Practice good coughing/sneezing etiquette (i.e., covering coughs and sneezes with a disposable tissue, maintaining distance from others, and washing hands). There is no evidence that the influenza vaccine, antibiotics, or antiviral medications will prevent this disease, highlighting the importance of diligent basic health precautions.

Resources

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