Check-MIG Colombia Explained: Is Check-MIG Mandatory for Entry?

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Imagine this: You’re all set for your Colombian adventure—bags packed, passport ready. Then your friend asks, “Did you do the Colombia Check-MIG?”

Your first thought: What’s Check-MIG? Quickly followed by: Is Check-MIG mandatory?

Don’t worry, you’re not alone in these questions. The Check-MIG Colombia is a new pre-screening tool aimed at assessing travelers’ health before they enter the country. It’s an extra step in your travel prep, but one that’s becoming increasingly important.

There’s more to Check-MIG than meets the eye, though. This article will break down what it is, why it matters, and how to tackle it without breaking a sweat. Whether you’re headed to Colombia for the coffee, the culture, or the coastlines, we’ll help you navigate this crucial travel requirement.

Let’s dive into the world of Check-MIG Colombia and make sure your travel plans stay on track.

What Is the Colombia Check-MIG?

A house in Cartagena with a Colombian flag hanging from its balcony

As you prepare for your Colombian journey, understanding and completing the Check-MIG should be high on your priority list. It’s your first step towards experiencing all the wonders that Colombia has to offer, from its lush coffee regions to its stunning Caribbean coastlines.

The Colombia Check-MIG is more than just another travel requirement – it’s a key component of your journey to this diverse and welcoming country. Essentially, it’s an online pre-screening system designed to streamline your entry into Colombia while prioritizing public health.

Developed in response to recent global health challenges, the Check-MIG serves as a digital health declaration. It allows Colombian authorities to review travelers’ health information before they arrive, ensuring a smoother and safer entry process for everyone involved.

Here’s what makes the Check-MIG so important:

  1. Health Verification: By submitting your information in advance, you’re helping Colombia maintain its commitment to public health.
  2. Efficient Entry: The pre-screening process can significantly reduce your time spent at immigration, getting you to your Colombian adventures faster.
  3. Contactless Processing: By moving part of the entry procedure online, the Check-MIG minimizes direct contact between travelers and immigration officers.
  4. Proactive Approach: This system allows authorities to identify and address potential health concerns before travelers even board their flights to Colombia.

The Check-MIG is not just about ticking a box on your pre-travel checklist. It’s an integral part of Colombia’s strategy to welcome visitors while safeguarding the health of both travelers and residents. By completing this simple online form, you’re playing a crucial role in maintaining the safety and vibrancy of Colombia’s tourism industry.

How Do I Apply for the Colombia Check-MIG?

Inside the Bogota airport - you'll need your checkmig before you arrive.

Luckily for those of us in a hurry to start the trip, the Check-MIG process is an easy, three-step procedure.

You can go to the official website to get started, but be warned: There have been complaints that it constantly lags and the online MIG form doesn’t work.

So, if you want to skip the hassle and go for something that’s guaranteed to work, you can complete the check on Natvisa or a similar website.

Here’s how to do it:

  1. Click on the “Apply online” button and answer all the questions in the application.
  2. Double-check your answers and submit them to the system.
  3. Confirm payment and wait to receive your health certificate. 

After it’s reviewed and approved, your Check-MIG will come in electronic form on your email. You can print a paper copy of your travel health document or show it on a mobile device.

Colombia Check-MIG Mandatory Information

The following data is mandatory when applying for the Check-MIG:

  1. Choose the type of transport you’ll use to cross the Colombian border (land, air, river, or sea).
  2. Specify the entry or exit from the country.
  3. Register the border crossing point.
  4. Specify the date of entry/exit from Colombia.
  5. Select the approximate time of crossing the border.
  6. Specify the type of flight, for example, charter, commercial, humanitarian, or regular.
  7. Select the destination direction.
  8. Specify the flight booking code.
  9. Select the country of origin.
  10. Specify information about your state of health.

How Do They Use the Information I Put On the Form?

palm trees on a beach

If you’re worried about what they do with the data you give them, you really shouldn’t be. 

You see, the information you submit helps them accomplish two main goals:

  • It helps give the officials a clear record of your health so they can limit the risk of infectious cases, such as coronavirus cases, from entering the country.
  • It can also help the authorities to contact you in case you were close to someone who has tested positive for such a disease.

Bottom line: The Colombia Check-MIG document is intended to prevent COVID and other dangerous infections from spreading further.

Is Check-MIG Mandatory?

The Check-MIG is mandatory for all passengers entering or leaving Colombia, regardless of nationality or purpose.

However, there may be some exceptions to the rule. For instance, passengers who don’t leave the international transit area aren’t really required to complete the Check. 

Still, exceptions may exist in certain areas. In short, always apply for the Check-MIG test to guarantee a smooth process without any delays or fines.

Also, don’t listen to any individuals who tell you it’s not necessary or avoidable. Instead, head to the official website or contact the relative authorities to get more details instead of trapping yourself in a regrettable situation.

What to Expect When Submitting the Check-MIG

If everything goes well, then you can expect to see yourself on a flight to Colombia ready to have some fun! However, there are some tiny issues that you can come across when submitting the Check-MIG.

For instance, there could be some technical issues with the site, forbidding you from completing the process. 

If that happens to you, it’s best to check your internet connection and ensure it’s stable. If the issue persists, then you can try using a different browser or device. 

Also, you can send in the submission with an error inside of it—what then?

If there are any inaccuracies in the submissions, it’s crucial to contact the relevant authorities immediately. 

Some information may not be editable post-submission, meaning you need to double-check everything before sending the papers on their way or you’ll have to start over. 

FAQs About the Check-MIG Colombia Form

Now that you know what the Check-MIG is, it’s time to take a look at the most popular questions:

Is the Check-MIG a visa?

No. The Check-MIG isn’t a visa for entry into Colombia. Check-MIG is a Travel Health Certificate for visitors.
It’s a separate requirement you need to present alongside your Colombia visa. Even if your country is exempt from a Colombian visa, you still need a Check-MIG to pass passport control.

Who needs to apply for a Check-MIG?

Citizens of all countries who wish to enter Colombia must complete the Check-MIG Form within 24 hours of arrival to/or departure from Colombia, including Colombian nationals and residents. 
There are no exemptions. Failure to fill out this form will only cause headaches upon arrival as Colombian officials are very strict about this.

Do children need a Check-MIG?

Only adults need to apply. Details of any children who are traveling with you can be added to your form.

When do I need to apply for Check-MIG Colombia?

Apply for the Check-MIG within 24 hours prior to your flight departure time. You must have your Check-MIG ready and with you no later than one hour before takeoff.

How long is the Check-MIG form valid?

Your Check-MIG is only valid for 30 days and can only be used once. You must apply for a new Check-MIG when you leave Colombia.

Seats at an airport gate with plane taking off in the background. Text overlay says "what is the Colombia Check-MIG and why do you need one?" 

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Written by Linda

Linda is multilingual and has been to over 50 countries. Her insatiable love of travel, cuisine, and foreign languages inspired her to create As We Saw It, where she documents her trips, shares practical itineraries, and offers insider tips. She’s passionate about helping fellow travelers save time, money, and hassle, and loves to discover new places to explore.

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