Colombia travel guide for Britons

No visa is needed for tourism, business or transit for stays up to 90 days. Your passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of entry.

A return or onward ticket and proof of sufficient funds (about COP 1,500,000 ≈ £300) may be asked for at the border.

COVID‑19 vaccination proof is no longer required, but check for any health advisories before travel.

The British Embassy is in Bogotá at Carrera 7 # 93‑03, 111 711 Bogotá.

Consular assistance is also available in Medellín (Consular Office) and Cartagena (Honorary Consul).

Accommodation ranges from £15 /night for hostels to £120 /night for mid‑range hotels.

Meals: street food £2‑£5, restaurant £10‑£25.

Transport: domestic flights £30‑£120, long‑distance buses £15‑£40.

Direct flights from London to Bogotá take about 11 hours (one‑stop via Madrid or Amsterdam).

From Bogotá, internal flights to Medellín (1 h) and Cartagena (1 h 15 min) connect quickly.

Colombia uses Type A and B plugs, 110–120 V, 60 Hz – the same as the UK (UK uses Type G, 230 V). Bring a plug adapter; voltage conversion is not needed for most UK devices that accept 100‑240 V.

A 10 % ‘propina voluntaria’ is customary in restaurants; it is often added to the bill, so check before adding extra.

For taxis, round up to the nearest £1 or add a small tip if service was good.

Dial 123 for police, ambulance or fire services nationwide.