Travel to Colombia

Colombia Arrival and transport

How do you get to Colombia?

Airplane

There are said to be around 980 airports in Colombia, with almost each of the megacities having its own international airport. The capital Bogotá is the gateway to Colombia for most travelers. There are regular international flights to major Colombian cities such as Bogotá, Medellin, Cali, Barranquilla, Cartagena, Pereira and the San Andres Islands as well as to smaller cities near the border with Venezuela and Ecuador. Daily direct flights connect Colombia with the USA, Canada, Mexico, Costa Rica, Panama, Spain, France and South Africa. Those flying from Germany will take off from Frankfurt/ Main Airport and then fly via Paris or Madrid. Somewhat cheaper flights go via Caracas (Venezuela), Spain or the USA (Miami). A taxi is recommended to get from the airports to the respective Colombian city center. These are quite cheap and safe.

Car

You can reach Colombia by car from Venezuela via the San Cristobal-Cúcuta/Maracaibo-Maicao Pass or from Ecuador via the Tulcán-Ipiales (Rumichaca) Pass. Colombia also borders Panama and should be connected to this country via the huge Panamericana that goes from Alaska to Tierra del Fuego. However, in the border area between the two countries, i.e. in the Darién jungle, there is a gap in the road (Tapón del Darién). It is therefore not possible to cross the border by land – at least with your own car or bus – between these two countries.

Traveling overland with your own car should be avoided at all costs. Colombia is still at great risk of kidnapping by criminal groups and gangs, some of which are heavily armed. The goals of these groups are ransom or the fulfillment of political demands. It is therefore strongly recommended that you only visit those places that can be reached by plane. Anyone traveling by car in inner-city areas should always lock the vehicle from the inside and make sure that nobody has followed you. Driving briskly is advisable. Avoid unnecessary stops. You should continue to refuel early and sufficiently.

Bus

Buses run from the “Maracaibo” main bus station in Caracas (Venezuela) to most Colombian cities. There are also connections between Caracas and Cartagena, Baranquilla and Santa Marta. The border at Maicao allows a fairly easy and quick transition to Colombia.

To get into the country from Ecuador, one should travel to Tulcan, take a taxi to the border there and from there another taxi to Ipiales. From there it goes on to Bogotá or another Colombian destination.

There is no border crossing by bus from Panama , because the Tapón del Darién begins at Yaviza.

By plane

There are currently 5 international airports in Colombia. These are El Dorado in Bogotá, José María Córdoba in Medellín, Alfonso Bonilla Aragón in Cali, Rafael Núñez in Cartagena and Ernesto Cortissoz in Barranquilla. The largest and most important international airport is the Eropuerto Internacional El Dorado in the capital Bogotá. The airport, which opened in 1959, has 2 runways and is located at an altitude of 2,548 m. There is a direct connection from Frankfurt/ Main (Lufthansa). The flight time from Frankfurt to Bogotá is around 11-14 hours. Other direct connections include Madrid (Iberia) and Paris(Air France). There are also regular international flights to the other major Colombian cities such as Medellin, Cali, Barranquilla, Cartagena, Pereira and the San Andres Islands as well as to smaller cities near the border with Venezuela and Ecuador. In total, Colombia has around 980 airports, most of which are of course not suitable for international travel.

A direct flight from Frankfurt, for example, does not necessarily represent the cheapest connections. Slightly cheaper flights go via Caracas (Venezuela), Spain or the USA (Miami). Further daily direct flights connect Colombia with the USA, Canada, Mexico, Costa Rica, Panama and South Africa. A taxi is recommended to get from the airports to the respective Colombian city center. These are quite cheap and safe.

When leaving, please note that Colombia charges an exit fee. This is usually already included in the ticket price. If this is not the case, a fee of US $ 34 applies for stays of less than 60 days; for longer stays the fee increases to US $ 68. The fee can be paid in US $ or its equivalent in pesos.

By car

You can reach Colombia by car from Venezuela via the San Cristobal-Cúcuta or the Maracaibo-Maicao Pass. It is also possible to reach Colombia from Ecuador via the Tulcán-Ipiales (Rumichaca) pass.

Colombia borders on Brazil, Peru and Panama, but there are currently no adequate road connections from there. There is no road connection at all from Panama. The huge Panamericana from Alaska to Tierra del Fuego is interrupted in the border area between the two countries, i.e. in the jungle area of the Darién (Tapón del Darién). It is therefore not possible to cross the border by land – at least with your own car or bus – between these two countries.

By bus

International buses run from the “Maracaibo” main bus station in Caracas (Venezuela) to most Colombian cities. There are also connections between Caracas and Cartagena, Baranquilla and Santa Marta. The border at Maicao allows a very uncomplicated and quick transition to Colombia.

To get into the country from Ecuador, one should travel to Tulcan, take a taxi to the border there and from there another taxi to Ipiales. From there it goes on to Bogotá or another Colombian destination.

There is no border crossing by bus from Panama , because the Tapón del Darién begins at Yaviza.

With the boat

You can also travel to Colombia by boat. From Peru and Brazil it is possible to travel via the Amazon to the city of Leticia in the south. Due to the rainforest location, onward travel within Colombia is only possible by plane.

The major ports of Colombia such as Cartagena, San Andres and Providencia are served by numerous cruise ships from Mexico, Central America, the USA and the Caribbean. Those who like it more adventurous can try to get to Venezuela, Panama or Ecuador by cargo ship.

Travel in the country

Airport

Flying in the country is quite expensive.

The main domestic airlines in Colombia are Avianca, SAM, Aero Republica, Satena and Aires. These have well-waded fleets and offer regular service to major cities in the country. The main airports have been classified as “very safe” by international organizations.

Car

In Colombia there are almost exclusively country roads that connect all major cities. There are also connections to the cities of the Caribbean coast. Of the approximately 113,000 kilometers of road network, however, only 26,000 kilometers are paved. The country has started a number of major road projects in recent years, such as the tunnel in the Armenia and Ibagué area. Nevertheless, it is one of the countries with the worst transport infrastructure on the continent.

Since most of the larger Colombian cities are located in the Cordillera, which is up to 5,750 meters high, they cannot be supplied with highways and rail lines. That is why these cities can usually be reached via serpentine mountain pass roads that are driven at high speed.

Attention:

Traveling overland with your own car should be avoided at all costs. In Colombia there is still a great danger of kidnappings by criminal groups and gangs, some of which are heavily armed. The goals of these groups are ransom or the fulfillment of political demands. It is therefore strongly recommended that you only visit those places that can be reached by plane. Anyone traveling by car in inner-city areas should always lock the vehicle from the inside and make sure that nobody has followed you. Driving briskly is advisable. Avoid unnecessary stops. You should continue to refuel early and sufficiently.

Taxis

Taxis are reliable, cheap and safe from airports. In Bogotá prices fluctuate a lot. They can be ordered by phone. You get the taxi registration number from the operator of the taxi company. The taxi will then wait at the address provided. Most taxi ranks outside of hotels, office buildings and government offices only allow certified drivers and companies.

City to city taxis are easy to arrange. You call the company and agree on a price. It’s very safe and inexpensive.

Attention

You should always order taxis by phone.

Railways

In Colombia, there is only very limited passenger train traffic despite the total of around 3,300 km of rail network. This focuses on 3 tourist routes in the greater Bogotá area. The entire rail network is used to transport goods, mostly coal. If you will, you can also count the metro network of the city of Medellin as part of the passenger train service.

  • Metro in MedellinThe Metro de Medellin is the only elevated railway in Colombia. A ride on the metro is a great experience because the traveler goes up the mountains in gondolas. There is a strong police presence in the stations, which makes them very safe. Line A runs between Itagüí and Niquía, and line B between San Antonio and San Javíer. Line K goes from Acevedo to Santo Domingo Savio.

Bus The

main means of transport in Colombia is and will remain the bus. Travel varies greatly in price and quality. The following rule of thumb applies: the further the distance, the better the comfort. The most efficient bus companies are the Transmilenio in Bogotá and the Megabús in Pereira. Other companies are Rápido Ochoa, Expreso Brasilia and Empresa Arauca. But there are hundreds of others. Buses run all over the country and usually run every hour between larger cities. Long waits at the bus terminals are rare. Some buses start when they are full, and many bus drivers take action.

The country roads in the Andes can be very serpentine, which does not prevent the bus drivers from their lively driving style. You should not lose sight of your personal belongings while driving. It is not advisable to take valuable items with you. You should never accept food or drink from strangers and you should never engage in conversations with strangers at bus stops or bus stations. The most recommended is to travel with Colombian friends. There are often police checks on the way. You should react to this calmly and in a friendly manner in order to avoid difficulties. It is generally advisable to travel during the day in Colombia.

Traffic rules

In Colombia there is legal transactions.

In order to avoid trouble with the police or even the courts, one should strictly adhere to the traffic rules applicable in the country. The maximum speeds shown can of course be reduced or increased by traffic signs. Regardless of the information given here, it is advisable to obtain detailed information from the ADAC, the AvD or the traffic clubs in the country concerned.

A toll is required in Colombia. This is currently around US $ 3.00.

Maximum speeds

In built-up areas there is a speed limit of 30 km/h, in larger urban areas to 60 km/h and outside of built-up areas to 80 km/h.

Foreigners need an International Driving License (IDL) to drive in Colombia. Insurance in Colombia is compulsory, but cheap.

International license plate

According to Abbreviationfinder, the international license plate of Colombia is:

CO

Colombia: Embassies, Consulates and Tourist Office

Visit Countryaah for a full list of Colombia embassies and consulates in each country around the world.

Representations of Colombia in Germany

The building of the Embassy of Colombia is located in a high-rise office building on the lively Kurfürstenstrasse – corner of Markgrafenstrasse. In addition to the embassy of Colombia (5th floor), the embassies of Mauritius, Liberia and Lesotho are also located in the building. Because of the limited number of parking spaces available, it is advisable to use public transport. In the immediate vicinity of the embassy there is, for example, the bus stop for bus line 100.

Embassy of the Republic of Colombia in Berlin

Kurfürstenstrasse 84

10787 Berlin

Tel: (030) 26 39 61 0

Fax: (030) 26 39 61 25

Email: info @ embassy-kolumbien. de

Web: www.botschaft-kolumbien.de

Consulate General of the Republic of Colombia

Fürstenberger Strasse 223

60323 Frankfurt am Main

Tel: 0049 – (0) 69 – 9 59 56 70

Fax: 0049 – (0) 69 – 5 96 20 80

Honorary Consulate of the Republic of Colombia in Bremen

Goebenstrasse 1

28209 Bremen

Tel: 0049 – (0) 421 – 3 49 80 95

Fax: 0049 – (0) 421 – 3 49 80 51

Honorary Consulate of the Republic of Colombia in Hamburg

Wendenstrasse 29

20097 Hamburg

Tel: 0049 – (0) 40 – 23 85 56 94

Fax: 0049 – (0) 40 – 23 19 70

German representations in Colombia

Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany in Bogotá

Edificio World Business Port

Cra. 69, No 43 B-44, piso 7

Bogotá, DC

Tel: (00571) 423 26 00

Fax: (00571) 429 31 45

Email: info@bogota.diplo.de

Web: www.bogota.diplo.de

Honorary Consul of the Federal Republic of Germany in Barranquilla

Calle 77, Bno. 57 – 141, oficina 309

Centro Empresarial de las Americas, Barranquilla

Tel: 0057 – 5 – 368 53 84

Fax: 0057 – 5 – 368 53 84

Email: consulalemanbq@hotmail.com

Honorary Consul of the Federal Republic of Germany in Cali

Calle 1 B No. 66 B – 29

Cali

Tel: 0057 – 2 – 3 23 44 35

0057 – 2 – 3 23 84 02

Fax: 0057 – 2 – 3 23 37 84

Email: consuladoalemancali @ lycos. com

Honorary Consul of the Federal Republic of Germany in Cartagena

Diagonal 30 No. 54-102, Ceballos

Cartagena

Tel: 0057 – 5 – 667 30 01

Fax: 0057 – 5 – 667 10 82

Email: consulalemanctg@gmail.com

Honorary Consul of the Federal Republic of Germany in Medellín

Carrera 48, No. 26 sur – 181, local 106, Centro Integral Las Vegas

Medellín, Antioquia

Tel: 0057 – 4 – 334 64 74

Fax: 0057 – 4 – 331 87 16

Email: consulalemanmed@une.net.co

Austrian representations in Colombia

Austrian Embassy in Bogota

Carrera 9, No. 73 – 44, Piso 4, Edificio Fiducafé

Bogota

Tel: 0057 – 1 – 326 36 80

0057 – 1 – 326 36 90

0057 – 1 – 326 19 36

Fax: 0057 – 1 – 317 76 39

Email: bogota-ob @ bmaa. gv.at

www.aussenministerium.at/bogota

www.embajadadeaustria.org.co

The Austrian embassy in Colombia is still responsible for:

  • Ecuador
  • Panama

Honorary Consulate Barranquilla (without passport authorization)

Via 40, No. 64 – 198, Zona Industrial, Loma No. 3, AA

1317 Barranquilla

Tel: 0057 – 5 – 368 20 50

0057 – 5 – 360 18 83

Fax: 0057 – 5 – 344 03 00

0057 – 5 – 344 27 87

Email: oloewy@sempertex.com

Honorary Consulate Cali (without passport authorization)

Carrera 13, No. 14-27, Fray Damián-

Cali

Tel: 0057 – 2 – 883 49 50

0057 – 2 – 883 49 51

Fax: 0057 – 2 – 889 65 19

0057 – 2 – 883 49 51

Email: karnar@emcali.net.co

Honorary Consulate Cartagena (without passport authorization)

Edificio Chambacu Business Center – Piso 6, AA1626

Cartagena

Tel: 0057 – 5 – 650 36 10

0057 – 5 – 650 36 17

Fax: 0057 – 5 – 650 36 11

Email: hschwyn@schwyn.com

Honorary Consulate Medellin (without passport authorization)

Carrera 43A, No. 7-50, Oficina 701, Torre Empresarial

Medellin

Tel: 0057 – 4 – 31 21 289

Fax: 0057 – 4 – 26 84 049

Email: consuladoaustria@epm.net.co

Honorary Consulate San Andrés (without passport authorization)

“La Bombonier”, Avenida Juan XXIII

San Andrés

Tel: 0057 – 8 – 512 34 30

0057 – 8 – 512 60 81

0057 – 8 – 512 43 30

Fax: 0057 – 8 – 512 43 30

Email: antoniovonblon@hotmail.com

Representations of Colombia in Austria

Embassy of the Republic of Colombia in Vienna

Stadiongasse 6-8/15

1010 Vienna

Tel: 0043 – 1 – 406 44 46

Tel: 0043 – 1 – 405 42 49

Fax: 0043 – 1 – 408 83 03

Email: embcolviena@aon.at

www. embcol.or.at

Swiss representations in Colombia

Swiss Embassy in Bogotá, Embajada de Suiza

Cra. 9a no 74-08, Piso 11, Edificio Profinanzas

Bogotá

Colombia

Tel: 0057 – 1 – 349 72 30

Fax: 0057 – 1 – 349 71 95

Email: bog.vertretung@eda.admin.ch

www.eda.admin.ch/ bogota

Consulate in Cali

Consulado de Suiza

c/o Pension Stein, Ave. 4 Norte, No. 3-33

Cali

Tel: 0057 – 2 – 653 47 93

Fax: 0057 – 2 – 653 47 93

Email: suizavalle92@hotmail.com

Consulate Medellin, Consulado de Suiza

Calle 6 Sur No. 43A-96, Off. 802, Edificio Torre 6 Sur

Medellin

Tel: 0057 – 4 – 311 33 14

Fax: 0057 – 4 – 311 68 98

Email: medellin@honorarvertretung.ch

Representations of Colombia in Switzerland

Embassy of the Republic of Colombia in Bern, Chancellerie

Dufourstrasse 47

3005 Bern

Tel: 0041 – 31 – 350 14 00

Fax: 0041 – 31 – 350 14 09

Email: eberna@cancilleria.gov.co

www.emcol.ch

Tourist office

Proexport Colombia

Vice Presidency of Tourism

Calle 28A Nº 13A-15 Piso 35

Tel: 0057 – 1 – 427 90 00

E-mail: info@colombia.travel

Web: www.turismocolombia.com

Colombia: entry and exit requirements

Formalities, visas

There is no visa requirement for citizens of the EU, Swiss and citizens of numerous other countries.

Issuing of visas in Germany

Visa department of the Embassy of Colombia

Kurfürstenstrasse 84

D-10787 Berlin

Tel: 0049 – (0) 30 – 263 96 10

Email: emcol@t-online.de

Issuing visas in Austria and Switzerland

See under Representations of Colombia in Austria and Representations of Colombia in Switzerland.

Importing and exporting foreign

currencies Foreign currencies over US $ 10,000 must be declared.

Departure fee

In Colombia, a fee must be paid when leaving the country. This fee is approximately $ 25.

Import and export of goods The import and export of weapons, ammunition or explosives is strictly prohibited. In addition, the import and export of protected plants and animals that are protected under the Washington Species Protection Act is prohibited. Violation can result in severe penalties. Goods up to a value of US $ 1,500 may be imported without an import permit if the quantity does not indicate commercial use. The export of original Colombian cultural goods is strictly prohibited.

Entry with pets

To enter Colombia with pets, an official health certificate must be issued for the respective pet. In addition, a vaccination certificate must be carried for each animal. This must confirm that the pet has been vaccinated against rabies.

All documents must be translated into English or Spanish and presented to the Instituto Colombiano Agropecuario upon entry.

Travel medicine, vaccinations and warnings

Infectious Diseases

The following diseases are to be expected in Colombia, which are not common in Germany or Northern Europe:

  • Malaria, nationwide, with the exception of Bogota, there is also a residual risk in the major cities. About 40% to 50% of the infections occur with the very dangerous malaria tropica, the rest with malaria tertiana.
  • AIDS, there is a relatively high risk of infection from unprotected traffic, blood transfusions or the use of non-sterile syringes
  • Chagas
  • cholera
  • Dengue fever, nationwide
  • Intestinal infections caused by contaminated food or water, including amoebas, lamblia, salmonella, shigella, worm infestation and all kinds of viruses and bacteria
  • Typhus, especially in the slums and in the highlands
  • Yellow fever
  • Hepatitis A and B
  • Leishmanios
  • Polio, polio
  • Rabies, however, is only endangered by travelers who can come into contact with the vector animals
  • Typhoid, however, is only at risk of infection with travelers who come into contact with polluted water or contaminated food

Vaccination recommendations

The WHO urgently recommends a yellow fever vaccination, as Colombia is one of the areas of infection for yellow fever.

Further vaccinations are useful and recommended:

  • diphtheria
  • Yellow fever
  • Hepatitis A and B
  • tetanus
  • rabies
  • typhus

Compulsory vaccination

As the country belongs to the yellow fever infection areas, the WHO strongly recommends vaccination against yellow fever.

Malaria prophylaxis

When traveling in the country, it is strongly advised to undergo malaria prophylaxis. If the side effects seem questionable to you, you should at least have a “stand-by preparation” with you.

Current warnings

Foreign Office of the Federal Republic of Germany

Citizens’ Service

Tel: 0049 – (0) 30 – 5000 – 2000

Fax: 0049 – (0) 30 – 5000 – 5100

www.auswaertiges-amt.de

Colombia: currency, shopping and exchange rate

National currency

The local currency is the Colombian peso. Abbreviation: COP (ISO code)

1 Colombian peso = 100 centavos.

The following banknotes are valid and in circulation in the country:

  • 2,000 pesos
  • 5,000 pesos
  • 10,000 pesos
  • 20,000 pesos

Exchange rate

A currency converter for converting into other currencies can be found here:

www3.forium.de

Bank opening hours

Monday to Friday: 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Shop

Shop opening times

Monday to Friday: 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Saturday: 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Cheap or country-specific goods, souvenirs,

leather goods and jewelry

Travel to Colombia