On November 4, Colombia stopped requiring a COVID-19 test for international travelers to Colombia. But in January 2021, a PCR test is required to travel to Colombia.
Given the confusion generated by a court ruling in November that ordered the presentation of negative PCR tests for travelers who want to enter Colombia, the National Government affirmed on December 1 that, everything remains the same (no PCR test required).
But the court ratified its decision that a PCR test is required on December 3 but the government responded on December 3 that it will not comply with the ruling. However, this changed in January 2021 and a PCR test is again required to travel to Colombia.
Several Medellin Guru readers asked about this topic. So, we published this article that is being kept up-to-date.
EDITOR NOTE on December 1: the Health Minister on December 1 said that for now it will not require a PCR test needed to enter Colombia according to El Tiempo.
EDITOR NOTE on December 3: the court ratified its decision that a PCR test should be required from travelers entering Colombia according to El Tiempo and later the government responded that it will not comply with the ruling of the court.
EDITOR NOTE on January 3: According to Dinero and El Tiempo and El Colombiano, with resolution 2532, signed on December 31, 2020, the Ministry of Health modified the regulations for the arrival of travelers to Colombia from other countries during the pandemic. A PCR test is now required and must be taken a maximum of 96 hours before the flight but there is an exception where you can take a PCR test in Colombia.
On January 3: Ministry of Health Requires PCR Test
All the major new in Colombia reported on January 3, that with resolution 2532 of December 31, 2020, the Ministry of Health modified the regulations for the arrival of travelers from other countries to Colombia.
A PCR test should be taken a maximum of 96 hours before the flight and must be presented by all travelers, even if they are Colombian nationals and without exceptions due to age. That is, even babies traveling with their relatives must have a PCR test.
The resolution also states that “passengers with fever or respiratory symptoms associated with COVID-19 and those who have not previously filled out the Check-Mig application will not be allowed to board.
Also, passengers who have difficulties in taking the test or in obtaining the test result before the trip may be admitted to board the flight without presenting a negative PCR result.
Travelers to Colombia without a PCR test will have to obtain a COVID-19 test as soon as they arrive in Colombia and be under a 14-day quarantine, which could end before that period if the test result is negative.
It normally can take 48 hours for PCR tests in Colombia to be processed at a lab and results provided but sometimes can take longer. Also, we have a separate article that looks at how to get a COVID-19 test in Medellín.
Here is the official resolution of the Ministry of Health (in Spanish), dated December 31, 2020, requiring a PCR test to enter Colombia.
While this resolution is dated December 31, some Medellin Guru readers arriving in Colombia the first few of days in January reported they were not required to have a PCR test.
On January 5, some Medellin Guru readers reported that airlines such as JetBlue and American Airlines are starting to inform customers about the PCR test requirement for Colombia.
Also, according to Portfolio and Minuto30 and multiple other sources, the PCR test requirement for travel to Colombia apparently goes into effect on January 12.
But the U.S. Embassy in Bogotá and the El Dorado airport in Bogotá posted that the PCR test requirement goes into effect on January 7.
We haven’t confirmed this with an official source like Migracion, but airlines like Avianca are also communicating that the PCR test requirement goes into effect on January 7. Also, we have confirmed with a few Medellin Guru readers that arrived on January 8 that the PCR test is now required.
On December 3: Government Responds – No PCR Test Required
After the judge responded, the National Government in Colombia responded. According to El Colombiano, the Minister of Health, Fernando Ruiz Gómez, said that the Government is not in a position to comply with the ruling of the Eleventh Municipal Civil Court of Bogotá, which obliges the executive to demand the PCR test for people who enter Colombia on international flights.
President Iván Duque also affirmed that it is impossible to comply with the court order, as it is contrary to the scientific decision supported and sustained, and that it also obeys evolutionary criteria of the behavior of the pandemic.
Minister Ruiz explained that while the legal process is being carried out before the 11th Court of Bogotá, travelers who arrive in Colombia will not have to present a PCR test or undergo a 14-day quarantine upon entering the country.
On December 3: Judge Responds – PCR Test Required
The Eleventh Municipal Civil Court of Bogotá ratified its decision that the PCR test should be required from travelers entering Colombia and that they must also keep in isolation for 14 days.
The judge clarified that for those who have upcoming flights, in a period of 96 hours, they will be able to enter the country without any inconvenience, but after that time the requirement will be reactivated.
So, the court order gives the National Government four days to establish the necessary mechanisms to guarantee that all people arriving on international flights deliver their negative test for COVID-19.
It is possible the government may still challenge this ruling.
On December 1: Health Minister Says No PCR Test Required
Under this consideration, Fernando Ruiz, Minister of Health insisted that a measure such as the one imposed by the judge cannot be taken into account for an indefinite period of time, nor does it make sense to limit air activity, as well as the right to mobilize people.
That is why Ruiz “made a special request” to the judge, to clarify various issues that emerge from the ruling. “Until the judge clarifies these questions with epidemiological criteria, people do not need a PCR test to enter Colombia”, clarifies the Minister of Health.
Fernando Ruiz said:
First, please clarify what is the consideration of the time under which you propose that this measure should have. And second, under what epidemiological criteria is it done, because a pandemic like the one in which we find ourselves is managed under epidemiological grounds.
Also, the Ministry asked what type of PCR test should be required “because in Colombia we have followed a certain protocol, but in the world there are another series of protocols that Colombia has rejected because they are not as sensitive or specific as the one we are using.”
Finally, the Ruiz told the judge that the immediate application of the court ruing would be impossible since there are people who are traveling and do not have the time or ability to take a test. “So such consideration is not possible, even from the point of view of legal procedure, we are not going to demand proof until the judge makes clarifications to the questions we are sending him,” Ruiz said.
On November 26, a Bogotá Judge Orders Government to Require PCR test
A Colombian citizen presented to the Eleventh Municipal Civil Court of Bogotá communications that demanded that the National Government again demand a negative COVID-19 test from travelers arriving from abroad to Colombia.
On Thursday, November 26, the judge of this court in Bogotá ordered the National Government to demand a negative PCR test from anyone who wanted to enter the country. The court ruling reads:
Order the immediate suspension of the modification made in article 1 of Resolution No. 1972 of November 4, 2020, regarding the non-requirement, prior to shipment from the country of origin, of the PCR test with a negative result, issued by the Ministry of Health and Social Protection and is required as a requirement to enter the country, a certificate of the PCR test with a NEGATIVE result, for the COVID-19 virus, to each of the travelers who enter by air, likewise, the quarantine is fulfilled or preventive isolation for a period of 14 days in the place of housing or accommodation provided in advance by each traveler.
According to Andrés Uribe, manager of IATA Colombia, the union that represents airlines in Colombia, the judge’s decision is worrying.
According to Uribe, “a judge and a court is capable of overthrowing a decision that the Ministry of Health has taken with all the scientific, medical and technical elements”. Uribe further stated that asking for a negative test does not guarantee that no infected person will come on the plane that goes to Colombia.
Why Did Colombia Originally Eliminate the PCR Test Requirement?
The Deputy Minister of Public Health and Provision of Services, Luis Alexander Moscoso Osorio, explained the epidemiological reasons that led the National Government to withdraw the requirement of a PCR test on November 4 for foreign passengers arriving in Colombia.
Let us remember that when the COVID-19 pandemic began, the world had an infection rate higher than that of Colombia, so we had to regulate, close flights and take some measures. Today there is community transmission, which means that in Colombia it is the same as in other nations.
Also, a series of difficulties have been encountered during the process where a PCR test was required:
- It was found that people can be infected in the 96-hour period that had been established between the time of the test and the trip.
- At the time of the test, the person may be in an incubation period that is up to 7 days. This creates a very large time in which the traveler can actually be positive and fly with a negative test. The passenger arrives in Colombia with a negative PCR test and believes that he/she is protected when in fact is not.
- The PCR test can cost between $60 and $400 USD abroad. So, it is recognized that for people with fewer resources it can be a barrier.
- In some countries it is difficult to find laboratories that can perform PCR tests within 96 hours and the readings are complex.
Colombia looked for a better alternative. And reportedly a contact follow-up strategy was set up with a call center that has about 1,033 people.
Impact on International Tourism to Colombia
With the court order now implemented requiring a PCR test this will likely have an impact on international tourism to Colombia. Requiring a PCR test for tourists to Colombia would likely make many tourists decide not to come to Colombia.
According to Migración Colombia reported by Infobae, only 40,000 foreign visitors entered Colombia during September and October in 2020.
Agencias de Viajes y Turismo (ANATO) released the percentages of foreigners who entered Colombia in September and October with the four most traveled from countries:
- United States: 48.4 percent
- Mexico: 5.5 percent
- Ecuador: 3.6 percent
- Peru: 2.5 percent
These visitors (tourists) accounted for 60 percent of all foreign travelers to Colombia in the past two months
Also, ANATO revealed that these were the destination departments in September and October, where 81 percent of foreign visitors traveled to:
- Bogotá: 36.6 percent
- Antioquia (Medellín): 24.3 percent
- Valle del Cauca (Cali): 11.8 percent
- Bolívar (Cartagena): 8.5 percent
Colombia experienced record foreign tourism in 2019 according to The City Paper, with 4.5 million foreign visitors, or about 375,000 per month on average in 2019.
If Colombia received only an average of 20,000 foreign visitors per month in September and October, this is only 5.3 percent of last year’s average monthly volume.
So, international tourism to Colombia has barely started to recover. If Colombia starts to require both a PCR test and a 14-day quarantine, as the court has ordered, the number of international tourists coming to Colombia would likely decrease substantially, impacting the tourism market.

Tourism Impact of Coronavirus: Colombia started to reactivate tourism
The Travel and Tourism Market in Colombia
There has been a huge tourism impact of coronavirus in Colombia but Colombia started to reactivate tourism in Colombia beginning on September 1.
The Travel and Tourism market represents approximately 3.8 percent of Colombia’s GDP and is the third leading source of foreign exchange behind oil and coal.
Tourists are also spending more in Colombia. From 2004 to 2018 income from foreign visitors grew by over 400 percent, from $4.7 billion USD in 2004 to more than $20 billion USD in 2018.
In 2019, international tourists reportedly spent an average of $1,470 USD per person, excluding flights. Also, the central bank found that 90 percent of travel revenues were generated by tourists arriving by air.
The tourism impact of coronavirus was huge in Colombia, which impacted airlines, hotels, hostels, furnished rentals, travel agencies, national parks, tour operators and many other businesses.
Colombia starting to reactivate tourism can help tens of thousands of businesses in the tourism sector in Colombia.

Computer generated image of COVID-19, photo by Felipe Esquivel Reed
Medellin Guru’s Coronavirus Series
Medellin Guru has a series of articles about the coronavirus pandemic and the impacts in Colombia: Also, these articles are being kept up-to-date, as this is a fast-moving topic:
- PCR Test: How to Get a COVID-19 Test in Medellín
- Nightly Curfews in January in Medellin and Antioquia Start on January 6
- Nightly Curfew in Medellín For Christmas and New Year’s Holidays
- Colombia is Buying 10 Million Doses of COVID-19 Vaccine from Pfizer
- Does Colombia Require a COVID-19 Test for International Travelers?
- 8 Reasons Why Colombia is Unlikely to Return to a Quarantine
- Coronavirus Cases Increase in Medellín: What Happens Next?
- New Normal in Medellín: Medellín is Returning to Normal
- Will the Quarantine Return to Colombia? What if Cases Increase?
- New Normal in Medellín: Medellín is Returning to Normal
- Colombia’s Quarantine Ends on September 1: New Phase Starts
- Tourism Impact of Coronavirus: Colombia Starts to Reactivate Tourism
- Economy Impacts in Colombia Due to Extended Quarantine
- Epicenter of Coronavirus in Colombia: Bogotá is the Epicenter
- Medellín Plans the Total Reopening of Economic Activities in the City
- When Will the Quarantine End in Colombia? On September 1?
- Humanitarian Flights from Colombia to the U.S. and Other Countries
- Beware of Fake News in Colombia About Coronavirus and Quarantines
- Reopening Gymnasiums, Churches and Movie Theaters in Colombia
- Reopening Amusement Parks, Zoos and Nature Reserves in Colombia
- Medellín Starts Free COVID-19 Tests on the Medellín Metro
- New COVID-19 Preventive Measures in Medellín to Contain the Pandemic
- Penalties for Violating the Quarantine in Medellín are Stiff
- COVID-19 Orange Alert in Bogotá: New Lockdowns in Bogotá
- Medellín Starts to Lift the Quarantine: Enters Smart Isolation Phase
- Colombia Started to Lift the Quarantine – What Does this Mean?
- Coronavirus: When Will the Quarantine Be Lifted in Colombia?
- Colombia Starts to Lift the Quarantine in COVID-19 Free Areas
- Colombia Quarantine: Nationwide Quarantine Extended to September 1
- Coronavirus in Colombia: Myth vs Reality – Current Status
- Coronavirus Hospitalization in Colombia: Myth vs Reality
- Are Medellín and Antioquia Winning the Coronavirus Battle?
- 23 Cities with a Major Increase in Coronavirus Cases in Colombia
- Colombia Coronavirus Death Rate: What are the Chances of Dying?
- Coronavirus: When Will Things Return to Normal in Colombia?
- COVID-19 Testing in Colombia: Realty About Coronavirus Testing
- Life as an Expat: During Medellín’s Coronavirus Quarantine
- Colombian Visa Process Changes: Due to Quarantine and Coronavirus
- Medellín Coronavirus Closures – What is Closed in Medellín?
- Pico y Cedula: A Restriction for Grocery Shopping in the Aburrá Valley During the Quarantine
- Pico y Cedula in Colombia: Which is Strictest Out of 5 Largest Cities?
- Medellín Quarantine Starts on March 20 for Four Days
The Bottom Line: Does Colombia Require a COVID-19 Test for International Travelers?
Starting on November 4, Colombia stopped requiring a PCR test for international travelers to Colombia. But on November 26, a court in Bogotá ordered the National Government to demand a negative COVID-19 test from anyone who wanted to enter the country. But this order has not yet been implemented.
On December 1, the Health Minister in Colombia said that for now it will not require a PCR test as needed to enter Colombia.
However the court responded on December 3 and ratified its decision that the PCR test should be required from travelers entering Colombia and that they must also keep in isolation for 14 days. But the government responded on December 3 at night that it will not comply with the ruling. So, a PCR test and 14 day isolation are not needed by arriving international passengers.
But with Resolution 2532 of 2020, the Ministry of Health modified the regulations and now requires a PCR test within 96 hours of a flight to Colombia, which means in January if you travel to Colombia you will need to PCR test. If you don’t have a test you will have to quarantine for 14 days and take a test when you arrive.
With a PCR test now required, international tourism that has only barely started to recover in Colombia will likely be impacted.
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Editors note: updated on December 1, 2020 with information that the Health Ministry has said that for now it will not require a PCR test as needed to enter Colombia.
Editors note: updated on December 3, 2020 with information that the court ratified its decision that a PCR test is required to enter Colombia and gave the Colombian government four days to comply with the order.
Editors note: updated on December 3, 2020 again with information that the Colombian National Government responded and will not require a PCR test or quarantine for arriving international passengers.
Editors note: updated on January 3, 2021 with information that a PCR test is now required to travel to Colombia.
Editors note: updated on January 5, 2021 to add information that readers are reporting that airlines such as JetBlue and American Airlines are starting to inform customers about the PCR test requirement for Colombia. Also, added that the PCR test requirement apparently goes into effect on January 12 but may be earlier.
Editors note: update on January 8, 2020 with information that the PCR test requirement apparently went into effect on January 7 and that some Medellin Guru readers that arrived on January 8 were required to have a PCR test.
The rationales listed for abandoning the PCR test make a lot of sense. I went Cartagena and Medellin the last week of October. That involved having refundable hotel reservations and tentative plans, as well as finding a place to get a rapid test. I had to show the test results in order to get into the line to check-in for Avianca, again when checking in, when boarding the plane, and again in Migration en Bogota. Additionally I’d uploaded the results to the site established for that. I’ve got tickets to return on the 3rd… I appreciate the update, Jeff, as it seems that I probably need to get a test on Monday. If they reinstate the test on the 1st there would be no practical way to get a test and results before the flight on the 3rd. The PCR requirement is a clear impediment to someone like myself who generally travels between the two countries monthly.
Wow, a judge orders both a PCR test and 14 day quarantine. International tourism would quickly return to zero like when there were no international flights. What qualifies a judge to make this decision…. absurd.
That court is just wrong. What about domestic flights in Colombia that do not require a test. There are many more domestic flights than international flights. So, the risk is much higher with domestic flights.
Here is an article in La Semana that states that, according to the Judge’s ruling, a 14 day quarantine will ALSO be required, even if the PCR test is negative: https://www.semana.com/nacion/articulo/juez-ordeno-al-gobierno-exigir-prueba-negativa-de-covid-19-a-viajeros-internacionales/202022/
Yes, we state that in our article above. The requirement for both a PCR test AND a 14 day quarantine are in the ruling by the judge.
Pure political BS that will hurt the people who depend on tourism for a living and other economic damage to Colombia. The PCR test cannot identify infection anyway. Portugal has declared it unreliable and illegal. Wake up Colombia!
In light of this change are people who have been in UK in last 14 days still barred, even if they have a valid PCR test result, or does new ruling applying to all supercede this?
I am scheduled to fly in this upcoming Friday. Should I have a covid test taken on Monday or Tuesday to be safe?
If the requirement for a PCR test returns, the test should be taken within 96 hours before the time of your flight if they keep the same time requirement as they had before.
I have been delaying my return to Colombia due potential policy inconsistencies and surprises such as this one. Why take the risk of making arrangements and committing money if the government (or in this case the courts) are just going to change the rules at the last minute? A PCR test is a major nuisance and doesn’t make much sense in the first place for the reasons stated. But now a judge can just mandate a 14 day quarantine in addition to the PCR test? What gives him the authorization to do this? This is a deal breaker and obviously I will not be able to return to Colombia anytime soon. I fell so sorry for those Colombians who rely on foreign tourism to earn money to buy food and other essentials.
Totally agree. Absurd overreach of the courts! The test is known to be unreliable.
The people here need to recover their incomes.
The Health Ministry today announced for now there will be no PCR test for entering Colombia – see (in Spanish) – https://www.eltiempo.com/salud/ministerio-de-salud-dice-que-por-ahora-las-pruebas-pcr-no-son-requisito-para-entrar-a-colombia-552174
And our article above is updated.
Jeff, thanks for the update. My concern is the “for now” part. Is there a time frame where they could revisit that? My ticket id for Jan. 8th, does it look safe for me to come? Also, no 14 day quarantine? Thanks again.
No quarantine required. And no time frame was provided when this will be revisited.
Agreed. This has put such a burden on me and my girlfriend. I’ve already changed my dates once and now with this sudden unexpected possibility I might have to change my plans again, possibly having us meet at a neutral location, i.e. the Dominican Republic or Mexico, but that would cost so much money $$$ than my trip to Medellin. Hopefully I’ll be able to come, my trip is for Jan. 8th-14th.
Hi is there any new updates today regarding needing a negative pcr test?
thank you
Our article above was updated today. The court ratified its decision that a PCR test should be required from travelers entering Colombia and gave the Colombian government four days to comply with the order. Remains to be seen if the government challenges the ruling.
Nice to see that Colombia no longer requires a PCR test.
I’m coming for six months flying into Bogata (connecting to Medellin) on this coming Saturday ; the 12th. Got my fingers crossed or maybe makes sense to just get the test. I’m looking into timing and cost.
I wonder how it would work if I need to quarantine in Medellin but flying into Bogata??? LOL. Messed up situation.
You won’t have to quarantine or need our test, as it says in our article – https://medellinguru.com/colombia-require-covid-19-test/
Hi all. I boarded Spirit airlines to go to Cartagena this morning (Dec 11) and they are checking for the filled Colombia migracion form at the beginning of the first leg of your flight. I went from Tampa to Fort Lauderdale to Cartagena and the form was required to be filled before check in at Tampa airport. No covid test results required as of this date. And just as I expected from my previous experience 3 months ago, unfortunately, US airport doesn’t enforce the covid restrictions. The social distance signs and everything is there but no one to enforce it. On the other hand, Cartagena airport and other outdoor public places are strictly enforcing these restrictions, sanitizers in every taxi, temperature check before entering any restaurant, bars, social distancing at casinos, etc. Excellent job by the Colombian government and its people for understanding the criticality of this covid situation and making Colombia safe for travel. Thank you!
i am an american, who with travel to medellin, and then to europe. are there commercial labs that do covid testing? PCR test, and antibody test?
Nice to see not test required, thanks for keeping us updated.
Yes I am going to Colombia 3rd Of January, I guess not test require so far ??? On the Check Mig form, I don’t understand the Travel Time in the 24 Hour format. I don’t know what to put there?? What are they wanting to know??
Test is not required. Travel time may be the time of departure.
My girlfriend just texted me and said that they announced on the news tonight in Medellin that they’ve brought back the mandatory test requirement. Can anyone confirm? Thanks
The court judge changed his ruling (now requiring a PCR test but no 14-day quarantine) – see – https://www.eltiempo.com/justicia/servicios/coronavirus-juez-insiste-en-exigir-pruebas-pcr-a-viajeros-pero-hace-modificacion-al-fallo-555768
But earlier in the day Migration said “Migración Colombia has full confidence in the National Institute of Health (INS) and the Ministry of Health, and as long as they do not receive instruction from them to require the PCR test for Covid-19 again, the entity will not adopt this measure.” see – https://www.elcolombiano.com/colombia/salud/migracion-confia-en-ins-y-minsalud-y-no-pedira-pcr-a-viajeros-PG14304319
Sorry Jeff, but I’m confused by your answer. Are you saying that the judge re-implemented the mandate but the government said that they won’t enforce it? Bottom line…do I need to get the test or not? My flight is on the 8th.
Migration has not received instructions to enforce it. Some new says the changed ruling is insufficient for the Minister of Health to act.
The PCR test is not a diagnostic test and should not be used to detect an active infection anyway. Thank you Health Minister for looking out for the people who depend on tourism.
I have a flight for colombia; I will be reaching colombia on 27th December.Please let me know if PCR test is required to enter colombia.
Your response will be highly appreciated
Currently not required and will will update our article if this changes.
Ok, please do because my gf is insisting that they are now requiring it again. Thanks
Sorry she is wrong – nothing has been announced by the Ministry of Health or Migracion. See this article in Semana yesterday (in Spanish) – https://www.semana.com/nacion/articulo/juez-modulo-fallo-sobre-prueba-pcr/202043/
At the end of that news article:
“The decision or modulation of the court ruling is important, although surely insufficient for the Minister of Health, who for now has an incident of contempt against him and which runs in the same court, since the order was peremptory and at the airports they should already be demanding the PCR test.”
If a PCR test was required this would be all over the local news. All that is in the news is the change in the court ruling.
Ok, thanks for the info. Quick question, what happens if they decide to re-implement it in less than 96 hours prior to my flight? For example, my flight is scheduled for the 8th of Jan. if they decide to bring back the test on the 5th, 6th, or 7th, what do I do? Thanks again for everything.
Unlikely to happen and if it does they will provide sufficient notice so people can get tested before their flight.
fingers crossed , tomorow i have a flight from Madrid to Medellín..
No time for pcr..🙏🙏
Hey Peter, how was your trip I am flying to Medellin from Dublin on Monday curious to know how it went. Cheers
My trip was good no problems for mi on the Madrid airport and Medellín airport.
Only people from the UK we’re not Allowed.
You are from Dublin, so i hooe for you alle is going ok
Thanks for the reply, yeah no problems flying from Dublin. Have a great trip.
So it looks like a test is required now as of January 3rd.
The effective date was not announced yet. The decree was dated December 31 but Medellin Guru readers that arrived in early January report they were not required to have a PCR test. The government needs to communicate to the airlines about this test requirement and apparently this wasn’t done over the New Year’s weekend. This is an evolving news story and we we will update the article with details when available.
I have a flight today and just knew about this last night breaking news. Hope this does not screw me.
Probably won’t effect you. This resolution was issued over the holidays and didn’t hit the news until yesterday night. Also, it seems the airlines weren’t informed over the holiday weekend. So, probably won’t enforce this for a few days as people traveling today or tomorrow can’t get a PCR test so fast. Probably will take a few days to go into effect.
This is sucks!! I will be coming to Medellin on the 11th of next week. I will be in Cancun on Wednesday which means I probably need to take a test there. Jeff do you know if the test is 96 hours from when you take it or 96 hours from when you get the results?
96 hours from when tested.
Jeff when do you think this will be implemented? Maybe Wednesday or Thursday?
Good question, don’t yet have an answer. This is an evolving news story that was first reported last night and is confirmed on the Ministry of Heath Twitter today – https://twitter.com/MinSaludCol/status/1346077907895152642
We will update the article if we find out. Two readers that arrived yesterday reported they weren’t required to have a test.
Thank you Jeff I will be waiting to see what you post when the answer comes. Regards, Steven
I have had both shots of the moderna vaccination. for Covid..Will they take my health card as proof in place of a PCR Test?
Good question, haven’t seen anything answering that in the news.
I’m also hearing six day quarantine for anyone flying into Medellin. I’m trying to confirm this but a friend called me with the news this morning.
No, does not say that in the the official resolution of the Ministry of Health (in Spanish) requiring a PCR test to enter Colombia. There is a link in our article.
Do we have to print out our PCR test? It won’t be acceptable on email screen shot?
What’s going on, I’m supposed to leave Friday morning.
Sorry, we are just reporting what was all over the news last night.
See this news article (in Spanish) today with some more information – https://www.elcolombiano.com/colombia/abece-de-la-exigencia-de-la-prueba-pcr-para-entrar-a-colombia-HA14365233
But still many details are missing. When will this officially start? When will the airlines be notified? What if you have already been vaccinated, do you still need a test?
Are any more details supposed to come out today? This is a cluster.
Readers are reporting that airlines are now informing customers about the PCR test requirement or if don’t have a test, the need to be tested in Colombia and quarantine up to 14 days or until negative results from the test. Readers report that JetBlur, Spirit and American Airlines are informing customers.
This is so frustrating. I fly at 6am on the 7th from Dallas to Bogota. Spirit Airlines sent an email saying testing is not required but quarantine is. The turn around of the pcr tests is 3 days so i can’t get one. Do you have any advice? Or do I just go with the flow?
Yes, test is not required before you come. it is an exemption to getting a test before you arrive. But if you don’t have one will have to get a test when you arrive and quarantine for 14 days or until negative result from test.
But still no effective date yet for this policy? I’m leaving today.
Readers are reporting that airlines like JetBlue and Spirit have started informing customers of the test requirement.
Who pays for the test there? And is it a PRP test? And how will they know if you’re really quarantining, honor system? Sorry for all of the questions, but this came as a surprise to me as I’m leaving early Friday morning. I did find a lab that would give me same day results but is charging me $300! But I may have no choice.
They have a call center to check on those under quarantine. Also, hotels are supposed to notify the government if someone under quarantine leaves.
You pay for a test. It is a PCR test. Cost of a PCR test in Colombia can be cheaper than in the U.S. For example, a PCR test in Sabaneta (across from the Vaquita grocery store) with 48 hour results costs 270,000 pesos.
I paid $175.000 pesos from the University of Antioquia (PCR Covid Test). For $25.000 additional, they performed the test in my house so I did not have to travel anywhere.
I also received my results within 24 hours.
Feliz Año Nuevo Jeff!
As always Medellin Guru is the first to report and the most trusted source!
Colombia should require covid test to protect all of us BUT it should be the easier, lower cost and rapid antigen test like in Panama (only 15 minutes)
Gracias y Saludos!
Hi Jeff,
I was just reading an article in Minuto 30.com that says these new regulations only take effect January 12, 2021. Do you have any more info on this?
Yes, multiple other sources also say goes into effect on January 12, our article is updated.
Oops! I missed that. Thanks Jeff. I always look to you as the most reputable source.
I’m at the airport right now and they’re asking people for their COVID tests. I haven’t received my results back yet!
Do you know if the PCR test is required for international land border crossings? (for example, entering from Venezuela)? I tried reading the statute and it’s vaguely worded so I’m not sure if it only applies to air travel.
Yes seen hundreds if not thousands of impoverished Venezuelans line up on a daily basis at the crossing points in Maicao and Cucuta
with their hungry and shoeless children, expensive PCR tests in hand ready for inspection.
I don’t think the sarcasm is appropriate here. There are alternatives to the PCR tests (such as quarantine camps). The Colombian government has also spent a significant amount of money on aid for Venezuelan refugees so I could understand them administering the test in this case as well. It was a serious question. What has happened, and continues to happen in Venezuela is an absolute tragedy.
January 12th? Ugh, I just did mine this morning.
Hi Jeff,
I’m arriving Medellin, from Panama, on January 13 & having trouble finding a testing site here to comply with the 96 hour window.
But, your article mentions “but there is an exception where you can take a PCR test in Colombian.” However, where to get tested is important for a visitor (who’s not that familiar with the city).
Some information I read yesterday (sorry I don’t remember the website) seemed to suggest this pre-testing remains a problem for many to comply. And, therefore (do I understand it correctly?) that, like Panama, Colombia will provide testing at the (Medellin) airport?
ALLAN – Hospital Punta Pacifica will do PCR with 48 hour result. $50 drive-thru (ie, taxi)
I had added extra days in Panama last December’s trip for this, then Colombia dropped the PCR test requirement so didn’t need it.
(But had a doctor appointment anyway – the hospital is very clean with strict procedures, sanitizer, temp checks. International Department and English speaking doctors)
Gato. thanks for the info although their $50 option($45 on their website) is the AntiGen & not the PCR version ($95) which it seems is Colombia’s requirement.
I’ll try to get an appointment – but now I’m concerned about the lockdown & how can I be out & about (well, in an Uber probably) on a weekend to get the test within my 96 hours prior to departure?
Another question is (since “there is an exception where you can take a PCR test in Colombia.”) will Colombia be testing at MDE as they’re doing here in Panama? Or does that vague statement mean if (1) I’m allowed to board for Medellin w/out a negative PCR Test & (2) they aren’t testing at the Medellin airport, then (3) how are tourists to know or find where to get the test?
Any input – from anyone – will be appreciated!
🙂
Sorry, $95. I typed in the Tocumen cost by mistake.
From International Department email:
“The cost $95.00
Monday – Friday from 8am to 4pm
Saturday 8am – 12 noon.Our drive thru will provide de test is 48hrs.
Monday – Friday from 8am to 4pm
Saturday 8am – 12 noon.”
As for arriving without a test, it sounds like you will be sent to quarantine immediately and then have to somehow arrange for test and send results to be freed. Lot safer to have it in hand and peace of mind for not only you, but airport, airline, etc.
13th….. You fly Wed? I was flying out Wed 8PM. so I was going to get tested Sunday (Walk into lab because drive-thru not open that day), then expected results tue night or wed morning.
Anyway, call Pacifica Salud, tell them your flight information and see if it works out.
BUENA SUERTE Y SALUDOS
I am in Armenia Colombia, Do I have to take a test to go back to Florida??
Jeff you have the name of telnumber of This.
” You pay for a test. It is a PCR test. Cost of a PCR test in Colombia can be cheaper than in the U.S. For example, a PCR test in Sabaneta (across from the Vaquita grocery store) with 48 hour results costs 270,000 pesos.”
Hope the test This weekend in fly thuesday back to spain..
Most labs are closed sunday/monday.
Yes, Colombia mobile number is 314.643.7513. Address is Carrera 43A 64Sur-87 across from the Vaquita grocery store in Sabaneta.
Thx
Just spent some time on the phone with United, flying out on the 8th. they told me I can not receive my boarding passes unless I have a negative test. which I do not.
Any official website that has the information about not starting until the 12th?
Also I tried to check in on the Check Mig, the US does not appear as a choice on any of the drop downs.
Per US embassy
•Is a negative COVID-19 test (PCR and/or serology) required for entry? Yes. •The Ministry of Health has announced that it will require a negative COVID-19 test result for all inbound international travelers. Beginning Thursday, January 7, travelers arriving to Colombia must present negative results from a COVID-19 PCR test administered no more than 96 hours prior to departure. This rule applies to international arrivals regardless of age (including infants) or nationality, although authorities may make exceptions in rare cases for travelers to be tested and quarantined upon arrival. All passengers must complete Migracion Colombia’s Check-Mig immigration form and follow other protocols upon arrival.
Have not seen an official site like Migracion that says January 7 but the Airport Twitter of the Bogotá airport has a Tweet that says January 7.
What a joke!! I fly in on the 10th and at this point, I will just take a test today to be on the safe side. I called American Airlines and they do not know anything either. It will really suck since the test is 189 dollars and then I found out later I still do not need it. However, I cannot take that chance so I will just take it and pay for it.
PAUL, et al .
Please remember, this is Latin America!
More likely United States is going to be under “E” as in Estados Unidos or EEUU
Even if English form is available (if it even works), pulldowns or menus may have items still in Español
saludos
Gracias! Im coming for Spanish immersion haha