Last updated: 24 Oct 2025
Colombia
About
| Colombia is jammed with unspoilt mountains, coastline and jungle, not to mention stunning archaeological sites and vibrant culture. And there is plenty to explore. Natural attractions include rippling mountains, expanses of the Amazon Basin, large lakes, vast plains and a Caribbean coastline that twinkles with azure water. Meanwhile man-made wonders include lost cities, fabulous pre-Columbian sculpture and colourful colonial houses adorn the towns. Climb the snow-capped Nevado del Ruiz: the 5,400m (17,717ft) peak is one of five permanently white-tipped volcanoes in Los Nevados National Park .Guided treks are available from Manizales. Take a jungle tour into the Amazon basin, which covers almost one-third of Colombia’s territory. Boat trips depart from Leticia to the nearby Amacayu National Park and often include visits to Indian tribes. |
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| Official Name: | Republica de Colombia |
| Capital: | Bogotá (BOG) |
| Currency: | Colombian Peso (COP). USD may also be accepted. |
| Language: | Spanish. 80 local languages and dialects are also spoken. English is widely spoken, especially in San Andres and Providence Islands. |
| Dialling code from SA: | + 57 |
| Time Zones: | UTC / GMT -5 (7 hours behind South Africa) |
| Side of the Road: | Right. |
| Best time to go: | Year-round along the Caribbean Coast. Dry season is December – March and July – August. |
| Best for: | Coffee, Amazon Jungle, Archaeological Sites, Colonial Architecture |
| Plugs: | Mostly 110 volts AC, 60Hz. American-style two-pin plugs. |
| Drinking Water: | All water should be regarded as being potentially contaminated. |
| Health: | There are adequate and well-equipped medical facilities, however visitors are required to pay for these services. Comprehensive health insurance is recommended. If you require any medication on your travels it is best to bring it with you, in the original packaging, with a signed and dated letter from your doctor detailing exactly what it is and why you need it. In rural and jungle areas, medical facilities are very limited. It is advisable to carry basic medical supplies. Preventative measures against mosquito bites should be taken. |
| Customs: | Normal social courtesies. Homosexuality is not widely accepted, and public displays of affection between same sex couples should be avoided. Coffee is usually drunk black. |
| Local Offences /Laws: | It is prohibited to take photographs of military installations and personnel. |
| Travel Tips / Warnings: | Check the local political situation before travelling. There is a high risk of terrorist activity and foreigners are usually targeted by criminals. |
| Duty Free: | The following items may be taken into Colombia by travellers 18 years of age and older without incurring customs duty: • 200 cigarettes and 50 cigars and up to 50g of tobacco. • 2 bottles of alcoholic beverages. • Goods for personal use to the value of US$1,500. |
| Prohibited Imports: | Ammunition and firearms (unless prior authorisation has been obtained), vegetables, plants or plant material, and meat and animal food products. |
| Prohibited Exports: | Taking cultural artefacts out of the country is prohibited, so if tour guides offer to sell you goods from tombs, politely decline. Colombian coffee is not prohibited, but will most likely be opened and checked. Drugs are absolutely forbidden, with harsh penalties for non-compliance. |
Issuing Authorities
Embassy of Colombia
177 Dyer Road, Hillcrest Office Park, 2nd Floor Woodpecker Place, Hillcrest, Pretoria, 0083
Tel: +27 (12) 362 3106
E-mail: cpretoria@cancilleria.gov.co
Web: pretoria.consulado.gov.co/
Hours: Mon - Fri 09h00 - 13h00
Public Holidays 2025: Jan 1, 6; Mar 24; Apr 17-18; May 1; Jun 2, 23, 30; Jul 20; Aug 7, 18; Oct 13; Nov 3, 17; Dec 8, 25
Public Holidays 2026: Jan 1, 12; Mar 23; Apr 2-3; May 1, 18; Jun 8, 15, 29; Jul 20; Aug 7, 17; Oct 12 Nov 2, 16; Dec 8, 25
Visa Requirements
South African Passport Holders do require a visa for entry into Colombia
All applications for Colombian visas must be completed and submitted online: https://tramitesmre.cancilleria.gov.co/tramites/enlinea/solicitarVisa.xhtml
REQUIREMENTS:
- Visa application form to be completed online: https://tramitesmre.cancilleria.gov.co/tramites/enlinea/solicitarVisa.xhtml.
- 1 photo (3x4cm, in color, with white background, no accessories to be worn). This must be in JPG with max file size of 300KB.
- All other documents to be provided in PDF with a total max file size of 5MB
- Passport must have 6 months validity at time of application with 2 blank pages. A scanned copy of bio page must be uploaded during application.
- Proof of accommodation in the form of a booking or invitation letter
- Return / onward flight details
- Additional documents may be requested.
Once completed, you will receive a confirmation email which must be sent to cpretoria@cancilleria.gov.co. The consular section will then send you further information and details on payment. Payment must be made within 10 working days of application.
Visa Processing Time
The processing time for a visa application is 10-15 working days (upon receipt of payment).
SA Representative
Representation accredited from Caracas, Venezuela
Travel Health
| Compulsory: | Yellow Fever |
| Recommended Travel Vaccines: | Hepatitis A & B, Rabies, Tetanus, Polio |
| Malaria Risk |
