CDMX-Bogotá: which documents Colombia asks Mexicans for
Entry rules checked on 22–23 October 2026 with the Colombian Foreign Ministry, Migración Colombia and the Mexican Embassy in Colombia. By FlightsMX · 7 min read.
Bottom line: To enter Colombia as a Mexican you need a valid passport: the INE is not accepted, because Colombia only accepts identity documents from Andean Community and Mercosur nationals (Resolution 3167 of 2019). No visa is needed for stays of up to 90 days, extendable by another 90 up to 180 days per calendar year (Colombian Foreign Ministry; Mexican Embassy in Colombia). Before the flight, complete Migración Colombia’s Check-Mig form.
In this guide
- Pacific Alliance: what does and does not change for travellers
- Documents to enter Colombia
- Aeromexico, Avianca, Volaris CDMX-BOG compared
- Arrival at El Dorado: immigration, baggage, transport
- What to do upon arriving in Bogotá 1-3 days
- FAQs
Pacific Alliance: what does and does not change for travellers
The Pacific Alliance groups Chile, Colombia, Mexico and Peru. For tourists, the practical points are:
- Colombia: no visa for up to 90 days (extendable up to 180 per calendar year), with a passport. Identity documents instead of a passport are accepted only from Andean Community and Mercosur nationals.
- Peru: no visa for up to 183 days, non-extendable within 365 days, according to Migraciones Perú. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months; ID cards are accepted only from Andean Community and Mercosur citizens.
- Chile: no visa for up to 90 days (Chilean Consulate); entry with an ID card and no passport is only for Mercosur and Bolivian nationals (National Migration Service).
In all three, the INE is not a travel document: carry your passport.
Documents to enter Colombia
According to the Mexican Embassy in Colombia:
- Passport valid on entry and until your trip ends, in good condition with free pages for stamps.
- On entry, Migración Colombia records the date and the Entry and Stay Permit (PIP) with the days authorised. Tourists may stay up to 90 days, extendable by 90, up to 180 days per calendar year; the authority may grant fewer days. Request any extension from Migración Colombia before the 90 days end.
- Return ticket to Mexico or an onward ticket.
- Family, work or financial ties showing you will return, and sufficient funds for your stay.
- Migración Colombia’s Check-Mig form, completed before the flight departs.
The Embassy notes that admitting a foreign national is the exclusive decision of the Colombian authorities.
At the airline counter in Mexico you will be asked for your passport: airlines check that you carry the document the destination country requires.
Aeromexico, Avianca, Volaris CDMX-BOG compared
Routes and flight time
- CDMX-BOG direct: ~5.5 hours
- CDMX-BOG with layover: Cancun (Aeromexico), Panama (Copa), Lima (LATAM) → ~9-12 hours
Airlines and frequency
Aeromexico (AM): 14/week (2 flights/day) CDMX-BOG direct. SkyTeam membership + Delta reciprocity.
Avianca (AV): 21/week (3 flights/day) BOG-CDMX. Bogotá hub. Star Alliance.
Volaris (Y4): 7/week CDMX-BOG (1 flight/day). LCC.
LATAM Airlines (LA): 4/week CDMX-BOG via Lima layover.
Copa Airlines (CM): 7/week CDMX-BOG via Panama layover (3-hour layover).
Typical RT economy fare (May 2026)
| Airline | Type | $US Price |
|---|---|---|
| Avianca (direct) | FSC | $380-520 |
| Aeromexico (direct) | FSC | $420-580 |
| Volaris (direct) | LCC | $260-380 |
| LATAM via Lima | FSC | $320-460 |
| Copa via Panama | FSC | $300-440 |
Baggage
- Aeromexico economy: 25 kg checked free
- Avianca economy: 23 kg checked free
- Volaris Plus: 25 kg included; Clean: 0
- LATAM economy: 23 kg free
- Copa economy: 23 kg free
Arrival at El Dorado: immigration, baggage, transport
Airport El Dorado (BOG)
- IATA: BOG; ICAO: SKBO
- Location: ~13 km west of Bogotá center
- 4 terminals (T1 international Aeromexico/Avianca/Copa/LATAM; T2 secondary)
Steps upon arrival
1. Immigration (10-30 min):
- Show your Mexican passport: the INE is not accepted for entry to Colombia
- Migración Colombia records your entry and the Entry and Stay Permit (PIP) with the number of days authorised
2. Customs (5-15 min):
- If you carry goods or cash above the allowance, declare them: check current limits with DIAN
3. Baggage (depends on flight):
- Pick up at assigned belt
- Free carts for international passengers
4. Exit to transport:
- International line exits to “International Arrivals” T1
Transport to Bogotá center
Official taxi (recommended):
- “Taxis Aeropuerto” (yellow official taxi)
- Fixed fare
COP $48,000-65,000 ($US 12-16) - 35-50 minutes to center (can be more with traffic)
- DON’T use non-official taxis at airport (risks)
Uber/Cabify:
- Operate in Bogotá
- Similar price to official taxi ($US 10-14)
- More reliable if you have app account
TransMilenio (BRT bus):
- “Aeropuerto” station near T1
COP $3,000 ($US 0.75)- 40-60 min to center (without traffic)
- For adventurous backpackers
WiFi/cell in Colombia
- Free WiFi at El Dorado airport
- eSIM Colombia (Holafly, Airalo): $US 25-35 for 7 days unlimited data
- Local SIM Movistar/Claro: $US 10-20 basic package
What to do upon arriving in Bogotá 1-3 days
Day 1 — Traditional Bogotá
Morning:
- Plaza de Bolívar (Cathedral, Casa de Nariño, Congress, Capitolio)
- Museo del Oro (UNESCO + impressive, $US 5 entrance)
- Plaza San Victorino flea market (Sat/Sun)
Afternoon:
- Lunch bistro La Candelaria
- Walking tour through La Candelaria (UNESCO colonial neighborhood)
- Climb to Monserrate (cerro with panoramic view, teleférico ~$US 10)
Evening:
- Dinner in Zona Rosa or Chapinero (gastronomic zone)
- Andean music or jazz in La Candelaria
Day 2 — Zipaquirá Salt Cathedral (excursion)
- 1 hour north of Bogotá
- Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá — cathedral built in salt mine (UNESCO-candidate)
- Tour ~6-8 hours total with transport
- Cost: $US 50-80 organized tour, $US 25 if DIY (bus + entrance)
Day 3 — Chapinero + Usaquén
- Brunch in Chapinero (modern expat zone)
- Walking tour of Chapinero Alto (where many Mexican expats live)
- Lunch Usaquén (bohemian northeast Bogotá neighborhood)
- Sunday flea market Usaquén (Colombian artisanal products)
FAQs
Can I enter Colombia with my INE instead of a passport?
No. Colombia accepts identity documents instead of a passport only from Andean Community and Mercosur nationals (Resolution 3167 of 2019). As a Mexican national you need a passport valid on entry and for your whole trip.
Do I need a visa to visit Colombia as a Mexican tourist?
Not for short stays: Mexico is on the Colombian Foreign Ministry’s list of nationalities exempt from the visitor visa. Tourists are authorised up to 90 days, extendable by another 90 up to 180 days per calendar year; request the extension from Migración Colombia before the 90 days end.
Can I work in Colombia after entering as a tourist?
No. The visa exemption is for visitors. To work you need the appropriate visa; check the type and requirements with the Colombian Foreign Ministry before travelling.
What do I need to fill in before the flight?
The Mexican Embassy in Colombia says to complete Migración Colombia’s Check-Mig form before the flight departs, carry a return or onward ticket and be able to show funds for your stay.
Is Bogotá safe for Mexicans?
Generally yes. La Candelaria center and Chapinero/Usaquén are safe by day. Tip:
- DON’T display phone in street (especially in Centro)
- DON’T take NON-official taxis at airport
- At night, use Uber instead of taxi when returning to hotel
Worth going to Cartagena, Medellín or just Bogotá?
- Bogotá: capital + history + business hub. 2-3 days sufficient for visitor.
- Medellín: second city, transformed from “Pablo Escobar era” to modern Medellín. Excellent for 3-4 days. 1-hour flight from Bogotá ($US 50-80 RT).
- Cartagena: Caribbean, UNESCO, beach, salsa. Excellent for 3-4 days. 1-hour flight from Bogotá.
If you have 7+ days in Colombia: Bogotá 2 days + Medellín 3 days + Cartagena 2-3 days = complete experience.
Worth converting MXN to COP at airport or Mexican bank?
El Dorado airport rate: COP ~$3,400/USD (May 2026). Mexican bank before traveling: similar. Recommended strategy: DON’T change much money. Withdraw COP at Bogotá ATM with Mexican card (2-4% commission) when needed. Bring USD cash + Mexican credit card works OK in restaurants.
Average daily cost in Bogotá vs CDMX?
Bogotá is similar to CDMX or ~10-15% cheaper:
- Medium restaurant meal: COP $35,000-50,000 (~$US 9-13)
- Gourmet dinner: COP $80,000-150,000 (~$US 20-37)
- Short urban taxi: COP $8,000-12,000 (~$US 2-3)
- Mid boutique hotel: $US 60-120/night
Sources
- Colombian Foreign Ministry — Entry information and courtesy visa (checked 2026-10-23)
- Migración Colombia — Resolution 3167 of 2019 (checked 2026-10-23)
- Mexican Embassy in Colombia — What do I need to travel to Colombia? (updated 2025-01-24; checked 2026-10-22)
- Migraciones Perú — Visa exemptions, ordinary passport (checked 2026-10-23)
- Chile National Migration Service — Travel documents (checked 2026-10-23)
- DIAN Colombia — Customs
Related reading
- Mexican in Argentina: DNI vs tourism visa
- Santiago Chile: best neighborhood for Mexican expat
- MEX-BOG fares
Edited by FlightsMX. Entry rules checked on 22–23 October 2026 against the official sources cited; confirm with the authority before travelling.