If you are a pageant fan, you would have definitely heard of Colombia. They are a powerhouse when it comes to international beauty pageants. Colombia is a South American nation whose name comes from Christopher Colombus. Many can visit here without a visa! Read more about visa free entry to Colombia for Filipinos and other nationalities. Currently, Colombia is requiring visitors to fill out the Check Mig before departure. Visit Natvisa for more details.

The Rainbow River, Colonial Spanish Architecture, National Parks, Street Art, and Festivals - Colombia has them. This South American country is between the Caribbean and the Pacific (the only one in their continent). It is also surrounded by Panama, Ecuador, Peru, Venezuela, and Brazil and has a lot to offer! Check this article on how to enter, what to do, and get answers to Frequently Asked Questions!

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Visa Free Countries

Here are the nationalities who can stay for a maximum of 1 year and can enter using only an ID Card.

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The citizens of the following countries can stay visa-free for a maximum of 90 days unless otherwise stated.

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You can also check the link here.

Substitute Visa

If you are not in the following listed above, then you can also enter visa-free for 90 should you have a resident permit or valid US or Schengen Visa.

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Overview Of Colombia

Capital: Bogota
Language: Spanish
Currency: Peso (3,700 COP = 1 USD)

The Republic of Colombia is a South American country that has been inhabited since 12000 BCE. Spanish Explorers discovered it in 1499. In 1510, the first settlement by Europeans was made in Darien.

With 9 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Colombia is filled with Cultural and Natural Wonders. Colombia has beaches, the famous Rainbow River, an Ancient City, colorful streets, amazing churches. Additionally, they have wonderful friendly locals and delicious food. Colombia is so worth it on your bucket list.

Going To Colombia

Colombia boasts of 12 international airports. The busiest one is the El Dorado International Airport in Bogota which has about 30 million passengers (pre-pandemic.) Aside from that, there are also busy airports in Medellin, Cartagena, and Cali.

5 different countries may surround Colombia, but you can only enter smoothly from Venezuela (from San Cristobal or Maracaibo) or Ecuador (from Tulcan or Lago Agrio.) For other countries, no major highways or roads are leading to big cities. However, you can also ride a boat from Panama, Brazil, or Peru.

From the Philippines, there are no direct flights to Colombia. You may need to have a transit in the US or Canada.

What To Do In Colombia

1. Check our Colonial Architecture in Santa Cruz de Mompox

The Historic Centre of Santa Cruz de Mompox is one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Colombia. Due to the preservation of the colonial (Spanish and Indian) architecture in this quaint town was awarded in 1995. Don’t forget to see the Santa Barbara Church, Freedom Square, Mompox Cemetery, and many more.

2. See the Caño Cristales

You may not believe it as it seems surreal, but the Caño Cristales is a river in La Macarena, Colombia, and considered the most beautiful river in the World. It’s also known as “Rainbow River,” “River of Five Colors,” or “Liquid Rainbow,” due to the various colors you will see on the river - red, yellow, green, blue, and black. This is because of the Macarenia clavígera, an aquatic plant, and the river having low nutrients.

3. Discover the Lost City

If you want an adventure in Colombia, then climb to more than a thousand stone steps in a jungle to discover Ciudad Perdida. It was discovered in 1972 and was said that people settled there in 800 CE. If Peru has Machu Picchu, Colombia has Teyuna.

4. Visit Catedral del Sal

A Cathedral located underground in a salt mine is the Salt Cathedral of Zipaquira. Around 1932, this was just a small prayer sanctuary made by the miners but developed into a Church in the 1950s. It was shut down in 1992 due to safety concerns. So, a new Cathedral was finished in 1995 under the old one. It’s truly a work of art!

5. Go to Tayrona National Natural Park

If you think Colombia is all about forests, you’re wrong; they also have gorgeous beaches. Many beaches are found in Parque Nacional Natural Tayona, a protected area with gorgeous beaches that face the Caribbean. You can hike, check out some coves, relax, and see some wildlife! Views are totally exquisite!

Frequently Asked Questions For Your Travel In Colombia

1. Is Colombia Visa free?

For Philippine Passport Holders, it is visa-free, and you are permitted to stay for 90 days. For other nationalities, see the list above!

2. Is it safe to travel to Colombia?

Colombia is a safe place for travel as long as you keep out of danger or non-touristy areas and always be attentive to your surroundings. It’s better if you don’t travel alone, especially during the night (and if you are female), there may be muggings or armed robberies. I always recommend buying travel insurance since we don’t know what will happen to us. Check out Safetywing, our insurance provider.

3. Is it expensive in Colombia for tourists?

Colombia is cheap. You can live from USD 30 - 60 a day, depending on how you spend your money.

4. When is the best time to visit Colombia?

You can visit Colombia from December to March or July to August. Make sure you avoid the rainy season, which is September to October.

5. Where should I stay in Colombia?

You can stay choose to stay in Bogota, Medellin, Cartagena, or Cali. Here’s a guide for the Best Hostels in Colombia.

Colombia is cheap, colorful, and filled with natural wonders. Plus, Colombia is visa free for Filipinos for up to 90 days. You can start your South America adventures here. It’s a really wonderful experience to travel to countries where it feels familiar (due to the Spanish influence) but different at the same time. Good luck!

About the Writer

Hey, I’m Lyza! I once was a person who just imagined going to places “one day” but decided to pursue my dreams. My first travel abroad was in Japan, solo, last 2018, and I fell in love with the experience. I aim to visit 10 countries before turning 30 and 2 new places in the Philippines every year. Besides traveling, I love organizing trips, taking pictures, reading, and making new friends. Follow my adventures through my Instagram.