Cucuta Norte De Santander Department, Colombia Travel Guide
Many nationalities, including citizens of the USA, Canada, UK, EU countries, Australia, and New Zealand, do not need a visa for stays up to 90 days. You can often extend this for another 90 days once in Colombia. Passport holders from certain other countries might need a visa. Visa types typically include Tourist, Business, Student, and Work visas.
Apply through a Colombian consulate or embassy in your home country. This generally involves submitting required documents, potentially attending an interview, and paying a fee.
Migración Colombia places a stamp in your passport upon arrival, indicating your permitted stay duration. The Andean Immigration Card (Tarjeta Andina de Migración) applies for land border crossings, typically obtainable at the border. Colombia does not currently apply a reciprocity fee to major nationalities entering the country.
Standard tourist activities in Cúcuta do not involve special permits.
Recommendation & Requirement
Travelers visiting certain rural areas of Colombia, or if your itinerary includes other regions.
You arrive from a country with a risk of Yellow Fever transmission. Consult your travel doctor.
Minimum requirement
At least six months beyond your planned departure date from Colombia.
Entry may be denied if your passport does not meet this requirement.
For land border crossings
Required when crossing land borders, typically obtained at the border itself.
Ensure proper stamping by Migración Colombia upon entry.
Tipping is customary in Colombia, but generally more modest than in some Western countries. It acknowledges good service.
Restaurants typically include a service charge, but you can add more for excellent service. For taxis, rounding up the fare is common. Hotel staff appreciate little tips.
10% for good service is common. Some bills include "propina" (tip); you can decline if service was poor.
Not expected, but rounding up the fare is a common practice.
Small tips (COP 5,000-10,000) for porters or housekeepers are appreciated.
Expected for good service, often 10-15% of the tour cost or a flat amount (COP 20,000-50,000).
Prioritizing your health and safety makes for a smooth and enjoyable trip to Cúcuta. Understand recommended vaccinations, common health concerns, and local safety measures.
Consult a travel doctor 4-6 weeks ahead of your journey for custom advice.
Cúcuta's climate has specific health considerations. Vigilance and preventive measures are important.
Colombia lies in an active seismic zone. Cúcuta has historically experienced significant earthquakes. Familiarize yourself with earthquake security measures (Drop, Cover, and Hold On).
