San Andres And Providencia, Colombia
Many nationalities do not need a visa for tourist stays up to 90 days, including citizens of the United States, Canada, EU countries, Australia, and many Latin American countries. For these travelers, a valid passport is sufficient for entry.
If your nationality needs a visa for Colombia, apply for it through a Colombian embassy or consulate in your home country before your trip. The official website of the Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Cancillería de Colombia) has a comprehensive and current list of visa requirements by nationality.
Upon arrival at Gustavo Rojas Pinilla International Airport (ADZ), proceed through immigration. Have your passport and the purchased Tarjeta de Turismo ready for inspection. The process is generally efficient. After clearing immigration, collect your luggage.
Keep your Tarjeta de Turismo in a safe place, like your passport holder, for the duration of your trip. You will need it to leave San Andres. Failing to present it causes delays.
General Information
Colombia and San Andres generally do not impose specific health-related entry requirements, like mandatory vaccinations, for all travelers. Consultation with your national health authority (like the CDC in the United States) or a travel clinic before your trip is a good practice.
A Yellow Fever vaccination is sometimes for travelers arriving from, or transiting through, high-risk countries or specific regions of mainland Colombia. San Andres is not typically a high-risk Yellow Fever area. Carrying a valid Yellow Fever vaccination card is a precaution if your travel itinerary includes other parts of Colombia or tropical regions.
Recommended Coverages
A comprehensive travel insurance policy is a strong suggestion for any international trip, including San Andres. It covers unforeseen events.
Look for medical emergencies, emergency medical evacuation, trip cancellation/interruption (including severe weather), baggage loss/delay, and personal liability. World Nomads, SafetyWing, or Insubuy are options.
For Specific Nationalities
If your nationality needs a visa, services like IVisa or VisaHQ can assist with the application process.
Always cross-reference information with the official website of the Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Cancillería de Colombia) for the most current regulations.
The official currency is the Colombian Peso (COP). While US Dollars are widely accepted in tourist areas, especially for tours and larger purchases, paying in COP generally has a better exchange rate. Many establishments list prices in COP. ATMs are available in El Centro and at the airport. Major credit cards are accepted in most hotels, larger restaurants, and tour agencies. Smaller local shops and street food vendors often ask for cash.
Accommodation per night varies from 20-50 USD for hostels to 180-400+ USD for luxury resorts. Meals range from 3-8 USD for street food to 30-60+ USD for fine dining. Transportation like local busetas cost around 1 USD, while golf cart rentals are 30-60 USD per day. Attractions like the Tarjeta de Turismo cost around 35 USD, and boat trips to Johnny Cay are 20-30 USD.
60 - 90 USD daily. Hostels, street food, public transport, free activities like beaches.
100 - 180 USD daily. Comfortable mid-range hotels, mixed dining, some tours, taxis or golf cart.
200+ USD daily. Upscale hotels/resorts, fine dining, private tours, private transport/car rental.
10% for restaurant service (check bill), round up for taxis, 5-10% for tour guides.
Eat local, use busetas, buy water in bulk, travel in low season, consider kitchenettes, explore duty-free.
The island is generally safe for tourists.
Consult a travel clinic or your doctor at least 4-6 weeks before your trip. Routine vaccinations like MMR, DTP, Chickenpox, and Polio are recommended. Hepatitis A and Typhoid vaccinations are generally recommended for travel to Colombia.
San Andres is generally safer for tourists than many mainland areas. However, like any tourist destination, petty crime occurs.
Be aware of ocean currents, especially on less protected beaches or during rough sea conditions. Pay attention to local warnings or flag systems indicating water safety.
