FAQ: Traveling to Medellín, Colombia from the U.S.

1. Which airports in the U.S. have direct flights to Medellín?

Several major U.S. airports offer direct flights to José María Córdova International Airport (MDE) in Medellín. These include:

These routes are served by airlines like American Airlines, Avianca, Spirit Airlines, and JetBlue.

Passport: You must have a valid passport. Ensure it has at least six months of validity left from your intended entry date.
Check-MIG: The Colombian government requires travelers to fill out the Check-MIG form, which is a digital entry and exit form for all foreign nationals. This form must be completed before you board your flight to Colombia. The form collects information on your trip, including flight details, travel history, and personal health declarations.

 You can complete the Check-MIG form at the following link: Check-MIG Form.

Return/Onward Ticket: Immigration officers may ask for proof of a return or onward flight as part of their entry assessment.

Automatic Tourist Visa: U.S. citizens do not need a visa for short stays (up to 90 days) for tourism or business purposes. The entry stamp you receive at immigration grants you permission to stay for up to 90 days. You can apply for an extension if needed, but it’s usually granted only once.

If you plan to stay longer: If you need to stay more than 90 days, you can request an extension at the Migración Colombia office, or apply for a different type of visa depending on your purpose of stay.

The Check-MIG form must be filled out online before departure. Here’s how the process works:

Step 1: Visit the official Check-MIG website or app: Check-MIG Form.
Step 2: Complete the form with your flight details, personal information, and any necessary health information (such as vaccination status, if required).
Step 3: Submit the form and receive a confirmation. You’ll need to show this confirmation to airline staff at the airport and again upon arrival in Colombia.

Arrival: Once you land at José María Córdova International Airport (MDE), follow signs to Immigration.
Documents: Have your passport, completed Check-MIG form, and return ticket ready.
Immigration Officer: An officer will check your documents, stamp your passport, and may ask a few questions about your stay in Colombia (e.g., how long you plan to stay, where you will stay, etc.).
Luggage: After passing through immigration, proceed to baggage claim if you checked in luggage.

Personal Items: You are allowed to bring personal items such as clothing, electronics, and toiletries.
Restricted Items: Prohibited items include drugs, firearms, and large amounts of cash (over $10,000 USD must be declared).
Duty-Free: You are allowed to bring in duty-free items, like alcohol and tobacco, within the limits established by Colombian customs (e.g., 2 liters of alcohol, 200 cigarettes).
Food and Agriculture: Certain agricultural products, like fresh fruits and meats, are restricted to prevent the introduction of diseases.

Location: MDE is located about 35 minutes southeast of Medellín in the nearby municipality of Rionegro.
Facilities: The airport has modern amenities including currency exchange, restaurants, shops, free Wi-Fi, and lounges.
Ground Transportation: There are various options for getting from MDE to Medellín:
- Taxis: Taxis are available at the designated taxi stand. The fare to Medellín city center is typically around COP 80,000–100,000 (USD $20–25).
- Private Transport: You can pre-arrange private transport via your hotel or local transport companies, often at a higher cost.
- Uber: Uber operates in Medellín, but be aware that it is not officially authorized at the airport. If you choose to use Uber, you may need to meet your driver at a nearby location (outside the airport’s main exit). Expect the fare to be about COP 70,000–90,000 ($18–23).

Taxi Stand: After clearing customs, proceed to the designated taxi stand at the airport, where you’ll find official taxis.
Rates: The rates are regulated, and you’ll be given a fixed fare based on your destination. Always ask for the receipt, and make sure the meter is running if you’re taking a taxi from outside the airport.
Payment: Taxis generally accept cash (COP), and most drivers do not accept credit cards.

Private Transfers: You can arrange private transport in advance through your hotel, tour operator, or a specialized transportation service.
Price: Private transfers generally cost more than taxis, ranging between COP 120,000 to 150,000 ($30–40) depending on the vehicle and service.

Uber in Medellín: Uber is available in Medellín but not officially authorized at MDE. If you choose to use Uber, you may need to walk to a nearby pickup location outside the airport grounds.
Pickup: After confirming your ride, exit the airport through a designated exit to meet your driver.
Price: The typical fare for an Uber ride from MDE to Medellín is COP 70,000–90,000 ($18–23).