Getting there & Getting around

Getting there

Colombia has good and relatively cheap air links with Europe and North America. Most visitors use Colombia's major international airport in Bogotá - others include Cartagena, Barranquilla, Medellín, Cali and San Andrés. Departure tax is usually included in the cost of the flight.

There are road connections with Venezuela and Ecuador only, which are popular and easy. It's now also possible to cross the border to Panama on a small ferry that skirts the shore. You can't continue by land into Panama, though; the only option is to take a plane from there to Panama City. Travelers planning to cross at Arauca-El Amparo de Apure or Puerto Carreño-Puerto Páez should consult their embassy for security information.

Ports on the Pacific and Caribbean coasts make it possible to arrive or leave by boat. Sea traffic is busier on the Caribbean side: ports there include Baranquilla, Cartagena, Santa Marta and Turbo; its major Pacific port is Buenaventura.

Getting around

Avianca is Colombia's flagship airline. Others include AeroRebública, Aires and Satena. Fares can be high but newer airlines offer cheap promotions. Reconfirm your booking 72 hours in advance. There's an airport tax on domestic flights.

Although buses are slow and crowded, they provide the main form of transport and are cheap, efficient and extensive.

Taxis are good value and can be chartered for long trips.

Car and motorcycle travel can be expensive and dangerous, with theft the main problem.

Water transport is irregular and primitive.

When visiting Bogotá, use TransMilenio - a fast urban bus service.

In Medellín, use the city's high-speed metro.

Cycling isn't easy in Colombia. Road rules favor drivers and you'll fight traffic on main roads. However, most roads are paved and security is improving. Bike rentals are uncommon but you can buy one almost anywhere.

For something different, try a chiva (an old-style, wooden bus) or collectivo (a cross between a bus and taxi).

Visa information

Nationals of some countries, including most of Western Europe, the Americas, Japan, Australia and New Zealand, don't need a visa to enter Colombia. It's a good idea to check this before leaving, though, as visa regulations change frequently. All visitors get an entry stamp or a print in their passport from DAS (the security police responsible for immigration) upon arrival at any international airport or land border crossing - it says how many days you can stay in the country. The maximum allowed is 90 days, but DAS officials often stamp 60 or even just 30 days. Make sure you get an entry stamp or you'll have troubles later. Official money changers and banks will want to see your entry stamp, as will police if there are any problems. When departing the country, you'll also have to pay a fine and get a salvoconducto from a DAS office if you don't have a stamp. Similarly, make sure you have a departure stamp oryou'll have trouble the next time around.

You're entitled to a 30-day extension on your stay, which can be obtained from DAS in any departmental capital. The additional 30 days begin from the end of the visa already stamped in your passport (so there's no need to wait to the last minute). Most travelers apply for an extension in Bogotá.