-Article updated on 6 January 2021-
The COVID-19 virus has turned our lives upside down. Since the WHO declared the COVID-19 virus a pandemic, our daily lives have changed radically in the space of a few days. Teleworking, limited travel, difficulty or even impossibility of rejoining family, travel bans and so on. Today, almost 9 months after the start of the crisis, we are all hoping for a vaccine that can be offered to everyone. In the meantime, the governments of all the countries continue to face major challenges in terms of public health and the economy. Magelia Colombia has also had to show initiative, flexibility and adaptability to limit the spread of the COVID virus in Colombia and guarantee everyone’s safety.
COVID in Colombia
Since the beginning of the health crisis, the government of President Ivan Duque has taken various biosafety measures and protocols to control the spread of the Coronavirus in Colombia. On 17 March, Colombia was one of the first countries to close all its borders. Thousands of travellers were quickly repatriated to their countries of origin. Between 22 March and 31 August, Colombia underwent a period of initially firm, then selective, containment. Since 1 September, the confinement has officially ended and most sectors of activity have fully or partially resumed their activities.
However, the health crisis is still with us. A state of health emergency has been declared until 31 May 2021.
Maritime borders have been open since 1 December. River and land borders remain closed until 16 January 2021. On 21 September, air borders were partially reopened for countries that had not closed their own borders to Colombia: the United States, Brazil, Mexico, Australia, Ecuador, the Dominican Republic and the United Kingdom.
The flight restrictions in Colombia are no longer relevant. However, the number of flights between Europe and Colombia and Colombia and North America is not sufficient to meet demand.
Biosafety protocols must be followed to limit the spread of COVID in Colombia. All private and/or public gatherings of more than 50 people are prohibited. Restaurants and bars are open with a capacity limited to between 30% and 50% and with reduced opening hours. All museums are closed until further notice. The National Nature Parks (PNN) are reopening as and when necessary. PNN Tayrona and PNN Corales del Rosario y San Bernardo are now open. Trekking to the Lost City is also possible. The other NPCs are expected to re-open in the coming weeks.
Since the festive season, the number of deaths and active cases of COVID in Colombia has been rising. New confinement and curfew measures have therefore been put in place in the country’s various cities. We advise you to check with the regional authorities before your departure.
For more information on the current situation, visit the website dedicated to the Coronavirus in Colombia by clicking here.
Travelling to Colombia during COVID
Before your trip
The Colombian authorities require a negative PCR test less than 96 hours old to enter the country. Children are not exempt from this requirement. However, it is possible to enter the country without a PCR-negative test. In this case, the traveller will have 2 choices: take the PCR test once they have arrived in Colombia and remain in preventive confinement while awaiting the result of the test; or compulsory preventive confinement for 14 days. It is also essential to fill in the Migracion Colombia form on CheckMig 48 hours before your departure and at least 1 hour before your flight. You will also need to download the CoronaApp application onto your smartphone. Please create an account and fill in all the information requested. The situation is constantly changing, so please consult the FAQ of the French Embassy in Colombia here or Migración Colombia here before your departure to find out about any new measures.
During your trip
Magelia Colombia has put in place a number of protocols to guarantee your safety and that of our employees and partners. These protocols are shared with everyone you come across during your stay in Colombia (transport, restaurants, visits, etc.). In this way, we all want to limit the spread of COVID in Colombia. As far as you are concerned, we recommend that you wear a mask covering your nose and mouth in all public places as soon as you arrive, including during tourist visits. It is also advisable to carry disposable tissues and hydro-alcoholic gel. Remember to disinfect your hands frequently. Keep a safe distance of 2 metres from other people. To read all our biosafety protocols against COVID-19, please click here.
Children are not exempt from sanitary measures.
If you have symptoms such as fever, dry cough, breathing difficulties, loss of smell and/or taste, do not go to hospital or see a doctor. Please call the Colombian health authorities on 192 throughout the country and 123 from Bogotá.
In conclusion, a trip to Colombia is now possible. However, the health emergency is still ongoing, the health crisis has not yet been brought under control and we are all uncertain about the future. Please contact us before planning a trip to Colombia.
