Getting to Colombia from the US or Canada is straightforward — no visa required, direct flights from 10+ US cities, same timezone as the US East Coast, and the same power outlets you use at home. Here's the complete logistics rundown.
Visa and Entry Requirements
- US citizens: 90-day visa-free entry. Passport must be valid for 6+ months. No application, no fee — just your passport at immigration.
- Canadian citizens: 90-day visa-free entry. Same requirements as US citizens.
- What you need at immigration: Valid passport, return ticket (or onward travel proof), and occasionally proof of accommodation. Immigration is efficient at Bogotá (BOG) and Medellín (MDE) airports.
Direct Flights from the US
| US City | Destination | Flight Time | Airlines | Avg. RT Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Miami | Bogotá / Medellín | 3–3.5 hrs | Avianca, American, Spirit, JetBlue | $250–$500 |
| New York (JFK) | Bogotá / Medellín | 5–5.5 hrs | Avianca, JetBlue, Spirit | $300–$600 |
| Houston | Bogotá | 4.5 hrs | United, Avianca | $300–$550 |
| Fort Lauderdale | Bogotá / Medellín | 3–3.5 hrs | Spirit, JetBlue | $200–$450 |
| Orlando | Bogotá | 3.5 hrs | Avianca, Spirit | $250–$500 |
| Los Angeles | Bogotá | 6.5 hrs | Avianca | $350–$650 |
| Atlanta | Bogotá | 4.5 hrs | Delta | $300–$550 |
Timezone and Jet Lag
Colombia is on Colombia Standard Time (COT), which is UTC-5 — the same as US Eastern Standard Time. There is no jet lag traveling from the US East Coast. West Coast travelers gain 2–3 hours — still negligible compared to Turkey (7+ hours) or Thailand (12+ hours).
Practical Details
- Power outlets: Same as US (Type A/B, 110V). No adapter needed.
- Currency: Colombian Peso (COP). USD accepted at many medical clinics. ATMs dispense COP. Use Wise for the best exchange rates.
- Phone: Claro or Movistar prepaid SIM: $10–$15 for 30 days unlimited data. eSIM options available. T-Mobile international plans work in Colombia.
- Transportation: Uber and InDriver work reliably in all major cities. $2–$5 within medical tourism zones.
Key Takeaway
Colombia is one of the most logistically accessible international medical tourism destinations for Americans — no visa, no jet lag, no power adapter, and round-trip flights under $500 from most US cities.