Business Customs

Colombia offers a strategic location, a highly educated workforce, and a well-developed industrial capacity, supported by abundant natural and human resources. The country is home to a significant international business community, including hundreds of well-known, established companies committed to a long-term presence. Compared to other Latin American nations, Colombia remains a relatively expensive place to conduct business, particularly in cities like Bogota and Cartagena, where costs are comparable to those in major U.S. and European metropolitan areas.

The Government of Colombia (GOC) continues to invest in improving national infrastructure, such as ports, roads, and telecommunications, to foster a modern business environment and reduce operational costs.

Business visitors primarily stay within the major urban centers—Barranquilla, Bogota, Cali, Cartagena, and Medellín. Travel outside these areas, often for site visits to oilfields or mining operations, is typically done under controlled and pre-arranged conditions. As with any business endeavor, preparation and situational awareness are essential.

Colombia’s private sector is globally minded and professionally sophisticated. However, regional cultural differences are notable. Coastal Colombians tend to be more relaxed and open, while those from inland regions are generally more formal and reserved. Across all regions, business professionals are diligent, hardworking, and exhibit work ethics closely aligned with those of their U.S. counterparts.

Colombians are very comfortable doing business with the United States, due to over 200 years of diplomatic ties and more than a century of commercial relations. Many Colombian executives, technicians, and government officials have studied, lived, or traveled in the U.S., and often have personal or professional connections there. U.S. business culture is widely understood and respected.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, business practices have adapted, with an increase in virtual meetings and hybrid events. Nonetheless, in-person interactions remain highly valued. Working breakfasts and lunches at hotels, restaurants, or private clubs are common and effective for building relationships. Business receptions and networking events also continue to serve as key opportunities to develop contacts and explore partnerships. Colombian trade associations, government agencies, and private sector organizations regularly host national and regional conventions, conferences, and seminars—valuable platforms for connecting with local business leaders and government representatives, and for evaluating market opportunities.

For daytime engagements, formal business attire is standard. Evening events tend to be more relaxed in terms of dress, though still professional. 

Travel Advisory

The State Department provides risk assessments related to on-going violence, dangers and unrest that could affect U.S. citizens in various countries around the world. There is currently a State Department travel warning in effect for U.S. citizens planning travel to Colombia. For the latest security information, Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs’ website where the current Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts can be found.

Travelers should take caution in the five cities and commercial centers of Bogota, Cali, Medellín, Barranquilla, and Cartagena, where crimes such as pickpocketing, jewelry and purse-snatching, and currency scams are common. Selecting a good hotel, keeping valuables in a hotel safe, using authorized taxis and hired car services, and using common sense in avoiding certain areas of town will help to reduce the risk of falling victim to these crimes. At airports, care should be taken with hand luggage and travel documents.

Travel between cities should be by air to avoid rural areas controlled by terrorist groups and common criminals. Road travel outside of the major cities is not recommended.

Those who absolutely must travel to facilities in outlying areas (most commonly oil and mining professionals and technicians) are advised to adhere strictly to the security regulations and guidelines established by their companies.

For further information concerning travel to Colombia, U.S. travelers should consult the Department of State’s latest Travel Warning and the Country-Specific Information. In addition to information available on the Internet, up-to-date information on safety and security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States or Canada, or for overseas callers, a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).

U.S. citizens living in or visiting Colombia are encouraged to register and update their information online at the U.S. State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) webpage. They can also obtain updated information on travel and security in Colombia either at the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Bogotá or via the Embassy’s website.

The Consular Section is open for U.S. Citizens Services by appointment only. For general inquiries or to speak with a consular officer, please email acsBogotá@state.gov. For passport appointments, please visit the U.S. Embassy in Colombia’s “Passports” webpage.

The U.S. Embassy is located in Bogota at Calle 24 Bis No. 48-50 in Bogota, D.C. This is the only location in Colombia with a consular section that can provide in-person American Citizenship Services. 

For U.S. citizens with an emergency, please call:

• +57 601-275-2000 during office hours 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday – Friday
• +57 601 275-4021 outside of office hours
• Email: ACSBogota@state.gov   

Other important Colombia phone numbers:

• National emergency number (24-hour general line): 123
• Medical Emergencies: 125
• Ambulance: +57-605-664-8911 (code: 3085)
• Metropolitan Police: 119

Visa Requirements

U.S. citizens (who are not also Colombian citizens) traveling to Colombia are required to carry a valid U.S. passport to enter and depart Colombia (passport validity must be 6 months beyond the date of arrival), and a return/onward ticket. U.S. citizens do not need a visa for a tourist/business stay of 60 days or less. Stiff fines are imposed if passports are not stamped on arrival and/or if stays exceeding the authorized period of stay (generally 60-90 days) are not approved in advance by Colombian Immigration.

To encourage foreign investment and attract tourism, Colombian visas may be extended to periods ranging from six months to five years, depending on the visa category. The following are some examples:

• Business Visas: These visas may be granted for a period of up to four years, with multiple entries, and for a maximum stay of up to two years per entry. Business visas are issued to foreigners who prove their status as merchants, industrialists, executives, or business representatives.
• Special Temporary Visas: Valid for multiple entries for one year. It expires if the foreigner leaves the country for more than 180 Days.
• Temporary Managerial Visas: Valid for multiple entries during a five-year period. Holders of these visas may stay in the country for a period of up to one year per entry. It expires if the foreigner leaves the country for more than 180 days.

Visa Contact Information

Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Embassy of Colombia – Washington, D.C.
1724 Massachusetts Ave NW
Washington D.C., 20036
Phone: 202-387-8338

Colombia has consular offices in the following U.S. cities: Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, Newark, New York City, Orlando, San Francisco, San Juan (Puerto Rico), and Washington D.C.

U.S. citizens whose passports are lost or stolen in Colombia must obtain a new passport from the U.S. Embassy and present it, together with a police report of the loss or theft, to the main immigration office in Bogota to obtain permission to depart.

According to Colombian law, any person born in Colombia must use his/her Colombian passport to enter and leave Colombia, even if also a citizen of another country. Therefore, Colombian Americans must carry both a Colombian and U.S. passport while visiting Colombia.

While no arrival tax is collected upon entry into Colombia, travelers leaving by plane are required to pay an “exit tax” at the airport. Some airlines include all, or a portion, of this tax in the cost of your airline ticket.  We recommend that you check with your airline before traveling to determine if you will be required to pay the exit tax at the time of your departure from Colombia.

U.S. Non-Immigrant Visa Requirements for Colombians

All Colombians traveling to or through the U.S. need a visa. U.S. companies inviting foreign business professionals to the United States should allow sufficient time for visa processing and issuance.

Visit the U.S. Department of State’s “Colombia Visa Appointment Service” website to schedule a visa appointment.

As of 2013, many individuals renewing business/tourist visas are no longer required to visit the U.S. Embassy for an interview. Visa applicants should visit the U.S. Department of State’s “Colombia Visa Appointment Service” website to determine if they are eligible for this program.

No documents should be sent to the Embassy before the interview.

Visa applicants should go to the following links for additional information.

Resources

U.S. Department of State’s “Colombia Visa Appointment Service”
U.S. Embassy Bogota
U.S. State Department Visa Information

U.S. Companies that require travel of foreign businesspersons to the United States are advised that security evaluations are handled via an interagency process. Visa applicants should go to the following link: State Department Visa Website.

Currency

The Colombian Peso (COP) is the legal currency in Colombia. Take note that this is completely different from the Mexican Peso. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, and there are plenty of ATMs across the country though for security purposes, we advise you to only use ATMs within the airport, or within the safety of a bank or enclosed mall. Street ATM use is not safe with the current security advisory level. The rate of exchange for the Colombian Peso is approximately 4,200 COP to $1 USD. Please note that all prices are listed in COP, though they often use the dollar sign ‘$’, and occasionally they leave off the three 0’s to abbreviate the cost. For example, a sandwich that costs $10 in U.S. dollars may be listed as $42,000, or even $42.

Telecommunications/Electronics

Colombia has a reliable domestic and international telecommunications system. Cellular phones are widely used in Colombia with automatic roaming within the country; there are also roaming agreements with U.S. carriers and most other Latin American carriers. Four private companies, Claro, Movistar, Tigo, and WOM, currently provide the country’s mobile services. Internet, teleconferencing, and videoconferencing facilities are also available.

Colombia boasts a very large number of mobile communications subscribers, with approximately 70 million subscribers. In terms of the supply of services, there is a large concentration by carrier, with Claro boasting the majority percentage of the market share for prepaid and contract services, respectively. Movistar ranks 2nd in both segments, followed by Tigo and WOM.

The standard voltage in Colombia (110 V) is similar voltage level your devices typically operate at in the United States (120 V). Manufacturers take these small deviations into account. You don’t need a voltage converter in Colombia. The plug types are also the same as in the U.S., so you won’t need any adapters.

Transportation

Airports: Colombian air transportation is well developed, with international airports in Armenia, Bogota, Barranquilla, Cartagena, Cali, Cucuta, Leticia, Pereira, Medellín, and San Andres Island providing regular flights to major cities abroad. Currently, there are four U.S. airlines (American, Delta, United, and Spirit) that provide direct daily flights between Colombia and the United States. Frequent domestic flights connect principal cities within Colombia. Business travelers should be aware that prior flight reservations within Colombia (even though pre-paid) are not always honored, and flights may be overbooked to popular destinations such as Cartagena. Thus, a final confirmation is advisable 24 hours before departure, as is arriving at the airport well in advance of the flight. It is important that visitors monitor the U.S. Embassy and Government of Colombia entrance requirements. 

Ground Transportation

Using Uber from the Airport: Uber is a convenient and popular option for travelers arriving in any major Colombian city, offering a hassle-free way to get to your destination. Here’s what you need to know:

• Availability: Uber operates 24/7 at the El Dorado (Bogota) and the Medellín José María Córdova Airports, so you can catch a ride no matter when your flight arrives.
• Choose the type of Uber that best suits your needs and number of passengers, we recommend only using Comfort or XL. Uber Ya is not a secure option. Once you request a ride, the app will show you the estimated wait time and the driver’s details.
• Fares: Uber fares are calculated based on the distance traveled, time of day, and current demand. You can get an estimate of the fare before booking your ride in the app.
• Payment: No need to carry cash, Uber payments are made electronically through the app linked to your preferred payment method.

Some tips:

• Download the Uber app and set up your account before you travel to Colombia.
• Make sure your phone has a data connection or download the offline map of the area for easier navigation.
• Have your hotel’s address written down in case you need to give it to the driver.
• Consider tipping your driver in the app if you had a pleasant experience.

Taxis in Colombia

For security reasons, U.S. Embassy employees are prohibited from hailing taxis on the street, as these rides often lack digital tracking and pose safety risks. If taking a taxi is your only option, the following precautions are strongly recommended:

Use a taxi app: When possible, use a ride-hailing app like Cabify or Uber to ensure there’s a digital record of your trip, including pickup and drop-off points and fare. These apps also allow for cash-free transactions.

At the airport: If an app isn’t an option, use the official taxi stand. Be cautious individuals may approach you aggressively, claiming to be taxi drivers and attempting to take your luggage. Do not allow this. Carry your own bags and speak only with the official dispatcher at the taxi stand.

Fare and tipping: While taxis are supposed to use meters, many do not. Research standard fares in advance or ask a local for guidance. Agree on the price before getting in or handing over your luggage. Tipping is appreciated (about 10%) but not expected.

Language

Spanish is the official language and spoken throughout the country. It is advisable to have some knowledge of Spanish or to hire the services of a qualified interpreter although many senior executives and government officials speak English. It is important to translate your sales literature and website information into Spanish to demonstrate your commitment to the market. 

Colombia has one of the lowest ESL rates in all Latin America, so don’t expect to find hotel, restaurant staff, or drivers who speak English. You may want to download the offline version of Google Translate if you don’t have roaming data to help you get around if you don’t have Spanish proficiency.

Health 

Bogota is a high-altitude location (8,600 ft). Travelers should take it easy the first day, avoid alcohol, eat moderately, and stay hydrated. Bogota is the only city in Colombia where tap water is considered potable and safe for visitors. Bottled water is recommended in every other city and rural areas outside of Bogota. Medical care is adequate in major cities, but quality varies elsewhere. In Bogota, travelers can find very qualified general practitioners and specialists. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services, although many hospitals in principal cities accept major U.S. credit cards. It is important to note that U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. Therefore, visitors may wish to consider supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas coverage, including the provision for medical evacuation or other emergencies.

Local Time, Business Hours, & Holidays

Colombian time is the same as U.S. Eastern Standard Time (EST), without daylight-saving adjustments, e.g., Eastern Standard Time (EST) in winter, and Central Daylight Time (CDT) in summer.

The workweek is Monday-Friday. Normal working hours are 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., with lunch being taken at 12 noon or 1 p.m. Alternative hours may be 7:30 a.m. - 4:30 or 8:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. with an hour for lunch. In coastal cities such as Cartagena, many offices and manufacturing operations also work half-day on Saturday, with a two-hour lunch break during the work week.

Prior to planning business travel, it is advisable to consult the schedule of Colombian holidays. It is strongly recommended that business trips be avoided during Holy Week (the week before Easter) and the Christmas holiday season (mid-December to mid-January). Visitors may also find it difficult to make business appointments during “puentes” (Fridays or Mondays which “bridge” the weekends with official holidays falling on Thursdays or Tuesdays).
 

Table 1: Colombia 2026 Holidays

The U.S. Embassy in Bogotá observes U.S. government holidays as well as most Colombian holidays.

Temporary Entry of Materials and Personal Belongings

Non-fungible items—those that can be clearly identified by marks, serial numbers, or other distinguishing symbols—may be temporarily brought into Colombia for specific purposes. These goods must be re-exported by the end of the authorized period, without undergoing any alterations or modifications, except for normal wear and tear due to usage.

Colombia provides two categories of temporary imports: short-term and long-term. The appropriate category is determined by the DIAN (Dirección de Impuestos y Aduanas Nacionales), Colombia’s National Tax and Customs Directorate.

Demonstration Equipment: Colombia does not participate in the international carnet system for the temporary importation of demonstration equipment (e.g., items used in trade shows or promotional campaigns). Instead, DIAN has implemented an alternative process:

• Upon arrival at an international airport, visitors must complete a special DIAN-issued form. 
• Equipment may remain in Colombia for up to 90 days. 
• No deposit is required for this type of temporary entry.

Long-Term Temporary Imports

Colombian customs regulations allow for the temporary import of machinery and equipment for up to five years under specific conditions:

• Eligible items include machinery, equipment, accessories, and spare parts (if included in the same shipment).
• This regime supports projects of national economic or social significance, such as public works.
• Imports under leasing contracts may also qualify if the term ranges from six months to five years.
• Customs declarations must include U.S. dollar valuations of applicable duties and taxes, based on the tariff schedule effective at the time of submission.
• Duties may be paid in equal semi-annual installments over the approved period.
• Importers may be required to provide a guarantee equal to 100% of the applicable import duties.
• Import duties are non-refundable.

Short-Term Temporary Imports

Short-term imports are permitted for specific uses within a period of up to six months, with the possibility of an extension of one to three months, pending prior approval:

• Applications for extensions must be submitted before the initial authorization expires.
• No import duties apply under this regime.
• However, a guarantee equal to 10% of the estimated import duties must be submitted to obtain approval.

Unmanned Aircraft Systems (Drones)

Companies temporarily bringing drones (UAS) into Colombia should be aware that these devices are subject to additional aviation and customs regulations. Drone operations are regulated by the Colombian Civil Aviation Authority, which may require drone registration and operational authorization depending on the type of activity. In addition, recent customs measures introduced by Colombia’s National Tax and Customs Directorate (DIAN) require stricter controls on the entry of drones and their components, including the submission of an advance import declaration and the restriction of entry points to authorized locations such as El Dorado International Airport in Bogotá or the customs jurisdiction of Cartagena. 

Companies should verify these requirements in advance, as failure to comply with aviation or customs procedures may result in inspection delays, seizure of equipment, or the need to formalize the import under a different customs regime.