When to go
Colombie has two types of season: dry and rainy/wet. The dry seasons run from December to February and July to August. These are therefore the best times to visit the country. The climate does however vary from region to region and depends on what altitude you are at.Entry requirements
You can visit Colombia without a visa for up to 90 days. You also have the possibility of extending your stay by up to 120 days, though you cannot remain in Colombia for longer than 180 days in any given 12-month period as a visitor. You will of course need a passport valid for the duration of your stay. Its expiry date must also be no earlier than six months from the date you enter the country.
Canadian citizens must have a passport that is valid for the duration of their stay. A Colombian immigration officer will decide how long you will be allowed to stay (normally between 30 and 90 days) when you arrive. You will also be provided with an entry permit. For more information, visit the website of the Canadian Government.
Health advise
There are no mandatory vaccinations required for travel to Colombia. However, getting vaccinated against certain conditions, such as yellow fever for example, is recommended if you are planning to visit the Amazonian forest or the Atlantic and Pacific coasts. You will also need to check that your DTP (diphtheria, whooping cough and tetanus) vaccination is up to date. Additionally, vaccination against hepatitis A is recommended for most travellers to the country.
A number of illnesses, e.g. malaria, are transmitted via insect bites, so keep yourself protected by wearing long clothing and using anti-mosquito sprays.
And finally, do not drink the tap water; only eat things that have been properly cooked, and wash your hands as often as you can to avoid contaminating food.
Airline tickets
Depending on the time of year, a return flight from London to Bogotá will cost between approximately £400 and £1000. The exact price will of course depend on how far in advance you purchase the ticket and which airline you choose.Time difference
The UK is five hours ahead of Colombia in winter and six in summer. For example, when it's 8:00 pm in London it will be 3:00 pm or 2:00 pm in Bogotá.Language
The official language of Colombia is Spanish.Relevant contacts
British Embassy in Colombia
Carrera 9, N° 76-49, Piso 8, Edificio ING Barings, Bogotá
(57) (1) 326 8300
Colombian Embassy in the United Kingdom
3 Hans Crescent, London, SW1X 0LN
020 7589 9177
Hospitals
In Bogotá
La Clinica del Country: (57) (1) 530 0470 and (57) (1) 530 1270
La Clinica Marly: (57) (1) 343 6600
La Fundation Santa Fe: (57) (1) 215 2300
Phone and internet connection
The International dialling code for Colombia is +57.
High speed internet connections are available in all large towns and cities, so you will easily be able to connect to the internet.
