New guidelines from the Ministry of Health

On December 10, 2021, the Ministry of Health and Social Protection, through Resolution 2085 of December 10, 2021, indicated the regulatory guidelines, that are binding on all foreigners in Colombia, however, and due to the end of the holiday season, and the return of employees to work,  it is important to specify the following, in order to avoid situations, upon entering the country taking into account the requirement of the vaccine card and vaccination scheme for the mobility of foreigners in Colombia.

Here are some general indicators to consider if this information is of interest to you or your company.

What is meant by Foreigner?

It is understood as those persons or individuals who are not included in the cases specified in article 8 of the Political Constitution of Colombia of 1991. Foreigners are classified as passers-by and domiciled. 

Passers-by are those who, being in Colombia, do not have a domicile in it and are called as domiciled, the foreigners residing in Colombian territory, with the express or presumed intention of remaining in the country, even migrants with M-type work visas.

About the Certification or Vaccine Card

All international travelers entering Colombia must present the certificate or vaccine card with a complete scheme, having a minimum of 14 days from the date the vaccination scheme was completed.

For foreigners with 18 years or older, non-residents in Colombia who do not have a complete vaccination schedule or who do not comply with the 14 days of having finished the scheme, they may enter the country by presenting a PCR test with a negative result issued no more than 72 hours before the date and time of shipment.

In the case of Colombians, foreigners residing in Colombia, diplomats, and their dependents with 18 years or more who do not meet the 14 days of having finished the scheme, they must present a PCR test with a negative result, issued no more than 72 hours before the date and time of shipment.

Those foreigners who come with a different visa than the resident visa (R Visa) who have not started a vaccination scheme may not be exempted from the vaccination requirement with a complete scheme, nor present proof as an alternative entry.

What the employer or foreigner with M Visashould take into account

Migration Colombia is requiring for entry into the country and mobility in it, the vaccine card, with at least the start of the vaccination scheme, when the vaccination scheme is not complete or has not been completed with a minimum of 14 days prior to boarding, they will have to present PCR proof for entry and mobility within Colombian territory.

If the worker with a type M visa does not have a certification or vaccine card because he/she has not yet started his/her respective scheme, Migration Colombia will not be able to allow his entry into the country, nor will he/she be able to allow the presentation of the PCR test as an alternative of entry.

Other provisions namely

-        This Resolution came into force on 14 December 2021.