medtourism.guide

Travelling to Colombia for treatment

How do I get there?

For Bogotá, consult El Dorado International Airport. For Medellín's international arrivals, consult José María Córdova Airport, in Rionegro. Ask the clinic to confirm the treatment location and transfer arrangements before booking.

Do I need a visa?

Colombia's Foreign Ministry visa information links the nationality exemptions and permitted visit categories. For ordinary short visits:

The UK government's entry advice describes an initial stay of up to 90 days and a maximum visitor stay of 180 days in 12 months, subject to immigration permission. It says Check-Mig can speed entry and is not mandatory; use Migración Colombia's official form, not a paid intermediary.

Colombia offers a V medical-treatment visa for patients and accompanying people. It requires treatment and financial documentation. Ask the consulate whether your nationality and proposed treatment qualify for a visa exemption or require this route.

Before departure, read Canada's travel advice for Colombia, US travel advice for Colombia, UK travel advice for Colombia and the European Commission's gateway to EU national travel advice.

How do clinics usually take payment?

Clínica Odontológica Dacosta says its quotes are in Colombian pesos and lists cash and credit cards. It also advertises financing through named local providers; ask whether that financing is available to a non-resident.

Confirm the deposit, refund policy, exchange costs and any tax in writing. Ask whether scans, laboratory work and later treatment stages are included, rather than comparing headline prices alone.

What language and documents do I need?

Dacosta states that it provides Spanish–English care for international patients. ALMO Clinic has English patient information and describes translation support. Confirm the language of clinical records and consent forms.

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises patients to bring relevant medical records, test results, prescriptions and a medication list, and to tell the receiving team about allergies. It also advises obtaining complete records before returning home and arranging any necessary English translation.

Ask for a medical or dental report, an itemised invoice, prescriptions and a follow-up contact. If an implant or other device is used, request its identifying details and the operative record so your clinician at home knows what was placed.

Who can I complain to?

Supersalud's official guidance explains online petitions and complaints. Follow the patient-service complaint route and retain the submission reference. The interface is in Spanish; ask about English submissions. For a private clinic's operating authorisation, ask the territorial health authority which body is responsible.

How to check a doctor's licence in Colombia: our guide.

How long do people stay?

ALMO Clinic's Bogotá FAQ publishes examples of 3–5 days for minor surgery and 7–14 days for major procedures, with a case-specific schedule. Those are the clinic's estimates and should not be applied to another provider or operation.

The CDC's medical-travel guidance says flying after surgery can increase clot risk and discusses delaying air travel 10–14 days after major surgery, especially chest procedures. This is general official guidance; ask the treating team and airline about your own return journey.

What should I know about the place?

Official tourism initiatives in Bogotá and Medellín describe medical travel as part of their visitor economies, including access to specialised care. These initiatives do not rank or endorse the providers named in this guide.

Checked on 24 October 2026.

Treatment in Colombia