Bottom line up front: Colombia is closer and easier to reach than most people assume. Miami to MedellĂn is just 3 hours. No visa is required for stays under 90 days. The country has excellent infrastructure for international patients. Here's your complete logistics guide — flights, entry requirements, money, communication, and getting around.
Flights: Closer Than You Think
Direct flights to Colombia are available from major US and Canadian cities. Flight times are comparable to domestic US flights from coast to coast.
| From | To MedellĂn (MDE) | To Bogotá (BOG) |
|---|---|---|
| Miami | ~3 hours (direct) | ~3.5 hours (direct) |
| Fort Lauderdale | ~3 hours (direct) | ~3.5 hours (direct) |
| New York (JFK) | ~5 hours (direct) | ~5.5 hours (direct) |
| Houston | ~4.5 hours (direct) | ~5 hours (direct) |
| Los Angeles | ~6 hours (direct) | ~6.5 hours (direct) |
| Toronto | ~5.5 hours (direct) | ~6 hours (direct) |
| Dallas | ~4.5 hours (direct) | ~5 hours (direct) |
Airlines serving these routes include Avianca, JetBlue, Spirit, LATAM, Copa, and American Airlines. Round-trip fares typically range from $250–$600 depending on timing and how far in advance you book.
Entry Requirements: No Visa Needed
Citizens of the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, the European Union, and Australia receive an automatic tourist stamp upon arrival — valid for up to 90 days. No visa application, no advance paperwork, no fees. You simply arrive with your passport (valid for at least 6 months beyond your travel dates), present your return flight confirmation, and walk through immigration.
If immigration asks about the purpose of your visit, "tourism" is the appropriate answer. Medical tourism falls under the tourism category for stays under 90 days — you do not need a special medical visa.
Money: Currency and Payment
Colombia's currency is the Colombian peso (COP). As of mid-2026, the exchange rate is approximately 4,000 COP to 1 USD. Here's how to handle money during your trip:
Your clinic will accept payment in USD (cash or card) or COP. For daily spending — restaurants, pharmacies, taxis, shopping — you'll use Colombian pesos. ATMs are widely available and dispense pesos. Use a debit card with no foreign transaction fees for the best rates. Notify your bank before traveling to avoid fraud holds on your card.
Money Tips
Bring $200–$300 USD in cash as backup. Use Uber or InDrive (both work excellently in MedellĂn and Bogotá) instead of street taxis — prices are transparent and rides are tracked. Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated — 10% at restaurants is standard. Pharmacies in Colombia carry most medications you might need during recovery at a fraction of US prices.
Communication: Phone and Internet
Buy a Colombian SIM card at the airport upon arrival — Claro and Movistar have kiosks in both MedellĂn and Bogotá airports. A prepaid SIM with data costs about $5–$15 for two weeks of service. Alternatively, most recovery houses and Airbnbs have reliable WiFi, and you can use WhatsApp (the primary communication app in Colombia) over WiFi without a local SIM.
Getting Around
Uber and InDrive are the easiest, safest, and most affordable transportation options. Both are widely used in all three major cities. Your recovery house or clinic will arrange airport pickup and transportation to medical appointments. For exploring during the later stages of your recovery, MedellĂn's metro system is modern, safe, and easy to navigate.
What to Tell Customs and Security
If you're traveling home with compression garments, surgical bandages, or prescription medications, keep copies of your prescriptions and a letter from your surgeon in your carry-on. TSA and international security are accustomed to medical travelers and compression garments are not flagged. If you had a BBL, bring your BBL pillow as carry-on — you'll need it for the flight.
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