Check-MIG is a simple form, but travelers have many questions about it. This FAQ answers the most common questions about Check-MIG Colombia – from cost and timing to children, transit, and troubleshooting. If you have a question about Check-MIG, chances are the answer is here.
What Is Check-MIG and Is It Free?
Check-MIG is a digital health and migration declaration form required by Migracion Colombia for all travelers arriving by air. It was introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic and has since become a permanent requirement.
Yes, Check-MIG is 100 percent free. There is no fee, no payment required, and no credit card needed. The form is submitted through the official government website at checkmig.migracioncolombia.gov.co.
Beware of third-party websites that look official but charge fees to complete Check-MIG on your behalf. These are not affiliated with the Colombian government. You do not need to pay anyone to complete Check-MIG – you can do it yourself in 10 to 15 minutes.
For the full overview, see our complete Check-MIG guide.
Do I Need Check-MIG for Connecting Flights?
This depends on whether you leave the international transit area of the Colombian airport.
Check-MIG required if:
- You need to collect and re-check your baggage
- You are leaving the international transit area
- Your layover requires you to pass through immigration
- Your airline requires it for all passengers landing in Colombia
Check-MIG may not be required if:
- You remain in the international transit zone
- Your baggage is checked through to your final destination
- You are not passing through immigration
Recommendation: When in doubt, complete Check-MIG. It takes minutes and eliminates any risk of being denied boarding on a connecting flight. Airlines have varying policies, and some require Check-MIG for all passengers whose itinerary touches Colombia.
Can I Edit My Check-MIG After Submitting?
No, there is no edit function once Check-MIG is submitted. However, the workaround is simple: submit a new form.
The system uses your passport number and flight date as the unique identifier. When you submit a new form with the same passport number and the same (or updated) flight details, the most recent submission replaces the previous one. The old QR code is invalidated automatically.
This means if you notice a typo after submitting – wrong passport digit, misspelled email, outdated flight number – simply go back to the website and fill out a new form with the correct information.
Is Check-MIG the Same as a Visa?
No. Check-MIG and visas are completely separate processes:
| Feature | Check-MIG | Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Health/migration declaration | Entry authorization |
| Required for | All air travelers | Travelers from certain countries |
| Cost | Free | Varies by type |
| Processing time | Instant | Days to weeks |
| Where to apply | checkmig.migracioncolombia.gov.co | Colombian consulate or online portal |
Check-MIG does not grant or deny entry to Colombia. It is a declaration form. Your visa (if required) or visa-free entry stamp is what authorizes you to enter. You need both Check-MIG and valid entry authorization.
What if My Flight Is Changed After Submitting Check-MIG?
If your flight number or departure date changes after you complete Check-MIG, you should submit a new form with the updated details.
The original Check-MIG is tied to the specific flight number and date you entered. If those details are wrong at check-in, the airline may question your form.
Steps:
- Go to the Check-MIG website
- Fill out a new form with the correct flight information
- Use the same passport number and personal details
- Submit and save the new QR code
The new submission automatically overrides the old one. No need to cancel or delete the previous submission.
Do Children Need Check-MIG?
Yes. Every traveler entering Colombia by air needs their own Check-MIG, regardless of age. This includes infants and toddlers.
- Each child needs their own passport
- Each child needs their own Check-MIG submission
- Parents or guardians complete the form on behalf of minors
- The email for the confirmation can be the parent’s email
For a family of four (two adults, two children), that means four separate Check-MIG submissions. Each person gets their own QR code.
Tip: When traveling with children, complete all four (or more) forms in one sitting. Have all passports and flight details ready. It takes about 30 minutes for a family of four.
What Language Is Check-MIG Available In?
Check-MIG is available in Spanish and English. You can switch between languages using the language selector on the website.
The form defaults to Spanish. Look for the language toggle (usually a flag icon or dropdown) at the top of the page to switch to English.
Important: Regardless of which language you use to fill out the form, the information you enter should be in Latin characters (English alphabet). Names should match your passport exactly. Do not translate your name – use the version printed on your passport.
Can I Fill Out Check-MIG at the Airport?
Yes, technically you can complete Check-MIG on your phone at the airport, but this is not recommended as your primary plan.
If you must do it at the airport:
- Use airport WiFi or mobile data
- Navigate to the official .gov.co website on your phone
- Have your passport and flight details handy
- Submit at least 1 hour before your flight
- Save the QR code immediately
Why this is risky:
- Airport WiFi can be slow or require a login portal
- Form errors at the last minute create stress
- Some airports have spotty reception in check-in areas
- Airlines strictly enforce the 1-hour-before-departure deadline
Better approach: Complete Check-MIG the evening before your flight. Your QR code will be ready and saved, and you can focus on the actual travel day without added tasks.
Is Check-MIG Related to COVID-19?
Check-MIG was originally created in 2020 as a COVID-19 health screening tool. However, it has since evolved and is now a permanent migration requirement.
Current status (2025):
- COVID-19 testing is no longer required for entry
- COVID-19 vaccination is no longer required for entry
- The health questions on Check-MIG are minimal (general symptoms screening)
- The form is used primarily for migration tracking and epidemiological surveillance
The Colombian government chose to keep Check-MIG after the pandemic because it digitizes the migration process and provides valuable data for health monitoring. Think of it as a digital version of the old paper arrival card that many countries still use.
What if the Website Is Down?
Website outages are rare but can happen, especially during peak holiday periods when submission volume is high.
Troubleshooting steps:
- Wait 15-30 minutes and try again
- Try a different browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari)
- Disable VPN if active
- Clear your browser cache and cookies
- Try a different device (phone vs laptop)
- Switch from WiFi to mobile data or vice versa
If the website is down and your flight is within hours:
- Inform your airline check-in counter
- Airlines have processes for handling Check-MIG system outages
- Complete the form as soon as the website becomes available
- Keep evidence (screenshot of error message) in case you need to explain the delay
Outages during peak periods (December holidays, July-August) are typically brief – 15 to 60 minutes. Plan ahead by completing Check-MIG the day before your flight.
Can I Submit Check-MIG for Someone Else?
Yes. Another person can fill out Check-MIG on your behalf. The form does not require the traveler to personally log in, sign digitally, or verify identity through biometrics.
The person filling out the form needs:
- The traveler’s passport number and personal details
- The flight information
- The accommodation address in Colombia
- An email address for receiving the confirmation
This is particularly helpful for:
- Parents completing forms for minor children
- Travel companions helping each other
- Travel agents assisting clients
- Elderly travelers who need assistance with online forms
How Many Times Can I Submit Check-MIG?
There is no limit to how many times you can submit Check-MIG. You can resubmit as many times as needed to correct errors, update flight details, or replace a lost confirmation.
The system always uses the most recent submission for your passport number and flight date. Previous submissions are automatically replaced.
How many per trip: One submission per entry. If you fly from Miami to Bogota, that is one entry (one Check-MIG). If you then fly from Bogota to Panama City and back to Bogota, that second arrival needs a new Check-MIG.
What Information Does Check-MIG Collect?
The form collects four categories of information:
1. Personal identification:
- Full name, date of birth, gender, nationality, passport number, email
2. Travel details:
- Airline, flight number, seat number, departure date, origin city
3. Accommodation:
- First-night hotel or residence address in Colombia
4. Health declaration:
- Current symptoms (yes/no)
- Recent contact with communicable disease (yes/no)
The form does NOT collect:
- Payment information
- Vaccination records
- Employment details
- Financial information
- Biometric data
Do I Need to Print Check-MIG?
No, a printed copy is not required. Immigration and airlines can scan the QR code from your phone screen.
However, carrying a printed backup is a sensible precaution:
- Phone battery could die during a long travel day
- Technical glitches can prevent QR display
- Some travelers feel more secure with paper backup
Backup strategy: Screenshot the QR code on your phone + download the email PDF + optional paper print. This gives you three ways to present your confirmation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Check-MIG is a simple but mandatory step for traveling to Colombia. The most important things to remember: it is free, it takes 10 to 15 minutes, and you should save your QR code in multiple ways. For the step-by-step process, visit our How to Apply for Check-MIG guide.
