Llegar a un país nuevo es emocionante, pero primero debes pasar por inmigración. Esta parte del viaje puede ser un poco nerviosa, especialmente si no hablas mucho español. Los oficiales de inmigración son serios y su trabajo es proteger la seguridad de su país. Tu objetivo es responder a sus preguntas de forma clara y respetuosa. No necesitas hablar español perfectamente. Con algunas frases clave, puedes hacer que el proceso sea mucho más fácil. Tener tus documentos listos y saber cómo explicar el propósito de tu viaje muestra que eres un viajero preparado. Esta guía te ayudará a comunicarte con confianza y a empezar tu aventura sin problemas.
Good morning / Good afternoon.
Use this as a polite greeting when you approach the immigration officer's booth. It's important to be respectful.
Here is my passport.
Say this as you hand your passport to the officer. You can also use it for any other document they request, like a visa or ticket.
What is the purpose of your trip?
This is a question the officer will likely ask you. Be prepared to answer.
I am here for tourism / on vacation.
This is the most common and direct answer if you are a tourist. Keep your answer simple.
I'm here for work / for business.
Use this only if you are traveling for professional reasons and have the correct visa, if required.
How long will you be here?
Another very common question from the officer. Have your answer ready.
I am going to be here for two weeks / one month.
State the length of your trip clearly. It should match the information on your return ticket.
Where are you going to stay?
The officer wants to know your accommodation plans. Have the address or hotel name ready.
I'm staying in a hotel / in an Airbnb.
A simple answer about your lodging. It's helpful to have the reservation confirmation accessible on your phone or printed.
I am traveling alone.
Use 'solo' if you are male, 'sola' if you are female.
I am traveling with my family / my friends.
Use this if you are part of a group. The officer might ask to see their passports as well if you approach the counter together.
I don't understand. Can you repeat, please?
A crucial phrase if you don't understand a question. It's much better to ask for clarification than to guess.
I speak a little Spanish.
This helps manage expectations and often makes the officer more patient or willing to speak slowly.
Yes, I have a return ticket.
Officers often ask for proof you intend to leave the country. Have your return or onward flight information ready to show.
I have nothing to declare.
This is for the customs part of the process, after immigration. Use this if you are not bringing any restricted items into the country.
Thank you. Excuse me.
A polite way to end the interaction and move on. 'Permiso' is used when moving past someone or leaving.
A traveler approaches the immigration counter ('Control de Inmigración') at the international airport in Bogotá, Colombia.
Buenas tardes. Su pasaporte, por favor.
Good afternoon. Your passport, please.
Buenas tardes. Aquí tiene.
Good afternoon. Here you go.
¿Motivo del viaje?
Purpose of the trip?
Estoy de turismo.
I'm here for tourism.
Ajá. ¿Cuánto tiempo se queda en Colombia?
Uh-huh. How long are you staying in Colombia?
Tres semanas.
Three weeks.
¿Dónde se va a hospedar?
Where are you going to stay?
En un hotel en Medellín. Aquí tengo la reserva.
In a hotel in Medellín. I have the reservation here.
No es necesario. ¿Viaja solo?
It's not necessary. Are you traveling alone?
Sí, viajo solo.
Yes, I'm traveling alone.
Okay. Ponga el dedo índice derecho aquí, por favor.
Okay. Put your right index finger here, please.
Claro.
Of course.
Y mire a la cámara.
And look at the camera.
Listo.
Done.
Perfecto. Bienvenido a Colombia. Que disfrute.
Perfect. Welcome to Colombia. Enjoy.
Muchas gracias. Buen día.
Thank you very much. Have a good day.
Always use 'usted' with immigration, police, or any authority figure. Using the informal 'tú' can be perceived as disrespectful and might complicate the interaction. Stick to formal greetings like 'Buenos días' and polite phrases like 'por favor' and 'gracias'. Your goal is to be respectful and cooperative.
Keep your answers short, simple, and honest. Do not offer more information than what is asked. If the officer asks 'Motivo del viaje?', a simple 'Turismo' is a perfect answer. If you volunteer a long, complicated story, it might lead to more questions and potential confusion.
Have all your documents in one easily accessible place. This includes your passport, visa (if applicable), boarding pass, and proof of onward travel or return ticket. Fumbling through your bag makes you look unprepared. Many officials will want to see proof of your intention to leave the country, so having your return flight confirmation ready is very important.
Immigration and customs are two separate steps. First is immigration ('inmigración' or 'migración'), where they check your passport and right to enter. Second is customs ('aduana'), where they check your luggage for restricted items. You may receive a form on the plane for one or both of these; fill it out completely before you land.
Previously, you had to fill out a paper form called the FMM (Forma Migratoria Múltiple). Now, this is often digital, but you might still receive a portion of it to keep with your passport. Do not lose it. At customs ('aduana'), you may see a 'traffic light' system where you push a button. Green means you can pass; red means your luggage will be inspected.
As a Schengen Area entry point, Spanish immigration ('control de pasaportes') can be very strict with non-EU citizens. They frequently ask for proof of sufficient funds for your stay, a hotel reservation for at least the first few nights, and a confirmed return ticket. Be sure to have these documents printed or easily accessible on your phone.
Colombian immigration officials are very thorough with biometrics. You will almost certainly have your fingerprints and a photo taken at the counter. They are generally very polite and often end the interaction with a warm 'Bienvenido a Colombia'. The customs form is from the DIAN (Dirección de Impuestos y Aduanas Nacionales).
At immigration ('migraciones'), officers may ask for your profession ('¿A qué se dedica?' or '¿Cuál es su profesión?'). Be ready with a simple answer like 'Soy estudiante' (I'm a student) or 'Soy ingeniero' (I'm an engineer). Land border crossings can be very busy and slow. The customs declaration form ('declaración de aduana') is required for all travelers entering the country.
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