How to be Prepared When Traveling to Bogota

How to be Prepared When Traveling to Bogota

Bogota is the happening capital of the wondrous Colombia. With an ideal climate and several fun-filled activities to thoroughly enjoy, it has garnered massive popularity among travelers. Ranging from museums to historical sites, the capital of Colombia offers several thrilling options to travelers to make the most of. If you are packing your bags to take a trip to this sunny city, it’s about time you get landing ready because a Colombia visa is not all that you need.

Lucky for you, in this article, we will give you a detailed insight into what documents you should have in hand once you land and what Covid protocols tourists are supposed to follow. So without wasting further time, let us get started:

Must Have All The Required Documents

Just like you visit any other country, you will need to have proper documents to present to the immigration officials once you land. For starters, you will need to present your valid passport, which you used when applying for your Pre Registration Form. You must make sure that it is valid for a good 6 months with at least two blank pages.

Moreover, if you are traveling from a country that requires a Colombian visa for entering the country, make sure you have it on you. Check natvisa.com if a visa is needed.

All of the documents mentioned above will have to be presented to the official authorities soon after you land. So, keep them on you and not in a bag or suitcase.

Traveling To Bogota During The Pandemic

Every country worldwide is following its own predefined covid-19 safety protocols when it comes to people traveling in and out of the country. However, you will find the Colombian Covid-19 protocol quite convenient.

The latest announcement by the Ministry of Health states that all international passengers don't need to have a negative Covid-19 test result. All you have to do is your Check-Mig registration 24 hours before your flight.

Not to forget, it is best to maintain a six-foot distance and keep a mask and hand sanitizer with you at all times for your own health and safety.

Natvisa Will Handle Your Documents

To travel to Colombia, travelers will need to get a Colombia Check-MIG form ready. It is essential to understand that this form is not a replacement for your visa. If the country you belong to requires a visa for entering Colombia, you will need to have Colombia Visa on hand to present to the immigration officials.

This is precisely where Natvisa comes in, simply log onto Natvisa.com and let the Natvisa team of experienced professionals get your paperwork ready hassle-free and in no time.

Now that we have the basics sorted, let us take a look at how much it costs for accommodation, meals, traveling, and which cheap options you can look out for because you need to have these things sorted before you get on the plane.

Cost of Accommodation in Bogota

When looking for accommodation options, the best choice is hostels that can cost as low as 10 to 12 dollars per night. If you prefer privacy, a private double room will cost you 28 dollars per night. However, with thorough hunting, you can find something for as low as 20 dollars a night.

If visiting the prominent tourist sites is on your list, you should stay in La Candelaria, where all the main attractions will be within walking distance. However, if you wish to stay in the city, it is highly recommended to stay in Chapinero or Zona Rosa to witness the city's happening nightlife.

Here Are The Food Cost Details

When it comes to food, there are plenty of eating options that you can choose from whether you are on a budget or not. There are plenty of options in Bogota when it comes to fast food, like an empanada for $0.50, ajiaco for $3, and an arepa for $0.70. Prominent fast-food chains such as McDonald’s costs around $5.50 for a full meal.

If you would rather enjoy a finer dine-in experience, an average restaurant will cost you around 7$ per the main course. Expect to pay $20 per course at a posh restaurant which will cost you $50-60 in total, including drinks.

When looking to stock up on essentials like snacks and beverages, OXXO stores which are open 24/7, are the perfect option. To stock up on groceries, the best place will be an Exito, where it will cost you around 15 to 25 US dollars for a week's worth.

Traveling In The City

Now let’s take a look at the different modes of travel that you can choose from:

  • Taxis: When it comes to traveling in Bogota, it is not advised to take a cab. Taxis aren't considered a safe means to travel for tourists. If you must take one, download the Easy Taxi or Tapsi app, which works just like Uber and is the safest way to travel by taxi.
  • Transmilenio: The most commonly used public transportation is the Transmilenio. It is a super-effective bus service that allows you to get to your desired location super-fast. To use this service, you need to first purchase a TuLlave card and top it up later.
  • Buses: Buses are operational throughout the day and night and have routes in and out of major cities. The most popular are the night buses, and it's always a good idea to book your ticket at least 24 hours before your travel, as these get fully booked quite fast.

One thing to remember when traveling by bus is that the rides usually take up to 3 hours more than the estimated time of arrival. If they say your bus will reach your destination at 9 am, you will most likely reach your spot around noon.

Final Thoughts

Traveling to Bogota will give you an excellent opportunity to explore the vast and rich culture that this happening city boasts. Whether you are visiting a historical site or strolling through the ever-so-busy streets, you are bound to have an exceptional time. Just remember to get your travel documents, including your Colombian visa, ready well before your traveling dates so that you embark on your trip hassle-free.