Planning a workation in Medellín? Or a business trip to Bogotá or Cartagena? Learn the essential information you and your employees need to work safely and compliantly while traveling in Colombia, including working conditions, safety and health regulations, tax treaties, social security, and more.
Capital city
Bogotá
Telephone code
+57
Official language
Spanish
Currency
Colombian Peso (COP)
Time zone
UTC-5
Social security compliance
When working remotely abroad, your employees may become subject to the social security scheme of the destination country, which means you, as an employer, would need to pay social security premiums accordingly. Colombia has entered into social security treaties with a few countries to prevent the payment of double social security premiums or non-insurance, available here.
To ensure your employees remain compliant with these treaties, they must possess a valid Certificate of Coverage (CoC) obtained from the relevant local authorities. For WorkFlex users, the CoC is issued automatically after a trip request is submitted. Discover our solution for efficient social security risk mitigation here.
Tax compliance
Colombia has signed multiple bilateral tax treaties to prevent double taxation and encourage foreign investment, available here. Despite the existence of many tax treaties, the issue of Permanent Establishment remains a significant compliance concern for employers with employees temporarily working in Colombia, whether for a workation or a business trip. If a traveling employee is deemed to constitute a Permanent Establishment in the destination country, the employer may be required to register the company locally, allocate profits to the local business (branch), and file corporate taxes, leading to substantial administrative burdens.
To avoid this scenario, here are some key strategies:
If your employees are traveling for a workation, they should refrain from negotiating or signing sales contracts during the trip. Additionally, they should avoid visiting clients or any office, including the employer's local office in the destination country. Following these guidelines will help mitigate the important compliance risk for the employer related to permanent establishment.
If your employees travel for business, it may be impossible to refrain from the activities above. In this case, please make sure to inform your (tax) compliance department of this matter. If you and your organization are a WorkFlex user, this topic is covered through the WorkFlex platform.
Overriding local employment provisions
Employees traveling to Colombia are expected to comply with some basic local employment provisions that may be qualified as overriding, such as minimum salary standards. See the recent information on minimum wage in Colombia here.
Visa
To work legally while in another country, employees generally need a valid work title. It's important to keep in mind that the consequences of entering without the proper documentation can be significant for both the employee and the employer.
For those planning work-from-anywhere trips to Colombia, here's a quick overview:
- Entry permit on arrival free for many nationalities for stays up to 90 days. Other nationalities must obtain visa through Colombian diplomatic missions before travel
- E-Visa: Not available
- Visa on Arrival: Not available
- Digital Nomad Visa: Available (Digital Nomad/Remote Worker Visa)
- Electronic Authorization: Not required
Need trip-specific visa information? Check out WorkFlex Visa Navigator.
For those planning business trips to Colombia:
- Entry permit on arrival free for many nationalities for business visits up to 90 days
- Business visa through embassy required for: Nationalities not eligible for entry permit; Stays longer than 90 days; Specific business activities beyond meetings and conferences
- E-Visa: Not available
- Visa on Arrival: Not available
- Electronic Authorization: Not required
Need trip-specific visa information? Check out WorkFlex Visa Navigator.
Working hours
Most employees in Colombia work from Monday to Friday, with a standard workweek consisting of 48 hours. The typical workday usually starts between 8:00 AM and 9:00 AM and ends between 5:00 PM and 6:00 PM, including a lunch break of about 1-2 hours.
To remain compliant during your trip abroad, here are some suggestions to follow:
- Avoid working overtime: Regulations regarding overtime can differ significantly and may be much stricter compared to those in your home country.
- Refrain from working outside regular hours: The rules surrounding working outside regular hours may vary and could be stricter than in your home country.
- Do not work on weekends: If the weekend days differ from those in your home country, please avoid working on both your regular weekend days and the local weekend days.
Public holidays
- January 1: New Year's Day
- January 6: Epiphany
- St. Joseph's Day (date varies, March)
- Holy Thursday (date varies)
- Good Friday (date varies)
- May 1: Labor Day
- Ascension Day (date varies)
- Corpus Christi (date varies)
- Sacred Heart (date varies)
- June 29: St. Peter and St. Paul Day
- July 20: Independence Day
- August 7: Battle of Boyacá Day
- August 15: Assumption Day
- October 12: Columbus Day
- November 1: All Saints' Day
- November 11: Independence of Cartagena
- December 8: Immaculate Conception
- December 25: Christmas Day
Note: When holidays fall on a Sunday, they are usually observed the following Monday.
Depending on the region you're visiting, there may be additional region-specific public holidays. For more information about these holidays, please check here.
To comply with labor laws, please refrain from working on national or regional holidays during your trip. These days hold significant importance for locals and provide a great opportunity for you to blend in and celebrate with the community.
Working activities
When considering travel for work purposes—whether for a workation or a business trip—it is crucial to understand the implications of Permanent Establishment (PE) and associated tax risks. PE is a significant compliance concern for companies and can become costly due to the administrative burden if the compliance requirements for employees working abroad are not properly managed. To help mitigate these risks, here are a few guidelines to follow.
If you are traveling for a workation, please:
- Refrain from negotiating or signing sales contracts during your trip.
- Avoid visiting clients or any office, including your employer's local office in the destination country.
Following these guidelines will help mitigate the important compliance risks related to Permanent Establishment for your employer.
If you are a business traveler, it may be difficult to avoid the activities mentioned above. In this case, please ensure you inform your employer's compliance department about this matter. If you and your organization are WorkFlex users, this topic is addressed through the WorkFlex platform.
Data protection
Data protection is fundamentally about keeping our information safe from unauthorized access, breaches, theft, or damage. This responsibility is important for everyone, regardless of where they are working.
When employees work temporarily from abroad, data protection involves ensuring continued coverage and compliance with the data protection regulations of both, the home country and the destination country. Colombia has implemented Articles 15 and 20 of its Constitution, as well as Habeas Data Law (Law 1581 of 2012). Their level of regulation and enforcement is characterized as moderate. That means the legal framework provides adequate data protection but may lack comprehensive scope, enforcement, or detail. While key areas are covered, certain sectors or practices remain less regulated, learn more about it here.
For WorkFlex users, a comprehensive list of data protection activities is available in the profile, but here are some general data protection guidelines to keep your data safe:
- Adhere to Your Company's Internal Data Policies: Familiarize yourself with and follow your organization’s specific data protection protocols.
- Use Secure Network Connections: Always connect through secure networks, especially when accessing sensitive information.
- Be Aware of Phishing: Stay vigilant against phishing attempts by verifying the authenticity of emails and messages before clicking on any links.
- Utilize Strong Passwords and Multi-Factor Authentication: Create complex passwords and enable multi-factor authentication for an added layer of security.
- Keep Your Devices in a Secure Location: Always store your devices in safe places to prevent unauthorized access.
- Lock Your Screen Whenever Applicable: Ensure your screen is locked when you're away from your device to protect your information.
Travel health insurance
When traveling to Colombia for work—whether for a short business trip or an extended workation—it's essential to have comprehensive health insurance coverage to ensure access to medical care.
For business trips, the employer typically arranges the employee's travel health insurance. However, for workations, these responsibilities can be less clear. WorkFlex takes care of travel health insurance for trips worldwide to ensure there are no costly consequences for either the employee or the employer if accidents occur while working abroad.
For travelers using WorkFlex
If you’re traveling with WorkFlex, comprehensive health insurance is automatically included if your employer has activated this feature. For more details, please refer to your trip request on the WorkFlex platform.
For other travelers
Ensure you have travel health insurance with worldwide coverage, whether for a workation or business trip, so that you can receive adequate medical treatment in case of an emergency.
Urgent safety information
For travelers using WorkFlex:
Please refer to your trip's risk assessment under the "Health and Security" dimension to review any urgent security information relevant to your travel.
For other travelers:
Please visit official authority websites to check for any current threats or urgent security advisories:
General recommendations
Travel is strongly discouraged to the following departments and areas, except for daytime travel on main roads between major cities:
- Norte de Santander
- Arauca (except the capital)
- Vichada (except Puerto Carreño)
- Guainía (except Puerto Inírida)
- Guaviare (except San José del Guaviare)
- Caquetá (except Florencia)
- Eastern and southern parts of Meta (except Caño Cristales)
- Putumayo (except Mocoa)
- Nariño (except Pasto and Ipiales border crossing)
- Cauca
- Western parts of Valle del Cauca (including Buenaventura and Jamundí)
- Chocó (except the coastal strip between Utría National Park and Punta Arusi)
- Rural regions in northern Antioquia
- Southern Córdoba and Bolívar
- Travel to immediate border areas with Venezuela is also discouraged.
Terrorism
- Security concerns: Violence persists despite peace talks with FARC dissidents and ELN. Criminal and guerrilla groups are active, particularly in rural border regions with Venezuela and Ecuador.
- Activities: These groups are involved in drug trafficking, extortion, kidnappings, and other criminal activities.
- Tourist impact: Tourists are not directly targeted, but collateral risks exist.
Recommendations:
- Stay alert in crowded places and during special events.
- Follow global security warnings and avoid rural, sparsely populated, and border areas.
Domestic political situation
- Demonstrations, protests, and strikes can disrupt traffic and sometimes turn violent.
- Border regions may experience road blockades and occasional clashes.
Recommendations:
- Avoid demonstrations and large gatherings.
- Stay informed via local media and follow security force instructions.
Landmine danger
- Landmines remain a serious risk in rural areas and near borders. Straying off roads can be deadly.
- Booby traps targeting military patrols may inadvertently harm civilians.
Recommendations:
- Avoid leaving paved roads outside urban areas.
- Refer to resources like DescontaminaColombia for updates on landmine risks.
Crime
- General crime: High rates of street theft, home burglaries, and violent crimes, particularly after dark, even in tourist hotspots.
- Taxi risks: Express kidnappings and robberies during taxi rides are a concern, especially with street-hailed taxis.
- Drug-related risks: Knockout drugs and scams are common in Bogotá and other cities, especially targeting tourists.
Safety tips:
- Avoid deserted areas after dark and travel with companions.
- Do not resist robberies to reduce personal risk.
- Store documents securely and maintain digital backups.
- Use cashless payments and only carry minimal cash.
- Opt for app-based taxi services (e.g., Uber, Cabify) or authorized taxi stands.
- Avoid accepting food or drinks from strangers, and don’t leave personal items unattended.
- Be cautious of unsolicited communications or offers. Verify their legitimacy or contact the police if needed.
- Do not transport luggage for strangers and always check your own luggage contents.
The climate in Colombia varies depending on the region:
Bogotá (2,640m altitude)
- Year-round spring-like climate: 9°C to 20°C (48°F to 68°F)
- Frequent rain showers
- Cool nights
Medellín (1,495m altitude)
- "City of Eternal Spring"
- Average 22°C (72°F) year-round
- Mild temperatures
- Regular afternoon showers
Caribbean Coast (Cartagena)
- Hot and humid
- Temperatures 25°C to 32°C (77°F to 90°F)
- Dry season: December to April
- Rainy season: May to November
Airports
El Dorado International Airport (BOG)
- Location: Bogotá.
- When to use: The busiest airport in Colombia, with international and domestic flights.
José María Córdova International Airport (MDE)
- Location: Medellín.
- When to use: Major international hub, particularly for flights to Central America.
Rafael Núñez International Airport (CTG)
- Location: Cartagena.
- When to use: Popular for flights to and from the Caribbean region.
Train stations
Colombia does not have an extensive railway network, so traveling by bus or car is more common.
Ride-hailing services
- Uber
- Didi
Public transportation
- In large cities like Bogotá and Medellín, buses and the TransMilenio (in Bogotá) offer extensive public transport options.
- Smaller cities may have limited services, with taxis or cars being the primary mode of transport.