The Colombian government issued the customs regime in Decree 1165 of 2019. This rule was published in the Official Gazette No. 51.002 of July 2, 2019, consequently, under article 775, it enter into force on August 1 of the same year.
The rules governing the transport of merchandise by travelers entering Colombia from abroad are articles 266 to 287 of the new decree. These rules are enforced by Customs officials (DIAN), and state:
1. Merchandise:
Travelers can enter unlimited and without declaring their personal effects. These are defined in Article 3 as follows:
“They are all new or used items that a traveler or a crew member may need for their personal use in the course of the trip, taking into account the circumstances of the trip, that are in their accompanied or unaccompanied baggage, or carry them on themselves or in their hand luggage, excluding any merchandise that constitutes commercial delivery”.
On the other hand, there is merchandise different of personal effects, which can be entered with a limitation it can not exceed ten (10) units of the same class because after that number it is considered commercial delivery and this is not allowed in this type of goods importation.
For cell phones, Decree 2025 of 2015 establishes:
“Smart mobile phones and mobile cell phones may be imported when the traveler takes them with him at the time of entry into the national customs territory and which are part of his personal effects, in quantity not exceeding three (3) units”.
2. Quotas:
There are two types of quotas of merchandise different from personal effects that a traveler can bring to Colombia:
a) Import without duty (no taxes, no declaration required): This means that you can enter any merchandise other than personal effects, that does not exceed 10 items of the same class and with a value limit of USD 2000 in total for all the goods to bring.
b) With the payment of the single tax: The traveler who meets certain conditions, can enter USD 3000 more in goods, paying a single tax of 15% on the value of this, conditions:
i. Have stayed abroad for at least five (5) days.
ii. Cannot exceed three (3) additional units of each of the following goods: articles for domestic use whether or not electric, sporting goods, items necessary for the profession, art, or craft.
iii. Othe types of items up to ten (10) units of the same class of other articles for personal or family use.
iv. Have declared these products correctly in the form provided for it by Customs.
v. Be performed by the same person, only once each year.
The quotas are individual and non-transferable. For minors, they are reduced by 50%.
3. Declaration:
The customs authority (DIAN) prepared a declaration format that would be one per family group traveling together, but the quotas indicated are still individual.
It is not mandatory to declare the merchandise with no duty (quota a), but declaring the merchandise with payment of the single tax (quota b) is mandatory to be entitled to this benefit.
The payment of the single tax of 15% has to be made in the financial institutions authorized by the DIAN in the ports, airports, or border crossings.
4. Goods not allowed:
The entry of transport material described in Chapters 86, 87, 88, and 89 of the Colombian Customs Tariff is forbidden, except:
8712.00.00.00 Bicycles and other velocipedes (including delivery tricycles), without an engine.
8713.10.00.00 Wheelchairs and other vehicles for disabled people, without propulsion mechanism
8713.90.00.00 Other wheel seats and other vehicles for disabled people, whether or not having an engine or other propulsion mechanism
8715. 00.10.00 Cars, chairs, and similar vehicles for the transport of children
5. Non-compliance consequences:
If merchandise subject to the single tax is not declared it will be confiscated.
If the merchandise subject to the single tax is declared but does not meet the established conditions, customs (DIAN) will transfer the merchandise to a warehouse to its ordinary importation with all the duties and requirements applicable in Colombia, for which the traveler needs to have all the necessary documentation otherwise, he must leave it in abandonment.
6. Additional Aspects.
The products purchased in the Duty-Free, are part of the indicated quotas.
Pets cannot exceed the established product numbers and must take into account the requirements of the animal health authority in Colombia: ICA.
Money and securities must follow the rules established by the Bank of the Republic.
7. Final notes.
It is very important that the traveler entering Colombia is informed of these rules and meets the conditions to avoid problems and delays in case of a random check of luggage.
The customs have the power to demand the invoices of the products to be able to determine their value, so we recommend keeping them to facilitate the processes.
Text in Spanish in: https://www.decconsultores.com/mercanciaviajeros/
Hello I will be traveling to Colombia soon and wanted to bring some software developers that work for my company computers. Is there a limit to what I can bring?
Hi Betty, could you clarify what you mean by ‘bringing software developers’? Are you referring to bringing workers to Colombia to develop software for your company, or are you talking about bringing in some kind of tool or equipment for that purpose?
I am traveling to Colombia and want to bring gifts to friends like beef jerky, small amounts of alcohol, jewelry. Is this allowed?
Yes, you can bring beef jerky, small amounts of alcohol, and jewelry to Colombia, but there are some important considerations to ensure compliance with customs regulations:
Beef Jerky (or other food items):
You can bring food items, but they must comply with health and safety requirements. It is generally not recommended to bring perishable or unpackaged food products. Proper vacuum-sealed and packaged items are less likely to be restricted, but certain restrictions could apply based on agricultural safety standards.
Alcohol:
You are allowed to bring up to 10 bottles of alcohol as long as their total value does not exceed USD 2,000 (this falls under the tax-free import allowance). If you exceed this value, you would need to declare the items and pay a 15% tax under the special import rules.
Jewelry:
Personal jewelry you are wearing does not count against your allowance. If you are bringing extra jewelry as gifts, its total value should also not exceed USD 2,000. Additionally, ensure the jewelry is not categorized as gold or precious stones for commercial purposes, as these may require special import procedures.
Lastly, always keep receipts or proof of purchase to demonstrate the value of the goods if customs requests documentation. If the total combined value of all items you are bringing exceeds USD 2,000, you’ll need to declare the goods and might pay applicable duties.
Can I bring in an electric Bicycle worth less than $2000
No, you cannot bring an electric bicycle into Colombia under the traveler’s merchandise allowance. According to Colombian customs regulations, the importation of transportation equipment, as listed in Chapters 86, 87, 88, and 89 of the Customs Tariff, is prohibited under the traveler’s import regime. This includes electric bicycles.
However, you may import a regular bicycle without a motor under the tariff code 8712.00.00.00.
If you wish to bring an electric bicycle, you would need to follow the standard import procedures, which involve paying duties and complying with customs regulations for regular imports.
May I bring a bicycle part (used) for a friend?
Hi, yes without a motor
Can I bring a 3 month supply of Nutrafol hair growth capsules to Colombia for my friend?
So yes, bringing 3 bottles of Nutrafol is totally fine under the traveler’s regime — no need to declare, no taxes. If you were bringing larger quantities or multiple supplement types, you’d need to be careful not to exceed the unit or value limits (10 units and USD 2.000). Otherwise, you’d have to declare and pay the 15% single duty, or possibly face customs retention.
can I bring mole from Mexico to colombia on a glass container
can i bring a laptop and an ipad to give as a gift to a colombia resident? The combined cost to me is about 1900. usd
Yes, you can bring a laptop and an iPad to Colombia as gifts, with a combined value of $1,900 USD, but there are some key rules to keep in mind:
What you can bring without declaring or paying taxes: You fall within the “franquicia” (duty-free) limit for travelers: a)Total value limit: Up to USD 2,000 of non-personal items (gifts, etc.) without declaring or paying taxes. b) Quantity limit: No more than 10 items of the same type. Both the laptop and the iPad are different types of items, so you’re good on quantity.
Important Tips: a) Keep purchase receipts in case customs asks for proof of value. b) Make sure that the devices are not intended for resale; otherwise, it could be considered a commercial shipment, which is not allowed under the traveler’s regime. You do not need to declare the items at customs if you stay under the $2,000 limit and bring no more than 10 units per type.
Consequences if you exceed: If you exceed these limits without declaring, the items may be seized by DIAN (Colombian customs) and you could face fines.
So as long as you’re just bringing one laptop and one iPad, you’re within the allowed range and shouldn’t face any issues. Let me know if you’re carrying anything else or have other items you want to bring!
I’ve purchased a 2nd hand mobile phone from UK CEX, which has its serial No and IMEI No. To send to my friend in columbia, I’ve used DHL parcel force. I paid for insurance in case it’s lost. I enclosed copy of purchase order from CEX SHOWING SERIAL NO AND IMEI. WHICH WAS £790,but stuck at customs, to do with decree 2142 of 2016. Which I don’t understand process and costs.
Your shipment is being held by Colombian customs under Decree 2142 of 2016, which requires that imported mobile phones sent by mail include the IMEI number and their customs tariff classification (clasificación arancelaria). If these requirements are not met—or if the phone is used, not homologated, or exceeds allowed limits—the authorities may apply seizure (decomiso) of the item under customs regulations. Noncompliance with proper documentation or conditions automatically subjects the shipment to confiscation by the DIAN.
I am a competitive shooter in the US. I am traveling for work (Computer/Supply Chain) to Bogota Colombia. I wanted to check my luggage and bring my VR plastic gun for training at the hotel. It is weighted all white and does not shoot any projectiles and has an orange tip but looks very realistic except for the top where the joystick goes? Is it allowed?
Bringing a realistic-looking training or replica gun—even a non-functional plastic one like your VR training pistol—into Colombia can be problematic and is generally not recommended without prior authorization.
Can I bring my TV box (fire stick like android box) cost me 200 usd and is basically a Amazon fire stick with antennas to pick up wifi.
Yes, you can bring your Android TV box (similar to a Fire Stick) to Colombia as part of your personal belongings. Since it’s valued at $200 USD and intended for personal use, it falls within the duty-free allowance under Decree 1165 of 2019. Just make sure to bring only one unit (not more than 10 of the same kind) and keep your purchase receipt in case customs requests proof of value and check if you bring other goods that can affect the USD 2000 duty-free limit.
Can I bring mexican salsas into colombian territory? If so, are there any restrictions to this?
Yes, you can bring Mexican salsas into Colombia, but there are restrictions: They must be for personal consumption, not commercial use (not over 10 bottles), you should bring no more than 10 units of the same type, per Decree 1165 of 2019. Salsas must be sealed, labeled, and properly packaged.
Can I bring 3 lbs of beef tenderloin vacuum packed? I know it’s hard to find good quality beef in Colombia.
You may bring 3 lbs of vacuum-packed beef tenderloin to Colombia for personal use, as long as:
It’s within the value limit of USD 2,000 and not more than 10 units of the same kind.
It is properly vacuum-sealed and labeled.
However, Colombian agricultural authorities (ICA) may still confiscate it due to sanitary restrictions on meat products. It’s not recommended to bring perishable food by air.
Hi,
I want to bring some Silver jewellery (without any precious stones), like rings, chains, pendants, bracelets, etc as gifts. So in total all the collective may exceed 10 and value will be less than USD 2000.
My questions are
a. The limit of 10 units , How is it considered, is it like 10 Silver Rings or Total 10 Silver Jewellery (all types)
b. Should it be declared to Customs , if the value is less than USD 2000
Here are clear answers to your two questions based on Colombian customs regulations (Decree 1165 of 2019):
a. Limit of 10 units — how is it counted?
The limit applies to each type or class of item. So, you can bring up to 10 silver rings, 10 chains, 10 pendants, 10 bracelets, etc., as long as no single category exceeds 10 units. This rule helps prevent it from being classified as a commercial import.
b. Should it be declared if under USD 2000?
No, if the total value is under USD 2,000 and no single category exceeds 10 items, you do not need to declare it. It qualifies for duty-free entry under the “importación con franquicia” (non-taxable import by travelers). Just keep receipts to prove value if requested by customs.
Can I bring two home-baked pecan pies to Columbia? Brian, California
Hi Brian — bringing two home-baked pecan pies into Colombia is not recommended, and likely not allowed under Colombian customs and sanitary regulations. We don´t recommend it.
Hi Néstor,
My wife and I have an extra set of power tools that we’d like to bring to Colombia.
My wife owns an apartment in Colombia.
There might be 10-20 power tools in total, including drills, grinders, impact wrenches. Maybe 1-2 of each type. Maybe 4 batteries and 4 chargers. Normal hand-held 18 Volt power tools you would see on any construction site, and buy from Bunnings / Homecenter.
The power tools are NOT in their original retail packaging.
Some of the power tools have a bit of wear and tear, and others appear to be in excellent condition.
My wife is Colombian.
I am an Australian, entering as a Visitor.
In case it matters, I have previously (twice) had Migrante class M visas (based on marriage to a Colombian). Both visas have expired.
Who’s suitcase would be best to put the power tools in?
-If in my wife’s suitcase:
1. Will she be forced to pay taxes/duties on tools we have already own, and have already paid sales tax on (“GST”) to the Australian government?
-If in my suitcase:
1. Will I be forced to pay taxes/duties? [as per the previous question]
2. Even though the baggage scanner at Customs is AFTER you have already passed through Immigration… can Customs cause me problems with the Visitor visa? Could Customs deem me to be a “Worker” rather than a “Visitor”?
All we want to do is bring over our extra power tools and leave them in our apartment in Colombia.
Thank you very much for your time. Reading your website has been a great resource.
Sincerely,
JJ
Yes, you can bring your personal, previously used power tools into Colombia for non-commercial use, as long as: You bring no more than 10 units of the same type (e.g., 10 drills would not be allowed), per person. The total value does not exceed USD $2,000 (for tax-free entry). If the total value of the tools exceeds USD $2,000, Colombian customs no longer considers them duty-free personal items. Instead, they fall into a second category under the traveler’s regime, where: You must declare the items at customs. You are required to pay a flat tax of 15% on the value exceeding USD $2,000 (as per Article 275, Decree 1165 of 2019). This is known as the “tributo único”, and it only applies once per traveler per year.
I travel from Florida to Colombia 4 times a year. Can I bring in less then $2000 in goods and 10 items of splash, Cream, and other items each time? I will also keep the receipts.
Yes, you can bring less than $2,000 USD in goods and up to 10 units per type of item (like splash, creams, etc.) each time you travel to Colombia, without paying taxes or declaring them. This is allowed under the traveler’s exemption, as long as the items are for personal or family use and do not exceed 10 units per type. Keeping the receipts is recommended in case customs asks for proof of value.
Hi Néstor,
I need to hand carry 5 Macbooks ($1900 each) into the Medellín airport from the USA, and issue them to our local employees. Would I simply fill out a DIAN form, and pay the VAT at the airport? What is the method of payment at the airport? Thanks for helping everyone too! This is a great page of information.
Thanks for your kind words! Regarding your 5 MacBooks: unfortunately, under Colombia’s traveler regime, this would not be allowed. Although their total value (USD 9,500) could potentially fall within the USD 3,000 cupo with 15% tax, you’re only permitted up to 3 units of the same type of good. Bringing 5 is considered a commercial shipment, which is not permitted via this method.
To do this correctly, you’d need to import them through regular customs procedures (not as traveler luggage), and likely work with a customs agent. Payment at the airport (when applicable) is via authorized financial entities, but again—it wouldn’t apply here due to exceeding the unit limit.
Can I bring a soft toy into Colombia for my great niece just been born?
Yes, you can bring a soft toy to Colombia for your great niece. It qualifies as a personal or family-use item and is permitted under the traveler’s allowance, as long as the total value of all non-personal goods doesn’t exceed USD 2,000 and you’re not carrying more than 10 items of the same kind. Just make sure it’s clearly a gift and not part of a commercial shipment.
Can I bring more than $10,000.00 US dollars if I declare it upon arrival? Is there a limit on the amount I can take?
Yes, you can bring more than $10,000 USD into Colombia if you declare it upon arrival using Formulario 530.
There is no limit, but undeclared amounts over $10,000 can be seized and fined.
Can I bring 2 brand new iphones into Colombia as gifts to 2 of my friends?
If so and value is $2000, do I declare them? If they happen to exceed $2000 to like $2400, would I just pay the 15% tax on the extra $400?
Does my personal cell phone I carry on my body and not in luggage count towards 3 phone limit?
If not, could I bring a 3rd iphone as gift for another friend and pay taxes above the $2000 limit?
Thanks so much. Looking forward to seeing Colombia soon.
Yes, you can bring 2 new iPhones as gifts — this is allowed under the 3-phone limit per person.
If the total value is $2,000 or less, no declaration or taxes needed.
If value is $2,400, you must declare and pay 15% tax on the extra $400.
Your personal phone doesn’t count toward the 3-phone limit if it’s clearly yours and used.
Yes, you could bring a 3rd iPhone as a gift and pay the 15% tax on the value above $2,000, as long as all 3 phones are within the allowed limit. This limit include your personal phone.
Enjoy your trip to Colombia!
Can I bring 3 bulbs of cured garlic for a gift to our host? can I bring 6-oz 3 jars of dried culinary herbs in airtight jars?
Yes, you can bring 3 bulbs of cured garlic and 3 jars (6 oz each) of dried herbs as gifts, as long as:
They are well-sealed and clearly labeled.
They are for personal use and do not exceed 10 units of the same type.
No import duties apply if total value is under USD 2,000. However, agricultural inspection (ICA) may review them.
As a photographer living in Colombia, do I need to pay import duties
1. On the equipment I carry when I leave the country and then return to Colombia?
2. What if the value of this equipment exceeds $2000? (Typically it has a value of around $12000)
3. What if I purchase new equipment when in the USA and then bring it back with me to Colombia?
4. Sometimes I need to ship that equipment back ahead of my flight using a freight forwarder, will I need to pay import duties on the same equipment over and ever again each time I ship it back?
Thanks
No, if the equipment is yours and you’re just temporarily leaving and returning, you don’t pay import duties. It’s best to register it with the DIAN before departure (use the Formulario de Viajeros or customs record) to prove it wasn’t purchased abroad.
If you registered it before leaving, no duties apply, even if it exceeds $2,000. Without registration, it could be taxed on re-entry.
Yes, new equipment purchased abroad may be subject to import duties if its value exceeds the $2,000 duty-free limit. You may qualify for an additional $3,000 with a 15% flat tax if you meet travel conditions.
Yes, if you ship it separately (not as a traveler), it’s treated as a regular import, and duties may apply each time unless you use a temporary import process or declare it properly beforehand.
Contact us to give you detail advice.
Being a flight attendant on duty – am I allowed to bring a camera with a lense into Colombia? The camera is approx. 3 years old and the original value includingmone lense was around 3.000 US dollars. Flight comes in from Germany – am a German resident/citizen, too.
Yes. You may bring a used camera with one lens into Colombia without declaring or paying taxes, as it is considered a personal/professional item, even if its original value was around USD 3,000, as long as it is not for sale.
I’m traveling to Colombia for a project and need to bring with me network equipment parts. They’re 32 small modules and 2 small networking cables. The value of the modules is about $900 and they’re owned by our company in the US and they are for company use in Colombia. What taxes am I expected to pay and what documentation should I bring with me.
I’m traveling to visit family in Colombia. Can I bring a brand new medical device (i.e. an oxygen concentrator), valued at US$3000 for my dad? And if so, would I be expected to pay any taxes? I could provide medical proof that he needs it. Thanks.
YES, but taxes may apply.
You can bring a new oxygen concentrator for your father under the traveler regime.
Since it is new and valued at USD 3,000, it does not qualify as a personal effect.
You may enter it by declaring it and paying the single customs tax of 15% on its value.
Medical proof helps to show it is not for commercial use, but it does not exempt it from taxes.
Make sure you meet the conditions: stay abroad of at least 5 days and declare it on arrival.