El Dorado International Airport (BOG): arrival & transit guide
What to expect landing at El Dorado International Airport in Bogota, Colombia: the arrival flow, transit rules, and onward transport.
El Dorado International Airport in Bogota is split across three terminals linked by walkways and an internal shuttle, but Terminal 1 handles essentially all international arrivals and departures, alongside some domestic flights, so most travelers coming from abroad only ever see that one building.
From the arrivals level, well-marked corridors, in both Spanish and English, lead to immigration, where biometric systems help move passengers through passport control. Many nationalities enter Colombia without a visa for an ordinary tourist stay, and others use Colombia's e-visa system, applied for online before flying, so check which applies to your own passport against the requirement above ahead of time. Baggage claim and customs follow.
There is no dedicated airside transit area, so a passenger connecting between an international arrival and any flight, domestic or international, clears immigration and collects checked bags first, then checks in again for the next leg. Transferring between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, where some domestic carriers operate, means using the free shuttle bus rather than a same-building walk, so build real time into that kind of connection.
Outside the terminal, taxis, ride-hailing, and pre-arranged transfers are the standard way into central Bogota.
Data last verified: 2026-08-18
Not legal or immigration advice. Requirements change without notice and vary by circumstance - always confirm with the destination country’s embassy, consulate, or official government source before booking or traveling. Full disclaimer.