San Andrés Tourist Card: What is it, how much does it cost, and how to buy it?

 An open suitcase, a confirmed flight, and the eagerness to reach the sea often lead you to believe the trip is all set. Until a question arises before departure: Do I need to pay anything to enter the island? At Hotel Delamar, we want to let you know that the San Andres tourist card is one of the procedures that generates the most questions on a first-time trip, and knowing about it in advance will prevent you from arriving at the airport with incomplete information.

 Among the requirements for traveling to San Andres, this card deserves attention before boarding. The good news is that the process is simple once you know how much it costs, who has to pay for it, and what information you need to have on hand.

What is the card and who has to pay for it?

The tourist card is an entry requirement for non-resident visitors to the Archipelago of San Andrés, Providencia, and Santa Catalina. It is required for both Colombian and foreign travelers and is linked to entry control to the islands. In 2026, its total cost was approximately COP $153,000, according to Decree 0010 of January 8, 2026.

 However, you should know that not everyone pays for the San Andres tourist card. There are exceptions for certain travelers, so it's a good idea to check your situation before you leave.

• Children under seven years of age are exempt from payment.
• People born in San Andrés or Providencia, residents and Raizal people with the corresponding accreditation do not pay this amount.
• The traveler must have a round-trip ticket to the Archipelago.
• The 2026 value includes $116,000 for the card and $37,000 for the contribution to tourism infrastructure.

You don't need to memorize rules to travel with peace of mind. The important thing is to check the current rates before flying, confirm if you're exempt, and keep proof of your application during your stay.

How do I buy it before flying, and what happens if I don't have it?

You must have your San Andrés tourist card before boarding your flight to the island. Airlines, travel agencies, and authorized channels can process it, and in some cases, it's also possible to do it digitally. The most important thing is to check in advance which channel is available for your trip.

If your airline allows online purchases, follow these steps:

1. Visit your airline's official website or channel.
2. Look for the option corresponding to the tourist card for traveling to San Andrés.
3. Have your ID, flight details, arrival and departure dates, booking code and your accommodation details in Delamar handy.
4. Complete the information exactly as it appears on your documents and check the current value before paying.
5. Make the payment through the authorized channel and keep the receipt or digital proof.
6. Bring that support available on your phone during the trip.

If your airline doesn't offer online booking, check directly where you need to purchase your ticket before boarding. This way, you avoid arriving at the airport with an unanswered question just when you're already thinking about your trip.

Not having this requirement may prevent you from boarding a flight to San Andrés. Decree 2762 requires tourists to have the card and also obligates accommodation establishments to verify it before guest check-in.

What to pack for your first trip to San Andrés?

With the tourist card paperwork sorted, the preparations return to the fun part: thinking about days at the beach. A first trip is much more enjoyable when you pack only the essentials and leave behind things that just take up space. The location of your accommodation also matters, as it can save you travel time from the moment you arrive.

• Valid identity document and tourist card.
• Round-trip tickets and confirmation of accommodation at Hotel Delamar.
• Sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat or cap, cool clothing, swimwear, and comfortable footwear such as sandals or water shoes.
• Personal hygiene items, such as toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant.
• Personal medications and items you use every day.
• Insect repellent.
• A lightweight jacket for evenings or air-conditioned spaces.
• Chargers, adapters and portable batteries for your devices.

At Hotel Delamar, being close to Spratt Bight and the city center means you have the beach, restaurants, and shops just minutes away. This location makes organizing your first day easier, especially after your flight and going through immigration. Delamar Hotel San Andres can be the perfect starting point for exploring the island at your own pace.

Get your paperwork sorted and stay at Hotel Delamar

The San Andres tourist card is just one part of the preparation. Once you sort that out in advance, you can get back to what's important: deciding which beach to visit first, where to eat, and how you want to spend your time on the island.

Book your stay at Hotel Delamar San Andres, check out our promotions and plan your trip without any problems, with a convenient location to get around the central area and start each day near the sea.