Before You Travel to Colombia for Plastic Surgery

Last updated: November 2025 Preparing to travel to Colombia for plastic surgery is an exciting step toward transformation. Whether you’re coming from the U.S., U.K., Canada, or Europe, this detailed guide ensures a smooth and stress-free experience from takeoff to recovery. At Beauty Concierge Colombia, our bilingual team assists with every detail — from pre-surgery consultations to accommodation, airport transfers, and aftercare support in Barranquilla. Here’s everything you should know before you travel.

Before You Book Your Surgery

• Confirm your virtual consultation: Ensure your surgeon has reviewed your medical history and provided a preliminary quote before booking flights.
• Medical history disclosure: Share all relevant health details, prior procedures, and medications. Colombian clinics uphold international standards and require transparency for safety.
• Plan your timeline: Most visitors spend 10–14 days in Barranquilla to allow for safe recovery and follow-up visits before flying home.
• Travel insurance: Choose coverage that includes elective or overseas medical care.

Entry & Visa Information

Citizens from the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and the European Union can visit Colombia visa-free for up to 90 days for tourism and medical purposes. You’ll simply receive a tourist stamp at immigration upon arrival. Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your travel date. For longer stays, or for patients from other regions, our team can assist with local extensions or documentation if needed. Always carry your return ticket and proof of accommodation to show at immigration.

Documents to Bring

• Passport, return ticket, and printed clinic confirmation.
• Prescriptions or ongoing medications in original packaging.
• Contact list for your clinic, surgeon, and Beauty Concierge coordinator.
• Travel insurance details and emergency contact information.
• Small amount of local currency (COP) or USD for initial expenses.

Packing for Comfort & Recovery

Your focus should be comfort, hygiene, and easy mobility after surgery. Recommended essentials:

• Loose, button-front or zip-front clothing for easy dressing.
• Compression garments (as advised by your surgeon).
• Slip-on shoes or sandals — no bending or tying required.
• Light toiletries, fragrance-free soap, and disposable wipes.
• Power adapter (Type A/B), neck pillow, and portable charger.

Pre-Surgery Health Preparation

• Stop smoking and alcohol two weeks before surgery to improve healing.
• Follow any lab work or pre-operative testing requested by your clinic.
• Stay hydrated and rest well before your travel date.
• Notify your coordinator of any new medications or illnesses before your procedure.

Arrival in Barranquilla

Upon arrival, your Beauty Concierge driver will greet you at the airport and assist with check-in at your hotel or recovery residence. Most recovery accommodations are within 10–15 minutes of major clinics in Riomar and Villa Santos, close to pharmacies, supermarkets, and quiet restaurants.

• Airport transfer and local SIM setup available on arrival.
• Bilingual staff to accompany you to pre-surgery appointments.
• Recovery homes offering meal service and light assistance.

Curious about pricing? See our full breakdown of Colombia plastic surgery costs vs the USA & U.K. including typical savings and recovery expenses.

Aftercare & Flight Home

• Attend your post-operative clearance appointment before departure.
• Follow your surgeon’s guidance regarding compression wear during flight.
• Book your airport transfer in advance to avoid delays or heavy lifting.
• Keep your follow-up schedule — our coordinators can help you send progress photos to your doctor remotely.

Useful Local Information

• Average daily recovery housing: $50–$100 USD/night with meals included.
• Private driver for clinic visits: $5–$10 USD per trip.
• SIM card or eSIM with unlimited data: ≈ $10 USD/week.
• Pharmacies and groceries nearby — your concierge can arrange deliveries.

Why Travel with Beauty Concierge Colombia

• • Complete trip organization — from consultation to recovery housing.
  • Transparent coordination with licensed English-speaking surgeons.

FAQ: Traveling to Colombia for Surgery

Do I need a visa to have surgery in Colombia? Citizens of the U.S., U.K., Canada, and most EU countries can stay up to 90 days visa-free for tourism and medical treatment. You receive a standard entry stamp on arrival. How long should I stay in Barranquilla after surgery? Most patients stay 10–14 days. That allows for in-person follow-ups, safe flight clearance, and early recovery before returning home. Is recovery housing included? We arrange recovery housing with bilingual support, light meals, transport to check-ups, and discreet care — all separate from the clinic, so you can rest privately.

• No referral commissions or inflated clinic pricing.
• British-Colombian management with a focus on professionalism and patient trust.

Beauty Concierge Colombia is a private medical travel concierge. We assist international patients with consultations, travel planning, and recovery coordination for accredited clinics in Barranquilla. We do not provide medical advice; all procedures are performed by certified surgeons.