How can I complete the biometric registration to be able to leave Colombia?

Remember that we implement the passenger access control system for airport solutions; this article is for informational purposes only. If you need accurate information, please contact the relevant authorities.

We're in the best time of year to spend with family, but also the most tedious time to travel. Thousands of travelers prepare to visit different parts of the world, whether for end-of-year vacations or to reunite with loved ones. Due to the high volume of passengers at airports, immigration lines become a major headache.

However, thanks to technological advances, a new method for leaving and entering the country has been implemented: Biomig, a system that optimizes all immigration and emigration processes for Colombians at El Dorado International Airport.

If you'll be an international traveler in the coming weeks, we invite you to read this entire article to learn everything you need to know about the Biomig system and avoid those annoying, endless queues. 

What is the Biomig system about?

Migración Colombia offers a completely voluntary procedure involving the collection of biographical and biometric data through iris scans. This aims to authenticate individuals through the automated immigration lanes, reducing entry and exit times from Colombian territory. 

Where can I register?

All residents of Colombia, whether Colombian citizens or foreigners, have the possibility of registering their biometrics by iris scan with prior authorization.

 To this end, Migración Colombia has authorized immigration officers to conduct biometric registrations at screening checkpoints at the following authorized immigration control points:

• El Dorado International Airport in Bogotá.

   

• José María Córdova International Airport in Rionegro, Antioquia.

   

• Rafael Núñez International Airport in Cartagena.

   

• Rumichaca Land Border Control Post in Nariño.

Who can register?

All Colombian nationals over 12 years of age and foreign residents over 18 years of age can use the Biomig service for immigration and emigration authorization and control procedures. They only need to authorize and complete the required registration and biometric authentication via iris scan. 

How much do I have to pay?

Registration with the Biomig system of Migración Colombia is completely free. Use of this service is permanent for all residents and Colombian nationals who choose to use it. 

What documents do I need to submit?

To register with the Biomig system of Migración Colombia, you must present the following documents at one of the authorized immigration checkpoints:

• National identity card or foreign resident card.

   

• Identity card (for adolescents aged 12 to 18).

   

• Valid passport.

Is this procedure invasive for my eyes?

The registration process for Biomig is biometric iris enrollment, a non-invasive procedure that does not require physical contact between the device and the passenger's eye. This technology allows authentication and enrollment to take place in the corridors at a distance of more than 25 cm between the device and the passenger, ensuring a fast and contactless process.

Furthermore, for added peace of mind, all devices used in this system have international certifications that optimize the data collection process. This process is carried out using high-resolution cameras to obtain a perfect image of the passenger's iris and generate the personal authentication algorithm.

How can I use the Biomig system for upcoming trips?

Once registered, you can use the Biomig system at the self-service kiosks located next to the immigration lines at airports in Colombia where this system is available.

With this technology, the process of entering and leaving the country is expected to become increasingly streamlined and efficient. All registered individuals will be fully identified through the self-service kiosks, preventing congestion in immigration lines.