First published on January 23, 2019 • Last updated on May 20, 2026
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While on our big trip from Bogotá to Lima, we heard about lots of potential problems crossing the border from Colombia into Ecuador. It was just after some of the worst waves of Venezuelans attempting to cross the very same border and there were rumors of long lines and complicated processes. However, our own experience was anything but complicated. Read on to learn more.
2025-26 UPDATE for Ecuador/Colombia Border Crossing
While crossing the border from Colombia or Peru into Ecuador is still possible, in 2025, the Naboa government started requiring an apostilled certificate showing a lack of a criminal record:
All foreign citizens entering the country via land border crossings from Colombia or Peru are required to present an apostilled certificate showing a lack of a criminal record. ~Global Rescue Security Report
Note: as of early 2026, one of our readers report this requirement has not been enforced at Rumichaca — however, we recommend being prepared, as enforcement can change without notice. This would mean planning ahead for all of us, but especially for US Citizens who will need to file for an FBI background check and a US State Department Apostile.
Otherwise, our own experience with crossing at Ipiales remains the same!
The Colombian Border
The first thing upon arriving at the border crossing just outside of Ipiales, Colombia is to actually find the entrance to the building. We arrived with Ecuadorian friends who were planning to drive across. They dropped us off and kept our luggage in their car (more on the luggage in the Ecuador section). The front of the building (the part you see first) is actually the back of the building. A guard stands at the door and will likely redirect you. But just head to the side that faced Ecuador and you will see the entrance.
Enter, chose the correct line (Colombians with other Andean Nations is one; everyone else is the other), get in line, and wait. For us, it was a wait of about 15 minutes (this was in September, 2018). Middle of the morning on a Monday. No long lines of Venezuelans.
About Venezuelans at the Border Crossing
And, even if there had been a long line of Venezuelans, we had heard that they were having Venezuelans wait in one line and all others in a different line.
So don’t panic. We had actually met a fellow American who was so worried about long lines, she decided to cross at 3 am. While that is possible in Colombia where crossing is available 24 hours a day, it’s a little more complicated in Ecuador.
When your turn comes at the window, present your passport over when asked. If you are a couple or a family, you can visit the same window at the same time on this side of the border. Get your stamp and make sure that the ink is dark enough that it actually shows (that’s a horror story for another day). After they hand back your passport, you are ready to walk across to the Ecuadorian side.
2026 Update: One of our readers who crossed multiple times in 2025-2026 shares this useful tip: “You can easily cross the border WITHOUT going over the Friendship Bridge by taking a white collectivo in either direction from either Tulcán ($0.75 USD) or Ipiales ($1.25 USD). As they approach the border they will ask if you need passport control and deposit you on one side.”
Note: if you choose to cross this way, you will need to walk back to the Ecuadorian immigration office to get your entry stamp — which is a legal requirement for your stay in Ecuador.
The Ecuadorian Border
The Ecuadorian-side is where things get slightly complicated. The day we arrived, we were some of the only people line so we did not have to wait for very long. However, if we had carried our luggage, we would not have been able to take it into the building. No luggage allowed. Worse, there is no place to safely store your luggage outside. This gives you only a couple of poor choices – ask the guard to watch your bags (fine if there aren’t a ton of people, lousy if he’s already trying to watch other bags); or have your travel companion (if you have one) watch your bag while you go through, and visa versa. Another option might be to hire a taxi to bring you to the border and ask him to stay and hold your luggage while passing through to Ecuador. If you do this, don’t pay until after you collect your luggage. And do so only with a taxi driver recommended by your last hotel, hostel, or host.
Once inside, be prepared to go through the line one at a time. My husband and I tried to approach the window together. That was a big no-no. I would only hope that families with children would be allowed to go through together!
Again, make sure that the stamp you get is clear and legible. If you plan on applying for the 90-day extension after three months in country, ask which day is the first possible to request the extension. Say thanks, and leave the building.
You are now ready to cross the Puente Internacional Rumichaca and enter Tulcán, Ecuador!
I think you could update this post, which sounds alarmist and
I have personally crossed that border more than 5 times in either direction 2025-2026 (latest in May ’26) and there is absolutely no verification of anything other than your passport.
In addition, you can easily cross the border WITHOUT going over the friendship bridge (visual passport check possible) by taking a white collectivo in either direction from either Tulcan (.75 usd) or Ipiales (1.25 USD). As they approach the border they will ask “Do you need passport control” and deposit you on the one side, and if you stay onboard, they will take you ACROSS the border (with only a luggage check) and it is then up to you to go back to the passport control to get your stamp.
Essentially, you can cross the border without control if you wish, and then risk continuing without a stamp in your passport, illegally. It is totally voluntary to get your stamps, but at no point is there a verification of any other documents.
I watched hundreds of people go through control at the CO and EC immigration offices with no issue.
The only people who have issues are Venezuelans or people with only Carneta and not a passport.
Posting information like this only generates fear and needless paperwork that is really counterproductive for the active slow traveler or digital nomad.