Passport Validity

A passport is required for all AmaWaterways river cruises and we kindly ask you to ensure it is valid for at least six months after you return home. It is your responsibility to ensure the validity of your passport and that it contains all required visas. Please check your itinerary carefully and consult with the appropriate consulates to determine if any visas are needed. This also applies to any vaccination and testing requirements which may change with little advance notice. Vacations can be disrupted or altered if the correct documents cannot be presented at airports or border crossings. We recommend photocopying the first page of your passport, airline tickets, driver’s license and/or birth certificate to expedite the process of replacing any documents lost while traveling. Keep the originals separate from the copies and pack some extra passport photos as well. Another option is to scan your passport, airline tickets, proof of vaccination and credit card numbers and email them to yourself as attachments. Please be sure to fill out the “Emergency Next of Kin” section in your passport (in pencil) as well.

IMPORTANT: COLOMBIA IMMIGRATION REGISTRATION FORM

All travelers entering Colombia are strongly encouraged to fill out the CheckMig immigration registration form. Filling out this form speeds up the immigration control process, ensuring a more seamless journey.

The CheckMig immigration registration form must be filled out between 72 hours prior to your arrival in Colombia and at least one hour prior to your arrival.

There is no cost associated with filling out this form. To access the CheckMig website and fill out your form for your Magdalena River cruise through Colombia, click here.

IMPORTANT: PANAMA TRAVEL DECLARATION FORM

For guests who have reserved our optional post-cruise land package in Panama, we strongly recommend completing your Travel Declaration Form online at the same time as you fill out the CheckMig registration form for Colombia above. This form, if completed prior to travel, must be within 3 days of arrival date and there is no cost associated with it; however, it will also provide a more seamless experience in passing through Panama immigration.

Online Check-In

AmaWaterways’ convenient online Cruise Check-In becomes available once final payment has been made on your reservation. We require that each step of your Cruise Check-In is completed to board our ships. To complete, visit our website at Cruise Check-in. In addition to providing the mandatory information required for embarkation, the Cruise Check-In process:

• Ensures your personal information, as it appears on your passport, is correct
• Includes your required pre-cruise survey
• Provides us with an emergency contact in the unlikely event of an emergency
• Allows you to pre-register for all your shore excursions

What to Pack

It is always advisable to travel light in South America, so “if in doubt, leave it out.” Colombia is a tropical country with hot and humid weather.

Bring lightweight easy-care clothing that includes some long-sleeved items for protection from mosquitoes and sun, raingear, and sturdy and comfortable walking shoes that you won’t mind getting wet or muddy. You might also pack a few casually elegant items to wear at the Welcome and Farewell dinners. 

Other recommended items:  

• Shorts and/or long cotton pants 
• T-shirts and long-sleeved cotton shirts
• Sweater, sweatshirt, or warm wrap for chilly nights
• Bathing suit, cover-up and flip flops
• Small flashlight
• Camera equipment and extra batteries/accessories
• Converter and electrical adapter (220v)
• Travel-sized deodorant, toothpaste, disinfectant wipes, insect repellent, etc.
• Prescription medications in original containers (to be packed in carry-on bag, not checked luggage)
• Small first aid kit with aspirin, antibacterial cream, etc.
• Feminine products and cosmetics
• Hat with brim, sunscreen, lip balm, sunglasses
• Money belt or other secure place to keep passport and cash
• Day pack large enough to hold camera, binoculars, etc.
• Photocopies of your passport and other important documents

Tips for Long Flights

• Wear loose-fitting clothing and comfortable shoes.
• Avoid caffeine, alcohol and carbonated drinks and drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
• Alleviate ear pressure by chewing gum, yawning, swallowing or gently blowing your nose.
• Periodically walk up and down the aisle to stretch your legs and get blood circulating. You can also do a few isometric exercises while seated.
• Try to sleep during your flight – an eye mask, noise cancelling headphones and a light sweater or scarf may help you to be more comfortable and sleep so you can acclimate to the local time more quickly.
• Avoid wearing contact lenses during your flight, as recirculated cabin air tends to dry them out.

Airport Security and Check-in

It is recommended you be at the airport at least three hours before international flights and two hours before domestic flights. This allows enough time to check your baggage, present your passport and other forms required, confirm seat assignments and boarding passes, and clear security procedures before proceeding to the boarding area. Most airlines offer online check-in 24 hours prior to departure, which can help you avoid long lines once at the airport. If permitted, this is also a chance to request seating assignments or buy an upgrade if available. Airport security regulations require that sharp objects of any kind be stored inside your checked luggage, not in your carry-on bag. You may be asked to put your shoes and/or coat through an X-ray scanner, so be prepared to remove them.

Late or Missed Flights

If you miss a flight, immediately advise an airline representative that you are a cruise guest bound for a specific location/date/time to meet your ship. If your flight is cancelled, await instructions from the airline regarding alternate travel arrangements. Typically, airlines will do everything in their power to get you on the next available flight. Once you know your new flight information, please call the emergency contact number listed within this Travel Document.

Reciprocity Fee for Canadian Guests

Starting November 14th of 2023, all Canadian visitors are required to pay the fee of CDN$85 per visitor during the immigration process. This fee can be paid with a debit/credit card. It is important to remark that “failure to comply with this measure will be grounds for denial of entry to Colombia and will necessitate the return to the country of origin by the immigration authorities.” 

Travel Protection and Insurance

If you have not yet taken out travel protection/insurance, please contact your travel advisor, independent insurance broker or AmaWaterways in advance of your departure. Foreign medical care is often paid for in cash prior to treatment and medical evacuation can be expensive. Travel protection/insurance is strongly recommended for all river cruise and land journeys to Colombia. Please make sure to write down important information such as the insurance company’s telephone number and your policy number. 

Baggage

International air carriers are often very strict about the size and weight of baggage and carry-on luggage. Please contact your air carrier or visit its website for specific requirements prior to your departure, as size and weight limitations vary according to the airline. It is also important to check Intra-South America Air flight regulations as these too may vary. International flights allow one piece of checked luggage and one carry-on bag per person. Some airlines limit each checked bag to a maximum of 62 linear inches (158 linear cm) and weight do not exceed 50 lbs. (23 kg). Your carry-on should not exceed 22 x 14 x 9 inches (55 x 35 x 22 cm) or weigh more than 15 lbs. (7kg). International air carriers may impose fees for baggage that is too large or heavy and/or require you to remove certain articles in order to meet weight restrictions. Current security regulations require that all liquid items in your carry-on bag be no larger than 3 oz. and contained in a clear quart-sized plastic bag.  

Intra-South America Luggage Restrictions (applies to any flight within South American countries)

• One checked-in bag: must not exceed 50lbs/23kg in weight and a maximum of 62 inches (158 cm) 
• One carry-on bag: must not exceed 15lbs/7kg in weight and a maximum of 45 inches (115cm), plus one small personal item, such as ladies’ purse or a small handbag must fit under the seat in front of you.

*An extra fee will apply for overweight and/or each additional piece of checked-in luggage. Fees to be paid by guests directly to Avianca, Latam Airlines and Copa Airlines. Fees may be charged at the different airlines counters at Rafael Nuñez International Airport (Cartagena), Ernesto Cortizzos International Airport (Barranquilla), Jose Maria Cordova International Airport (Medellin), El Dorado International Airport (Bogota) or Tocumen International Airport (Panama).

NOTE: Airlines may impose fees for excess baggage and/or require you to remove articles and place them in another bag if weight/size limits are exceeded. AmaWaterways is not responsible for any additional fees imposed by airlines. Also, storage space may be limited on board your ship and/or motorcoaches/AmaWaterways excursion boats, and porters may refuse to carry heavy, oversized suitcases. 

For these reasons, we recommend bringing only one suitcase and one carry-on bag per person.

It is a good idea to place your itinerary and contact information inside your checked bag, just in case it goes temporarily astray.

Delayed Baggage

Baggage can sometimes be delayed during air transport. Pack a change of clothing in your carry-on bag or your traveling companion’s bag just in case. Place a copy of the hotel and ship contact info inside each piece of checked luggage, as this will help the airline locate you should your bags be delayed. Please note that it is the responsibility of the airline to deliver any delayed bags to you. Claims for reimbursement for delayed luggage should be submitted directly to the airline. Fill out a claim form at the appropriate airline desk before leaving the airport.

Mobile Phones

Please contact your service provider for information on overseas usage. Your phone will need to be set up for international roaming.

Making the Most of Your Journey

Experienced travelers know how to be flexible. The more you can adapt to constantly changing conditions, the less stressed you’ll be and the more you will enjoy your journey. This is especially true when traveling in developing countries such as Colombia and Panama. Being friendly and open-minded will make things more enjoyable for everyone. No matter where you go in the world, a warm smile is always welcome!

Vaccinations & Medications

Please check with your doctor and local consulates for any applicable vaccination requirements or recommendations based upon your itinerary destinations and past medical and travel history.

Depending on your health history, your physician may also recommend certain booster shots, such as yellow fever (highly recommended), tetanus and/or Hepatitis A and B. Anti-diarrhea medicine may also be advised in case you are sensitive to certain spices or unfamiliar ingredients commonly used in South America.

Physical Requirements

AmaWaterways' itineraries are as varied and active as you want them to be. Shore excursions and land packages require a moderate-to-challenging amount of walking and sites may have steps and/or uneven terrain. The embarkation/disembarkation points between ship and shore may not be able to accommodate guests with mobility issues.

Due to uneven terrain, cobblestones, stairs, temples, dirt roads and a lack of accessible facilities, our itineraries are not recommended for guests with limited mobility requiring the use of mobility aids like wheelchairs, scooters or any other mechanical devices. We kindly request guests requiring special assistance be accompanied by a companion who is physically able to provide such assistance, as AmaWaterways crew is unable to assist guests with personal tasks or hygiene needs. If there is uncertainty of a prospective guest’s fitness to travel or ability to independently care for their personal needs, please inform AmaWaterways as soon as possible. This will allow us to consider and discuss possible accommodations to ensure your safety and comfort during the cruise.

Throughout your river cruise it is likely the ship will be docked next to one or two other river ships. It is important to note that in these cases, disembarkation/embarkation may include walking up the stairs and through the adjacent ship(s) lobby or Sun Deck to reach the shore. You may also need to embark or disembark via a narrow gangway or occasionally cross an uneven surface to enter or exit the ship. These are typical situations that are beyond the control of AmaWaterways.

Accessible Facilities

Due to lack of space and facilities, shipboard accommodations and storage for mobility aids like wheelchairs, scooters or any other mechanical devices are unavailable and accessible facilities are extremely limited in most destinations. In addition, motorcoaches, boats and minibuses used for transfers and shore excursions are not equipped with the devices and tools necessary for full accessibility.

Mobility Devices

Guests may bring personal mobility devices (wheelchairs, electric scooters and walking frames) onboard our ships. However, devices must be stored in the guest’s stateroom and cannot be used in the dining room or lounge and must adhere to local standards and limitations. AmaWaterways Cruise Managers, crew and guides are unable to push wheelchairs on board or on shore.

Transfers and shore excursions adhere to a set schedule and cannot be adjusted for unexpected delays due to physical limitations. AmaWaterways and its affiliates are not responsible for any denial of services by airline carriers, cruise vessels, hotels, motorcoaches, local guides/operators or other independent suppliers.

Medical Conditions

There is no doctor or nurse aboard your cruise. Please consult your physician prior to traveling if you have a medical condition that might pose limitations during your trip. Please advise us at time of the booking if you have any medical conditions requiring special attention during your trip.

Special Diets

Please let us know prior to your departure if you have any special dietary requirements (e.g. vegan, diabetic, gluten-free, etc.). We will make every effort to accommodate your requests, with the resources available to us.

Drinking Water

We advise using bottled water for drinking and brushing your teeth when traveling through this part of the world. A supply will be readily available on board during your cruise. If you visit a restaurant on your own during your journey, always request bottled drinks opened at the table (to ensure purity) and refuse ice cubes. Drink often to avoid dehydration, too.

Street Food

Please be cautious when sampling any food purchased from street vendors, as hygiene standards may not be up to Western standards. It is best to avoid dairy products, salads, and any food that is uncooked or fruit that you have not peeled yourself. In general, it is advisable to avoid street food throughout your experience.