The flow of Colombians abroad grew, but at a slower pace, during the first nine months of 2025

Although at a moderate pace, the flow of Colombians leaving the country continues to grow. Between January and September 2025, there was a moderate increase of 2.2%, reaching a total of 4,195,499 travelers.

Understanding that this growth reflects an evolution and recovery in the number of Colombians traveling abroad, it also reflects the emergence of new dynamics in the needs of tourists and the destinations they choose.

During the same period in 2024, the increase was 9.2%, reflecting an accelerated post-pandemic recovery. "We believe that some of the reasons why the pace of growth has begun to slow are possibly due to factors such as changes in immigration policies, but even so, we see that outbound tourism continues to grow," explained Paula Cortés Calle, executive president of ANATO.

Between January and September, the United States remained the top destination, with 1,259,246 Colombians traveling, accounting for 29% of the total number of countries visited. However, it did not register an increase, but rather a decrease of 2.6% compared to the same period last year. This country was followed by Spain, with 604,804 travelers; Panama, with 444,516; Mexico, with 325,226; the Dominican Republic, with 268,024; and Ecuador, with 159,134.

However, during that period, the destinations with the highest growth were Brazil, with 49%; El Salvador, with 43%; France, with 41%; Turkey, with 31%; Cuba, with 26%; and Peru, with a 24% increase, compared to the first nine months of 2024.

"It's important to keep in mind that the diversification of destinations and the strengthening of air routes have provided Colombians with greater travel possibilities and alternatives. This is where venues like ANATO's Tourism Showcase are strengthened as key marketing spaces for expanding travel agencies' travel package offerings," the union leader stated.

Source: Colombian Migration