ICE 2022 COVID-19 Health and Safety Guidelines
Face coverings and vaccination requirements at the Cartagena Convention Center
The Colombian Ministry of Health requires that all individuals, regardless of age or vaccination status, wear a mask or face covering while in public areas, both indoors and outdoors.
ICE 2022 attendees must present proof of vaccination upon entering the Cartagena Convention Center and will be required to wear a face covering while inside.
Vaccination requirements
As of December 2021, COVID-19 vaccination is required for non-Colombian citizens and residents. Upon entering the country, vaccinated non-resident foreign travelers must present proof they have been fully vaccinated for COVID-19 for at least 14 days prior to travel.
If less than 14 days have elapsed or if the vaccination scheme is not complete, the traveler must present a PCR test with a negative result taken within 72 hours of boarding.
Colombian citizens or residents who have not been vaccinated and wish to enter the country must present a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours.
Requirements apply to individuals aged 18 and older.
Proof of vaccination
In addition to presenting vaccination cards at the airport, visitors may be asked to present vaccination cards to enter restaurants, theaters and other indoor facilities.
The proof of vaccination must be presented either in paper format or digitally. The certification must include the individual’s full name, date of vaccination, name of the vaccine administered, and the number of doses administered.
The Colombian Health Ministry states that the eligible vaccines are those authorized by the World Health Organization and vaccines officially approved by the country or territory (recognized by the United Nations) in which travelers received the vaccine.
Monitor the Colombian Health Ministry website for the latest guidance regarding eligible vaccines.
Required immigration forms
These entry requirements are in addition to – and do not replace – the existing “Check-Mig” requirement for both inbound and outbound travelers.
All travelers to Colombia must complete the online Check-Mig form between 72 hours and 1 hour prior to arrival to and departure from, Colombia.
Travelers should carry a print-out of the form or be ready to show the electronic version on your mobile device at Colombian immigration.
Additional information
For additional information about vaccination requirements in English, please visit the US Embassy in Colombia website.
For guidance the Colombian government, please visit the Ministry of Health Website.
The Story of the Palanquera
The ICE 2022 logo features a Palenquera, representing the Afro-Colombian women commonly found on the streets of Cartagena carrying fruit on their heads, selling traditional sweets and posing for photos.
Palenqueras (women) and Palenqueros (men) come from San Basilio de Palenque, a rural village located 60 kilometers Southeast of Cartagena and founded by African slaves who escaped from their owners after being brought to the Americas on ships.
In 1691, the villagers signed a royal degree declaring independence from the Spanish colonial powers and becoming the first free men and women of the New World. After obtaining their freedom, Palenque residents remained cut off from the rest of the society with limited resources. Their struggle to meet basic needs continues today.
The Palenqueras sought economic opportunity for their families by using the resources they had on-hand, an abundance of tropical fruit and a strong sense of culture. They packed hand-woven baskets, donned traditional African clothing, and walked 12 hours to the port city of Cartagena, where they sold fruit to the city goers. Soon they became one of Colombia’s most recognized cultural symbols.
Today’s Palenqueras continue to walk the streets of Cartagena, carrying baskets on their heads just like the generations before them. Many of the women are heads of their households, and they support their families selling sweets made in their hometown and accepting tips from tourists, journalists, and photographers who are eager to take their pictures.
While the colorful dresses and personalities are attractive, perhaps the most compelling feature of the Palenqueras is what they represent. Their story is one of resistance, freedom and survival. They are working mothers, cultural icons and a living symbols of Afro-Caribbean culture.
What better symbol to represent Colombia, and an event held in this magical city?