Arriving at MDE: A Guide for Patients

Arriving at MDE

International flights land at José María Córdova International Airport, code MDE. It sits in the hills outside the city, and the drive to the clinic's neighborhood takes roughly 45 minutes to an hour depending on traffic. The road drops down into the valley, so expect a winding, scenic descent.

Immigration and customs

US citizens do not need a visa for a tourist stay of up to 90 days. At immigration you show your passport, answer a short set of questions about your trip, and receive an entry stamp. At customs, keep your medications in their original packaging with the prescription label, and declare nothing you are unsure about.

Getting to your stay

The clinic arranges an airport transfer for every patient, and a driver will meet you after baggage claim. If you arrive outside that arrangement, use registered taxis or ride-hailing apps rather than informal drivers at the curb. Your recovery coordinator will confirm the pickup details before you fly.

Your first days

Take it easy on arrival day. You are at about 2,100 meters when you land, and most people feel fine but move a little slower at first. Drink water, skip alcohol, and keep your pre-op instructions in mind. Your in-person consultation and blood work happen before surgery, and your coordinator schedules all of it.

Getting around

Most of your stay happens in El Poblado, the neighborhood around the clinic and the recovery houses. It is walkable in places, hilly in others, and taxis and ride-hailing apps are cheap and easy. You will not need a car.

Related pages

• Facelift in Medellín: the full overview
• Travel from the USA for facelift surgery
• Preparing for your trip to Colombia
• Recovery houses in Medellín

Next steps

Send three photos from the front and one from each side, and we will confirm your arrival details and your airport transfer before you book your flight.

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