Hosted By
GBSN Beyond 2024 will be accessible both virtually and in-person, in the city of Bogotá. Leading academic faculty, leaders and administrators, professionals from industry and civil society are invited to join us in-person in Colombia.
In-Person Participation
Bogotá, Colombia
Bogotá is the capital of and largest city in Colombia. It is a place of convergence for people from all around the country and is therefore diverse and multicultural. Within this city, the past and present come together.
The city is also very green thanks to its parks and the hills that extend along its eastern boundary, dwarfed by their two highest points, Monserrate and Guadalupe. The landscape that the people of Bogotá enjoy daily—the sea of green that makes up the Andes mountain range, rising up in the east—would be nearly impossible to find in any other large city.
The capital of Colombia is located in the Andean Region, which extends throughout the center of the country. Bogotá sits in the Cundiboyacense plateau and on the savanna that bears its name, at an altitude or elevation of 2,600 meters above the sea level.
Conference Location
Universidad de Los Andes
Cra 1 No. 18A – 12, Bogotá, Colombia, 111711
Universidad de los Andes was founded in 1948, and it was the first private university in Colombia that was independent from political or religious movements or parties. It was conceived as a study center, a research center, and a place where truth could be upheld. The triple-accredited School of Management, founded in 1972, is recognized for high-quality research and educational programs and an extensive network of academic and corporate partners.
Welcome Dinner – Wednesday, 6 November
Claustro de las Aguas
Carrera 2 No. 18A – 58, Bogotá, Colombia
Claustro de Las Aguas is a historic gem that reflects the city’s rich colonial past. Originally built in the 17th century as a convent, the building has served various religious and cultural functions throughout its history. Its architecture features traditional Spanish colonial design, with arched corridors, stone walls, and quiet courtyards that have stood the test of time.
Dinner Reception – Thursday, 7 November
Andrés D.C.
Cl. 82 #12-21, Bogotá, Colombia
38 years ago in Chía, Cundinamarca (municipality located 20 kilometers from Bogotá), Andrés D.C. was established. This iconic Colombian restaurant is recognized for its extravagant decoration, delicious dishes, and spectacular rumba. This restaurant and bar is full of color, vibrance and flavor.
Hotel Accommodations
GBSN has reserved blocks of rooms at the two hotels listed below — Hilton Bogotá and Embassy Suites. Daily transportation will be provided from both locations to the conference venue and evening social venues.
Hilton Bogotá
Cra 7 No. 72-41, Bogotá, Colombia
The Hilton is located in the financial district in North Bogotá. Its location sits two kilometers of Zona Rosa – home to the city’s premium shopping, dining, and nightlife. The downtown area and Bogotá Botanical Garden are just 20 minutes away. Stop by their rooftop bar to take in views of the city, and enjoy access to their fitness center and heated outdoor pool.
Embassy Suites by Hilton Bogotá Rosales
Calle 70 No. 6-22, Bogotá, Colombia
The Embassy Suites by Hilton Bogotá Rosales is located in the heart of Bogotá’s financial and commercial district. Shops and eateries are within walking distance, and attractions such as Park 93, Bogotá Botanical Garden, and the Gold Museum are within four miles. Enjoy free made-to-order breakfast and a complimentary evening reception.
How to Book
GBSN Beyond has a room block November 5 – November 11. To book a room at the discounted rate, select “Book a Room” at the following link.
Visa Information for Colombia
Prior to Your Departure
Citizens from the following countries do not need to obtain a visa prior to their arrival: European Union citizens, Albania, Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina*, Australia, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bhutan, Bolivia*, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil*, Brunei, Canada, Chile*, Costa Rica, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Equador*, El Salvador, Fiji, Georgia, Grenada, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, Hong Kong (up to 180 days), Iceland, Indonesia, Israel, Jamaica, Japan, Kazakhstan, Liechtenstein, Marshall Islands, Mexico, Moldova, Monaco, Montenegro, Micronesia, New Zealand, North Macedonia, Norway, Palau, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay*, Peru*, Philippines, Qatar, Russia, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, San Marino, Serbia, Singapore, Sovereign Military Order of Malta, Solomon Islands, South Korea, Suriname, Switzerland, Taiwan, Trinidad and Tobago, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States, Uruguay*, Vatican City, Venezuela*
If your country is listed above, you do not need a Visa to enter Colombia; however:
- You MUST have a valid passport for six months beyond your arrival date. If not, then you need to renew your passport at least three months before your departure date to avoid any unforeseen delays
- Before coming to Colombia, it is important to check with the Colombian consulate or embassy in your country about changing visa regulations.
If your country is NOT listed above:
- For visitors that require a Visa, they must apply to it in the nearest Colombian consulate in their country of residence. This procedure can take from 15 days up to 1 month.
- It is recommended to begin this process August 1st to ensure you receive a visa for the correct time time period.
- Citizens of Cambodia, China, India, Macau, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam can enter Colombia visa-free for up to 90 days if they have an existing short-stay visa or residency permit issued by the USA or any Schengen Area country. This document must be valid for at least 180 days beyond the date of your arrival in Colombia.
- Citizens of most nations in Africa, Asia and the Middle East (plus some other countries) are not eligible for visa-free access and must apply in advance for a visitor visa to enter the country. There’s a full list of countries and territories whose citizens require a visa on Colombia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.
- Applications for tourist visas should be filed online and the cost varies depending upon your nationality and the country where you are located when applying. Expect to pay around US$82 for the visa, which is usually valid for a stay of up to 180 days. Make sure you have all of your documents ready before you begin the application process online – the website times out after 30 minutes, deleting any progress you’ve made up until that point.
Visitors that require a VISA are responsible for arranging an appointment and presenting the complete documentation listed below. This process can be made online:
a. Filled visa application form
b. Passport with at least two blank pages and valid for a minimum of 180 days before
expiration
c. A photocopy of the main page of the passport
d. One digital copy of a recent color photograph (white background 3cm x 4cm)
e. Official invitation letter sent by Universidad de los Andes
- Universidad de los Andes can offer specific guidance to visitors throughout this process (Please contact: Ana Maria Aguilera: a.aguilera@uniandes.edu.co)
- It is sole responsibility of each visitor to organize all processes related with their visa application. Please be further informed at your local Colombian consulate as procedures may change depending on the country. In addition to the mentioned
documents, other paperwork might be required. - IMPORTANT: Visitors who have a nationality belonging to the restrictive list, but who have a second nationality/passport that does not require visa to enter to Colombia, are required to use the non-restrictive passport, so they can enter the country without going through a visa procedure.
*Can enter with only their ID card.
Please contact Emma Martens at emartens@gbsn.org if you need any conference documentation for a visa application.
Travel
Travel By Air
The major airport in Bogotá is El Dorado International Airport (BOG). The airport is approximately 30 minutes to downtown Bogotá by car.
Conference Travel
GBSN will provide transportation to all conference activities from the two conference hotels, Hilton Bogotá and Embassy Suites by Hilton.
Getting Around Bogotá
It is recommended to use apps like Uber, Cabify, DiDi or authorized cabs for the rides between the airport, hotel and elsewhere around the city. Using these services is safe to use and highly recommended.
Dress Code
The dress code for the conference, Welcome Dinner and Dinner Reception is business casual.
Weather in Bogotá in November
In November, Bogotá typically experiences pleasant temperatures and can receive heavy rainfall. Throughout the day, temperatures typically settle at around 68°F/ 20°C. But by evening, they drop to around 52°F/11°C. Bogotá in November falls under the rainy season which can experience heavy rainfall, averaging just over 15 days in the month. We recommend bringing an umbrella, rain jacket and packing light clothing with a jacket for the evenings in case of inclement weather.
Altitude
At an elevation of 2,600 meters, some visitors to Bogota may experience mild symptoms of altitude sickness. Visitors are encouraged to follow recommendations for high-altitude travel including drinking a lot of water, avoiding intense exercises, resting properly, and eating well.
Additional Logistical Questions
If you have any additional questions please reach out to the GBSN Beyond team at beyond@gbsn.org.
