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Cartagena

Bolivar · Colombia
Active
Last updated: 2026-06-23  ·  Last verified: 2026-06-23  ·  Region: International

At a Glance — Cartagena Airbnb & STR Rules

RuleDetails
Regulatory StatusPermitted with registration
Permit / License RequiredYes — mandatory registration in the Registro Nacional de Turismo (RNT) via Confecámaras/Chamber of Commerce for all short-term tourist rentals (under
Tax RateUnknown specific rate (subject to local ICA tax, FONTUR parafiscal contribution, and applicable national taxes). Exact figures Unknown.
Night / Day CapNo national day cap; short-term rentals are those under 30 days. Building horizontal-property rules cannot restrict stays over 30 days.
Minimum StayNo minimum; tourism rentals defined as stays under 30 days.
Permit FeeRNT registration itself is free (no significant upfront fee) but must be renewed annually; budget for ongoing local ICA tax obligations and FONTUR par
PenaltiesOperating without TRA/SIRE registration can lead to fines up to 300 million COP (~$80,000 USD) and RNT suspension for five years. SIC enforcement, pla
Primary Residence RequiredNo — Colombia uses a registration-based (not residency-based) framework. Secondary homes and investment properties may operate as STRs once RNT-regist
Occupancy LimitUnknown (room/bed capacity declared in RNT; no stated national guest cap).
Browse all 7 STR regulations in Colombia →

Cartagena Airbnb & Vacation Rental Regulation Overview

Cartagena Short-Term Rental Regulations Overview

Short-term rental operations in Cartagena, Bolivar are permitted under an active regulatory framework as of 2026. Hosts operating on Airbnb, VRBO, or other vacation rental platforms must obtain proper licensing: Yes — mandatory registration in the Registro Nacional de Turismo (RNT) via Confecámaras/Chamber of Commerce for all short-term tourist rentals (under 30 days). For island/Barú-area establishments in t. The associated permit fees are RNT registration itself is free (no significant upfront fee) but must be renewed annually; budget fo.

Tax Requirements for Airbnb Hosts in Cartagena

Short-term rental operators in Cartagena should be aware of these tax obligations: Unknown specific rate (subject to local ICA tax, FONTUR parafiscal contribution, and applicable national taxes). Exact figures Unknown.. Yes — RUT (tax registry) required; merchants must be registered with the local Chamber of Commerce; ongoing local ICA (industry & commerce) tax filing.

Hosting Rules and Restrictions in Cartagena

Key operational rules for vacation rental hosts in Cartagena include: Primary residence requirement: No — Colombia uses a registration-based (not residency-based) framework. Secondary homes and investment properties may o. Rental day cap: No national day cap; short-term rentals are those under 30 days. Building horizontal-property rules cannot restrict stay. Occupancy limit: Unknown (room/bed capacity declared in RNT; no stated national guest cap).. Minimum stay: No minimum; tourism rentals defined as stays under 30 days..

Zoning and Location Requirements in Cartagena

Zoning considerations for short-term rentals in Cartagena: Building 'propiedad horizontal' (horizontal property) regulations can restrict or fully prohibit STRs unless daily rentals are expressly authorized in the public deed (escritura/Reglamento de Propieda. Density rules: No national density cap; no legal limit on number of properties one operator can list (each must be individually registered). Building-level/HOA restr. Insurance: Yes — since January 2022, all short-term rental operators must carry civil liability insurance cover.

Penalties for Non-Compliance in Cartagena

Hosts who fail to comply with Cartagena's short-term rental regulations may face enforcement action. Operating without TRA/SIRE registration can lead to fines up to 300 million COP (~$80,000 USD) and RNT suspension for five years. SIC enforcement, platform delisting and possible closure orders for no.

Platform Obligations in Cartagena

Platform obligations for services like Airbnb, VRBO, and Booking.com operating in Cartagena: Platforms (Airbnb, Booking.com) must verify RNT registration and only list properties with a valid RNT number; hosts without an RNT number cannot list (enforced since Aug 23, 2022). Platforms may face.

Full Regulatory Details

Regulatory Status
Active
License / Registration
Yes — mandatory registration in the Registro Nacional de Turismo (RNT) via Confecámaras/Chamber of Commerce for all short-term tourist rentals (under 30 days). For island/Barú-area establishments in the Cartagena district, the Chamber of Commerce verifies land use with the District Mayor's Office.
Tax Registration
Yes — RUT (tax registry) required; merchants must be registered with the local Chamber of Commerce; ongoing local ICA (industry & commerce) tax filings via Cartagena's municipal portal; parafiscal contribution to FONTUR (a percentage of gross income).
Permit Fee
RNT registration itself is free (no significant upfront fee) but must be renewed annually; budget for ongoing local ICA tax obligations and FONTUR parafiscal contributions.
Primary Residence Rule
No — Colombia uses a registration-based (not residency-based) framework. Secondary homes and investment properties may operate as STRs once RNT-registered.
Night / Day Cap
No national day cap; short-term rentals are those under 30 days. Building horizontal-property rules cannot restrict stays over 30 days.
Occupancy Limit
Unknown (room/bed capacity declared in RNT; no stated national guest cap).
Tax Rate
Unknown specific rate (subject to local ICA tax, FONTUR parafiscal contribution, and applicable national taxes). Exact figures Unknown.
Zoning Restrictions
Building 'propiedad horizontal' (horizontal property) regulations can restrict or fully prohibit STRs unless daily rentals are expressly authorized in the public deed (escritura/Reglamento de Propiedad Horizontal). Common friction in Centro Histórico, Getsemaní and Bocagrande. Island areas require land-use verification.
Minimum Stay
No minimum; tourism rentals defined as stays under 30 days.
Density Rules
No national density cap; no legal limit on number of properties one operator can list (each must be individually registered). Building-level/HOA restrictions effectively limit supply in some complexes.
Insurance Required
Yes — since January 2022, all short-term rental operators must carry civil liability insurance covering guest damages/accidents.
Platform Obligations
Platforms (Airbnb, Booking.com) must verify RNT registration and only list properties with a valid RNT number; hosts without an RNT number cannot list (enforced since Aug 23, 2022). Platforms may face penalties for non-compliant listings.
Compliance Notes
Guest registration mandatory via the Tarjeta de Registro de Alojamiento (TRA); SIRE/TRA reporting required. Hosts must accept a code of conduct including child-protection commitments. Comply with health, hygiene and safety standards.
Effective Date
Framework under Law 300 of 1996, Law 2068 of 2020, Decree 1074 of 2015 and Decree 1836 of 2021; platform RNT enforcement from August 23, 2022; stricter RNT verification introduced late 2025.
Key Notes
RNT renewal window is annual, January 1–March 31; late renewal results in automatic suspension. Cartagena had ~16,300 active listings as of first-half 2026. Cartagena district registrations may take up to 15 business days vs ~5 elsewhere.
Penalties
Operating without TRA/SIRE registration can lead to fines up to 300 million COP (~$80,000 USD) and RNT suspension for five years. SIC enforcement, platform delisting and possible closure orders for non-compliance. Decree 2438 of 2015 also imposes sanctions for failure to register or providing false information.
Additional Context
Stricter RNT requirements introduced in late 2025 require platforms to verify host registration, potentially slowing market growth in 2026. No official government 'no-Airbnb zones,' but building-level bans exist in popular tourist neighborhoods.
Sources
https://rnt.confecamaras.co/
Airbnb Help (Colombia/Cartagena, Law 2068 & Decree 1836)
TheLatinvestor Cartagena/Colombia (2026)
IR Global
uhabogados
LodgeCompliance Colombia
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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Airbnb legal in Cartagena?

Yes, Airbnb and short-term rentals are legal in Cartagena with proper registration and permits. Guest registration mandatory via the Tarjeta de Registro de Alojamiento (TRA); SIRE/TRA reporting required. Hosts must accept a code of conduct including child-protection commitments. Comply with heal

Do you need a permit for Airbnb in Cartagena?

Yes. Cartagena requires the following for short-term rental operation: Yes — mandatory registration in the Registro Nacional de Turismo (RNT) via Confecámaras/Chamber of Commerce for all short-term tourist rentals (under 30 days). For island/Barú-area establishments in the Cartagena district, the Chamber of Commerce verifies land use with the District Mayor's Office..

What taxes apply to short-term rentals in Cartagena?

Short-term rental hosts in Cartagena are subject to the following tax obligations: Unknown specific rate (subject to local ICA tax, FONTUR parafiscal contribution, and applicable national taxes). Exact figures Unknown..

What are the penalties for illegal Airbnb hosting in Cartagena?

Hosts who operate without proper permits in Cartagena may face enforcement. Operating without TRA/SIRE registration can lead to fines up to 300 million COP (~$80,000 USD) and RNT suspension for five years. SIC enforcement, platform delisting and possible closure orders for non-compliance. Decree 2438 of 2015 also imposes san.

What are the key STR compliance requirements in Cartagena?

RNT renewal window is annual, January 1–March 31; late renewal results in automatic suspension. Cartagena had ~16,300 active listings as of first-half 2026. Cartagena district registrations may take up to 15 business days vs ~5 elsewhere.

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