Colombian Passports

In order for a Colombian national to enter a foreign country, a passport is needed for entry. A passport application can be submitted at any local Colombian Embassy or Consulate. The necessary requirements are also obtained there.

Types Available

A Regular passport is the passport most Colombians are familiar with. It is issued to a Colombian national and it doesn’t have any special connotations assigned to it.

A Diplomatic passport is issued to diplomats or state and government employees doing diplomatic work for Colombia.

A Service passport is issued to Colombian government employees who travel abroad for work-related reasons, but who are not diplomats.

Requirements

For applicants who are over 18 years of age, the following are required:

An original copy of the applicant’s proof of identification. Embassies require two notarized photocopies of the document;

A certificate of citizenship. Three copies must be submitted: an original copy and two notarized photocopies;

Two recent photographs, in color with a white background. The size must be 3.5 x 4.5 cm, with the applicant facing straight towards the camera. For Embassies, three photographs are required;

The passport application and processing fee.

A filled out passport application form. The form can be obtained at the local Colombian Embassy or Consulate.

For applicants who are under 18 years of age, the following items are also needed. Be advised that minors under seven years old must be accompanied by one or both of the parents or a legal guardian.

Two certified copies of the Folio Civil Registration that is issued by the notary in Colombia where the child was born. The registration record must be taken after February 2000 and it must have the NUIP numerical digits;

Two notarized photocopies of the parents’ proof of citizenship. If the child has a guardian, there must be an additional official notarized document stating the guardianship.

Additional Information

In early 2006, Colombia and Bolivia adopted a passport format as members of the Andean Community of Nations. The format was outlined during the Andean Council of Foreign Ministers meeting, which happened in 2002. The Andean passports have a burgundy-red color with gold-colored legends. Above the country’s national seal is the name of the organization inscribed in Spanish, centered and in larger fonts. Below the seal is the name of the country. At the bottom is the word “Passport,” both in Spanish and English. If you enjoy reading this article, might as well read the Top Ten ways to make traveling easier.