The Colombian Passport: Your Key to the World

Name: Conecty: International eSIM
Author: Conecty

The Colombian Passport: Your Key to the World

If you are a Colombian citizen, your passport is a travel document that will identify you abroad. With this document, you can explore various countries on your travel list.

In this blog, you'll find a detailed guide with everything you need to know about this valuable document, answering your questions and preparing you for your next adventures.

What can be done with this passport?

Your Colombian passport is your indispensable ally for traveling abroad. With it, you can visit numerous countries, provided you meet all the specific entry requirements of each nation. Furthermore, this document also serves as valid identification while you are outside of Colombia, since the national identity card is only accepted within the country.

Pay attention to this fact… According to the 2023 Passport Index, the Colombian passport is one of the most powerful in Latin America, giving you access to more than 90 countries with a variety of exciting destinations.

What are the benefits of a Colombian passport?

One of the main advantages of this passport is the ease of travel it offers. According to government figures, around 25% of citizens have a valid passport, and thanks to international agreements, they can enter numerous countries without a visa, especially in Latin America and the Caribbean. This greatly simplifies immigration procedures, saving you time and money on obtaining visas.

Likewise, having a valid passport is an essential prerequisite if you want to apply for a VISA to visit countries like the United States and Canada .

Did you know they can deny it?

There are certain occasions in which it may be denied and the most common include criminal records, debts with the Colombian State, national security situations or failure to meet the entry requirements in the destination country.

For these reasons, it is crucial to keep up to date with your legal obligations and ensure you comply with all regulations to avoid setbacks and mistakes.

What are the types of passports and their costs?

In Colombia, there are four types of passports:

Ordinary Passport:

It is the standard passport issued to Colombian citizens for tourist, business, or personal travel.
It has 32 sheets.
Any Colombian citizen can apply for it by meeting the established requirements.
It is valid for 10 years for adults.
COST: 207,000 COP or 55 USD*

Executive Passport:

It is issued to all Colombians who request it.
It has 48 sheets.
It does not grant the same immunities as a diplomat.
It can only be requested by authorized public servants.
It is valid for 4 years.
COST: 315,000 COP or 83 USD*

Diplomatic Passport:

It is granted exclusively to diplomatic officials and high-ranking officials of the Colombian government traveling on official missions.
It has 48 sheets.
It facilitates entry and exit procedures in other countries.
It offers diplomatic privileges and immunities.
It can only be requested by accredited diplomatic personnel.
COST: 136,000 COP or 36 USD*

Emergency Passport:

It is a temporary document and the only way to return to Colombia.
It is issued abroad when a Colombian loses, damages, or has their valid passport stolen.
It has 8 sheets.
It is only valid for 180 calendar days.
It cannot be used to travel to other destinations, only to return to Colombia.
COST: 192,000 COP or 50 USD*

5 Steps to get a Colombian passport

It is important to note that the requirements may vary slightly depending on the processing office you visit, so it is recommended to check beforehand to ensure you have the necessary documentation such as:

National identity card
Application form: fill out the form that you can download from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website or at the Processing offices.
Photographs: Two recent, color photographs with a white background, measuring 3x4 cm, are required. Please take a frontal view without glasses. However, in some departments, these are taken on the day of the appointment.
Civil birth certificate: if you are a minor.
Current criminal record

Checklist for processing your passport

Gather the documents: compile all the required documents and make sure they are current and in order.
Make the payment: enter the price corresponding to the type of passport.
Schedule an appointment: request it through the website or by phone.
Please come to the office: arrive on the date and time indicated, bringing all required documents. Important: Do not wear earrings, piercings, or hats on the day of your appointment, as this is the day your official photo will be taken.
Fingerprint and biometric data collection: a process that is carried out through a facial photograph and an electronic fingerprint scanner.
Verify the information: double-check all the data in the documents to avoid errors.
Wait for delivery: this process takes approximately 15 business days.
Collect your passport : when it is ready, you must claim it in person at the same office by presenting your receipt.

Tips to speed up your passport application process:

To schedule your appointment, it is recommended to connect from different devices at the same time, due to website congestion.
Try to log into the website 10 or 15 minutes early to keep it constantly updated.

The 20 best countries to visit

Thanks to the power of the Colombian passport, you have access to 90 countries with exciting destinations . Here are some of the best countries to visit as a Colombian:

🇲🇽 Mexico : Chichen Itza and Playa del Carmen.

🇨🇷 Costa Rica : Corcovado National Park and Arenal Volcano.

🇵🇦 Panama : Panama Canal and San Blas Islands.

🇨🇱 Chile : Torres del Paine and Elqui Valley.

🇵🇪 Peru : Machu Picchu and Nazca Lines.

🇦🇷 Argentina : Buenos Aires, Patagonia and Iguazu Falls.

🇪🇸 Spain : The Alhambra and the Sagrada Familia.

🇬🇧 United Kingdom: Buckingham Palace and Tower of London.

🇫🇷 France: Eiffel Tower and Loire Valley Castles.

🇮🇹 Italy: Roman Colosseum and Canals of Venice.

🇹🇷 Turkey : Cappadocia and Istanbul.

🇩🇪 Germany : Neuschwanstein Castle and Munich.

🇳🇱 Netherlands: Kinderdijk Windmills and Amsterdam Red Light District.

🇬🇷 Greece: Acropolis of Athens and Caldera of Santorini.

🇮🇩 Indonesia : Borobudur Temple and Kuta Beach in Bali.

🇹🇭 Thailand : The Grand Palace and Phi Phi Islands.

🇳🇿 New Zealand: Milford Sound and Okere Falls.

🇰🇪 Kenya : Maasai Mara Reserve and Amboseli National Park.

🇿🇦 South Africa: Cape Town and Fish River Canyon Hike.

🇯🇵 Japan : Tokyo, Mount Fuji and Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto.

At Conecty, we understand the frustration of traveling abroad and searching for Wi-Fi everywhere, or dealing with extra charges for roaming. That's why we offer eSIM and SIM card options in over 190 countries, giving you peace of mind while staying connected on your adventures.

How far in advance do I need to renew my passport?

It is recommended to begin the process well in advance to ensure a smooth transition. The maximum time allowed before the expiration date of this document is up to one year prior to its expiration.

This way, you can ensure you have a valid document and avoid setbacks in your travel plans.

Before you travel, keep in mind…

Here are some helpful tips to get the most out of it:

Check your passport's validity: Make sure your passport has at least six months of validity remaining before you travel, as many countries require this for entry. Also, if you have any visas that haven't expired in your previous passport, you must travel with both.

Check entry requirements: research visas, permits, or additional documents needed for your destination.

Register with the traveler registry: The Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs offers a traveler registration service to provide assistance in case of emergencies.

Purchase travel assistance : protect yourself in case of unforeseen events, such as medical emergencies, lost luggage or flight cancellations.

Bring copies of your documents: it is always advisable to carry scanned copies of your passport and other important documents, in case of loss or theft.

Respect local laws: Remember that you must respect the laws and customs of the country you are visiting, avoiding any illegal activity.

Stay in touch with your loved ones: share your itinerary with family or friends and maintain regular communication during your trip with the facilities that Connecty has for you.

You're all set! Remember that these are just a few suggestions to help you make the most of all the destinations you can travel to with your Colombian passport and Conecty's 4G and 5G connectivity solution.

It's time to discover new cultures, enjoy exciting experiences, and create unforgettable memories without worrying about losing your connection. Pack your bags and let your passport and Conecty guide you to your next adventures.

Enjoy your travels and create unforgettable memories!

Reference

Costs and Payment Methods - Passport. (n.d.). Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Retrieved April 13, 2024, from https://www.cancilleria.gov.co/tramites_servicios/pasaportes/costos