Find out in which cases you can obtain a Colombian passport for free and check if you are eligible
The process to obtain a Colombian passport has changed as of today, October 3. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the purpose of these modifications, which include changes in the appointment scheduling and renewal of the document, is to streamline and modernize the process.
Perhaps the modification that arouses most interest is the possibility of obtaining the Colombian passport at no cost, a measure that will benefit thousands of Colombians, considering that, in Bogotá, for example, the cost of this document amounts to $180,000.
If you are thinking of obtaining a Colombian passport, here we clarify in which case you will be able to do it without incurring in economic expenses.
¿Sabías que ahora los colombianos y colombianas podrán expedir su pasaporte sin ningún costo? Quienes pertenezcan a los niveles 1 y 2 del SISBEN, mayores de 62 años, o necesiten viajar por razones de salud, educación o trabajo y más. #PasaportesParaTodos #PasaportesDelCambio pic.twitter.com/GCcNPRNyAl
— Presidencia Colombia 🇨🇴 (@infopresidencia) October 3, 2024
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In what cases can I get a Colombian passport for free?
With the adjustments in the Colombian passport issuance process, certain groups will be exempt from paying for this document. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, they will be able to obtain a Colombian passport free of charge:
- People who belong to SISBEN levels 1 and 2.
- People with disabilities.
- Adults over 62 years old.
- Persons who must travel for work, educational or health reasons.
- Members of sports, cultural, artistic delegations, or those related to technological and scientific development.
If you wish to obtain a Colombian passport, remember that you will have to schedule an appointment and verify which documents are required if you are eligible for the free issuance. You can book your appointment here.
Requirements for free passport issuance
If you belong to any of the previously mentioned groups, you will be able to obtain your Colombian passport free of charge. However, you must take into account that in all cases you will have to present certain documentation.
As defined by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, these are some of the documents you will have to present to obtain a Colombian passport at no cost:
- Citizenship card.
- Health certificates.
- Adoption documents issued by the Colombian Institute of Family Welfare (ICBF).
- Certificate of studies for minors under 25 years of age.
- Labor contract abroad.
- Certificates of participation in sports, artistic, labor or academic activities abroad.
Please note that not all groups must present the same documentation. It is recommended to verify in the official website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs which are the requirements that apply to your particular condition. For more information, click here.
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Other changes in the Colombian passport issuance process
As of today, October 3, the Foreign Ministry announced that the process to obtain the Colombian passport would see several changes, due to the termination of the contract with the international provider of these documents.
The most relevant changes include the option to renew the passport completely online for those who have obtained it since 2017, a decrease in the cost of the procedure, and a more flexible system to schedule appointments. In addition to free of charge in certain cases, these are the main changes introduced to the process:
1. You can renew your passport from home
If you need to renew your passport, you will now be able to do it from home, as the new system will allow you to update your photo and make the payment virtually. Once approved, an e-mail notification will be sent to pick up the new passport at the selected location.
2. Lower issuance cost
Another change in the procedure is the reduction in the cost of this important document. In Bogota, for example, the normal passport will go from $207,000 to $180,000. In other cities of the country, prices were also modified, and even adjustments were made outside the country. In consulates such as those in Europe, the price will be 60 euros; in other regions, $82.
Please note that the cost of this important document varies according to the place of issuance, so for more information you should consult directly with the nearest supplier.
3. Appointments available 24/7
Another key change in the Colombian passport issuance process is the new appointment scheduling system. Prior to the adjustments, the process was slow and time-consuming. Now, the Foreign Ministry has implemented a technological platform that allows citizens to schedule their appointments more quickly and securely.
This system is supported by the Registraduría’s ANI (Archivo Nacional de Identificación) service, which optimizes identity verification and ensures an agile and reliable process. In addition, a double authentication factor has been added to protect users’ personal data.
The system will be available 24/7, so users will be able to select the date that best suits them and check appointment availability in real time.
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