Last updated on October 18th, 2024 at 11:18 am
Hi, I’m Laura. As a Colombian living in the U.S., I know how stressful managing important tasks like passport renewals from abroad can be.
Don’t worry! In this post, I’ll guide you through the steps to renew your Colombian passport in the U.S.
Quick Overview: How to Renew Your Colombian Passport
Remitly has created this guide, as part of a series that will guide you through the process of how to renew your Colombian, Ecuadorian, Mexican, and Salvadoran passport in the U.S.
Table of Contents
Colombian Consulates in the U.S.
Passport renewals take time, especially since not every state has a Colombian Consulate.
It is recommended that you start the process before your current passport expires.
To renew your Colombian passport, you’ll need to visit a Colombian Consulate in person.
Below is a list of cities where Colombian Consulates are located.
- East Coast:
- West Coast:
- Midwest:
- South:
- U.S. Territories:
Steps to Renew Your Colombian Passport
Once you’ve identified the closest consulate, follow these six steps to complete your passport renewal.
1. Have Your Identification Documents Ready
To renew your passport, you must have an identification document:
- Citizenship card (cédula de ciudadanía),
- Expired passport if you have it
- Identity card (tarjeta de identidad), or civil registry if you are a minor.
If you’ve lost your passport, like I did, explain the situation at the consulate and provide a police report if you have one.
2. Fill Out the Application Form
Next, fill out the application form to expedite the process when you visit the consulate.
3. Schedule Your Passport Renewal Appointment
After you have the required identification documents and have filled out the application form, schedule an appointment on the official website of the consulate you wish to go to from the list mentioned above,
4. Pay the Renewal Fee for Your New Passport
You can pay for your passport application online using PSE (a secure payment service for Colombian transactions), with a credit card, or by Money Order. Money Orders are available at most banks or postal offices.
I used a Money Order, but I recommend that you choose the option that best suits you.
For more information about payment and costs, visit the Colombian Chancellery website.
5. Attend the Appointment and Provide the Required Documents
On the assigned date and time of your appointment, make sure you have:
- ID (Cédula de ciudadanía) or previous passport
- Completed application form
- Proof of payment of your passport
Please note that, according to the information on the Colombian Consulate’s official website, you don’t need to bring a passport photo.
On the day of your appointment, they will take your photo, fingerprints, and signature.
6. Pick Up Your Passport
After you attend your appointment and the consul has processed your application, you can pick up your passport within 8 to 15 business days, however, it may take longer.
If you do not live near the consulate where you applied, you can request that your passport be sent to you via mail or DHL in some cases.
Be sure to check with the consulate to confirm shipping options and fees.
In my case, I issued my passport in Atlanta, and it was sent to Seattle by mail.
FAQs on How to Obtain a New Colombian Passport
According to the official website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in 2024, the cost of the ordinary Colombian passport is $94 U.S. dollars.
As of 2024, the cost for an emergency passport is $123 U.S. dollars.
Typically, you must go to the consulate in person, but online processing may be available in some cases. Check the Colombian Chancellery website for details.
Yes, you can renew your Colombian passport at any Colombian consulate abroad. Including in countries like Canada or Ecuador.
Visit the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website for a full directory of locations.
If you do not have your ID, you can present your first-time contraseña, a copy of your birth certificate, or your previous passport.
Visit the Colombian Consulate for more information on additional identity documents.
No, according to the official USA.gov website, to apply for or renew a non-diplomatic U.S. visa, you must go in person to the U.S. Embassy in Bogota.
If you hold Colombian citizenship and have been naturalized as a U.S. citizen, you can apply for a U.S. passport.
However, Colombians cannot obtain a U.S. passport unless they have American citizenship.
Similarly, U.S. citizens cannot obtain a Colombian passport unless they have been naturalized or have Colombian citizenship.
