How to renew Colombian passport in the U.S.

Laura Florez

Laura Florez was born and raised in Colombia. Now in the U.S., she is a writer, marketer, and international student.

Hi, I’m Laura. Colombian living in the United States and in this post I want to share with you how to renew your Colombian passport in 6 simple steps without the need to go to Colombia.

Renewing your passport in the USA can take time because not all states have a Colombian Consulate, so I recommend that you start the process before the expiration date of your current passport.

The first thing to keep in mind is that in order to obtain your new passport, you must go in person to a Colombian Consulate.

Which cities have a Colombian Consulate in the U.S.?

What do you need to renew your Colombian passport?

1. Have your identity documents

In order to renew your passport, you must have an identification document such as your citizenship card, your expired passport if you have it, identity card or civil registry if you are a minor.

If you lost your passport, as in my case, be sure to mention the loss, tell what happened at the consulate office and provide a police report if you have one.

2. Fill out the application form

You should continue by filling 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, make an appointment on the official website of the consulate you wish to go to from the list mentioned above,

Keep in mind that appointments can often be delayed, so it is advisable to start the process early.

4. Make the payment for your new passport

Payment for your passport application can be made online via PSE, credit card or with a Money Order after submitting your passport application.

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. Go to your appointment and provide the following documents

On the assigned date and time of your appointment, make sure you have:

Identity card
Completed application form
Proof of payment of your passport

Please note that according to the information obtained from the official website of the Colombian Consulate, it is not necessary to bring photos, since on the day of your appointment, they will take photos of you, your fingerprints and your 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.

In some cases, you can request your passport to be sent to you by mail, if you do not live in the city where you applied for it. For this, I recommend that you contact the consulate in advance.

In my case, I issued my passport in Atlanta and it was sent to Seattle by mail.

Frequently asked questions on how to obtain a new Colombian passport

How much does it cost to renew my Colombian passport in the United States?

According to the official website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in 2023, the cost of the ordinary Colombian passport is $94 U.S. dollars.

Can I order my new passport online?

Generally, you must go in person to a consulate, however, your passport can be processed online in some cases.

Visit this page to learn more about how to do it.

Can I apply for my passport in Canada or Mexico?

Yes, according to the information obtained from the official website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, you can obtain your Colombian passport at any of the Colombian consulates abroad.

Visit this directory for specific cities or countries.

I don’t have my cédula de ciudadania or ID card, what other document can I present?

If you do not have your ID, you can present your first time contraseña or a copy of your birth certificate.

Visit the Colombian Consulate for more information on additional identity documents.

Can I renew or apply for an American tourist visa at a Colombian Consulate?

No. According to the official USA.gov website, to apply for or renew a non-diplomatic U.S. visa, you must personally visit the U.S. Embassy in Bogota.

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How to Renew Colombian Passport in the U.S.