Last updated on June 5th, 2024 at 02:06 pm
Hi, I’m Laura. I’m a Colombian living in the United States and in this post, I’ll 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 some time because not all states have a Colombian Consulate. It is recommended that you start the process before the expiration date of your current passport.
The first thing to keep in mind is that to obtain your new passport, you must go in person to a Colombian Consulate.
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.
Which cities have a Colombian Consulate in the U.S.?
- Atlanta, Georgia
- Boston, Massachusetts
- Chicago, Illinois
- Washington D.C.
- Los Angeles, California
- San Juan, Puerto Rico
- Miami, Florida
- New York
- Orlando, Florida
- San Francisco, California
- Newark, New Jersey
- Houston, Texas
What do you need to renew your Colombian passport?
1. Have the required documents
To renew your passport, you must have an identification document such as your citizenship card (cédula de ciudadanía), your expired passport if you have it, identity card (tarjeta de identidad) 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. Pay the renewal fee 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 or previous passport
- 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 a passport photo. 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 working days, however, it may take longer.
In some cases, you can request your passport to be sent to you by mail or dhl, if you do not live in the city where you applied for it.
I recommend that you contact the consulate in advance to know about shipping options.
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 2024, the cost of the ordinary Colombian passport is $94 U.S. dollars.
- How much does an emergency passport cost?
As of 2024, the cost for an emergency passport is $123 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, Ecuador, or another country?
Yes, according to the information obtained from the official website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Colombian citizens can obtain their Colombian passport at any Colombian consulate 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, a copy of your birth certificate, or your previous passport.
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 in the USA?
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.
- If I have Colombian citizenship, can I apply for a U.S. passport?
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.
