Expert: MRZ - 1/8/2008

Question
I am originally from Colombia, but moved to the U.S. over 12 years ago.  I have both a Colombian and U.S. passport.  Recently, I became a U.S. citizen and changed my name.  My question is - how does this affect me if I want to visit my family in Colombia?  Will I run into any problems if I use my new passport (with my new name) or do I need to have a Colombian passport as well?  The only concern I have with my Colombian passport is that it has my old name on it.  Please advise.  Thank you kindly.

Answer
According to Article 43 of the Colombian Constitution if someone has dual citizenship and they plan to travel to Colombian he/she must enter the country with a Colombian passport.
The passport will have the same name as it appears in the cedula (if over the age of 18).
The question that you must answer is first, is your Colombian passport still valid?
If it's still valid you can travel with that passport and not show your US passport. If you want to change your name in Colombia to coincide with your US name, you must do it through the consulate or in Colombian soil through a judge. You must show an original copy of your birth certificate. We can help you with that if you need assistance. You can email me directly at info@colombianpossibilities.com if you have any other questions or if you need help.