Expert: MRZ - 10/14/2009

Question
i was born in colombia in January 1990 and then adopted and i became a us citizen in December 1991. i believe under the new constitution i am a dual-citizen. i am going back this december to study and live there for a while. two questions: should i get a colombian passport or just use my us passport and if i do go back (and get a colombian passport am i subject to the military draft? i have visited before with my parents using my us passport but they always questioned me upon entering and i am afraid that i will have trouble if i am alone.
thank you very much.

Answer
Hi James,
Yes, you can obtain your dual citizenship. You have to get an original (recently obtained) copy of your birth certificate and apply for your cedula and passport at your nearest Colombian Consulate. Since you are under the age of 25, you can obtain your passport with the temporary cedula (contrasena) you will receive at the Consulate. There is no cost to get a cedula, the cost of obtaining a passport is $117 dollars. You will also need 4 pics for your cedula and passport.
As far as your military service, that is more complicated. The law says that as a dual citizen you must resolve your military service under Colombian law, so you are required to settle that with the authorities here. However the law also has some exceptions. Perhaps you should give me a call, with a bit more information I can guide you to resolve this before you head to Colombia. My number is 703.652.3850, which is a U.S. based number that rings in my Bogota office.
Thanks
Marta