Expert: Cesar - 2/21/2009

Question
I am a current US resident but need to travel to Colombia in two weeks (I will stay there for 10 days). I did not realize my passport was expired and now I do not know how long it takes to get it renewed and if it will be a problem when traveling. I do have my old passport and my colombian "cedula de cuidadania." Thanks to anyone who can help!!!
Maria

Answer
Dear Maria:

You could go to any Colombian consulate and they would issue you another passport the same day if you bring the old one, bring cédula de ciudadanía, passport photos as required, and the passport fee in a Money Order (or Cashier Check) for the exact amount which could be $117 (check current fee) payable to Consulado de Colombia, which could vary on the type you request (based on the number of the pages, and the kind). For additional requirements visit any Colombian consulate's website. Maybe some consulates might be able to take cash, but check in the website of the consulate you are going to go to make sure. The pictures currently should be 3 color pictures, recent, all the same, 3.5 centimeters wide by 4.5 centimeters tall, frontal (front of the face, not side of the face), and clear (meaning white or light colored) background.

If you come later in the day at the consulate they might have it ready the next day and you will have to go back the next day to pick it up. Therefore go early in the morning just in case there are long lines or the give out a limited number of tickets. Check if you need to be there very early such as 5 or 6 a.m. to receive a ticket at 7 or 8 a.m. If the consulate is not busy then you might be able to get in at 9 or hopefully as late as 1 p.m. and get the passport at around 2 p.m. or earlier (they would tell you the approximate time it would be ready). Notice that most consulates attend general public in the morning and close at around 12, 1 p.m. or 2 p.m. or only some windows remain open for passport and document pickup, but not for new applications. They probably use their afternoons (after 1 or 2 p.m.) for other tasks.

Check their days off since it will include the holidays from both countries: the Colombian holidays and the hosting company holidays. For example they might or would be closed on the Colombian Independence day, on Holy week, etc.

If the female is married and changed last name to her husbands' a stamp would be placed noting so, but the lady would need to bring a marriage certificate.

I made a web page where I list Colombian consulates at:
http://www.cesarusa.com/Colombia.htm
which is the same as www.ColombiaInforma.com

Airlines might give you a hard time if you try to fly with an expired passport. More so if coming into the US. It should not be too much of a problem in Colombia if you also bring the cédula de ciudadanía.

Cesar
www.CesarUSA.com