Expert: Cesar - 8/11/2009

Question
My Wife and I are American citizens, but she was born in Colombia. She would like to renew her Colombian passport, but has heard that she must wear dark colored clothing only for Colombian passport photos. Is this true?

Answer
I do not think so unless it is something new that I have not heard about. I looked at the requirements for the passport photos and I obtained the following from

http://consuladocolombiala.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=56&Item...

For additional consulates you can visit: http://www.cesarusa.com/consulates.htm

1.Cédula de ciudadanía original o contraseña de la misma.
2.El pasaporte  anterior.
En caso de pérdida del pasaporte anterior debe hacer una declaración escrita ante el Cónsul.
3.Tres (3) fotografías a color, recientes, iguales, de 3.5 x 4.5 cm, tomadas de frente y  con fondo claro.
4.US$117.00 en Money Order únicamente, a nombre del Consulado de Colombia

Which I translated it as follows:

1) Original Colombian ID (called Cedula de Ciudadanía) or claim document for it.
2) Previous passport
In case of loss of the previous passport the person has to make a writen statement with the addressee being the Consulate Director (in Spanish: Consul de Colombia).
3) Three (3) photograps in color, recent, all the same, 3.5 by 4.5 centimeters, facing forward (not sideways or slightly sideways), and with a light background (meaning white or similar).
4. US$117 in only a Money Order payable to the Consulado de Colombia

As you can see there is no requirement for a dark colored clothing.

You can call them or fax your question(s) to them. You can also decide to have her wear a dark jacket for the photo just in case (which should not be a big deal unless she cannot get one), but I do not see it necessary.

Cesar
www.CesarUSA.com