Expat Exchange
Free MembershipSign In

Colombia Expat Forum

New 3-year Visa and Cedula

New Topic Newest First
jerryg
  1/19/2018 10:42 EST

I officially got my passport back yesterday, with a 3-year retirement visa in it. Went to the migration office and will get a 3-year cedula in about 2 weeks. The whole process will take less than 1-month

jerryg
  1/19/2018 10:45 EST

By the way, cost $550 american including the Cedula.

Colombian Visa ServicesColombian Visa Services
Connect

We have over 10 years of experience helping foreigners obtain visas, invest, and do business in Colombia. Take the stress out of immigrating to Colombia by working with an experienced, bilingual immigration attorney.

Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.

Colombian Visa ServicesColombian Visa Services

We have over 10 years of experience helping foreigners obtain visas, invest, and do business in Colombia. Take the stress out of immigrating to Colombia by working with an experienced, bilingual immigration attorney.
Connect

Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.

bigjailerman
  1/19/2018 10:46 EST

Good info, thanks

SkyMan
  1/19/2018 16:57 EST

jerryG...good post...we are all "learning" about the new process.
The cost is about what I expected. Thanks for this informative post. Buena Suerte ! Tranquuilo.

SkyMan
  1/19/2018 16:58 EST

How long did it take to get your passport back ?. Forgot to ask that question. Buena Suerte ! Tranquilo.

jerryg
  1/19/2018 17:11 EST

Turned it in on the 5th of Jan and got it back on the 18th. The person who did it got me an at once appointment for the Cedula and I did that yesterday and will have my new 3-year Cedula in 2 weeks from yesterday

Colombian Visa ServicesColombian Visa Services
Connect

We have over 10 years of experience helping foreigners obtain visas, invest, and do business in Colombia. Take the stress out of immigrating to Colombia by working with an experienced, bilingual immigration attorney.

Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.

Colombian Visa ServicesColombian Visa Services

We have over 10 years of experience helping foreigners obtain visas, invest, and do business in Colombia. Take the stress out of immigrating to Colombia by working with an experienced, bilingual immigration attorney.
Connect

Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.

Leelet
  1/19/2018 17:58 EST

Ok, I am really embarrassed to admit this after spending a total of 12 months in Colombia in the last 2 years but, I do not know how to mail a letter from Colombia. The only mail experience I had was such a mess that the parcel was delivered back to the US AFTER my return - 120 days after it had been sent. I have generally avoided their postal system (if such exists??) since.

I even went to DIAN at the El Dorado Airport Airport to try to locate my parcel. NADA

I know that in order to get my 3-year passport I will need to send for income verification (social security) to Costa Rica. How is this done?

I think I also need to have a copy of my blood type. Can that be a fax from a US doctor? Does it need an apostle?

I have a 2-year-old statement with apostle that says I do not have any criminal convictions, an original of my birth certificate, apostilled copies of marriage certificates and divorce decrees.

What else do they need? Is all this going to have to translated? And it can't be translated by just anyone, eh?

I use my maiden name. Do I just tell them I have never been married? My passport and birth certificate are the same name.

MyGod, this has become complicated. And I plan to do this myself because, while it sounds bad, I know, it's not nearly as awfulas it sounds. Just follow the steps.

Thanks for the help. I was all set before they changed the rules.

How do I get the state to do the apostle for the income verification? I'm trying to get out of Calif. because of the taxes.

Andresen
  1/19/2018 18:46 EST

If i had to send a letter to the US: 1) find someone who is returning to the US and ask them to mail it for you. 2) go to your local MBE office.

jerryg
  1/19/2018 19:08 EST

You absolutely don't have to send your social security anywhere. I went to gesticol and they did everything. the $550 I quoted is including the $50 you have to get them to send your social security letter to u.s.embassy in Bogata and they certify that your social security letter is correct, and the Colombian government accepts that.

Leelet
  1/19/2018 20:04 EST

Sorry, what is MBE?

jerryg
  1/19/2018 20:07 EST

mail boxes etc

Colombian Visa ServicesColombian Visa Services
Connect

We have over 10 years of experience helping foreigners obtain visas, invest, and do business in Colombia. Take the stress out of immigrating to Colombia by working with an experienced, bilingual immigration attorney.

Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.

Colombian Visa ServicesColombian Visa Services

We have over 10 years of experience helping foreigners obtain visas, invest, and do business in Colombia. Take the stress out of immigrating to Colombia by working with an experienced, bilingual immigration attorney.
Connect

Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.

Leelet
  1/19/2018 20:08 EST

What is Gesticol? Will they accept the notice I just received of my new benefits amount?

Leelet
  1/19/2018 20:10 EST

I thought the US Embassy in Bogotá couldn't it anymore.?

Leelet
  1/19/2018 20:10 EST

I thought the US Embassy in Bogotá couldn't it anymore.?

Leelet
  1/19/2018 20:10 EST

I thought the US Embassy in Bogotá couldn't it anymore.?

Leelet
  1/19/2018 20:10 EST

I thought the US Embassy in Bogotá couldn't it anymore.?

Leelet
  1/19/2018 20:10 EST

I thought the US Embassy in Bogotá couldn't it anymore.?

jerryg
  1/19/2018 20:13 EST

Gesticol is an attorney right next to the migration office, which takes care of everything for you. You have to bring your passport and a printed copy of your current social security letter. From that point, they take care of everything. You give them your passport and about 10 days later you get your passport back with a new 3-year visa....it is that simple. It is much easier than trying to do it yourself.

jerryg
  1/19/2018 20:14 EST

Absolutely 100% false

Leelet
  1/19/2018 20:16 EST

So,Colobmia really doesn't have a postal system.

Andresen
  1/19/2018 20:29 EST

You could have Googled it, but Mail Box, Etc.

saiid20
  1/19/2018 21:04 EST

That notice you received about the first of the year is your income verification.
Also, any clinic here will give you an "official" card stating your blood type. No need for US doc or translations

jerryg
  1/19/2018 21:07 EST

no, the social security letter has to be translated into Spanish, because the Colombian government issues the visa.

jerryg
  1/19/2018 21:10 EST

This information is right because I have a copy of the certification from the embassy in Spanish

bigjailerman
  1/19/2018 21:26 EST

I've sent plenty of mail from Colombia to the usa using Serviatrenga. I've overmighted Contracts and documents for about 85000cop 1kilo more or less all's regulator mark a well. Never lost anything. 472 you should stay away, they are Sweaty mess.

jerryg
  2/3/2018 08:24 EST

Well, a little correction. Don't ask me why, but I picked up my cedula yesterday and it is good for 1 year, I have no clue why. I have a 3-year visa and a one-year cedula

BlueSeas
  2/3/2018 08:55 EST

I'd guess the one year Cedula is a mistake. I only got a 2 year visa (different type), but the Cedula I picked up this week is good for 2 years.

jerryg
  2/3/2018 09:00 EST

Never mind, I looked at it again, it is 3 year...sorry for the confusion.

Calle2Will
  2/3/2018 11:57 EST

I use Envia to mail letters to the U.S. But it costs around $100,000 COP whether you send one letter or a dozen.

I sent my wife's Colombian passport using this service to the U.S. for obtaining an ITIN with no problems.

Colombian Visa Services
Colombian Visa Services

Take the stress out of immigrating to Colombia by working with an experienced, bilingual immigration attorney.
Learn More

Colombian Visa ServicesColombian Visa Services

Take the stress out of immigrating to Colombia by working with an experienced, bilingual immigration attorney.
Learn More

Living in Colombia GuideLiving in Colombia Guide

Expats in Colombia discuss the pros and cons of living in Colombia. From the Colombian people to driving to taxes and more. As challenging as it can be, expats in Colombia clearly find that there is a lot to love about a country that is a surprising expat hot spot.

Colombia Forum Colombia Forum
Join our Colombia forum to meet other expats and talk about living in Colombia.

Contribute to Colombia Network Contribute
Help other expats and newcomers by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Colombia.

Best Places to Live in Colombia Best Places to Live in Colombia

If you're considering a move to Colombia, here are the 15 Best Places to Live in Colombia in 2023.

Healthcare in ColombiaHealthcare in Colombia

Our guide to healthcare in Colombia covers public and private healthcare in Colombia, hospitals, vaccinations, prescription medications and more.

Cost of Living in ColombiaCost of Living in Colombia

Expats offer insight into the cost of living in Colombia.

Moving to ColombiaMoving to Colombia Guide

With its bustling cities, beautiful beaches and friendly Colombians, Colombia is an increasingly popular destination for expats of all ages. Expats in Colombia offer insightful tips for those moving to Colombia.

Real Estate in ColombiaReal Estate in Colombia

Real estate listings in popular cities and towns in Colombia.

Pros Cons of Living in ColombiaPros & Cons of Living in Colombia

Take off your rose-colored glasses and learn what expats have to say about the biggest challenges and the greatest rewards of living in Colombia.

Retiring in ColombiaRetiring in Colombia

Advice for people retiring in Colombia.

10 Tips for Living in Colombia10 Tips for Living in Colombia

If you've recently arrived in Colombia, here are 10 tips for digital nomads living in Colombia.

Colombian Visa Services
Colombian Visa Services

Take the stress out of immigrating to Colombia by working with an experienced, bilingual immigration attorney.
Learn More

Colombian Visa ServicesColombian Visa Services

Take the stress out of immigrating to Colombia by working with an experienced, bilingual immigration attorney.
Learn More

Contribute to Colombia Network Contribute
Help others in Colombia by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Colombia.

GeoBlue
GeoBlue

Copyright 1997-2024 Burlingame Interactive, Inc.

Privacy Policy Legal