Colombia Passport Renewal: Step-by-Step Guide, Fees & Requirements

Table of Contents#

1. Who Needs to Renew a Colombian Passport?
2. Colombia Passport Renewal Requirements
3. Step-by-Step Renewal Process
4. Renewal Fees
5. Processing Time
6. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
7. Conclusion
8. References

Who Needs to Renew a Colombian Passport?#

You must renew your Colombian passport if:

• Expiration: Your current passport is expired or will expire within 6 months (many countries require at least 6 months of validity for entry).
• Damage: The passport is physically damaged (e.g., torn pages, water damage, or unreadable information).
• Lost/Stolen: Your passport was lost or stolen (you must report the loss/theft first; see FAQs).
• Personal Changes: You need to update critical information (e.g., legal name change, gender marker, or citizenship status).

Colombia Passport Renewal Requirements#

To renew your Colombian passport, you’ll need to provide the following documents. Requirements may vary slightly if renewing in Colombia vs. abroad (via a Colombian consulate), but the core list is consistent:

1. Original Expired/Damaged Passport#

• Submit your current passport. If it’s lost/stolen, you’ll need a police report (see FAQs).

2. Completed Application Form#

• Download the form from the Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Cancillería) website or pick one up in person at a passport office/consulate.
• Fill it out legibly in black ink or online (if available).
• Sign the form in the designated area.

3. Recent Passport Photos (Abroad Only)#

• If renewing at a consulate abroad, bring 3 identical color photos (3.5 cm x 4.5 cm).
• White background, front-facing, neutral expression, eyes open.
• No hats, sunglasses, or head coverings (unless for religious reasons, with the face fully visible).
• Photos must be taken within the last 6 months.
• If renewing in Colombia, your photo and fingerprints are taken directly at the passport office during your appointment—no separate photos are needed.

4. Proof of Colombian Citizenship#

• A valid Cédula de Ciudadanía (Colombian national ID card) – original and a photocopy.
• If you don’t have a Cédula, provide a birth certificate (original and certified copy) or naturalization papers (if applicable).

5. Proof of Payment#

• A receipt for the renewal fee (see Fees).

6. Additional Documents (If Applicable)#

• Name Change: Legal name change decree (e.g., marriage certificate, divorce papers, or court order).
• Minor Renewal (under 18): Both parents’ Cédulas, birth certificate, and a signed consent form from both parents.
• Renewing Abroad: Check with your local Colombian consulate for country-specific requirements (e.g., proof of residency in the host country).

Step-by-Step Renewal Process#

The renewal process depends on whether you’re in Colombia or abroad. Below is a general guide:

In Colombia#

1. Check Eligibility: Ensure your passport meets renewal criteria (expiring soon, damaged, etc.).
2. Gather Documents: Collect all required documents (listed above). No separate passport photos are needed.
3. Schedule an Appointment: Visit the Cancillería's online portal to book an appointment at a local passport office (e.g., in Bogotá, Medellín, or Cali). Appointments open daily at 8:00 a.m. and fill up quickly. Walk-ins may be allowed but can result in long wait times.
4. Submit Documents In-Person: Attend your appointment, submit your Cédula and old passport, and have your photo and fingerprints taken at the office.
5. Pay the Fee: Pay via Visa/Mastercard at the office, PSE, Servibanca ATMs, or GNB Sudameris banks. Keep the receipt.
6. Collect Your Passport: Pick it up in person with your Cédula and payment receipt. In Bogotá, passports are ready within 24 business hours; in other cities, within 48 business hours. If not collected within 6 months, the passport is returned to the Cancillería and you must restart the process.

Abroad (Via Colombian Consulate)#

1. Contact Your Local Consulate: Find the nearest Colombian consulate via the Cancillería's consulate directory.
2. Gather Documents: Bring your Cédula, old passport (with 2 copies of the bio page), and 3 passport photos (3.5 cm x 4.5 cm).
3. Submit Documents: Some consulates allow mail-in applications; others require in-person submission. Check their specific guidelines.
4. Pay Fees: Consulates accept money orders or PSE payments (if you have a Colombian bank account). Check with your consulate for accepted payment methods.
5. Wait for Processing: Passports are processed in Bogotá and typically arrive at the consulate within 8 business days.
6. Receive Your Passport: Collect it in person with a valid ID.

Renewal Fees#

Fees for Colombian passport renewal vary by passport type and location. As of 2026 (Resolución 03969, March 2026), the standard fees are:

Note: Fees outside Bogotá include additional departmental taxes (stamp duty) that vary by region. In Europe and Cuba, ordinary passport costs EUR €63 and executive EUR €126. Check the Cancillería website or your local consulate for the latest rates.

Payment methods in Colombia: Visa/Mastercard (at the office), PSE (Colombian bank account), Servibanca ATMs, and GNB Sudameris banks. Payment must be made the same day the reference is generated.

Processing Time#

• Bogotá (passport offices): 24 business hours after payment.
• CADE network / Governor's offices: 48 business hours after payment.
• Consulates abroad: 8 business days (may vary due to international transport and exceptional circumstances).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)#

Q: Can I renew my passport if it’s already expired?#

A: Yes, but you must renew it as soon as possible. Some countries may deny entry if your passport is expired, even if you’re renewing.

Q: What if my passport is lost or stolen?#

A: Report the loss/theft immediately to local police and obtain a police report. Then, submit this report with your renewal application (you may also need to pay an additional fee for replacement).

Q: Can I renew my passport online?#

A: If your passport was issued from 2017 onward, you may be able to complete the renewal process online through the Cancillería's portal. Otherwise, you must submit documents in person at a passport office or consulate.

Q: How long is a renewed Colombian passport valid?#

A: 10 years for adults (18+); 5 years for minors (under 18).

Q: Can I travel while my passport is being renewed?#

A: No. You must surrender your old passport during renewal, so plan travel after receiving your new document.

Conclusion#

Renewing your Colombian passport is a straightforward process when you’re prepared. Start early (at least 3 months before expiration), gather all required documents, and follow the steps for your location (in Colombia or abroad). By staying organized and checking official sources for updates, you’ll avoid delays and ensure your next international trip goes smoothly.

References#

• Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Cancillería)
• Passport Fees and Payment Methods
• Colombian Consulate Directory