FGI News and Publications

Restrictions To The Issuance Of Colombian Visas

On March 22^nd, 2020, the President of the Republic

issued Decree 457 by which he ordered mandatory national preventive

isolation from March 25^th, 00:00 am until to April

13^th, 00:00 am.

Given the extension of the period of isolation established by

the Mayor of Bogotá and the mandatory preventive isolation

decreed by the Presidency of the Republic, the Internal Work Group

on Visas and Immigration of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will

take the following measures regarding the operation of visa

services:

1. Visa applications filed withconsulates will be inadmissible, regardless of class or

   category.

2. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs willaccept visa applications for study and electronic approval, but

   will not make visa stamps in the passport.

3. The Ministry of Foreign Relationswill not study visa applications from foreigners who are outside

   Colombian territory.

In turn, Migración Colombia, the entity in charge, among

others, of carrying out the visa registrations and issuance of

foreigners ID cards, will take the following measures pursuant to

Resolution 918 of March 19^th 2020:

1. Suspension of the validity terms ofthe Permanent Safe-conducts (SC-2) until May 30^th, 2020.

   However, the measure excludes Permanent Safe-conducts SC-2 issued

   for the request and/or change of visa and recognition of refugee

   status.

2. Extend the principle of opportunityfor amendment or refrain from initiating administrative actions by

   taking into consideration exonerating causes of liability to

   foreigners who, due to preventive isolation measures, could not

   carry out the registration of the visa and the application of

   foreigners ID card in the terms of law.

   Bear in mind that it is necessary to have a stamped visa to proceed

   with the visa registration and foreigners ID card application.

3. Temporarily suspend, until May30^th, the count period of absence for the cancellation

   of special stay permits PEP.

4. Suspend the term of the authorizedstay for holders of entry and stay permits in the category

   “permits for other activities” POA, except for the

   permission granted by Shore Pass or to the members of the maritime

   or river crew.

The content of this article is intended to provide a general

guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought

about your specific circumstances.