The Colombian government announced certain visitor visa holders are no longer required to register with local authorities or apply for a local identity card.

Key Points:

  • The government’s resolution applies to certain visitor visa holders under the business, crew, diplomatic, events, international agreement and tourism subcategories.
  • Foreign nationals were previously required to register in person and apply for a local identity card within 15 days of arrival or visa approval for visitor visas that are valid for more than three months.

BAL Analysis: Foreign nationals from the selected countries will no longer need to register when visiting for short stays and should save time when obtaining their visa.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice Group.

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IMPACT — MEDIUM

The Colombian government has created the Temporary Protection Permit (PPT) In-Process Certificate for Venezuelan nationals.

Key Points:

  • Venezuelans who have not been able to obtain their PPT will be able to prove that they have already requested it through the PPT In-Process Certificate, which will allow them to access public and private services and enter, transit and exit Colombia while their application is processed.
  • To obtain the certificate, applicants need to submit a request through Migración Colombia’s website and provide their Venezuelan registration number in Colombia (RUMV number), identification number and date of birth.
  • The new document is free of charge and can be downloaded from any computer or cell phone with an Internet connection.
  • The PPT In-Process Certificate will be valid until April 30.

BAL Analysis: Colombian authorities created the PTT In-Process Certificate to give Venezuelans rights in the country due to current delays in the issuance of PPT permits.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice Group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.

Copyright © 2023 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries, please contact copyright@bal.com.

IMPACT – MEDIUM

The Colombian government has provided travel guidance for those traveling to Mexico amid increased scrutiny of travel documentation.

Key Points:

  • To reduce the risk of being denied entry into Mexico, Colombian nationals must:
    • Complete the preregistration form as soon as possible once travel has been planned.
    • Have proof of accommodation for their entire stay in Mexico, including a printed hotel booking or a signed invitation letter from a host, contact details of the host, proof of address of the host and a copy of this individual’s identification.
    • Have proof they have at least US$100 per day.
    • Have proof of means of transportation.
    • Purchase international travel insurance.
  • Those who are denied entry into Mexico should contact Colombian consulates in Mexico City or Cancun for further assistance.

BAL Analysis: Colombian nationals have faced increased scrutiny when traveling to Mexico. Travelers are advised to follow the aforementioned guidance to mitigate complications when entering the country.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice Group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.

Copyright © 2022 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries, please contact copyright@bal.com.

IMPACT – HIGH

The Colombian government will implement a new immigration law on Oct. 20, introducing new visa types, visa processing changes and stricter requirements for certain visa holders, among other changes.

New Visa Types:

  • Digital Nomad visa. A new digital nomad visa will be made available to foreign nationals who want to live and work remotely in Colombia for up to two years. Digital Nomad visa holders will not be able to work for companies registered in Colombia.
  • Internationalization Promotion visa. Foreign nationals who hold a graduate degree in basic or applied sciences, engineering, mathematics or related fields, and whose work advances technology in Colombia or strengthens the country’s competitiveness, will be able to apply for the Internationalization Promotion visa to live and work in the country for up to two years.
  • Other visas. Colombian authorities will also introduce visitor visas for seasonal agricultural workers and will amend visa requirements for journalists and students, among others.

Visa Processing:

  • Colombian authorities will have 30 calendar days to review visa applications instead of five working days. The review period can be extended if authorities require additional information. Once an application is reviewed, authorities will have 10 business days instead of three business days to issue the visa.
  • To be eligible to apply for a visa, applicants’ passports will be required to have at least six months of validity from the date the application is submitted.
  • For most visa types, authorities will be able to request additional documents, such as an apostilled diploma or proof of medical insurance.

Stricter Visa Requirements:

  • Foreign nationals will have 30 calendar days instead of 30 business days to obtain a new visa or leave the country if their visa was canceled or terminated early.
  • Resident visa holders must conduct the visa transfer process every five years; those who hold Permanent Resident visas granted under previous regulations must conduct the transfer within two years of Oct. 20, 2022.

Miscellaneous Changes:

  • Individuals will no longer be able to apply for the Resident Investor visa; instead, they must apply for an Investor Migrant visa and will only be able to apply for a Resident visa once they have lived in Colombia for an accumulated time of five years.
  • The Student visa will be regrouped and named the “Visitor Visa for Students.”
  • Parents of those who hold the Beneficiary visa will no longer be eligible for a visa through this category.

BAL Analysis: The Colombian government has passed the new immigration law with hopes of attracting foreign talent to the country while also protecting local workers. Once the law takes effect on Oct. 20, foreign nationals and employers should expect processing delays for new and outstanding visa applications as the government implements the changes.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice Group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.

Copyright © 2022 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries, please contact copyright@bal.com.

The Colombian government has launched two new visa types for Bolivian, Ecuadorian and Peruvian nationals.

Key Points:

  • Andean Migrant Visa. To apply for this two year visa, applicants must be a Bolivian, Ecuadorian or Peruvian national and have a:
    • Passport that is valid for at least six months.
    • Police and judicial record from the country of their nationality or from the country that they have been living in for the past five years. If the applicant has no record, they must obtain a certificate asserting that proves the lack of a record.
    • Letter stating the reason for applying for temporary residence in Colombia.
  • Andean Resident Visa. To apply for this visa, applicants must be a Bolivian, Ecuadorian or Peruvian national and have:
    • A passport that is valid for at least six months.
    • Held an Andean Migrant M visa for two years and have submitted a R visa application within 90 days before the expiration of the M visa.
    • A Certificate of Migration Movements issued by the Special Administrative Unit Migration Colombia.
    • A copy of their Alien Identification Card.

Additional Information: The two new visas are part of the Andean Immigration Statute, which intends to improve immigration processes for the Andean countries.

BAL Analysis: The two new visas give eligible foreign nationals access to a streamlined application and immigration process.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.

Copyright © 2022 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries, please contact copyright@bal.com.

IMPACT – MEDIUM

The Colombian government has announced it will update its entry requirements for travelers entering the country on or after Dec. 14.

Key Points:

  • Colombian citizens, permanent residents and diplomats who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 will be able to enter the country if they have:
    • Received the last applicable dose of a COVID vaccine at least 14 days before their arrival and show a vaccination card upon arrival.
    • Proof of a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of departure.
  • Foreign nationals who are not permanent residents will not be able to enter the country if they have not received any dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.
    • Foreign nationals who have received one dose of a COVID vaccine, must have proof of a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of departure.
    • Fully vaccinated foreign nationals must have proof they received the last applicable dose of a vaccine at least 14 days before their arrival and show a vaccination card upon arrival.

Additional information: Individuals traveling to Colombia must complete the CheckMig online questionnaire before arrival.

BAL Analysis: The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and BAL will provide additional updates as information becomes available.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.

Copyright © 2021 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries please contact copyright@bal.com

IMPACT – HIGH

The four full members of the Andean Community (CAN) have approved the Andean Migratory Statute, and it is intended to take effect on Aug. 13. The statute will provide reciprocal immigration benefits for Andean citizens, including temporary and permanent residency between the CAN member countries.

Key Points:

  • This new statute will facilitate free movement and residence pathways for Andean citizens through temporary and permanent residence pathways for CAN member countries.
  • The Andean Temporary Residency will authorize Andean citizens to stay for up to two years in the territory of a member country.
  • After holding the Andean Temporary Residency for two years, Andean citizens can apply for the Andean Permanent Residence which will authorize them to stay indefinitely in the territory of another CAN member country.
  • Andean citizens will have the right to work and perform any legal activity as nationals of the receiving countries as guided by the legal regulations of each country.
  • Andean citizens may enter any other member country as tourists by presenting their valid national identification documents.
  • Applications for these permits will be managed by the consular office of the destination country or by the appropriate immigration authority if the applicant is already located in the destination country.
  • According to the CAN Secretary General, Jorge Pedraza, the agreement is expected to take effect on Aug. 13.

Additional Information: The Andean Migratory Statute will be implemented under Resolution 2197, presented during the XXVI Ordinary Meeting of the Andean Council of Ministers of Foreign Affairs with the participation of the Secretary General of the Andean Community and the Ministers of Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and Vice Minister of Bolivia.

Rest of World Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This includes Deloitte Tax LLP in the United States, which does not provide legal and/or immigration advice or services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication. © 2021. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.

The Colombian government has ended restrictions on flight from Brazil and resumed entry to Colombia by land, sea and river from Brazil, Ecuador, Panama or Peru.

Key Points:

  • As of May 12, all flights from Brazil to Colombia have resumed and relevant restrictions to date have been revoked.
  • All individuals traveling from Brazil to Colombia by air must still comply with biosecurity protocols and other requirements to enter the country, including a negative PCR test conducted within 96 hours of the flight date and online immigration platform registration.
  • Visa applications have been restarted for Brazilian citizens and foreign residents at the Consulate General of Colombia in Sao Paulo, Brazil.
  • Effective May 19, travelers from Brazil, Ecuador, Panama or Peru can enter Colombia by land, sea or river.
  • According to the Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, borders were reopened to help stimulate the economy and to strengthen the integration process.
  • Land, sea and river borders with Venezuela will continue to be closed until further notice.

Additional Information: These recent changes were implemented under Resolution n° 595/2021 that revoked Resolutions n° 080/2021, 300/2021, 458/2021 and 554/2021; and Resolution 667/2021. The restoration of visa applications in front of the Consulate General of Colombia in Sao Paulo (Brazil) was directly verified by the DTTL team in Colombia.

Rest of World Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This includes Deloitte Tax LLP in the United States, which does not provide legal and/or immigration advice or services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication. © 2021. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.

IMPACT – HIGH

The Colombian government has imposed new restrictions on air travel from Brazil, prohibiting entry to most travelers from the country.

Key Points:

  • On Jan. 29, the Brazil travel ban went into effect for 30 days.
  • Travelers arriving from Brazil and those who transiting through Brazil will be denied entry into Colombia.
  • An exception exists for Colombian nationals and migrant or resident visa holders. They will be allowed to return to Colombia on humanitarian flights; however, they must quarantine for 14 days after arrival.
  • Any passenger who entered Colombia from Brazil between Jan. 18 and Jan. 28 must quarantine for 14 days.

Background: Colombia also issued similar restrictions for the United Kingdom, which is also working to contain a COVID-19 variant, in December.

Analysis & Comments: Employers should consider current travel restrictions, as well as the possibility of future restrictions, when planning trips to Colombia. The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and Deloitte will provide additional updates as information becomes available. Please check Deloitte’s COVID-19 Digital Map, available here, for information on travel restrictions and immigration changes in other countries.

Rest of World Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This includes Deloitte Tax LLP in the United States which does not provide legal and/or immigration advice or services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication. © 2020. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.

 

IMPACT – HIGH

The Colombian government has reinstated COVID-19 testing for all travelers seeking entry into the country.

Key Points:

  • A negative PCR COVID-19 test taken within 96 hours before entering the country is required of all arriving airline travelers.
  • Airlines may allow some travelers to board planes headed to Colombia if they give a verbal statement under oath that they had difficulties taking the PCR test or getting the results. These individuals must provide information on where they will be tested after arriving in Colombia, where they will isolate until they receive test results or if they are completing a 14-day quarantine instead of testing for COVID-19.
  • Colombian health authorities will ensure travelers are complying with the regulations and have discretion to deny entry to any foreign national.

Additional Information: On Dec. 21, the Colombian government suspended flights to and from the United Kingdom. Only Colombian citizens and foreign nationals with permanent residency are allowed to enter the country when traveling from the U.K. Certain Colombian cities with high COVID-19 infection rates remain under curfew.

Analysis & Comments: The new restrictions will add to the time it takes to travel to Colombia. Businesses and employers should account for that in travel plans. The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and Deloitte will provide additional updates as information becomes available. Please check Deloitte’s COVID-19 Digital Map, available here, for information on travel restrictions and immigration changes in other countries.

Rest of World Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This includes Deloitte Tax LLP in the United States which does not provide legal and/or immigration advice or services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication. © 2021. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.