IMPACT – HIGH

The Colombian government has confirmed that a COVID-19 test is no longer required to enter the country.

Key Points:

  • Travelers entering Colombia by air will no longer need to be tested for COVID-19 before their arrival.
  • Travelers still need to complete a Check-Mig form in the Check-Mig App.
  • Any COVID-19 symptoms must be reported to Colombian authorities, and travelers must wear masks and engage in other preventative measures.
  • Dropping the testing requirement is part of PRASS (Pruebas, Rastreos y Aislamiento Selectivo Sostenible), the testing, tracking and selective isolation national initiative. As part of this initiative, the National Tracking Contact Center will work with each traveler to identify COVID-19 symptoms after their arrival.

Background: Colombia had been under national lockdown since March. The lockdown was lifted in October, and international air travel resumed in September.

Analysis & Comments: The waiver of the testing requirement will ease entry requirements for foreign nationals, but travelers must make sure they are following other COVID-19 health protocols. 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

Colombian migration authorities have made some immigration services available again. Foreign nationals can now apply for visas and permits, but all applications require appointments and delays should be expected.

Key Points:

  • Individuals can apply for a foreign national ID card, visa registration for adults and children, certificate of migratory movements, a salvoconducto (temporary permit,) Special Permit for the Promotion of Formalization to stay (PEP-FF) and Temporary stay permit (PTP) for extensions of stay in Colombia.
  • From Sept. 21 until Dec. 15, the following documents will be expedited: foreign national ID card, visa registration for adults and children, certificate of migratory movements, salvoconducto (temporary permit) and Special Permit for the Promotion of Formalization to stay.
  • Foreign nationals who have expired visas have until Oct. 21 to apply for a salvoconducto (temporary permit.)
  • PIP Permission to Enter and Stay will resume for foreign nationals from the following countries: Bolivia, Brazil, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Guatemala, Mexico and the United States upon arrival in Colombia.
  • Services from BIOMIG and Automatic Migration are now available.

Background: For months, immigration services in Colombia have been mostly halted, with limited exceptions because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Analysis & Comments: 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

Colombia has announced that it will resume international flights starting Sept. 21.

Key points:

  • Flights will be allowed to and from Bolivia, Brazil, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Guatemala, Mexico and the United States.
  • International flights will be available to and from airports in Bogotá, Cali, Cartagena and Rionegro.
  • All travelers will be required to present negative PCR COVID-19 test results for domestic and international flights.
  • The Colombian government says flights to and from additional countries will be added as other countries begin to lift their own border restrictions and to destinations that are also following COVID-19 precautionary measures.

Background: Air travel has been grounded in Colombia since March. Domestic flights resumed earlier this month. Land, river and sea borders in Colombia remain closed.

Analysis & Comments: 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

Colombia has announced it will remain under a state of emergency until Nov. 30, meaning its borders will remain closed to most foreign nationals. Its internal quarantine will be lifted.

Key Points:

  • International air travel remains suspended, with the exception of humanitarian and government-authorized flights.
  • A limited number of domestic flights will start on Sept. 1 between major and medium-sized cities.
  • Land and water border crossings with the following countries will remain closed until Sept. 30: Brazil, Ecuador, Panama, Peru and Venezuela.
  • The national quarantine was lifted at the beginning of the month.

Analysis & Comments: 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

Colombia recently extended its preventive isolation/mandatory lockdown and implemented several other measures to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

Key Points:

  • The preventive isolation/mandatory lockdown has been extended from June 1 to July 1.
  • Domestic flights are suspended until July 1 with exceptions for:
    • Humanitarian emergencies.
    • Merchandise transportation.
    • Force majeure.
  • International flights remain suspended until further notice.
  • Land, river and maritime borders with Brazil, Ecuador, Panama, Peru and Venezuela remain closed until July 1 with exceptions for:
    • Humanitarian emergencies.
    • Merchandise transportation.
    • Force majeure.
  • Local governments are legally authorized to implement preventive measures in their jurisdictions.
  • There are practical exceptions to the preventive isolation/mandatory lockdown extension in order to gradually phase in the free movement of people to reactivate the economy.

Analysis & Comments: Employers should anticipate continued disruptions to employee mobility until the country begins to reopen, and arrange travel schedules for affected employees accordingly. 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.

IMPACT – HIGH

Colombia recently announced the extension of the national lockdown and health emergency and the reopening of some economic sectors.

Key Points:

  • The national lockdown has been extended until May 31, and the health emergency will remain in place until Aug. 31.
  • From June 1 onward, additional sectors of the economy will begin gradually reopening, and there will be a new period of social isolation based on regional COVID-19 factors. Public events are canceled, and social gatherings are still limited.
  • International and domestic flights remain suspended, except for humanitarian purposes.
  • The government will issue more details in the next several days.

Analysis & Comments: Employers should anticipate continued disruptions to employee mobility. 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

Colombian Immigration has temporarily suspended many procedures and services. The suspension is in force through May 30.

Key points:

  • Visa application processing for foreign nationals outside of Colombia is suspended until the COVID-19 health emergency ends.
  • Visa expiration for foreign nationals outside Colombia is suspended, provided they have one of the following valid visas on April 21, 2020:
    • Visitor Visa for temporary services or intercompany transfer.
    • Migrant Visa for any purpose.
  • Suspension of early termination of Migrant and Resident Visas for foreign nationals who are outside of Colombia on April 21, 2020.
  • Suspension of the three-month limit to print electronic visas once approved.
  • The following apply to Colombian nationals only:
    • Suspension of deadline to claim the passport once it is issued.
    • Suspension of ordinary and executive passport issuance while the health emergency remains in force.
    • Suspension of the process of renouncing Colombian nationality.
    • Suspension of certificate of resignation or recovery of Colombian nationality issuance.

Additional information: Foreign nationals currently in Colombia may submit visa applications electronically; however, Visitor Visa holders can only apply for the same type of visa they already hold (i.e., they cannot change to a different type of visa). The suspension of international passenger flights will continue till the end of May. The government is allowing the construction and manufacturing sectors to operate under strict health protocols. The national mandatory lockdown is extended until May 11.

Analysis & Comments: Employers should anticipate significant disruptions to employee mobility. The suspension of expiration for some immigration documents will, however, ease compliance concerns for affected foreign national employees. The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and Deloitte will provide additional updates as information becomes available.

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.

IMPACT – HIGH

The government of Colombia has implemented strict immigration measures to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

Key Points:

  • International air travel. Airports are closed to inbound flights from other countries. Both Colombian and foreign nationals will not be able to enter the country for the 30-day period that began on March 23.
  • Land, maritime and river borders. Land,  maritime and river borders are closed until May 30.
  • Domestic air travel. The country has been on lockdown since March 25. Domestic air travel has been halted with limited exceptions, such as providing medical services or supplying food.
  • Applicants outside of Colombia. Colombian consulates are closed. The Ministry of Foreign Relations will not process visa applications from foreigners who are outside Colombian territory.
  • Applicants in Colombia: Until April 13, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will accept visa applications for processing and electronic approval, but will not stamp visas in passports.
  • Extensions: Colombian Immigration is suspending the deadline for extensions of the following until May 30: Special stay permits (PEP), temporary stay permits (PTP) and permits for other activities (POA), excluding shore passes. Colombian Immigration may also decide not take administrative action for failure to register a visa or obtain a foreigner ID card following arrival because of mandatory self-isolation.
  • Public notaries. Public notaries will operate on a limited schedule and will be open to the public only from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. Eexact schedules vary depending on location and the number notaries working at locations in question.

Analysis & Comments: Employers must be prepared for significant disruptions to employee mobility and all but essential business activity. The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and Deloitte will provide additional updates as information becomes available.

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

Colombia has restricted all inbound international flights and limited immigration services, in the latest measures to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

Key Points:

  • Colombia will restrict all inbound international flights for 30 days starting Monday.
  • Colombian consulates abroad are no longer accepting any visa applications or approving new visas, with the exception of courtesy visas.
  • Study visa applicants who have already paid their visa fee are eligible for a fee refund.
  • Local immigration offices in Colombia will still register visas and issue foreign ID cards.

Background: Earlier this week, Colombia announced that it would restrict non-resident foreign nationals from entering Colombia and that those arriving in Colombia must undergo 14-day self-isolation. Authorities have started conducting random self-isolation compliance checks to ensure compliance.

Analysis & Comments: Effective Monday, all inbound international travel will be restricted, and Colombians and permanent residents will not be able to re-enter the country. While authorities will still register visas and issue foreign ID cards, they will not issue visas or process new applications for the time being, and employers should expect serious processing delays in the coming weeks. Deloitte will continue to follow developments and alert clients of any changes.

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 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 government of Colombia has implemented strict immigration measures to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

Key Points:

  • As of March 16, entrance to Colombia is restricted to Colombian nationals and permanent residents.
  • Colombian nationals and permanent residents arriving in Colombia must undergo 14-day self-isolation.
  • Entry and exit of foreign nationals and Colombian nationals via waterways, sea and land are restricted until May 30. Colombia shares borders with Brazil, Ecuador, Panama, Peru and Venezuela.
  • Colombian consulates will no longer accept visa applications (save for courtesy visas).
  • Colombian immigration will continue to register visas and issue foreigner ID cards. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Bogota will continue granting Visas in Bogota, and Migration Colombia will register visas and issue foreigner ID cards.

Analysis & Comments: Employers must be prepared for significant disruptions to all but essential business activity. Colombian immigration and health officials will conduct random self-isolation compliance checks, and those found in breach of the mandate will be subject to administrative and criminal penalties. The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and Deloitte will provide additional updates as information becomes available.

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 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.