How to apply for your passport online?

The passport application and issuance process in Colombia has experienced significant technological advances in recent years. One of the most significant new features is the possibility of obtaining a passport online in certain circumstances. In this article, we will explore in detail when and how you can apply for a passport online in Colombia, as well as the key aspects that Colombian citizens should keep in mind.

Circumstances to Apply for the Passport Online

The online passport will be issued only in the following situations:

1. Being of legal age
The applicant must be of legal age to access the online process.

2. Valid Electronic Passport
The previous passport must be of the ordinary electronic or electronic executive type and must be valid, in addition to having been issued after November 17, 2017.

3. Successful Biometric Authentication
A successful biometric authentication must have been performed in the issuance process of the previous valid passport.

4. Voluntary Change
The citizen can apply for a new passport online voluntarily.

5. Damage Prevents Use
If the previous passport has suffered damage that prevents its use, you can proceed to request a new one online.

6. Page Exhaustion
When the pages of the current passport have been exhausted or when the remaining pages are not enough for future stamps and visas.

7. Theft or Loss
If your previous passport is lost or stolen, you can apply for a new one online.

Online Application Process

The online passport application process in Colombia is carried out through the application form available on the official website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The form is located at the following address: Link to the form.

Steps to follow:

1. Access the online application form:https://tramitesmre.cancilleria.gov.co/tramites/enlinea/pasaporte/solicitar.xhtml
2. Complete the form with the required information. It is important to verify that all data is accurate and up to date.
3. Attach the necessary documents, including a recent photograph and valid identification documents in good condition.
4. Make the payment of the corresponding fees online.
5. Schedule an appointment at one of the three (3) issuing offices in Bogotá (North Headquarters, Calle 53 and Central Headquarters) or at the Consulate General in Hong Kong, if located in that region.

Passport Delivery

The delivery of the new passport booklet will be carried out in person at the issuing office selected by the user during the application process. To receive the new passport, the applicant must present the previous valid passport, accompanied by their valid identity document and in good condition. However, this rule does not apply in cases of theft or loss of the previous passport.

Cancellation of Previous Passport

At the time of delivery of the new passport, the previous valid passport will be canceled in the system. This process ensures that two passports cannot be used simultaneously and that the new document is the only valid one.

It is important to keep in mind that the passport requested online will retain the same class as the ordinary electronic or electronic executive passport and will maintain the biographical data of the previous valid passport. This measure guarantees the continuity of records and consistency in the travel documents of Colombian citizens.