Colombia Passport Crisis 2025: Delays, Visas & Travel Impact Explained

Passport Crisis in Colombia 2025: Delays, Visas, Tourism, and its Impact on Colombians

The passport issuance crisis in Colombia in 2025 has become a national problem affecting millions of citizens who need to travel, process foreign visas, or advance migration projects. This situation impacts tourism, labor migration, plans for residency abroad, and the fundamental right to mobility. For a better understanding of the legal context, you can consult information on Immigration Law.

In this article you will find:

• What originated the crisis in the Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs
• How it affects tourism, migration, and visa applications
• Comparison with similar crises in Venezuela, Cuba, and Nicaragua
• Who benefits and who are the most affected
• What the Government should do to overcome it
• Answers to the most relevant questions on the topic in 2025

1. What originated the passport crisis in Colombia?

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs decided not to renew the contract with Thomas Greg & Sons, the private company that for years manufactured Colombian passports, and transferred production to the National Printing Office. However, the latter still lacks:

• Adequate machinery
• Trained personnel
• Firm agreements for technical assistance

For more information about the entity, you can read our article on the Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. National demand is around 3 million passports annually, and the delay in signing the contract with Casa da Moeda de Portugal has raised concerns. If not resolved before September 1, 2025, millions of Colombians could be left without the possibility of obtaining the document.

2. How it affects tourism, migration, and visa applications

2.1 Restrictions for traveling without a passport

Without a valid passport, no Colombian can:

• Leave the country
• Board international flights

This hinders tourism, academic, work, or medical trips.

2.2 Foreign visa applications

• American, European, and other country visas: the process cannot be started without a valid passport, blocking job or residency opportunities. You can consult the Requirements and Process to Apply for a Colombian Visa 2025.
• Dual nationality: Colombians with dual citizenship need to present their Colombian passport to enter or leave the country as nationals; its absence complicates migration controls and other internal procedures. If you are interested in learning more, you can read about How to acquire Colombian nationality.

3. Comparison with similar crises in Latin America

Venezuela

• SAIME faces a chronic crisis due to a lack of supplies.
• Waiting lists exceeding one year.
• Arbitrary cancellations of passports for political purposes.

Cuba

• Centralized process within the State.
• In 2023, delays of up to six months due to a lack of foreign currency and supplies.

Nicaragua

• International sanctions hinder the purchase of security materials.
• Waiting periods of several months.
• Denial or cancellation of passports to opponents.

Conclusion of the common pattern: Depending exclusively on the State without solid infrastructure or firm international technical agreements leads to prolonged crises, massive delays, and restrictions on the right to mobility.

4. What the Government is doing and what remains to be done

Current measures

• The Ministry of Foreign Affairs maintains appointments in Bogotá, CADES, and some governorates, processing approximately 4,600 passports daily.
• Progress in negotiations with Casa da Moeda (Portugal) for technical assistance and modernization.

What is lacking

• The National Printing Office lacks sufficient technology and personnel.
• There is no defined plan for mass emergency passports.
• A clear date for the normalization of the service is missing.

5. Who benefits and who is harmed by this crisis?

• Beneficiaries
  • Casa da Moeda de Portugal, which will assume multi-million dollar contracts to provide technical assistance.
• Those harmed
  • Colombians who need to travel for health, study, work, or tourism.
  • The air sector, travel agencies, and hotels (reduction in sales).
  • Companies with international projects or that require moving talent abroad.

6. Frequently asked questions about the passport crisis in 2025

1. Why is there a crisis in the issuance of passports in Colombia? Because the contract with the private operator ended without the National Printing Office being ready to assume the demand.

2. Can I apply for an American or European visa without a valid passport? No. A passport is an essential requirement for any international migration process. You can consult our Frequently Asked Questions about Visas for Colombia.

3. How much does it cost to renew a passport in Colombia?

   • In Antioquia:
     • Ordinary: $294,000 COP (10-year validity)
     • Executive: $427,000 COP (10-year validity)
   • In other regions, it may vary due to departmental taxes.

4. What are the restrictions for leaving the country without a passport? Without a valid passport, no Colombian can leave by air or sea.

5. What is the Government doing to solve the crisis? It is negotiating technical assistance with Portugal and maintaining limited appointments in several cities.

6. When could the issuance be normalized? Experts estimate between August and October 2025, depending on contracts and internal adjustments.

7. Does it only affect tourists? No; it also harms those who want to study, work, or settle outside of Colombia.

8. Do Colombians with dual nationality need a Colombian passport? Yes; to enter or leave as nationals, they must carry a valid Colombian passport.

9. Is there an option for emergency passports? Only in very exceptional cases, with medical justification or official missions.

10. What happens if I have an upcoming trip and don't have a passport? You must reschedule or cancel the trip, as airlines do not allow boarding without a valid passport.

7. Conclusion: A national challenge with international lessons

The passport issuance crisis in Colombia compromises mobility, tourism, business, and migration projects. The examples of Venezuela, Cuba, and Nicaragua demonstrate that depending solely on the State, without solid infrastructure or firm technical agreements, can perpetuate the problem.

8. Call for calm and practical recommendation

Although the situation is worrying, it is important to:

1. Remain calm and follow official channels.
2. Process your passport well in advance, even if there is no immediate trip, to avoid setbacks.

Remember that if you need help with legal procedures, you can contact Servicio Legal.