U.S. Passport Renewal Service in Colombia

## What is the American Passport Renewal Process? The U.S. passport renewal process is the process by which a U.S. citizen applies for the issuance of a new passport when the old one is about to expire or has expired. Renewal is required for continued validity and the ability to travel internationally. In the case of the American passport, it is possible to carry out the procedure from Colombia by submitting the DS-82 form by mail if: 1. The passport is undamaged, has not been reported as lost or stolen and can be surrendered with your application. 2. Issued at the age of 16 years or older 3. Issued within the last 15 years 4. It was not limited from the normal validity of 10 years due to constant damage, loss or theft, or if it does not comply with 22 C.F.R. 51.41 (on the last page of the passport it is possible to see the notation). 5. It was issued under the exact same name you will use on your current application OR you can legally document your name change with an original or certified copy of your marriage record or a government-issued document evidencing that your name has legally changed under federal or state law. If any of the above conditions are not met, the DS-11 form must be submitted in person to the U.S. Embassy in Bogota. ### **Step by step:** 1. Complete form DS-82: this form must be duly signed, dated and printed on separate sheets. 2. Send most recent U.S. passport with a photocopy of the biographical page. 3. Attach a 5×5 centimeters photograph. 4. Pay the passport renewal fee and include a printed copy of the payment confirmation. (This fee is non-refundable). The rates can be consulted at the following link: [ [Passport Fees](https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/how-apply/fees.html)] 5. Send the documents by certified mail to the U.S. Embassy in Bogota. The process takes 8 to 10 weeks after receipt of the completed application. Finally, it is essential to be aware of the expiration date of your current passport and begin the renewal process well in advance to avoid inconveniences and possible travel problems as this is proof of identification and U.S. citizenship and can be used for international travel by air, sea or land. ### Cybergraphy: [ [Renovación de Pasaporte - Embajada de EE.UU. en Colombia](https://co.usembassy.gov/es/passport-renewal-es/)]. <[Renovación de Pasaporte para Adulto](https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/es/pasaportes/tramite-mi-pasaporte/renovacion.html)> For more information **[contact us!](https://serviciolegal.com.co/en/contact-us)**

This article is intended for people who are U.S. citizens and are residing in Colombia, we will tell you how to renew your passport. ## **Special cases** Now, for minors, first-time applicants over 18 years of age, and adult applicants whose passport is valid for less than 10 years, the process must be carried out in person, for which they can go to the U.S. Embassy in Bogota, the Consular Agency in Barranquilla or attend the passport reception days held in Medellin, Cali and Bucaramanga. The following form DS-11, correctly filled out and signed, must be brought to the appointment: <[https://pptform.state.gov/](https://pptform.state.gov/)> ## **Renewal of your U.S. passport by registered mail** It is important to know that it is possible to do the procedure by certified mail, which can be done as long as the passport is valid for 10 years, is not damaged and has been issued within the last 15 years. The procedure is as follows: 1. Complete the DS-82 form duly completed and signed, which can be found at this link: [ https://pptform.state.gov/ ]([https://pptform.state.gov/](https://pptform.state.gov/)). It should be printed on separate sheets. 2. You must attach your original U.S. passport, which will be returned to you along with the new document. 3. You must attach two (2) photos with the following characteristics: 1. A recent photo (taken less than 6 months ago) 2. Passport type (without any attachments on the face) 3. Must be white background and no facial expressions. 4. The size is 2×2 inches. 4. Make the payment for the renewal process by following this link [ https://www.pay.gov/public/form/start/607957567 ](https://www.pay.gov/public/form/start/607957567) and include a photocopy of the payment confirmation. 5. Send the aforementioned documents by certified mail along with the guide for the return of the documents. American ## **Sending documents** You must keep in mind the information indicated in the image to make the shipment correctly, as well as for the return. ## **Appointment request** To schedule an appointment to renew your passport in the city of Bogota, you can do so through this link [ https://evisaforms.state.gov/acs/default.asp?postcode=BGT&appcode=1 ](https://evisaforms.state.gov/acs/default.asp?postcode=BGT&appcode=1) ## **Costs** The rates applicable to U.S. citizens are as follows: In short, the American embassy offers an agile possibility to carry out this procedure. As a suggestion, at the moment of completing the procedure, you should access the official website of the American Embassy in Colombia so that the information you are going to provide is protected and you can do it in a proper way. ## **Bibliography:** U.S. Embassy Bogotá (2022). _Renewal of passports by mail._ Retrieved from: [ https://co.usembassy.gov/es/passport-renewal-es/ ](https://co.usembassy.gov/es/passport-renewal-es/) El Tiempo (2022). _Do you need to renew your U.S. passport? Here’s what you should know_. Retrieved from: <https://www.eltiempo.com/mundo/eeuu-y-canada/se-debe-renovar-el-pasaporte-estadounidense-679665> If you would like more information about this procedure, [ **Contact us at** ](https://serviciolegal.com.co/en/contact-us)!

We solve your doubts about the apostille of documents in the United States. ## What is an apostille? An “apostille” is a form of authentication issued to documents for use in countries participating in the 1961 Hague Convention, i.e. the apostille process used to certify the authenticity of the signature of public officials or diplomatic agents in the exercise of their functions and the capacity in which they have acted, so that the document is valid and has legal effect in another member country of the 1961 Hague Convention. In the United States “The Office of the Secretary of State” or the department of state office in each city provides apostille and authentication services to U.S. citizens and foreign nationals on documents to be used abroad. Types of documents include corporate documents such as company bylaws and articles of incorporation, power of attorney, diplomas, transcripts, letters relating to titles, marital status, job references and certifications, home studies, deeds of assignment, distribution agreements, documents for adoption purposes, etc. ## How do I apostille documents in the United States? To apostille a document in the United States, you must contact the office of State of the respective city where you wish to apostille virtually through its web portal or in person. There you must send the following information: – Original document to be notarized or certified copy to be notarized including the original certification. – Apostille or Certificate of Authentication Application Form, which includes: * The name of the country requesting the documents. (Different countries require different certifications and the document cannot be authenticated without this information). * A daytime phone number for questions. * Information on where documents should be sent after processing If the documents are for a minor, you must use the name of the person making the request. ## How to apostille from Colombia? You can carry out the procedure yourself without the need for intermediaries or prior appointment virtually on the [Foreign Ministry](http://tramites.cancilleria.gov.co/apostillalegalizacion/solicitud/inicio.aspx)‘s web page. There you must follow the instructions indicated on the page according to the type of document to be apostilled. Your Apostille or Legalization will be sent to your email and once your request has been approved you have 30 calendar days to verify the data of your document, request corrections if necessary and proceed with the payment generating a unique reference. ### Cybergraphy: Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website https://www.cancilleria.gov.co Website of the U.S. Embassy in Bogota: https://co.usembassy.gov/es/services-es/notarials-es/

## **Obtaining a Portuguese passport from Colombia** Obtaining Portuguese nationality by Sephardic Jewish origin is a significant achievement for many people in Colombia. Once this citizenship is acquired, the next step is to apply for a Portuguese passport. This document opens the door to multiple benefits, including free movement within the European Union. In this article, we guide you step by step through the process of applying for your Portuguese passport from Colombia. ### **Step 1: Gather the Necessary Documents** Before starting the process, make sure you have all the required documents. These include: * **Portuguese nationality certificate** * **Birth certificate** * **Colombian identity card** * **Management test in Colombia** * **Recent photograph** * **Proof of payment of consular fee** It is essential that all documents are up to date and properly apostilled if necessary. ### **Step 2: Request an Appointment at the Portuguese Consulate** The next step is to request an appointment at the Portuguese Consulate in Colombia. This can be done through the consulate’s official website or by telephone. Due to high demand, it is advisable to schedule your appointment well in advance. **[Website of the Consulate of Portugal in Colombia](https://bogota.embaixadaportugal.mne.gov.pt/es/):** Consulate of Portugal in Bogota ### **Step 3: Complete the Application Form** Once you have your appointment, you must complete the Portuguese passport application form. This form can be downloaded from the consulate’s website or requested directly at the consular offices. Be sure to fill in all fields accurately and attach the required documents.  ### **Step 4: Submit the Application at the Consulate** On the day of your appointment, present all required documentation at the consulate. A consular officer will review your documents and take your biometric data, including fingerprints and a digital photograph. Be sure to bring proof of payment of the consular fee. ### **Step 5: Wait for Passport Issuance** After submitting your application, you must wait for your passport to be issued. Processing time may vary, but generally takes between 4 to 6 weeks. Once it is ready, you will receive a notification to pick up your passport at the consulate. ### **Step 6: Pick up your Portuguese Passport** Finally, go to the consulate to pick up your Portuguese passport. Bring your Colombian ID and the receipt of the application. With your new passport, you will be able to enjoy the benefits of being a Portuguese citizen, including free movement and residence in any country of the European Union. ### **Conclusion** Applying for a Portuguese passport for the first time may seem a complex process, but following these steps, you will be able to do it efficiently from Colombia. This document will not only allow you to travel freely in Europe, but it is also a symbol of your new identity as a Portuguese citizen. For more information and specific queries, it is always advisable to visit the website of the Portuguese Consulate in Colombia or contact the consular authorities directly. ### **Cybergraphy** 1. **Consulate of Portugal in Bogota:** <https://www.portaldascomunidades.mne.pt/pt/consulados/bogota> 2. **Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Portugal:** <https://www.portugal.gov.pt/pt/gc21/ministerios/negocios-estrangeiros> 3. **Portal of the Sephardic Community of Portugal:** <https://comunidadesefardiesdeportugal.org>