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We know that finally obtaining the cedula issued by Migración Colombia is one of the most desired moments by the expat community. Therefore, we are aware that the many issues with the appointments website for the Cédula de Extranjería are undoubtedly a problem that slows down the scheduling process.
ATTENTION: The “Cédula de extranjería” appointment service of Migration Colombia is under maintenance and is not operating normally. Please be patient and wait to be informed for the assignment of appointments, which may be considerably delayed.
What is happening in Migración Colombia with the scheduling appointments for Cédula de Extranjería?
The appointment scheduling section of Migración Colombia’s website can no longer be accessed virtually due to a digital contingency preventing the system from functioning correctly. This inconvenience was officially announced on their website, and they have clarified which alternatives to consider when requesting appointments.
Even though two hotlines have been established to deal with users’ queries, in practice, it has become complex for everyone to get an answer due to the high demand for calls.
Phone: (+57) 300 913 39 92
Understanding that procedures such as those of Cédula de Extranjería have a deadline for issuance, and whose non-compliance generates fines, Migración Colombia has clarified that “in relation to the deadlines for registering their visas and being able to process their Cédulas de Extranjería, the migration authority has established that, for specific cases arising from possible contingencies presented, it will not impose fines or penalties to foreigners following Resolution 2357 of 2020”.
At expatgroup.co, we are taking measures to deal with this contingency with our clients, who have already had their visas approved. Our advisors are constantly insisting on establishing communication with the authorities. However, we ask you to be patient and attentive to new communications that Migración Colombia may send us to overcome this difficulty. If you have an active process with us, please wait until our team gets an appointment on your behalf and notifies you through your registered email or WhatsApp.
What is the proper and usual procedure to get Cédula de Extranjería?
Let us first remember that there is a time limit to request the Cédula de Extranjería through the Migración Colombia office. The government grants a maximum of 15 calendar days, counted from the visa issued when the foreigner is in Colombia, or 15 days, calculated from the date of entry into the country if the foreigner is outside Colombia when getting the visa.
Foreigners, after receiving their electronic visa from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, within this period of 15 days, must carry out the mandatory procedure established by the Colombian government:
Migración Colombia
Go to Migración Colombia to register the visa and request the Cédula de Extranjería
Cédula de Extranjería
Claim the Cédula de Extranjería once it is ready for delivery
Benefits
Start enjoying the benefits of having a Cédula de Extranjería in Colombia
Remember that during the contingency, Migración Colombia will not impose fines or penalties on foreigners who cannot process their Cédulas de Extranjería by Resolution 2357 of 2020.
In our blog “Cédula de Extranjería: Step by Step guide,” we detail the actions needed for foreigners to complete this process. The first step is to schedule an appointment for Cédula de Extranjería on the Migration website under the AGENDA section.
If there are no appointments at Migración Colombia, how can I obtain my Cédula de Extranjería?
We understand that this situation can be burdensome and confusing for many foreigners, especially in the final stretch to obtain the Cédula de Extranjería, when they are most anxious to have it and whose time should be very calm and without setbacks that disturb the times established by Migración Colombia and by each client in particular.
However, it is essential to clarify that registering a visa and getting Cédula de Extranjería is the exclusive power of Migración Colombia. Therefore, it is necessary to be flexible when navigating these immigration and bureaucratic procedures.
It is essential to mention that Migración Colombia made it clear that as long as there is evidence that it has not been possible to schedule the appointment, the case is understood as one of force majeure and they must continue trying to assign the appointment, even though the 15-day maximum period has passed.
“Attending the appointment late, beyond the 15-day deadline, does not affect the validity of the visa.”
Below, we share some essential recommendations:
Documents
Verify that you have all the documents for the procedure: Original passport, printed visa, copy of the main passport page and FUT form (Formulario Único de Trámites).
Payment method
The Cédula de Extranjería regular cost is $267,000 COP (approximately 65 USD). It is advisable to pay with a debit or credit card.
Be cordial from the Immigration entrance. Come with enough time available and maintain a good attitude throughout the process.
If you carried out your visa process with expatgroup.co, contact your advisor to send you the required documents and advise you to complete this procedure step by step.
Where should I go to complete the Cédula de Extranjería process without an appointment?
Unfortunately, due to the new way of assigning appointments for the Cédula de Extranjería, we recommend our clients not to approach any Centros Facilitadores de Servicios Migratorios (CFSM) without an assigned appointment since they will not be attended. If you go to any point in Migración Colombia, it will be only and solely on your account and under your responsibility if it is not attended to.
Whether you have a previously scheduled or without an appointment for Cédula de Extranjería, you can find at this link the location, telephone numbers, and hours of the different Colombian Migration offices in charge of carrying out this procedure nationwide.
What should I do if they ask me why I go without an appointment for the Cédula de Extranjería process?
As experts on the subject, expatgroup.co recommends not to go to the Migración Colombia offices without an appointment for the Cédula de Extranjería since the officials of the Migración offices will give priority to all the appointments already scheduled without the opportunity to consider your case. Therefore, it is essential that you, as a foreigner, know the procedures and know how to explain the reasons why you need help to handle the situation in the best possible way. Some of the arguments you can use are the following:
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