Colombia Sets October 31 Deadline for Permanent Visa Transfers
Colombia's Foreign Ministry has mandated that holders of older permanent visas must complete their transfer process by October 31, 2026.
Traveller Impact
If you hold an older Colombian permanent visa, you must initiate and complete your transfer to the new system before the end of October to avoid status loss.
Why This Matters
The Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued a final notice regarding the mandatory transfer of older permanent residency visas to the current system. With the deadline set for October 31, 2026, this administrative requirement is critical for foreign nationals who have resided in the country under legacy visa categories. The government is streamlining its immigration database, and failure to comply with this transition could result in the invalidation of existing residency status.
This administrative push is part of a wider effort by the Colombian government to digitize and centralize immigration records, ensuring that all long-term residents are accounted for under the current legal framework. The process requires applicants to verify their residency history and update their documentation through the official Foreign Ministry channels. Given the proximity of the deadline, the ministry has signaled that there will be no grace period for those who fail to meet the October 31 cutoff.
Who Is Affected
This requirement specifically affects foreign nationals currently residing in Colombia who hold older, non-transferred permanent residency visas. It does not apply to those who have already completed the transfer process or those on temporary or student visas.
What Travellers Should Do
Verify your current visa status immediately to determine if it falls under the "older permanent visa" category requiring transfer.
Access the Colombian Foreign Ministry’s online portal to initiate the transfer application if you have not already done so.
Ensure all supporting documents, including proof of residency and valid identification, are digitized and ready for submission.
If you are currently outside of Colombia, contact the nearest Colombian consulate to determine if the transfer can be processed remotely or if an in-person appearance is required.
Makutet Insight
Makutet anticipates that the Colombian government will implement stricter enforcement measures, including potential fines or residency revocation, for those who remain non-compliant after November 1. We advise all affected residents to prioritize this administrative task immediately, as the final days before the deadline are likely to see significant system congestion and potential processing delays.
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