(CNN Spanish) – As of October 3, Colombia implemented changes that the government considers important for the modernization of its passport system. The announced measures seek to optimize the shipping process and respond to growing demand. The Foreign Ministry noted that the initiative aims to improve the experience of users both in the national territory and abroad.
The chancellor Luis Gilberto Murillo made the announcement on October 2 during the signing of a memorandum of understanding with the Government of Portugal that will facilitate the production and personalization of passports. Murillo emphasized that “there will be no impact on the service” and that the issuance of passports is guaranteed.
In addition, the official pointed out that the agreement represents benefits in various areas. “On the one hand, it allows the public sector to recover the management of Colombians’ records and avoids the vulnerability of confidential information of Colombians,” he noted. According to Murillo, it will also represent a 30% saving in production costs, “which translates into a decrease in the value of the procedure for users” and will increase the State’s capacity to produce official documents.
The agreement, as explained by the agency, is based on the capacity, knowledge and experience of Imprensa Nacional-Casa da Moeda, SA of Portugal for the production of official documents, “as well as its international recognition, tests given and official accreditation by the international organizations evidenced in the invitation process advanced by the Colombian Government for the production of official and cooperation documents,” he assured.
The Foreign Ministry explained in a statement that as of October 3 A new module is available appointment scheduling which incorporates a software latest technology. This system “will allow more efficient identification of the citizen through a user registry integrated with the ANI service (National Identification File) of the National Registry of Civil Status,” the document highlights.
Users will find a friendlier interface and two-factor authentication to protect data during appointment assignment. They will also be able to choose dates that fit their needs, with 24/7 access and real-time appointment availability.
The document also states that citizens who have obtained their passport since 2017 will be able to renew their document online. This process will facilitate updating the photo and will allow payment to be made virtually. Once the Foreign Ministry approves the renewal, the citizen will receive an email notifying them that their passport is available to be picked up at the location they chose.
The implementation of the new passport issuance model, according to the statement, will facilitate a significant decrease in the costs of the document. “At the headquarters of the Foreign Ministry in Bogotá, The value of the ordinary passport will be reduced from $207,000 (US$ 49) to $182,000 (US$ 44) ”says the document. Abroad, the new prices will be US$66 (60 euros) in Cuba and Europe and US$82 in the rest of the world.
According to the Foreign Ministry, an exemption will be implemented in the cost of some passports. This measure will benefit those who are in the country and belong to levels 1 and 2 of the System for Identification of Potential Beneficiaries of Social Programs in Colombia (SISBEN) “who meet disability conditions, are adults over 62 years of age, people who “They must leave the country for health, educational or work reasons, or who belong to sports, cultural, artistic, scientific or technological development delegations.”
To access this exemption, applicants must present the following documents:
A. Medical certificates supporting health conditions.
B. Adoption documents issued by the Colombian Institute of Family Welfare.
C. Citizenship card for older adults.
D. Study certificates for those under 25 years of age.
E. Labor contracts abroad.
F. Sports certifications provided by the corresponding organization (Mindeporte).
The Foreign Ministry also announced:
Extended hours: The North and Central offices of Bogotá extended their opening hours until 4:00 pm (local time), and a possible extension is being considered until 5:00 pm (local time) starting next month.
New service modules: Five additional modules will be implemented at the Center and North headquarters, each with the capacity to issue between 20 and 30 passports daily.
Mobile days: Mobile sessions will continue to be organized in various regions of the country. In addition, we are working together with the Mayor’s Office of Bogotá to establish passport issuance points in the SUPERCADEs of Suba, Engativá, Bosa, Las Américas and Fontibón, among others.
