Son Going to Stay with his Dad for 1 Year

Peter (Moderator) says on Jul 30, 2007, 06:37:

If he's not a Colombian citizen he will probably need some special visa or something - the regular tourist visa has a maximum of 6 months.

As for the ticket, try to find one that lets you change the return date. One ways tend to be very expensive, it's often cheaper to buy a return and just throw the return part away, and then buy another return when coming back (if that makes sense).

Poor but snappy

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Gator says on Jul 30, 2007, 07:07:

1. If he is under 18 make SURE he has the proper travel authorization from both biological parents to exit Colombia. An order from a court granting full and complete custody will also be sufficient as long as that parent is with the child. Documentation required for a minor to exit Colombia when not accompanied by one of the parents. The BIG problem is this permission is only good for 90 days then must be reissued.

2. He must have a visa to remain in Colombia. Since a tourist visa or entry on a passport is valid for no more than 180 days you need to meet with the Colombian Consulate closest to where you live for guidance.

3. As for the ticket I would make contact with an airline that flys to Colombia and ask for a recommendation.

4. If he is 18 or older he will only need his valid passport and the visa. Very, Very rarely will a return ticket be asked for but DAS is within its rights to ask this question and be shown the return ticket.

Addition information:


Good luck and please post what you find out.
The Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs indicated that a minor is allowed to travel with a person other than his or her parents only with the written authorization from the parents, certified by a notary or a consulate. As well, the minor traveling outside of Colombia without one of his or her parents has to present the written authorization of the other parent to exit the country.

The US Department of State added that the document [called a "Minor Travel Authorization," is completed by the absent parent or by both parents if the minor is traveling alone or with another person and presented to the Administrative Security Department (Departamento Administrativo de Seguridad, DAS) at the point of departure. This document also has to be certified at a consulate or notary office with and Aspotille. This document is valid for three months( about 90 days).. As well, upon leaving Colombia, the minor must present his or her birth registration.

There are circumstances under which other documents must be provided: for a deceased parent, the death certificate has to be presented to the DAS; for a parent that can not be found papers concerning custody of the minor are considered; for an unknown parent, a permit is provided by the Colombian Institute for Family Welfare or a court of competent jurisdiction.

Regarding documentation required for a minor to exit Colombia, the United States Department of State provides additional information:

In an effort to prevent international child abduction, many governments, including Colombia's, have initiated procedures at entry/exit points. These often include requiring documentary evidence of relationship and permission for the child's travel from the parent(s) or legal guardian not present. Having such documentation on hand, even if not required, may facilitate entry/departure. ...

If documents are prepared in the United States, the authorization and the birth certificate must be translated into Spanish and notarized. An "apostille" must then be affixed to the document by the designated state government authority. ... Finally, the Colombian Embassy or a Colombian consulate in the United States must authenticate the authorization and birth certificate. If documents are prepared in Colombia, only notarization by a Colombian notary is required. A permission letter prepared outside of Colombia is valid for 90 days. A permission letter prepared in Colombia is valid for 60 days (15 Aug. 2005).

"Brevior Sltare Cum Deformibus Mulieribus Est Vita!" .

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Robert Jorge says on Jul 30, 2007, 10:17:

The first thing that came to my mind is: If your son's father is a Colombian citizen, I think your son can easily become a Colombian citizen. (no visa needed) And this wouldn't affect his US citizenship. Many people are citizens of both countries. BUT, the second thing that comes to my mind is that if he gets his Colombian citizenship, he is obligated to serve in the Colombian military. There are ways out of that - but that's a different topic.

--"I believe in making the world safe for our children. But not for our children's children, because I don't think that children should be having sex." - Jack Handy

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chrispej says on Jul 30, 2007, 18:15:

Everyone covered the citizen part. If he's just staying for a year, get a student visa. I believe it's good for two or three years.

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Robert Jorge says on Jul 30, 2007, 23:32:

I don't know much about student visas (Colombian issued). I imagine you must be accepted into the school, have necessary paperwork, and submit said paperwork to the consulate for a visa to be issued?

--"I believe in making the world safe for our children. But not for our children's children, because I don't think that children should be having sex." - Jack Handy

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Gator says on Jul 31, 2007, 05:20:

Roberto is correct; plus addition paperwork not mentioned.

"Brevior Sltare Cum Deformibus Mulieribus Est Vita!" .

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vicshere says on Jul 31, 2007, 06:47:

if he is 18 and becomes a Colombian citizen he needs to serve in the military to

listo

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JPNY 823 says on Jul 31, 2007, 12:46:

Thanks for all your answers! Robert Jorge, yes, his father is a Colombian citizen. I guess a dual citizenship is probably not the best route to go right now. Can anyone recommend schools for American kids in Barranquilla I can look up? I know I can get them from his dad, but that would mean waiting until tonight and would rather get info sooner rather than later.

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Monpirri says on Aug 1, 2007, 19:56:

That's your gringo opinion, that’s very limited due to lack of experience, why don't you move to Colombia so you can be more truthful in your comments.

Annette Taddeo for US Congress 2008

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Monpirri says on Aug 1, 2007, 20:27:

Your experience is based on your knowledge about Colombia and your knowledge about Colombia is reflected on your comments.

Annette Taddeo for US Congress 2008

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Monpirri says on Aug 1, 2007, 20:37:

Well, let's meet your uncle Sal.

Annette Taddeo for US Congress 2008

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Persephone says on Aug 1, 2007, 21:32:

JPNY, trhis this school:

http://www.britishschool.edu.co/ingles/main.html

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