Colombia – Covid-19 – Immigration update

To check the real time evolutions concerning international mobility all over of the world, discover the GoWork – COVID-19 Digital Card.

Update: May 22nd, 2020

Lockdown, health emergency extended, reopening of some economic sectors

What is the change?

Colombia recently announced the extension of the national lockdown and health emergency and the reopening of some economic sectors.

Key Points:

  • The national lockdown has been extended until May 31, and the health emergency will remain in place until Aug. 31.
  • From June 1 onward, additional sectors of the economy will begin gradually reopening, and there will be a new period of social isolation based on regional COVID-19 factors. Public events are canceled, and social gatherings are still limited.
  • International and domestic flights remain suspended, except for humanitarian purposes.
  • The government will issue more details in the next several days.

Employers should anticipate significant disruptions to employee mobility

Update: March 31st, 2020

Government extends restrictions

What is the change?

The government of Colombia has implemented strict immigration measures to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

Key Points

  • International air travel. Airports are closed to inbound flights from other countries. Both Colombian and foreign nationals will not be able to enter the country for the 30-day period that began on March 23.
  • Land, maritime and river borders. Land, sea and maritime borders are closed until May 30.
  • Domestic air travel. The country has been on lockdown since March 25. Domestic air travel has been halted with limited exceptions, such as providing medical services or supplying food. 
  • Applicants outside of Colombia. Colombian consulates are closed. The Ministry of Foreign Relations will not process visa applications from foreigners who are outside Colombian territory.
  • Applicants in Colombia. Until April 13, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will accept visa applications for processing and electronic approval, but will not stamp visas in passports.
  • Extensions. Colombian Immigration is suspending the deadline for extensions of the following until May 30: Special stay permits (PEP), temporary stay permits (PTP) and permits for other activities (POA), excluding shore passes. Colombian Immigration may also decide not take administrative action for failure to register a visa or obtain a foreigner ID card following arrival because of mandatory self-isolation.
  • Public notaries. Public notaries will operate on a limited schedule and will be open to the public only from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. Eexact schedules vary depending on location and the number notaries working at locations in question.

Employers must be prepared for significant disruptions to employee mobility and all but essential business activity. The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and Deloitte will provide additional updates as information becomes available.

Sophie Carlei

Sophie est Managing Director au sein de l’équipe Mobilité Internationale de Lyon et dirige l’équipe immigration. Elle conseille les groupes français et internationaux et intervient tant pour des clients travaillant dans […]

Fatia Bouteiller

Fatia Bouteiller a rejoint Deloitte Société d’Avocats en 2017 pour renforcer l’équipe Immigration. Fatia dispose d’une expérience de 15 ans en mobilité internationale dans les domaines du droit de l’immigration, […]