Travel Authorization Letter to Colombia: 2026 Requirements
The content of this article is informational only and does not constitute legal advice. Multi Servicios 360 is not a law firm. If you need advice specific to your situation, consult a licensed attorney in California.
Colombia has one of the most rigorous child protection systems in Latin America. The Instituto Colombiano de Bienestar Familiar (ICBF) has an active presence at airports and immigration checkpoints, and can hold a minor who doesn't have the correct documentation — even if the child has a US passport.
If your child is traveling to Bogotá, Medellín, Cali, Barranquilla, Cartagena, or any destination in Colombia without both parents, you need a notarized travel authorization letter.
What does Colombia require?
Colombia's Code of Childhood and Adolescence (Law 1098 of 2006) and immigration regulations require that a minor leaving or entering Colombia without both parents have express notarized authorization from the absent parent or guardian.
For minors with dual citizenship (American and Colombian), Colombian authorities apply Colombian laws. The American passport does not exempt the minor from complying with Colombian requirements.
Main airports
The requirement applies at all international airports in Colombia:
- •El Dorado (BOG) — Bogotá (the busiest and where the ICBF is strictest)
- •José María Córdova (MDE) — Medellín / Rionegro
- •Alfonso Bonilla Aragón (CLO) — Cali
- •Ernesto Cortissoz (BAQ) — Barranquilla
- •Rafael Núñez (CTG) — Cartagena
- •Matecaña (PEI) — Pereira
- •Palonegro (BGA) — Bucaramanga
What should the letter include?
The travel authorization letter for Colombia must contain:
Minor's information: full name, date of birth, document number (Colombian and/or American passport), nationality. Authorizing parent/guardian's information: full name, Colombian national ID (if applicable) or passport, address, contact phone number. Information about who will travel with the minor: full name, identity document, kinship or relationship. Travel details: departure and return date, cities in Colombia to be visited, airline, flight number if possible. Emergency contact: some officials in Colombia request the absent parent's contact number. Notarized signature: essential. The signature must be certified by a notary public.Special situations in Colombia
Dual citizenship: If your child was born in Colombia or has a Colombian national ID, Colombia considers them Colombian first. The American passport does not change this. Separated or divorced parents: If there is a custody order, bring it translated into Spanish. The ICBF may request additional documentation. Colombian minor adopted by American family: Consult with an international adoption attorney — requirements may vary. Minor traveling alone: Colombian minors or those with residency in Colombia traveling alone need authorization from both parents or from whoever has legal custody.Prepare your letter before the trip
At Multi Servicios 360 we prepare your travel authorization letter for Colombia in minutes. The document is in both Spanish and English, correctly formatted to present to the ICBF and Colombian immigration authorities, and ready to notarize.
→ Prepare your travel authorization for Colombia — $49Multi Servicios 360 provides legal documents at affordable prices for Latino families. We are not attorneys and do not provide legal advice.
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