viajeFebruary 28, 2026·4 min read·By Multi Servicios 360

Travel Authorization Letter for Colombia: ICBF Requirements 2026

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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 strictest child protection systems in all of Latin America. The Colombian Institute of Family Welfare (ICBF) actively monitors departures of minors from the country, and immigration authorities at airports do detain minors who don't present the correct documentation.

If your child is traveling to Bogotá, Medellín, Cartagena, or any Colombian city without both parents, you need to have this document in hand.

What Does Colombia Require?

Colombia's Code of Childhood and Adolescence (Law 1098 of 2006), along with Migración Colombia resolutions, establishes that minors under 18 who will be leaving the country need:

•Written and notarized authorization from the non-traveling parent
•If both parents are absent, authorization from both or from the legal guardian
•For minors with dual Colombian and U.S. citizenship: Colombian authorities apply Colombian law

Important point: Colombia verifies this requirement both upon entry and exit from the country. Your child may enter with difficulty, but definitely cannot exit without complete documentation.

Major Cities and Airports

•Bogotá — El Dorado International Airport (Colombia's busiest)
•Medellín — José María Córdova International Airport (Rionegro) and Olaya Herrera
•Cartagena — Rafael Núñez International Airport
•Cali — Alfonso Bonilla Aragón International Airport
•Barranquilla — Ernesto Cortissoz International Airport
•Bucaramanga, Pereira, Manizales, Santa Marta — Regional airports

The Dual Citizenship Factor

Many Colombian families in California have children born in the U.S. who also hold Colombian citizenship. This is an especially critical situation. If your child presents a Colombian passport when entering Colombia, Migración Colombia treats them as a Colombian citizen and applies all Colombian laws — including the exit authorization requirement.

It doesn't matter that they also have an American passport. As long as they enter as Colombian, they exit under Colombian rules.

Airlines Flying to Colombia from California

•Avianca — Direct flights from LAX to Bogotá, Medellín, Cali
•LATAM — Connections from LAX and MIA
•American Airlines — With layover in Miami (MIA)
•United Airlines — With layover in Houston (IAH)
•Copa Airlines — With layover in Panama City

Avianca, as a Colombian airline, is especially strict about verifying documentation for minors traveling without both parents.

What Happens If You Don't Bring the Letter?

The consequences can be serious:

•At the airport: Migración Colombia can detain the minor until authorization is presented
•On the return: Your child cannot board the return flight to the U.S. without the exit permit
•Emergency process: Obtaining authorization from Colombia is a long, costly, and emotionally exhausting process for the family

Frequent Situations in the Colombian Community

Grandmother takes grandchildren to Colombia for the summer — Both parents must sign the letter. No exceptions. Dad takes the kids to see grandparents — The mom staying in California must sign the authorization. Separated parents, one parent in Colombia — The parent in the U.S. needs notarized authorization for the minor to return. Minor with student or exchange visa — Also needs the authorization letter.

Information Included in Our Letter

•Complete information of the authorizing parent
•Minor's information (name, date of birth, passport)
•Information of the adult traveling with the minor
•Travel dates and destination
•Specific reference to Colombian legislation (Law 1098 and Migración Colombia regulations)
•Authorization for emergency medical decisions
•Format in both Spanish and English

→ Prepare your Colombia travel authorization letter — $49

Does It Need an Apostille?

For short-term travel (vacations, family visits), American notarization is generally sufficient. However, if the minor will reside in Colombia for an extended period (more than 90 days), it may be necessary to apostille the document through the California Secretary of State. If you have this situation, contact us for additional guidance.