Colombia minor travel permit when a parent is in the United States
When a child leaves Colombia without one or both parents, the authorization must be prepared carefully. The route differs depending on whether it is signed at a Colombian consulate or before a U.S. notary.
When is authorization required?
Depending on the case, it applies to Colombian minors, foreign minors holding resident visas and Venezuelan minors with PPT. If only one parent travels, the non-traveling parent authorizes the trip.
Information the permit must contain
- Child and authorizing parent’s identifying information.
- Destination and purpose.
- Departure and return dates.
- Name and identification of the accompanying adult.
Option 1: sign at a Colombian consulate
The parent in the United States may acknowledge the signature at a Colombian consulate. The consulate asks for the trip information, the civil birth record and current identification. This route avoids a U.S. state apostille on the consular authorization.
Option 2: U.S. notary and state apostille
If a consulate is not accessible, Migración Colombia says the permit must be written in Spanish, signed before a U.S. notary, apostilled by the proper state and presented in the original. Names and identification numbers must match the birth record and passport.
Documents presented when leaving Colombia
- Valid passport or travel document.
- Destination visa when applicable.
- Physical copy or legible image of the civil birth record.
- Properly signed and authenticated authorization.
Does custody replace the other parent’s permission?
Generally, no. Custody does not itself terminate parental authority. Judicial orders and limited exceptions must be documented.
If the other parent cannot be located or refuses
A unilateral statement is not a substitute. Depending on the facts, Colombia’s family welfare authority or a family judge may need to act.
Frequently asked questions
Must the apostilled permit be an original?
Yes, for a permit signed before a foreign notary, Migración Colombia requires the apostilled original.
Can the return date be left open?
The authorization should expressly state departure and return dates, destination, purpose and companion.
Is a copy of the birth record enough?
Current guidance accepts a physical copy or legible image.
Should I check airline rules too?
Yes. Confirm the airline’s and destination country’s requirements as well.
Official sources
Need to prepare these documents?
Send us the destination country and a legible copy. We can help identify the applicable document, apostille or translation route.
Informational content. Integramerica is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. Requirements and final acceptance depend on the receiving authority.