Colombia: Delays in Issuance of Identification Cards

Update – October 31, 2025: Although some delays remain, they are no longer widespread. Recent cases indicate that identification cards are typically issued within 10-15 business days, although certain applications may still experience longer processing times. Migración Colombia continues to use its online appointment platform (recently updated) for services such as visa registration and identification card applications. Due to the system update, appointment availability is currently limited, with new slots released on a weekly basis. 

Update - November 5, 2024: As an update, delays in the issuance of identification cards for foreign nationals in Colombia continue. Additionally, Migración Colombia is currently offering limited appointment slots for foreign nationals to apply for their identity cards, which has exacerbated overall delays for foreign nationals to obtain identity cards in Colombia. Employers and foreign nationals should work with their immigration professional for case-specific advice. 

July 17, 2024: Migración Colombia is currently taking approximately 35 calendar days (up from 10 business days) to issue identification cards. This delay stems from the April 2024 change in contractors that Migración Colombia uses to issue identification cards. Due to the delay, foreign nationals’ work start dates may have to be pushed back since identification cards are needed to sign up for the national social security system, among other processes such as opening bank accounts.