Order Colombian ID Card: What You Need to Know Before You Buy!

Okay, so I’ve been meaning to share my experience getting my hands on a Colombian ID card, also known as a “Cédula de Extranjería.” It turned out to be way easier than I thought it would be, so I figured I’d write about it in case anyone else is scratching their heads over the process. First off, I had to get my visa sorted, which is a whole other story. But once that was stamped and approved, the ID card thing was next on my list.

I found out that this ID is pretty much my golden ticket in Colombia. It’s what I needed to get myself set up with services, sign contracts, and just generally live like a local. Without it, I’d be stuck in limbo. So, yeah, getting it was a big deal for me.

Now, there are a couple of ways to go about this. I could either start the process online or physically go to one of the Migración Colombia offices. Being a bit of a techie, I decided to give the online thing a shot first.

• Step one: Get your visa approved. This is crucial because the ID card is basically an extension of your visa.
• Step two: I had to register with Migración Colombia. Apparently, you’ve got to do this within 15 days of getting your visa if it’s valid for more than three months. I’m not sure, the deadline for me was much longer than this. Mine was a TP visa, which made it a must-do. No slacking on this one!
• Step three: I filled out some forms online. It wasn’t too bad, just basic info and some details from my visa.
• Step four: Paid the fee. There’s always a fee, right? But hey, it’s a small price to pay for being able to officially do stuff in the country.
• Step five: Waited. This was the hardest part, haha. The processing time can be anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. I got lucky, though, and it was closer to the shorter end of that range.

When I finally got the email saying my ID was ready, I practically ran to the Migración office to pick it up. I had to show my passport and a few other documents, but that was a piece of cake. And then, boom, I had my Cédula de Extranjería. Feels good, man. Now, this little card is my ID for everything here, and it’s good for ten years, which is awesome. It means I can finally get a local phone number, open a bank account, and even sign up for a gym membership without any hassle.

Honestly, the whole process wasn’t as scary as I’d imagined. If I can do it, anyone can. Just make sure you’ve got your visa in order, and you’re golden.