How to Obtain Your Migratory Movements Certificate in Colombia (Certificado de Movimientos Migratorios)

If you're an expat living in Colombia or planning a visa application, one of the most requested documents is your Certificado de Movimientos Migratorios — an official record of all your entries and exits in Colombia. Here's everything you need to know to get it quickly and easily.

What Is a Migratory Movements Certificate?

The Certificado de Movimientos Migratorios is an official document issued by Migración Colombia that records every time you have entered or exited Colombia. It is commonly required for:

• Visa applications (resident visas, work visas, retirement visas)
• Cédula de extranjería renewals
• Proof of continuous residence in Colombia
• Legal and notarial procedures
• Banking and financial applications
• Colombian citizenship applications

Who Can Request It?

• Any foreign national who has entered Colombia at least once
• Colombian citizens who need proof of their travel history
• Authorized legal representatives acting on behalf of someone

How to Obtain It Online (Step by Step)

The fastest and easiest way is through the Migración Colombia online portal:

1. Go to the official Migración Colombia website: Visit migracioncolombia.gov.co and navigate to the "Trámites en Línea" (Online Procedures) section.
2. Create or log in to your account: Register with your email address and passport number if you don't already have an account.
3. Select "Certificado de Movimientos Migratorios": Find this option under the online services menu.
4. Fill in your personal information: Enter your full name, nationality, passport or ID number, and date of birth.
5. Pay the fee: The current fee is approximately COP $76,200 (around $18 USD). Payment can be made by credit/debit card or PSE (Colombia's online bank transfer system).
6. Receive your certificate: After payment, the certificate is typically emailed to you within 1 to 3 business days.

How to Obtain It In Person

If you prefer to go in person or are having trouble with the online portal:

• Visit a Migración Colombia office in your city (Bogotá, Medellín, Cali, Barranquilla, Cartagena, and others)
• Bring your original passport and a photocopy of the photo page
• Request a number and wait for your turn at the "Certificaciones" window
• Pay the fee at the cashier inside the office
• The certificate may be issued the same day or within a few days depending on the office

What You'll Need (Documents Checklist)

• ✅ Original passport (valid or expired — they need your full travel history)
• ✅ Photocopy of your passport's main page
• ✅ Your Colombian ID number or visa number (if applicable)
• ✅ Valid email address (for online requests)
• ✅ Payment method (credit card, debit card, or PSE)

How Long Is It Valid?

• The certificate is generally valid for 30 days from the date of issuance
• Some institutions may require one issued within the last 15 days — always check with the requesting entity
• It reflects movements up to the date it was issued, not future travel

Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid

• 🔹 Apply early: Processing can take up to 3 business days — don't wait until the last minute before a visa appointment
• 🔹 Use your registered email carefully: The certificate is sent digitally and is only valid with the official digital signature
• 🔹 Double-check your passport number: Any typo can result in an incorrect or rejected certificate
• 🔹 Save the PDF: Once received, store the certificate securely — you may need to reprint or resubmit it
• 🔹 If your records seem incomplete: Contact Migración Colombia directly — sometimes entries from land border crossings are not immediately recorded

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I request the certificate for someone else?
Yes, but you'll need a notarized power of attorney (poder) authorizing you to act on their behalf.

Is the online certificate legally valid?
Yes. The digital certificate includes an official QR code and digital signature from Migración Colombia, making it fully valid for all legal purposes.

What if I entered Colombia multiple times with different passports?
You may need to request separate certificates for each passport, or visit a Migración Colombia office in person to consolidate your records.

How far back does the record go?
The certificate typically reflects movements from 2010 onwards for most travelers. Earlier records may be incomplete or unavailable digitally.

Need Help?

Why This Document Matters

The Certificado de Movimientos Migratorios proves your entry and exit history in Colombia. It's essential for several key processes: applying for visa renewals (proving you haven't overstayed), applying for the R visa (proving 5 years of continuous residence), applying for Colombian citizenship, and resolving any disputes about your immigration status. Without it, Migración Colombia has no official way to verify your travel history.

How to Request It

You can request the certificate online through Migración Colombia's website (migracioncolombia.gov.co) or in person at any Migración Colombia office. The online process is faster — you fill out a form, upload your passport and cédula copies, pay the fee (approximately 75,000 COP / $19 USD), and receive the certificate via email within 3–5 business days. In-person requests at busy offices like Bogotá or Medellín can take 1–2 weeks.

Make sure the certificate covers your entire period of stay — request it from your first entry date to the present. If you've traveled in and out of Colombia frequently, review the document carefully to ensure all entries and exits are recorded correctly. Errors do happen, and it's easier to correct them before submitting the certificate with a visa application than to explain discrepancies later.

Keep in mind that this certificate only tracks entries and exits through official immigration checkpoints. If you crossed a land border without going through Migración Colombia (which some travelers do inadvertently at smaller crossings), those movements won't appear on the certificate. This can create gaps in your record that complicate visa renewals or residency applications. Always make sure to get your passport stamped at official immigration points when entering or leaving Colombia, even at land borders with Ecuador, Venezuela, Peru, or Panama.

Navigating Colombian immigration can be complex. At Colombia Move, we help expats manage their immigration paperwork, visa applications, and relocation needs. Contact us if you need assistance with your migratory movements certificate or any other immigration document in Colombia.

🛂 Dealing with Colombian immigration paperwork? Share this guide with your expat community — it could save someone hours of frustration. The more people know, the easier life in Colombia gets. 💙