Can Felons Travel To Colombia?

Despite its notoriety for corruption and drug-related violence in the past decades, Colombia is a rising star. It’s generally tourist-safe, so much so that the danger perhaps is when you’re there and you feel like wanting to stay.

It’s the sovereign right of every nation to reject undesirable aliens, and rightly so. It may be frustrating for some felons, as undesirability standards for the most part include persons with criminal history.

Travel Restrictions

A conviction for a felony or misdemeanor changes a person. It affects every area of life, including the right to travel. While he can move from one place to the other, there are certain factors that may limit this freedom.

Sexually-related charged and drug offenses, for example, are immediate grounds for passport denial. Even if the offense arose from bank secrecy or anti-money laundering laws, you will not be allowed to travel if these charges are drug-related.

Conviction itself does not disqualify a felon. Being the subject of a jury investigation or prosecution for a felony are constitutionally-sanctioned grounds to deny you your civil liberty.

The State Department may refuse your passport if you are the subject of a felony-related warrant of arrest. Of course, this includes not only felony but a warrant of arrest for any charges under the Fugitive Felons Act.

Felon or not, an unpaid financial commitment may also cause the suspension of your passport. A child support debt of over $2500 or a delinquent tax debt of over $5000 are among the obligations that you must first settle.

Reasons To Travel To Colombia

If you love whale watching, the months of July to November are the best times to watch the humpbacks as they migrate and horde themselves along Pacific coast.

Interestingly, Colombia is perhaps the only country with its both sides surrounded by the Atlantic and the Pacific Ocean. But its beaches are not its popular attraction, because the locale and wonders found inland draw most of the attention.

You can explore the farms where the most excellent coffee beans grow, or amaze yourself with the most diverse avian species there is in the “Land of Birds”. Museums, botanical gardens and protected parks are not uncommon in Colombia.

Beauty exists not only in its people. A rainbow river in the remote jungle, a hilltop fortress with intricate tunnel system, an underground church and a gold museum are just among the most unique Colombian adventures you could ever have.

Requirements To Enter Colombia

US citizens, except government officials, may travel by road to Colombia. Official border crossings are available at Brazil, Panama, Ecuador, Peru, and Venezuela.

There are five-hour direct flights from US to Bogota, Barranquilla, Cali, Cartagena and Medellin. No specific constraints are enforced against travelers with criminal records, except with respect to the following entry requirements:

• US Passport with no visible sign of damage and valid for the duration of stay
• Colombian passport for dual US citizens (US citizens who were born in Colombia)
• Tourist visa is required for US citizens who stay for more than 90 days
• Registration of Colombian visa with a Colombia immigration office or online within 15 days after arrival (For US citizens with more than 90-day validity)
• Cash restriction for both entry and exit is $10,000 (Strictly enforced in Colombia)
• Certified copy of birth certificate of minors under 18
• A notarized consent document from one parent or legal guardian of minors who are either traveling alone, traveling with one parent or with a named companion, or for minors who have dual nationality or are legal resident in Colombia

Are you currently in a situation which hinders your from traveling, or is there a condition which you must fulfill before you travel? What is your purpose in going to Colombia?