Since last October 3, the National Government launched a benefit with which Colombian citizens, belonging to Sisbén, can obtain their passport for free.
(Read: The dollar in Colombia falls this Wednesday and breaks the $4,300 barrier downwards).
The initiative aims to promote equity and provide greater opportunities to the most vulnerable citizens.
This way, The exemption from paying for a passport not only represents significant economic relief for people with the fewest resources, but also allows them to take advantage of opportunities for study, work and medical treatment abroad.
According to the Foreign Ministry, the beneficiaries of this expense exemption are people belonging to levels 1 and 2 of Sisbén.
(See: How to check the Sisbén score in 2025?).
However, this benefit will only apply to those citizens who meet certain specific requirements, established in article 8 of Law 1212 of 2008.
• People who require specialized medical treatment: Those who need medical care that is not available in Colombia will be able to obtain their passport at no cost to receive the necessary treatment abroad.
• People with disabilities and an accompanying family member: This group will be able to access a free passport to facilitate their mobility and access to specialized services outside the country.
• Adults over 62 years of age: Older adults who need to travel for health reasons or to join family members abroad will also be beneficiaries of this measure.
• Young people under 25 years of age who are going to study abroad: Students who have been accepted to educational institutions outside of Colombia will be able to obtain their passport free of charge, thus facilitating their access to international academic opportunities.
• Children in a situation of adoptability: Minors who have not yet been adopted by the Colombian Family Welfare Institute (ICBF) and who need to travel abroad for adoption reasons will also be beneficiaries.
• People who must travel for family health reasons: those who need to accompany a family member who requires medical treatment abroad.
• People with employment contracts abroad: citizens who have obtained a job outside the country and need a passport to formalize their contract.
• Sports, cultural, artistic and scientific delegations: Members of delegations that represent Colombia in international events will be able to obtain their passport free of charge, facilitating their participation in competitions and cultural activities.
Passport cost in 2025
The following are the values that people who do not have the benefit of a free passport must assume.
• Ordinary passport: $186,000
• Executive passport: $319,000
• Emergency passport: $192,000
However, it should be clarified that these prices may vary depending on the region of the country due to local taxes and stamps charged by the governments.
