New to Colombia

If you have recently moved to Colombia, it might take some time to adapt to your new surroundings. We have put together some advice that can help you make sure that you are prepared for your move.

Living and Working in Colombia

Irish citizens resident in Colombia are largely concentrated in Bogotá, Cali and Medellín, although there a small number of citizens in many of the other departments.

Before leaving Ireland please consult our current travel advice for Colombia and check that you have:

• Valid passport
• Long Form Birth Certificate (with the Hague Apostille stamped on it by the Consular Section of the Department of Foreign Affairs to prove its authenticity)
• Adequate funds to support yourself
• Private insurance

The Embassy recommends that you ensure your passport is up to date and that your next-of-kin details are filled in on the back page. You should also keep your family informed of your address and contact details in Colombia at all times.

We recommend that you always carry some proof of identity. 

We recommend that Irish citizens travelling or living abroad register their contact details with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. The information will allow us to contact you, and provide assistance, if necessary and possible, if there is an unforeseen crisis such as a natural disaster or civil unrest, or if you have a family emergency while you are overseas.

We also suggest that you sign up to the Embassy mailing list on arrival. We can let you know of upcoming events which can be a good way of meeting people and making contacts.