Colombian Citizenship

[elcolombiano]

Because I was born in Colombia I have acess to Colombian Citizenship. Is there any benefit to this?

[AlexG32]

... in response to Colombian Citizenship, posted by elcolombiano on Oct 11, 2002

You can vote in Colombian elections and DAS and ADAUNA won't mess with you as much as they mess with me.  I travel with an American passport but since I am Colombian born I have been inconvenienced  my last two trips because I do not have a Colombian Cedula.  I have had to deal with two 20 minute interviews the last two times I have traveled to Cali, in the little office to your right once you get stamped just before you go down to claim your baggage.

[elcolombiano]

... in response to Re: Colombian Citizenship, posted by AlexG32 on Oct 11, 2002

I do not completly undurstand your answer. Am I better off comming in and going out of Colombia with a Colombian passport or my USA passport. I have heard about having problems if you are Colombian and do not have the Cedula. What is this and how do you get it?

[AlexG32]

... in response to Re: Re: Colombian Citizenship, posted by elcolombiano on Oct 12, 2002

[This message has been edited by AlexG32]

"Because I was born in Colombia I have acess to Colombian Citizenship. Is there any benefit to this?"  As far as I know there are only three of us who are Colombian born and have lived here a majority of our lives, who post on this forum, Colman you and myself.  What are you asking?  You are asking is there a benefit being Colombian.  What benefit?  With Colombian women?  Explain yourself better!

[elcolombiano]

... in response to Re: Re: Re: Colombian Citizenship, posted by AlexG32 on Oct 12, 2002

I will explain my self better.

1. Entering Colombia at an airport. Do you go more quickly through customs carrying a USA passport or a Colombian one? If you are bringing in goods. (electronic equipment,jewelery or whatever is legal) which way is easier?

2. Leaving Colombia at an airport. Do you go more quickly through customs carrying a USA passport or a Colombian one? If you are bringing in goods. (electronic equipment,jewelery or whatever is legal) which way is easier?

3. If I try to leave Colombia with a Colombian passport are they going to ask me for proof of Military Service and Proof I have paid my taxes?

4. If I want to have a Civil wedding in Colombia does it make a difference in cost and paperwork if I am a Colombian or USA citizen?

5. I have been to Costa Rica several times. I have a freind who is from El Salvador and grew up en El Salvador. We both have encountered in Costa Rica a two tiered pricing structure in many places (hotels,taxis, museums). The Foreigner, not just the Gringo is charged 2 to 10 times as much as a local. Does Colombia also have this practice? If so does flashing a Colombian passport help get the local price.

6. If I marry somenone from Colombia, chances are they will have family there they will want to visit in the future. This may mean many trips for me back to Colombia the rest of my life. I may want to lease or rent property there. Does having Colombian Citizenship facilitate this?

7. Are there any other bennifts besides voting. Like health care,housing tax reductions etc. if you live there and are a Citizen?

[Cali vet]

... in response to Re: Re: Re: Re: Colombian Citizenship, posted by elcolombiano on Oct 12, 2002

Health care. Yes, with a cedula you can obtain medical health insurence. To apply for it though you must also apply for the state plan called ISS. This covers some things that your private plan won't cover untill after a year of membership. I haven't heard of any housing tax reductions.

[AlexG32]

... in response to Re: Re: Re: Re: Colombian Citizenship, posted by elcolombiano on Oct 12, 2002

1. I have seen Colombian citizens being scrutinized and searched more closely than Americans.  Material items are irrelevant!  You are at the mercy of DAS!  Being Colombian has no advantage!

2. Here again you are at the mercy of Colombian authorities.  I was once stopped and questioned by a four foot tall Colombian Captain one hundred feet from the terminals.  My last trip I saw an American led away to the airport police station located on the second floor of the airport in Cali.  One tip always dress up when entering or exiting Colombia.  Both countries profile passengers!  Again no advantage being a Colombian citizen!

3. If you are an American citizen and traveling with an American passport, they will not ask you for your military card.  Advantage if you are not going to stay more than 90 days travel with your American passport.  

4. If you have a Cedula you can marry a Colombiana without having to have a marriage visa stamped on your American passport.

5. Expect the same at places that don't have prices on merchandise.  YOU WILL PAY GRINGO PRICES!  Advantage have a native bargain for you.

6. If you have a cedula than you can buy or lease property.
Yes you have an advantage.

7. I don't know about this one, but I think that Calivet can help with this one.  

[elcolombiano]

... in response to Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Colombian Citizenshi..., posted by AlexG32 on Oct 13, 2002

Thanks Alex for answering my questons.

Alan