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When taking your documents to the Colombian consulate for the marriage visa, how do you find a "certified" translator?  If I had that part completed I think I would loose about 100 pounds of stress.  :-)

Thanks for any help!

... in response to Document Translations, posted by Hiker on Jan 29, 2003

When I got my pre-marriage visa at the Colombian Consulate in Miami earlier this month, when I called the consulate to make my appointment (necessary at the Miami consulate), I asked if they knew anyone who could do the translation.  They gave me the name of a small mom/pop outfit who knew all the ropes with the consulate and took care of all my translations and reviewed all my documents before I went to the consultate.  I would suggest you call your consulate and do the same, ask if they can recommend someone.  I spent a total of $50 for the translations and notarizing and apostilling the translations.

PS (That 100 pounds of stress sucks doesn't it?  I shed about 75 pounds of stress after I made it through the Colombian consulate.  I will be glad when I can shed the other 25 after I am through the wedding/spousal visa).

... in response to Re: Document Translations, posted by lswote on Jan 30, 2003

Thanks!  I will call them tomorrow and ask for a suggestion on a translator.

... in response to Document Translations, posted by Hiker on Jan 29, 2003

Shouldn't the consulates themselves have "approved" lists
of translators? Or, at least a good local reference?

... in response to Re: Document Translations, posted by Celt on Jan 29, 2003

I would have thought so also.  The Colombian consulate in Houston's website actually does not say the documents must be translated by a certified translator.  It only says the documents must be translated into spanish.  I sent them two emails asking about this but they did not answer either one.  I thought I would go ahead and use a certified translator and avoid having to make a second trip to Houston.

For the notary in Cali, I am going to send all my papers to my girlfriend via express mail and let her have the proper translator to it there and have them noterized there.

... in response to Re: Re: Document Translations, posted by Hiker on Jan 29, 2003

Allow at least three weeks for mail. I sent offical dox 3 wks. before my flight.
I arrived the day before them.
Luckily, the  crusty old Catholic priest accepted
my copies of my confirmation, baptism, etc. But, that was
just courtesy and luck.

The notary we used was a poet. He sells his books out of
the office. I think it is #4 or #5. I bought one of his
books of poetry and received instant turn-around on a
request that takes overnight turn-around. That saved our
asses and our time-table. The poetry was quite nice too!