← Back to Colombia Guide
🇨🇴📋

Your First 30 Days

ColombiaStep-by-step checklist for your first month

Educational information only — not legal advice. Verify all details with official sources. Laws and conditions change frequently.

Days 1–3: Land Safe

  • 1.Arrive at El Dorado International Airport (Bogotá) or José María Córdova (Medellín) — Colombian immigration processes returning nationals
  • 2.Get a Claro, Movistar, or Tigo Colombia SIM at the airport or any carrier store — requires your cédula or passport

Days 4–7: Get Connected

  • 3.Contact family networks in your departamento — regional community ties are essential for initial support
  • 4.Visit the Registraduría Nacional del Estado Civil to obtain or renew your cédula de ciudadanía

Week 2: Documents & Stability

  • 5.Your cédula is the master ID for banking, employment, healthcare, and all government services
  • 6.Open a bank account at Bancolombia, Davivienda, or Banco de Bogotá using your cédula

Week 3–4: Start Rebuilding

  • 7.Register with Compensar, Cafam, or your regional Caja de Compensación Familiar for employment and social benefits
  • 8.Contact SENA (Servicio Nacional de Aprendizaje) for free vocational training and job placement programs

Get a Free AI Case Assessment

Answer a few questions about your situation and get a personalized report about your options — completely free and confidential.

Start Free Assessment →

Legal Disclaimer: The information on this page is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws, policies, and conditions change frequently. Nothing on this page creates an attorney-client relationship. Always consult a licensed attorney for legal advice specific to your situation. Deported Not Defeated is not a law firm.