In days gone by, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Colombia issued a warning to citizens planning to travel to Mexico. The statement included a series of recommendations to “reduce the risk of inconvenience.”
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The alert is not for less. More and more complaints are becoming known of alleged abuse cases against Colombians who, when arriving in that country, are subjected to rigorous procedures by the immigration authorities. And sometimes, they are even denied entry.
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Cases are on the rise. That’s how he found it Radius Snail through a petition right, which allowed him to know figures from Migración Colombia.
In the last year, according to official figures as of last September, a total of 21,829 Colombians, even though they meet all immigration requirements. That record is three times higher than the previous period, that of 2021, when that figure was 5,238.
The number, in fact, has been increasing in recent years. In 2019, the record of Colombians not admitted to Mexico was 3,113while in 2018 there were 2,704.
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But what is behind this alarming increase?
Regarding the reasons, Migración Colombia indicated in the right of petition that “the Mexican immigration authority, on behalf of that State, has the sovereign and discretionary power to apply the inadmissibility or rejection on foreign citizens arriving in your country”.
And he added: “In the migratory interviews carried out at the moment of returning the inadmissible nationals to the country, it has been shown that the main argument presented is the alleged inconsistencies in the immigration interviews made by this authority. Situation for which no further details have been given.
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However, Migration Colombia pointed out that “it is valid to specify that Colombian travelers meet basic entry requirements which are reviewed by the airlines.” That is, despite having the requirements, Mexico decided to reject the entry of these Colombians.
In this regard, the immigration authority also clarified that, to date, it has not received information on the administrative act of the Government of Mexico that adopted the decision to implement a form established last 1st. April in an agreement between the two countries to deal with this problem. This document is also verified by the airlines.
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Recommendations for Colombian travelers
These are the recommendations issued in recent days by the Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs for citizens who plan to travel to Mexico:
1. Fill out with enough time in advance the pre-registration form and familiarize yourself with its content.
2. Must have accommodation for the entire stay. Remember to carry printed proof of payment, with the details of your hotel. In case you have been invited by someone, you must present a letter of invitation signed by your host, with their contact details, a copy of proof of address (utility bill) and a copy of this person’s identification.
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3. At the time of the interview with the official of the National Migration Institute, be clear and honest in your answers regarding travel purposes. In addition, you must demonstrate economic solvency that allows you to cover expenses during your stay. An average of 100 to 500 US dollars per day is estimated, which includes lodging, food and leisure activities.
4. It is important to have a defined tourist plan and with tickets to parks or tours. Try to have these reservations printed. You must also have clear information about the means of transport you will use during your stay.
5. Sometimes it is important to present work record where the vacation period to be enjoyed is evidenced.
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6. If you travel with minors, without one of their parents, it is suggested to carry simple copies of the permission to leave the country to present before the National Institute of Migration. Remember that the original permit is retained by Migración Colombia at the time of departure.
7. Purchase a international travel assistance insurancein case of any illness or emergency.
8. Having these requirements does not guarantee admission. Have the telephone numbers of the Consulate at hand, in case of any inconvenience when entering Mexico.
Mexico City: landlines +52 555 525 4562 / +52 555 525 2798 / +52 555 525 2658. Outside office hours you can call +525528453988. Likewise, you can write to the email: [email protected]
Cancun: +52 998 415 4541. Outside office hours you can call +52 998 270 6449. You can also write to us at: [email protected]
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9. Remember that If you are not admitted, you have the right to communicate with the Consulate and with a family member.. The airline is responsible for providing food to travelers in a position of rejection and providing the flight to return to the place of origin.
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