International moves are unique in the amount of preparation and planning required to relocate from one country to another. In addition to securing the services of an international moving company, packing your belongings and planning your moving budget, you must also consider the customs regulations in your destination country. These regulations often vary and are subject to change.
Whatever your reasons for relocating to Colombia, you'll need to be properly prepared when entering the country through customs.
Here's what you need to know when preparing to travel to Colombia from the United States:
DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR ENTRY
When you land in your new home country after making an overseas move, the first thing you should grab (other than your bag from the overhead compartment) are several important documents to present to agents at the customs clearance checkpoint. These documents are essential to making sure that your travel goes smoothly, so keep them close at all times:
- Passport (must be original)
- Visa (valid for a minimum of one year)
- Residence visa or work visa
- Original Bill of Lading or Original Air WayBill
- Complete valued inventory (must be in Spanish), detailing all items contained in the shipment (including the make, model and serial number of all appliances and electronics and all shipping documents stating the actual weight and volume of the shipment, as well as the complete delivery details)
SHIPPING AND CUSTOMS REGULATIONS
Bringing your belongings overseas means that you'll have to follow the guidelines that monitor international shipments. Before you pack up your shipment and send it to your new home, acquaint yourself with the shipping and customs regulations in Colombia:
- Customer must be present in Colombia at the time of customs clearance
- All shipments entering Colombia will be fully inspected
- All household goods must arrive in the country within 30 days before the customer's arrival or up to 120 days after the customer's arrival in order to be granted clearance
- The customer must have lived outside of Colombia for at least two years prior to arrival, in order for household goods shipment to be cleared through customs; customer must apply for a Certificate of Residence with the Colombian Consulate to prove foreign residency
- Customer must not have imported any household goods into Colombia in the last seven years
- Customs has the authority to request a bank guarantee stating that the household goods being imported by the customer will not be sold for up to one year after importation
- Only one shipment per origin per family is allowed importation
- All shipments are subject to duties, taxes and sales tax
PROHIBITED ITEMS
The following items are prohibited from being imported into Colombia through customs and may be seized by customs and border authorities upon arrival:
- All narcotics and illegal drugs of any kind
- Weapons and explosives
- Pornographic materials
- Any uniforms or equipment related to the National Police or Armed Forces
RESTRICTED ITEMS
Restricted items may be limited to certain quantities or may require additional duties, taxes or fees to before they can be cleared by customs officials. Here are the items that are restricted and dutiable by the government of Colombia:
- Tobacco products may be imported duty free as long as the amount falls below these limits:
- 200 cigarettes
- 50 cigars
- 50 grams of tobacco
- All household items are subject to duties and taxes based on CIF value
- Alcohol is permitted to be imported in small quantities and is subject to duties and sales tax
- Sport rifles and any accompanying ammunition is limited to one per family
- Bedroom furniture may be imported in limited quantities for each family member and must correspond to the number of family members traveling
- One of each type of appliances and electronics is allowed, except for air conditioners (you may import up to three air conditioners); all appliances and electronics should be packed together
MOTOR VEHICLE REGULATIONS
Shipping a vehicle overseas can be a complicated process. With the right preparation and planning, you can make sure the process goes smoothly and your vehicle arrives safely in your new country. First, you should familiarize yourself with the motor vehicle regulations in Colombia:
- No used vehicles are allowed to be imported into Colombia
- Vehicles may not be shipped until all documents are received and correspond with the shipper's required documents and with the Import Permit
- Do not include the vehicle in the household goods shipment
- Other required documents include:
- Original vehicle title and registration
- Import Permit (from the Ministry of External Affairs and must be approved by customs prior to arrival in Colombia)
- Original vehicle bill of sale and commercial invoice
PETS AND ANIMAL REGULATIONS
Of course you'll be bringing your pets with you on your overseas move. After all, they are a part of the family. Make sure they have all of the required vaccinations before being cleared at customs. You'll also need the required documentation and certification from a licensed animal health official prior to arriving. Here are the guidelines for bringing your pet with you to Colombia:
- If importing more than two pets, an Import Permit is required
- Quarantine is not required for cats and dogs, however you should check with your Destination Agent prior to arrival if you are importing any pets
- Must possess a Certificate of Vaccination and a notarized health certificate from a licensed veterinarian
To help you prepare for your move and ease you into your transition, we've provided you with a few links to learn more about the complicated international moving process: