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Colombian born/ U.S. resident

hello all, Ilooked through the forum to see if my question had already been answered,and since it hasnt I am imploring anyone with the following information to help if possible.

I was born in Colombia and came to the U.S. when I was about 5.Last time i went to Colombia was when I was 8,and havent been back since (as a matter of fact i havent really left the country) and have been a U.S. resident (with greencard) ever since, never having renewed my passport.I am planning on going back in december/january and wanted to know what steps i should take.Do i have to get a cedula?obviously ill have to renew my passport.And another HUGE concern is the mandatory military service.I am currently 26,if i am stopped and they check my ID will anything happen?thanks for the help guys,have a great day.

By chumbimba on Oct 6, 2009, 19:51 in Visa & paperwork.

Bill Turley (Moderator) (Trustee board) (☼Travelguide writer) says on Oct 6, 2009, 20:22:

Are you a US Citizen or just a resident?

Mr. Bill Somondoco

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chumbimba says on Oct 6, 2009, 21:17:

just a resident.

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davidyamiga says on Oct 7, 2009, 04:49:

Why haven't you applied for US citizenhip?

Otra vez en casa...Cali!

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DonJuan says on Oct 7, 2009, 12:49:

Ok, here is the deal, pay close attentin cuz im almost on the same boat you are right now.
First thing you need to do is make a stop at the Consulado Colombiano in Miami. to Get the 3 things you need before leaving the country:
*Passaport
*Cedula
*Tajeta Militar

You can get'em all at once. here is the website: www.consuladogeneraldecolombia.com
Go to SERVICIOS
and then look for the 3 things you need.

You definitely want to get your Cedula, there is nothing like going to Colombia and feeling proud to be one of them. and showing it every time when your asked to and let them know you carry one like theirs, also it gives you advantage when you want to do stuff, like opening a bank account,or many other things. or when you are pulled over by the cops anywhere you show them the cedula and thats it! ...no hassle.!

this is what they have to say about getting the cedula for first time:

Procedimiento:
La cédula de ciudadanía es el UNICO DOCUMENTO VALIDO PARA PROBAR LA IDENTIDAD EN COLOMBIA a partir de los 18 años y para confirmar la mayoría de edad que le da derecho a elegir y ser elegido. En el exterior los colombianos pueden participar en las elecciones para Presidente y Congreso de la Republica.

Requisitos:
• Copia original del Registro Civil de Nacimiento y/o Tarjeta de Identidad (documento original). Conozca aquí el documento registro civil de nacimiento.
• 3 fotos en color, tamaño 4 x 5 cms de frente y fondo blanco, ropa oscura.
Si carece de cabello o lo tiene muy claro el fondo debe ser azul claro. (Cerca al consulado encontrará el servicio de fotografía, con estas especificaciones)
• Saber el RH y grupo sanguíneo.

About the Tarjeta militar:

El servicio de Fotografía del tamaño correcto (3.5 x 4.5cm) para pasaportes, cédulas, libreta militar y visas es prestado varios lugares cerca al consulado.

3 fotos a color, fondo azul oscuro de 2.5 x 4.5 cms tomadas de frente, sin reírse.(Cerca al consulado encontrará el servicio de fotografía,con estas especificaciones)

Original y copia del Pasaporte Colombiano válido.
Original y copia de la Cédula de Ciudadanía.
Original y copia de la Tarjeta de Residente o Visa vigente.
Llene el formulario de Solicitud en el Consulado
Obtenga su Libreta Militar provisional válida por 2 años.

Check their Website for the Business hours and if you need to make an appointment.

I know it will help you alot.
The only thing is the time to do the whole process, you want to do this in advance before the trip.
But oher than that you are alright.

Good Luck.
Bendiciones!

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