Colombian President Gustavo Petro has responded defiantly to former U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to impose 25% emergency tariffs on Colombian exports to the United States. In a detailed message shared on social media, Petro announced a reciprocal measure: a 25% tariff on U.S. exports to Colombia. He also instructed his trade minister to redirect Colombia’s exports to other global markets, emphasizing a shift away from dependency on the U.S.

Petro criticized Trump’s actions, stating that if the U.S. imposes a 50% tariff on Colombian products, Colombia will retaliate in kind. He encouraged Colombians to focus on domestic agriculture, particularly corn, and position themselves as global suppliers. The president’s tone was confrontational, rejecting efforts to ease tensions.

Petro dismissed the U.S. decision to suspend visas for him and his family, claiming he rarely travels to the U.S. and finds it unappealing. Despite his combative rhetoric, Petro hinted at a willingness to dialogue, inviting Trump to discuss their differences. However, he criticized Trump’s oil policies as harmful to humanity and referenced historical racial struggles in the U.S., urging unity among marginalized groups.

Petro accused the U.S. of attempting to overthrow his government, drawing parallels to past interventions in Latin America, such as the coup against Salvador Allende in Chile. He declared his intent to resist any economic or political aggression, asserting Colombia’s identity as a land of freedom and refusing to align with colonialist attitudes.

Source: El Colombiano.

This afternoon, U.S. President Donald Trump announced retaliatory measures against Colombia in response to President Gustavo Petro's refusal to accept flights carrying deported migrants from the U.S. Trump criticized Petro's decision, claiming it endangered U.S. national and public security. As a result, Trump imposed a 25% tariff on all Colombian imports, which will increase to 50% in a week. He also suspended visas for Colombian government officials and imposed travel bans on allies, supporters, and family members of Petro's administration. Additionally, Trump ordered enhanced customs inspections and tighter border security for Colombian nationals and cargo. Further financial, banking, and fiscal sanctions were announced, utilizing the powers granted by the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). Trump emphasized that these measures were just the beginning and vowed not to allow Colombia to violate its legal obligations regarding the deportation of criminals to the U.S.

Source: El Colombiano.

Colombian President Gustavo Petro has responded to the U.S. Embassy’s decision to suspend visa services for Colombians. This comes after his government blocked military flights carrying deported Colombian migrants.

“There are 15,660 U.S. citizens living irregularly in Colombia. They need to approach our immigration services to regularize their status,” Petro said in a statement.

He also urged for continued dialogue on migration issues:

“I hope the discussion about the Darién Gap isn’t frozen. Without proper regularization, illegal activities will increase. We’ve seen this before, like when the U.S. blocked Venezuela, triggering a massive migration crisis. Colombia and Latin America deserve dignity. Migrants are human beings with rights and must be treated as such.”

U.S. visa services halted 

On Sunday, sources from the U.S. State Department, led by Marco Rubio, confirmed that visa services at the U.S. Embassy in Colombia will be suspended starting Monday, January 27. It remains unclear how long the suspension will last.

Petro blocks U.S. military flights 

In the early hours of Sunday, Petro announced his decision to block two U.S. military flights carrying deported Colombian migrants. One of the planes reportedly landed in Costa Rica, while the other returned to the United States.

“The United States cannot treat Colombian migrants like criminals. They must establish a protocol for dignified treatment before we accept these flights,” Petro wrote in a post on social media.

Initially, Petro stated that one plane was expected to land at 6:45 a.m. and the other at 10:00 a.m., urging Colombians to “welcome them with flags and flowers.” However, he later edited the post and clarified that the flights were military aircraft, which he ultimately chose to deny entry.

“Migrants deserve dignity”

“A migrant is not a criminal and must be treated with the dignity every human being deserves. That’s why I sent back the U.S. military planes carrying Colombian migrants,” Petro explained.

He added:

“I cannot allow migrants to be left in a country that doesn’t want them. But if they are returned, it must be done with dignity and respect—for them and for our country. In civilian planes, and without treating them like criminals, we will receive our fellow citizens. Colombia must be respected.”

Source: Noticias Caracol.

At 10:32 a.m. on Sunday, January 26, a 4.5 magnitude earthquake was reported in Los Santos, Santander, with a depth of 153 kilometers, according to the Colombian Geological Service (SGC).

Residents on social media noted the tremor was strongly felt in Bucaramanga, the capital of Santander, and surrounding municipalities near Los Santos.

Despite the moderate magnitude, local authorities reported no damage to buildings or infrastructure.

Los Santos is one of Colombia's most seismically active areas, accounting for about 60% of the country’s recorded earthquakes. Tremors are nearly a daily occurrence there.

While no damages have been reported, authorities remain on alert and encourage citizens to follow official safety recommendations.

Colombia experiences up to 2,500 seismic events monthly, underscoring the importance of preparedness and preventive measures across the country.

Source: Blu Radio.

Diplomatic relations between the United States and Colombia have reached a new level of tension after President Gustavo Petro decided to reject flights carrying Colombian deportees from the U.S. In reaction, the U.S. government has indefinitely shut down the visa section at its Bogotá embassy and warned of further retaliatory measures.

Deportations: a routine practice 

According to sources cited by Blu Radio, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) organizes two weekly repatriation flights, typically using commercial planes funded by the agency. These flights are aimed at expediting the return of Colombian migrants detained in the U.S. due to their irregular immigration status.

However, President Petro’s decision to stop accepting these flights—a practice previously approved by his administration—has triggered a swift and decisive response from the U.S. State Department.

Visa services suspended 

Starting this Monday, the U.S. Embassy in Colombia will close its visa section indefinitely. This decision impacts thousands of Colombians who rely on these services to travel to the United States. The move is part of a broader series of measures the U.S. is evaluating in response to Petro’s stance.

Growing diplomatic tensions 

The visa suspension is reportedly just the first step in a series of potential retaliatory actions being considered by the State Department. While specific details about further measures remain unclear, these actions are expected to increase pressure on the Colombian government to reverse its decision.

The diplomatic standoff over deportation policies highlights mounting tensions in migration and bilateral cooperation. This conflict affects not only diplomatic relations but also Colombian citizens seeking migration or exchange opportunities with the U.S.

For now, the Colombian government has yet to issue an official response. Meanwhile, relations between the two nations face one of their most challenging moments in recent years.

Source: Blu Radio.

In Colombia, you can skip filing a police report when you have lost a document:

• No Police Report Needed: Under Decree 19 of 2012, you only need to affirm under oath that your documents are lost or stolen to start the replacement process.

• Good Faith Matters: The Constitution (Article 83) presumes you’re acting in good faith, so a “lost document report” isn’t required for legal or administrative purposes.

• Alternative IDs Work: According to Law 1801 of 2016, you can use other documents like a driver’s license, work ID, or even a student card to identify yourself while you get your replacements.

To replace your documents, just go straight to the right agency:

• For ID cards, visit the National Civil Registry.

• For passports, head to the Foreign Ministry.

• For driver’s licenses, contact your local transit office.

• For credit cards, notify your bank directly.

If you want to learn more about why you don’t need to file a report, you can visit this webpage: ¿Por qué no es necesario realizar el reporte por pérdida de documentos ante la Policía Nacional?

Collecting lost documents

Most municipalities have a designated place where found documents are collected. At police stations, they can tell you where this place is in your municipality.

• Santa Marta: Secretaria de Planeación

Stolen documents

If a document has been stolen, you can file a report on this webpage: Sistema Nacional de Denuncia Virtual. 

Lost foreign documents

If foreign authorities require you to provide a police report, it’s best to file a report for stolen items, even if the documents weren’t actually stolen.

On Monday, Colombian President Gustavo Petro declared a state of internal shock in response to the escalating violence affecting several regions of the country. This measure, supported by the Constitution, will grant the government the authority to take exceptional actions, including mobilizing resources, restricting movement, and implementing emergency economic measures to address the crisis.

Violence in Catatumbo and Other Regions

The most intense clashes are occurring in the Catatumbo region, bordering Venezuela, where rebels from the National Liberation Army (ELN) are fighting dissidents from the FARC and attacking the civilian population. These confrontations have resulted in 80 deaths and more than 11,000 displaced persons, according to official reports.

In his message on social media platform X, Petro labeled the ELN's actions as "war crimes" and emphasized that "the ELN has chosen the path of war, and they will have war." The president also suspended peace negotiations with this armed group, highlighting the need for decisive action against the violent groups perpetuating the conflict.

Cúcuta, a border city in Colombia, has become a heartbreaking symbol of the human toll caused by the ongoing armed conflict in the Catatumbo region. Over the past few days, the city has seen a significant influx of displaced people fleeing violence caused by clashes between the National Liberation Army (ELN) and dissidents from the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC).

Families, many with young children and pets, have arrived exhausted and distressed, seeking refuge from the escalating violence. The city of Cúcuta, located in Norte de Santander, has opened its arms to these victims of conflict. Since the violence erupted, over 80 people have died, and more than 20 others have been injured, according to local authorities.

A New Refuge for the Displaced

The General Santander Stadium, normally used for Sunday football matches, has transformed into an emergency shelter. On January 19, 2025, nearly 2,000 displaced people gathered there, desperately seeking protection as the humanitarian crisis deepens with each passing day.

One of these displaced people, Doña María (a name changed for safety), tearfully shared her pain. She had to leave La Gabarra with her children and grandchildren, leaving behind not only her home but also her livelihood. “In Cúcuta, we have no family, so we came here hoping for help,” she said. What hurt the most was leaving behind her farm with 14 pigs and chickens, her primary source of sustenance.

Even more distressing, Doña María's daughter has not been able to leave La Gabarra due to a lack of security and transportation. "I spoke with her this morning, and she’s still there,” she said, filled with worry.

Desperate for Safety

As the hours pass, more families arrive, looking weary and desperate. Fathers carry their little ones in their arms, while children, despite the adversity, try to find joy in the midst of chaos. Many have been forced to leave everything behind—homes, land, and memories—because of the ongoing violence.

Local Response to the Crisis

In response to the growing crisis, Cúcuta’s municipal government has activated a route to assist displaced persons. Since Saturday, the authorities have helped 2,790 people at the Municipal Palace, working together with organizations like the People’s Defender, the Red Cross, and international groups.

Efforts to provide essential aid such as food, clothing, and medical attention are ongoing, and the city’s mayor, Jorge Acevedo, launched a donation campaign called “United for Catatumbo,” aiming to collect non-perishable food, clothing, shoes, and toiletries.

Health authorities have also declared a yellow alert, focusing their efforts on addressing the medical and humanitarian needs of the displaced individuals.

Fear and Uncertainty

A mother with three young children shared her harrowing experience of fleeing her home in the Castrillón area. She encountered more people on the road heading toward Tibú, but she decided to keep moving toward Cúcuta for safety. “We had no other choice. The fear was stronger than anything we could carry with us. We barely brought any clothes,” she said, holding her children close.

The conflict between the ELN and FARC dissidents, which began on Thursday, has caused thousands of rural residents to flee to urban centers like Cúcuta, Ocaña, and Tibú, and even across the jungle border into Venezuela.

Finding Comfort in Unity

In spite of the pain and loss, many people are finding comfort in supporting one another. An elderly man, observing the crowd, sighed and said, “We’ve left everything behind.”

Cúcuta has become a beacon of hope for those trying to escape the horrors of armed conflict. Even as the crisis continues to unfold, the resilience of these displaced people and the city’s ability to offer refuge is a testament to the strength of the human spirit in times of immense hardship.

Source: Primicias.

The National Tax and Customs Directorate (Dian) has announced significant updates to the Unique Tax Registry (RUT) to improve its management and enhance data protection. Notably, the RUT will have indefinite validity and will no longer show the issuance date, reducing confusion and unnecessary procedures for citizens.

Main Changes:

- Only the Generation Date: The RUT will now only display the generation date at the footer, removing the update date to avoid misunderstandings about the document’s validity.

- Increased Data Protection: The identity document issuance date (previously in box 27) will be removed from the RUT PDF to reduce the risk of identity theft.

- Indefinite Validity: The RUT no longer requires periodic updates unless there are changes in personal information like residence, contact details, or tax responsibilities.

Verifying RUT Authenticity:

To ensure validity, businesses and public entities must check:

- The generation date.

- The watermark stating "certified copy at no cost" or "document certified at no cost."

Free and Simplified Procedures:

Dian reminded that RUT-related procedures are free and can be done via official channels. For the latest RUT information, visit their website: www.dian.gov.co/impuestos/RUT.

These measures aim to reduce unnecessary steps, protect personal data, and simplify tax management for citizens.

Beginning Monday, January 13, 2025, Medellín will reactivate its "Pico y Placa" vehicle restriction policy. This measure, aimed at improving traffic flow and reducing congestion, applies to Medellín and the surrounding metropolitan area. The restrictions will follow the same schedule and rules as in the latter half of 2024.

Key Details of the 2025 Measure

• Schedule: Monday to Friday, 5:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
• Applicability:
• For private vehicles, restrictions are based on the last digit of the license plate.
• For motorcycles, restrictions are determined by the first digit of the plate. Only 2- and 4-stroke motorcycles are affected.
• Exemptions: Vehicles powered by cleaner technologies, such as electric, hybrid, and natural gas vehicles, are exempt, provided their transit license is up to date.

Fines and Enforcement

Drivers violating the "Pico y Placa" restrictions will face a fine equivalent to 15 daily minimum wages (SMLDV), approximately $711,750 COP for 2024. Additional costs may arise if the vehicle is impounded, including towing and storage fees.

Rotation from January 13, 2025

• Monday Plates ending in 0 and 2.
• Tuesday: Plates ending in 6 and 9.
• Wednesday: Plates ending in 3 and 7.
• Thursday: Plates ending in 4 and 8.
• Friday: Plates ending in 1 and 5.

Example: If your license plate ends in 0, you are not allowed to drive your vehicle in Medellín on Mondays between 5:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m.

Important Notes

1. There will be no educational grace period; enforcement begins immediately.
2. The policy does not apply on weekends or public holidays.
3. Taxis follow a biweekly rotation schedule that has been in place since 2016.

Exemptions for Clean Technology Vehicles

Electric, hybrid, and natural gas-powered vehicles are exempt from the "Pico y Placa" restrictions. The exemption is automatically verified through the National Traffic Registry (RUNT), requiring no additional paperwork from drivers. This system ensures faster processing and avoids unnecessary delays for eligible vehicles.

Upcoming Updates

In February 2025, the Medellín municipality will announce updated rotation rules for the "Pico y Placa" restrictions, which will be effective for the first semester of the year.

As of 2025, the Colombian minimum wage is set at $1,423,500 COP per month. Here’s how this change impacts visa requirements:

Real Estate Investment Visa

- Requirement: Invest in property worth at least 350 minimum wages.

- 2025 Minimum Value: $498,225,000 COP (around $115,000 USD)*

Business Investment Visa

- Requirement: Invest in a Colombian company with at least 100 minimum wages in stocks.

- 2025 Minimum Value: $142,350,000 COP (around $33,000 USD)*

Digital Nomad Visa

- Requirement: Show a monthly income of 3 minimum wages.

- 2025 Minimum Income: $4,270,500 COP (around $990 USD)*

Pensioner Visa

- Requirement: Prove a lifetime pension of 3 minimum wages per month.

- 2025 Minimum Income: $4,270,500 COP (around $990 USD)*

Tourist and Student Visas

- Requirement: Show proof of an income of 10 minimum wages per month.

- 2025 Minimum Income: $14,235,000 COP (around $3,300 USD)* 

*Exchange rate estimates as of January 2025.

The National Administrative Department of Statistics (Dane) announced on Thursday, January 9, that Colombia’s inflation rate for 2024 closed at 5.20%. This figure, known as the Consumer Price Index (CPI), is crucial for calculating the increase in services like urban housing rents and homeowners' association fees.

The CPI’s Impact on Rent

According to Dane, 40.3% of households in Colombia rent their homes, representing over 21 million people. The law establishes that rents can increase by up to 5.20% in 2025, but this adjustment is not automatic in January. It is applied only when the rental contract is renewed or extended, and prior written notice is required.

For example:

- If someone paid $1,000,000 in rent in 2024, with a 5.20% increase, they would now pay $1,052,000 in 2025.

The formula to calculate the increase is simple: multiply the previous rent by 0.052 to determine the increase amount.

Requirements to Apply the Increase

1. Written Notification: The landlord must communicate the increase and its effective date through authorized postal mail or the notification channel specified in the contract.

2. Contract Renewal: The increase is valid only at the time of renewal or extension.

What to Do in Case of an Improper Increase

If a landlord applies an increase above the legal limit, the tenant can file a complaint with municipal control agencies. This may result in financial penalties for the landlord.

In June 2024, Colombia's national carrier Avianca will start flights from Medellín (MDE) to Buenos Aires (EZE), Lima (LIM) and Santiago de Chile (SCL). The flight schedules are as follows:

• MDE 18:10 - 21:10 LIM Tue, Thurs, Sat, from June 1
• LIM 01:55 - 05:00 MDE Weds, Fri, Sun

• MDE 17:45 - 00:45 SCL Mon, Weds, Fri, Sun, from June 2
• SCL 01:45 - 06:59 MDE Mon, Tues, Thurs, Sat

• MDE 16:45 - 01:25 EZE daily, from June 15
• EZE 02:30 - 07:05 MDE daily

To Lima and Santiago de Chile you can also fly with JetSmart from Medellín, and to Lima you can also fly with LATAM. Only Avianca will have flights to Buenos Aires.

If you don’t qualify for a loan in Colombia or you don’t want to pay the high interest rates that are normal in the country, you have, depending on your nationality, several options to obtain a loan from abroad to purchase property in Colombia.

• Borrowing from Bancolombia or Viventa. Both Bancolombia and Viventa lend money to individuals outside Colombia for the purpose of purchasing property in the country. Bancolombia’s service is known as "Colombianos en el Exterior" and involves credit checks in the United States. This service is available for clients with a savings account.
• Refinancing your properties in another country. If you own properties in another country, you can leverage them to secure funds and use these funds to purchase property in Colombia.

From November 1, 2023, Canadian visitors will need to pay an entrance fee when they enter Colombia.

• The fee is 256,000 Colombian pesos. This is about $85 in Canadian dollars depending on the exchange rate.
• You can only pay this fee when you arrive in Colombia.
• Paying is possible at all Migración Colombia entry points at airports, in ports and along the border.
• You can pay with a credit or debit card.
• If you don't pay this fee, you won't be allowed to enter Colombia.

You don't have to pay the entry fee if you fall into any of these categories:

• You visiting the Archipelago of San Andrés, Providencia, and Santa Catalina.
• You're younger than 14 or older than 79.
• You've a valid Colombian visa.
• You work for the government as a diplomat or consular staff or are a family member of such a person.
• You're part of an international transport crew.