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.

Sabaneta is looking forward to exciting developments with the upcoming construction of the Arena Primavera event and show complex. This project, situated next to the Mayorca shopping center, marks the spearhead of a broader urban transformation initiative. The current industrial warehouse-dominated area will be revitalized into an entertainment district spanning 14 hectares. This transformation will encompass housing for middle and upper strata, health and technology services, all complemented by ample public spaces and greenery.

The Arena is expected to drive vibrant activity in the form of restaurants and accommodations. Mayor Santiago Montoya reveals that a five-star hotel has already expressed interest. The ambitious plan involves shifting Sabaneta's identity from a "dormitory city" to an entertainment hub, necessitating a change in residents' mindset and educational programs to prepare professionals for the entertainment and services sector.

Montoya emphasizes the cultural sector's role in comprehensive municipal development, citing the Arena Primavera as a key component. The estimated economic impact of the arena is substantial, contributing approximately 300,000 million pesos annually to the gross domestic product. Ticket taxes are expected to generate 10,000 to 15,000 million pesos for cultural promotion in the municipality.

Montoya envisions that future administrations can utilize these funds to support national and international tours to promote local artists. The project's focal point is the Arena Primavera, with plans to lay the first stone in the first half of 2024 and complete construction by 2026, assuming adherence to the schedule.

The estimated investment of 200,000 million pesos comes from the CLK business group, consisting of five companies: Tuboleta, Movistar Arena, TBL Live, Venues Snacks, and Thunder Production. CLK is confident in Antioquia's potential as a cultural reference, aiming to position the department as a world leader in the arena circuit.

Strategic partnerships with Proantioquia, Comfama, and government ministries are in place to enhance social projection and provide cultural and educational expertise. Discussions are underway for a potential sponsor to give the complex its name.

The project involves a unique business scheme, akin to Public-Private Partnerships, where individuals fund and build the arena, exploiting it for three decades before returning it to the landowners (Special Assets Society) without compensation. The Arena Primavera, with a capacity for 16,000 people, is expected to host an average of 75 shows per year, creating nearly 1,000 direct and indirect jobs.

Designed by HOK, the arena promises to be the most modern in Latin America, with versatile applications such as hosting tennis matches, concerts, congresses, fairs, and family events. The environmentally conscious design aims for carbon neutrality by maximizing natural wind and light usage.

The 55,000-square-meter Arena Primavera will showcase the region's architectural aesthetics with a reddish hue reminiscent of the Aburrá Valley's buildings, guayacanes' vibrant colors, and the silletera tradition. A pedestrian ring with saddle-shaped panels and a rooftop terrace with 14 restaurants will complement the structure. With only 450 parking spaces, the focus is on encouraging public transportation use, and plans for a pedestrian bridge to improve access to the Metro are underway, aiming to reduce travel time from eight to three minutes.

A digital driver's license from Colombia is considered equivalent to a physical driver's license. Colombian traffic officers must accept your digital license in place of a physical one.

Requirements to obtain a digital driver's license

• You have a physical driver's license.
• You have a digital cédula (ID-card).

Steps to obtain a digital driver's license

1. Enter the page https://carpetaciudadana.and.gov.co/ and log in or register first (if applicable).
2. Enter the "Mis Categorías“ section.
3. Click on the option “Licencia de Conducción Digital".
4. Download the digital driver's license.

Costs

The digital driver's license is free to obtain.

All passengers who fly to or from Colombia must be able to show a Check-Mig form to their airlines during check-in or boarding.

Steps to apply for your Check-Mig form:

1. Go to the Migración Colombia website: https://www.migracioncolombia.gov.co/.
2. Select the ‘Check-Mig’ button.
3. Fill in the requested information.
4. Take a screenshot or download the PDF document.

You can apply for Check-Mig form from 72 hours to one hour before your flight.

One of the advantages of Colombian citizenship is that it's easier to travel to Bolivia, Ecuador and Peru. It's also easier to obtain residency in these countries. Together with Colombia, these countries form the Andean Community (abbreviated as CAN in Spanish).

In 2021 these countries signed an agreement that grants citizens from these countries the right to reside, work and move freely throughout these four countries. This agreement went into effect on August 11, 2021, and is also known as 'decision 878'. It forms the core of the Andean Immigration Statute as promoted by the Andean Community. You can find a link to the agreement in the last paragraph of this article.

Free movement

As a Colombian citizen, you can enter Bolivia, Ecuador and Peru as a tourist for 90 days by only presenting a valid Colombian cédula. In other words, you don't need to show a passport. You can extend these 90 days by another 90 days.

Temporary residency

If you want to reside in Bolivia, Ecuador or Peru, you can apply for temporary residency at a consulate of that country or directly in that country itself, regardless of your migratory status.

The duration of temporary residency is two years and is extendable for another two years.

Temporary residency gives you the same rights to carry out activities as nationals of that country have.

The requirements to obtain temporary residency are:

• a formal application
• a travel document that is still valid for six months
• a current criminal record certificate
• proof of legit income that is sufficient to live in the other country
• having paid the corresponding administrative fees

Permanent residency

You can apply for permanent residency 90 days before the expiration of your temporary residency. The duration of the permanent residency is indefinite.

Text of the agreement

Here you can read the agreement between Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru that grants the rights mentioned above: Decisión N° 878 Estatuto Migratorio Andino (pdf).

As a foreigner you can open a bank account at a Colombian bank in Colombia but you'll need a visa. Sometimes a bank employee doesn't ask for a visa, but these cases are rare and are usually against the bank's internal guidelines.

Tips and recommendations

• It's best to bring your cédula, but many banks also accept passports.
• Bring a RUT with you. Bank employees may ask for proof of legit income if you don't have a RUT. You can get a RUT from DIAN, the Colombian tax authority.
• Visit a bank office in an area where many expats live. Employees in these bank offices often have more experience opening bank accounts for foreigners. This speeds up the process.

Ísimo, a new hard discount retail chain, is set to open over 420 stores in Colombia, posing competition to existing chains such as Ara and D1. The expansion plan will begin in the Atlantic coast departments and then move to other regions in the east of the country, such as Santander and Norte Santander, with the aim of covering most of the main regions in Colombia. The company plans to hire over 2,350 people in the first half of 2023.

Initially, Ísimo will offer approximately 750 national and international products, including its own brands. The company aims to differentiate itself by offering a pharmacy and a selection of perishable products to guarantee freshness.