International Driving Permit Colombia

What is the difference between an International Driving Permit (IDP) and an International Driver’s License (IDL)?

An International Driving Permit is a small grey booklet marginally larger than a passport containing a translation of your original driving license in 10 languages, including English, French, Russian, Chinese, Arabic, and Spanish. It is recognized by 141 countries worldwide and is valid for one year.

In comparison, an International Driving License is not a legal document and cannot be used to drive in foreign countries or instead of an IDP.

How does an IDP work in Colombia?

As stated by the Ministry of Transport, having an IDP is not a requirement for foreigners that drive in Colombia. Foreigners that enter Colombia on a tourist visa are allowed to drive carrying a valid foreign driver’s license belonging to their home country. However, always carry a copy of your passport and entry stamp as proof to show that you are a tourist.

Many rental car agencies can have specific requirements, including having an IDP.

How do you apply for an IDP?

You can apply for an IDP through our website by providing your driver’s license details and a photo of yourself.

United Nations Agreements on Road Traffic

United Nations road safety conventions provide rules regarding international road safety and traffic and serve as a reference for national legislation. The Convention on Road Traffic is also called the Vienna Convention on Road Traffic.

Over the years, there have been three international motor traffic conventions. These took place in 1926 (Paris), 1949 (Geneva), and 1968 (Vienna). Several countries have joined the list in each of these conventions to value the importance of IDPs as valid documents.

Benefits of Carrying an IDP in Colombia

When most of us plan an international trip, we imagine the most pleasant things to do – sightseeing, trying out new types of food, learning about different cultures, and so much more. In doing so, we forget to prepare for the most unforeseen situations. You may face problems on the road, especially if you plan on driving to your new destination.

Like in any other country, you should carry an IDP in Colombia for several good reasons. Below are some of the benefits:

Acts as an Identification document

An IDP can act as your form of identification even if you decide not to carry your passport or any other documents with you. Furthermore, a plus point of having an IDP is that it can do the translation for you. Since it is also written in the language of your chosen country, it can make identification of the foreigner a much easier task by any local law enforcement who cannot speak the same language as you.

Reduces or eliminates the risk of a fine

Despite an IDP not being a requirement in Colombia, it can act as a savior in times of need. For example, in the case of being stopped by a police officer for a traffic violation or in the involvement of a car accident, an IDP can be beneficial.

Required by major rental car agencies

When planning on renting a car during your trip to Colombia, make sure to carry an IDP since it is a requirement of most major car rental companies. Even in countries that do not require drivers to legally have this document for driving, these car agency requirements are in place.

Driving Requirements for Non-Citizens in Colombia

How long can you drive with a foreign license?

Foreigners who enter Colombia on a tourist visa can drive with a valid driver’s license belonging to their home country. This license should be accompanied by a copy of their passport and entry stamp as evidence that you are a visitor who does not require a local driver’s license. However, this is limited to 3 months, after which having an IDP becomes necessary.

For ex-pats living in Colombia, a national license must be acquired through a medical exam, theory, and practical exams.

Legal requirements for driving

The minimum legal age for driving in Colombia is 16 and renting a car is 23. In addition to this, another requirement for driving in Colombia is that you should have third-party liability vehicle insurance.

When should I get a Colombian Driver’s License?

Suppose you are planning a long-term visit to Colombia. In that case, you should consider getting a Colombian Driver’s License since you are only allowed to drive using your original license for three months.

If you are an ex-pat living in Colombia on a temporary visa, you must get a local driver’s license to drive legally. This four-step process is relatively easy but can be time-consuming. People who travel a lot and rent cars should always have an IDP with them. Drivers with such licenses need to acquire an IDP in Colombia to be allowed to drive during holiday periods or for up to 6 months from entry into the country.

How to get a driving license in Colombia?

Getting a driver’s license in a place like Colombia can be very time-consuming, so specialists are hired to save time and speed up the work. There are a total of four steps that are necessary for acquiring a Colombian driver’s license.

RUNT

The first step is to upload your personal information, picture, and fingerprint to Registro Único Nacional de Tránsito, or RUNT. This is the national database for all vehicle drivers and owners in Colombia. Since this free service is not available online, this has to be done by manually going to the place. You can visit any of the two branches: Cosmocentro on Calle 5 with Carrera 50, second floor, office C100A or Barrio Sameco, Calle 70N #3BN 200.

Driving lessons

Secondly, you will need to take driving lessons despite holding a foreign license. As a result, you are provided with a document called Certificado de Aptitud en Conducción, which is then uploaded to RUNT by the driving school. This process can take about one month. You should ensure that you get yourself a physical copy of the certificate as well in case they ask for it when expediting your license. Most driving schools usually do all the paperwork without you having to take physical driving lessons. Just make sure that the Colombian Ministry of Transportation authorizes your driving school.

Medical examination

Thirdly, you need to complete your medical examination after you get your call from the driving school verifying that your classes have been uploaded on RUNT. For this examination, you to bring an ID that includes your fingerprint. This medical examination is valid for one month and entails a visual test, hearing test, coordination test, and a short interview about your medical condition. Upon completing the test, you receive a Certificado Médico de Aptitud Física, Mental y Coordinación Motriz, which needs to be presented to get your license.

Issue drivers license

Finally, once the previous three steps have been completed, you can bring your driving school and medical test certificate to one of the Centro de Diagnóstico Automotor del Valle branches and get your license. Your photo will be taken, and they will print your license on the spot.

In Colombia, you can get a license from 16 if you can bring permission from a legal guardian. For those younger than 60, your license is valid for ten years. For those between 60-80 years, your license is valid for 65 years, and after, it is valid for one year at a time.

Renewing Your IDP or Original Driver’s License While in Colombia

Renewing your International Driving Permit

You can acquire and renew a new international driving permit through our online service. A Digital IDP can take about 2 hours to land in your mail. However, if you choose Express Order, we can process your application within a short time of 20 minutes. A printed IDP will be sent to your postal address and delivery time will vary based on your selected delivery method within 2-30 working days.

Renewing your original driver’s license

Even though you may have an IDP document, it is still a solid requirement to have a valid, unexpired driving license to drive in any country. If your license expires while you are traveling abroad, it is essential to renew it if you want to continue driving.

The process for renewals differs by country. License renewals may require you to undergo a vision test that cannot be done online, hence requiring you to return to your original country. In the case of expatriates, online license renewing services are provided by many governments.

Car Rental in Colombia

Colombia is unique and diverse, offering an incredible number of attractions ranging from sky-high mountain tops to beautiful white sandy beaches. To tour and make the best of your trip to Colombia, renting out a car would be the best decision.

Where can I rent a car in Colombia?

Renting a car can be hectic research, and comparing rental companies online can be a dreadful experience. Instead, to make life much easier, you can use “RentalCars,” one of the best sites for car rentals. It allows you to compare car rental prices from all car providers in Bogotá (The capital of Colombia) to find the best deal that suits your trip. They have a policy that guarantees you the best price and even offer full responsibility and refund in the case of any issues that may arise with you and your car rental. You need to insert your locations and available dates, and they will provide you with a wide selection of cars with their prices and types.

What is required to drive in Colombia?

The requirements for driving a car in Colombia are similar to all in other countries, and the standard minimum age requirement is 21. You should have a Passport or Identification document, a valid driver’s license (Colombia allows international licenses), and a credit card with available space of at least 1 million Colombian pesos. It is also important to have driving experience since many car rental companies may require you to hold your license for anywhere between 6-12 months, depending on the requirements of the rental.

Cost of Renting

If renting from an enterprise, you might need to deposit depending on the car’s actual value. On the other hand, if you decide to use websites like kayak, you might be looking at different rates for each type of car. Rental prices for small economy cars can range from $29, while SUVs can go up to $89. Kayak takes all the rentals within your set city and compares the prices for you. This might be the best way to rent since finding something within your budget is easy.

It should also be noted that prices tend to differ based on the season-high season (December to June) or low season (June to August). December to March is considered the peak months to visit Colombia. Hence, rental prices tend to be higher during these months.

Driving and Safety in Colombia

It’s wise to brush up on the road rules before getting behind the wheel in a foreign country. Some things to keep in mind are:

• All passengers in the car must wear a seat belt
• Colombia has strict rules regarding drinking and driving – it should be avoided at all costs
• The speed limit for an unpaved road is 35 mp/h, highways are 70mp/h, and all other places are 55mp/h
• You must drive on the right-hand side
• Road signs are written in Spanish
• Aggressive driving and speeding are regarded as common culture
• Stay alert for loose animals roaming the streets in rural areas

Top 4 Places to Visit in Colombia

Cartagena

Colombia’s fifth-largest city, Cartagena, is the country’s largest port and a leading producer of sugar, tobacco, coffee, fabrics, and platinum. Up to this day, it flourishes as the country’s economic center. Taking a stroll in this historic walled city might make you feel like you have stepped into a different era in time.

Popayan

Known as “Ciudad Blanca” (White City) because of its chalk-white buildings, Popayan is known as Colombia’s most impressive colonial city. Due to its mild climate, the town attracted wealthy Spanish Families in 1537, who then built high churches, schools, mansions, and monasteries. The city is also famous for its nightlife and Maundy Thursday procession.

Medellin

The city was once known to be one of the most dangerous cities in the world and home to Colombia’s infamous cocaine cartel. However, this has changed, and the city now boasts one of the country’s best climates. Medellin is a colorful city known for its beautiful flowers and celebrates the flower festival for 12 days every August.

Caño Cristales

The 62.1-Mile-Long River is famously known as the Liquid Rainbow due to its vivid colors. It is a sight to behold when visited from July till October. The riverbed boasts beautiful red, green, yellow, blue, and black colors, which shine the brightest from June to November. During the wet season, the river is swift and high resulting in sunlight not hitting the riverbeds plants. On the other hand, the dry season brings about a lack of water to support the plants. Caño Cristales is the only place in the world where this phenomenon occurs and is known to be the hotspot for biodiversity.

FAQ

Do I need an IDP to drive in Colombia?

No, you do not require an IDP to drive in Colombia if you are on a 90-day visa. You can drive using your home country license if you carry a copy of your passport or ID document.

Which side of the road do Colombians drive?

People drive on the right-hand side in Colombia.

Is driving in Colombia challenging?

Lack of GPS signals, never-ending traffic jams, and long, dangerous routes can make driving difficult for foreigners.

What is the speed limit in Colombia?

The speed limits are 60 km/h in urban areas, 80km/h in rural areas, and 100km/h on motorways.

REFERENCES

https://caliadventurer.com/how-to-get-a-colombian-drivers-license/