Colombian Consulate in Chicago

On Friday, July 1st, we had our visa appointments at the Colombian Consulate in Chicago.  We drove up to Chicago on Thursday night and arrived after 2 AM.  We were exhausted!!!  Andres was such a good traveler.

We walked from the hotel to the Consulate on Friday morning since we had our appointments for 10 and 10:30 AM.  When they called me up to the window, I showed all the necessary documents.  The woman then asked me where I was from.  I told her I was born in New Jersey and my parents are Colombian.  She asked me if I was a Colombian citizen and if I had a cedula (a Colombian ID card).  I said "yes."  She then proceeded to tell me that she could not give me a visa because I was a citizen of Colombia-that I needed to enter the country with a Colombian passport.  I was quite surprised as all the information I received from our adoption agency explained that because I was born in the US, I could enter and exit Colombia as an American.  I then had to go to the next window to apply for an "Emergency" Colombian passport.  Usually, they won't help you without an appointment.  Thankfully, he had two cancelations, and he was able to help me.  

I had to fill out an application, get my passport picture taken, and wait.  That part didn't take too long.  They also advised me that since my "Emergency" passport expires in 7 months, that I should also apply for the regular Colombian passport which will be ready in about 10 more days.  Sooooo, I did that as well.  I won't receive that until much later.  At least I am set to travel on Monday as planned since I have my "Emergency" passport.  

Ahhh, what a day at the Consulate!!!  We were there from 9:45 AM until 2 PM.