Colombia
Both parents must travel to Colombia to receive their child/children. Both parents need to be in Colombia for the beginning of the process, for approximately 2 weeks. One parent can return to the U.S. after the ICBF integration interview has taken place. The remaining parent must remain in Colombia until the entire legal process is completed, which may take 6 to 8+ weeks. We strongly recommend that—in the event one parent needs to return to the U.S. or if the adoptive parent is single—to have a close family member or friend travel to Colombia to support the adoptive parent in Colombia.
The child will enter the U.S. on an IR-3 visa.
It is very important for both parents to travel. It will help you to gain a greater understanding of your child’s birthcountry and culture, which will serve to help your child understand and value his/her origins. It also serves the children for attachment and bonding purposes.
It is necessary to have both a passport and Colombia visa in order to travel to Colombia. You must have a U.S. passport before your dossier is even sent to Colombia. Once you receive the referral of a child, you may then apply for a Colombia adoption visa. We will send you the visa application
instructions at the time of referral.
Adoption travel is not a vacation, though due to the length of time in Colombia, we suggest that it is a great opportunity to sightsee or travel within the country (with permission). It may be extremely exhausting as you deal with soon caring for a new child who may not adjust very easily. Families typically stay in
residencias (guest houses) with other adoptive families. The time at the
residencias is supportive and can be a low-stress time to bond with your child.
For more information about Bethany's Colombia program, please call 1.877.64.ADOPT, e-mail us at
bcsinternational@bethany.org, or fill out our
contact form.