Court Reporting in Colombia

The requirements for taking U.S. depositions in Colombia are straightforward and easy to follow using the Planet Depos Checklist specific to Colombia depositions.

Colombia is a party to The Hague Evidence Convention, and does permit the taking of voluntary depositions, regardless of the nationality of the witness. The requirements for taking U.S. depositions in Colombia are straightforward and easy to follow using the Planet Depos Checklist specific to Colombia depositions.

Allowing enough time (roughly between 4-6 weeks is ideal) for scheduling depositions overseas is extremely important because of the logistics associated with the scheduling and planning processes; however, Planet Depos is accustomed to handling last-minute coverage. Counsel will determine whether their witness is willing to be deposed. If so, both parties can stipulate and begin the process of setting up the deposition.

If the witness is unwilling to be deposed and must be compelled to testify, a letter rogatory is required. For more information regarding service of process, including steps for a letter rogatory, visit the International Judicial Assistance Website for the Bureau of Consular Affairs.

1. Select the deposition services needed:
   • U.S.-trained court reporter
   • U.S.-trained legal videographer
   • Any language interpreter
2. What is the location of the deposition in Colombia?
   • Do you need Planet Depos to reserve a conference room for you?
3. If not participating in person, do you require videoconferencing services? (If not, please skip to the next item on the checklist).
   • Do you need a location in Colombia?
   • Will you need a location in the United States?
   • Can you attend from your firm’s videoconference suite?
   • Ask about Planet Depos’ Mobile Videoconferencing capabilities!
   • Document Production
     • Do you need assistance with exhibit printing?
4. Select your deposition date
   • Start time
   • End time
5. Visa Restrictions: There is no visa required for travel to Colombia for U.S. Citizens.
6. Make travel arrangements
   • Flight
   • Car rental
   • Lodging
     • Contact Planet Depos for information about corporate discounts with our partner hotels
7. Send a protective order to Planet Depos for representatives to sign (if applicable)
8. Have you filled out the Planet Depos Standing Order Form? It’s an easy process that takes less than 60 seconds and will let us know:
   • Transcript turnaround time (regular or expedited)
   • Who should receive the rough ASCII and final transcript
   • The number of realtime laptops that are needed
   • Preferred video format (DVD, MPEG1, Loaded DVD, Synchronized Viewer)
9. Send out Notice of Deposition to all counsel, your witness, and Planet Depos
10. Send prep materials to Planet Depos for reporter’s deposition preparation:
    • Notice of deposition
    • ComplaParty to The Hague Evidence Convention? YesCurrency: Colombian PesoTime Zone: GMT + 5:00Airport: El Dorado International Airport (BOG) in Bogotá

      U.S. Visa Requirements? None, Exit Tax

      U.S. State Department Website: Colombia

      int

    • Subpoena
    • Previous transcript(s)
    • Word index
11. Obtain emergency contact information for Planet Depos representatives
12. Provide emergency contact information for counsel
13. Travel safely to Colombia and contact Planet Depos with any questions once you’ve arrived!

Entry Requirements for Colombia

With teams living nearby, Planet Depos offers 24/7 assistance for all of your deposition needs in Colombia. Our teams have been covering depositions in Colombia for over 15 years, and are therefore considered one of the leading experts in anything pertaining to covering depositions there. We will be more than happy to share this expertise and guide you through the scheduling process, travel and document assistance in Colombia.

There are no special visas (tourist or business) required to enter Colombia for a stay of less than 90 days. A valid passport is required. Planet Depos does recommend traveling with a passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your departure date from Colombia. You will need one blank passport page for the entry stamp. However, Planet Depos recommends having at least 2 blank pages. You will also need to check any countries you pass through to determine if a separate transit visa is required, as there are not many direct flights to Colombia from the U.S.

For more information, you can also contact the Colombian Embassy (2118 Leroy Place NW Washington DC 20008)

Flying to Colombia

There are three major international airports in Colombia:

• El Dorado International Airport (BOG) – Bogota 
• Jose Maria Cordova International Airport (MDE) – Medellin
• Alfonso Bonilla Aragon International Airport (CLO) – Cali

Airlines flying to Colombia include:

• United
• American Airlines

American Airlines Travel in Colombia

For updated travel alerts and information, please visit the State Department’s webpage.

You can also download the SmartTravel App for your smartphone created by the U.S. Department of State.

Staying in Colombia

There are several locations where U.S. depositions may be taken in Colombia. For example, the capital Bogota offers many luxury hotels from which to choose for your lodging and conference room needs. We are more than happy to assist you with your conference room needs and hotel recommendations.

Medical Information for Colombia

Colombia has adequate medical care in the larger cities, but emergency rooms are often overcrowded. For a list of medical facilities and English-speaking doctors in Colombia, please visit:

https://co.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/medical-assistance/

For updated health information, including health travel alerts and immunizations, please visit the Colombia specific website for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Money Matters

Colombia’s currency is the Colombian Peso. The exchange of foreign currency should only be made in hotels, banks and bureaus de change, never on the street, as that can be dangerous. ATMs are available in all major cities, but again, street ATMs should not be used for safety reasons. Major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard) are widely accepted.

For up-to-date information on the local conversion rate, please visit a reputable currency converter website such as OANDA which also offers an app for smartphones.

Weather

Colombia is an equatorial country, and her climatic variations are determined by trade winds, humidity, and most of all, altitude. There are two seasons, and two rainy periods (April to June, then August to November) and two dry periods (July and December to March).   The temperatures vary little throughout the year, but do vary by altitude. The upland areas and mountains are cooler, while the Amazon region is generally warm and wet year round. Bogota enjoys spring-like days all year, with cool days and crisp nights, although when the sun is shining, it can be quite hot during the day.

Important Websites & Resources

Embassy of the United States in Bogota, Colombia

Travel Apps on iOS

Interesting Colombia Facts

Colombia is the world’s leading source of emeralds.