| In Colombia both parents are required to travel to initiate the adoption, but one parent may leave after the first 10 days if necessary. Typically, your child will be placed in your care from the day after your arrival.
One parent must stay for the rest of the adoption process. This generally takes a total of 6-8 weeks to complete. (In some cases, the process may be about 4 weeks if the program is located in a city outside Bogotá -- in Medellin, Cali or the ICBF program in one of the smaller cities.)
Your travel and stay in Colombia can be arranged with assistance from CHSFS staff. We provide you with travel notes on what to expect and how to plan. Once in Colombia, our bilingual representatives assist you throughout the process. They will orient you to places that are secure and provide you with trusted drivers. There are many choices of accommodations. Most families choose guest houses where several adoptive families from the U.S. and Europe stay together. These have private rooms and common dining and recreation areas.
You and your child may travel within Colombia (with permission) while the legal process is being completed. Many families use this time to travel to Colombia's Caribbean coastline and islands. Our representatives will be happy to help you make in-country travel arrangements as well as introduce you to Colombian culture.
NOTE: for families going back to Colombia with children already adopted and now US citizens, please read this document about dual citizenship and getting in and out of Colombia.
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