En esta noticia
The immigration offices in Chile, Colombia, and Peru continue to apply strict controls to those traveling with an expired passport, both on international flights and at land border crossings. The lack of an up-to-date document can result in delays, boarding denials, and even refusal of entry to or exit from the territory.
At the same time, airlines and border agencies continue to require presentation of a valid passport to authorize international travel. Although there are some flexibilities within specific regional agreements, the authorities stress that each case is subject to the immigration regulations of the destination country and the airlines’ policies.
Attention: what happens in Chile with expired passports
In Chile, extracontinental foreigners (those from countries outside Mercosur) must present a valid passport or a valid travel document to enter or leave the country.
In addition, the Investigative Police (PDI) and airlines can prevent boarding if they detect that the document is expired at the time of immigration control.
Chilean citizens, for their part, need to have valid documentation to travel abroad, although there are specific exceptions for some South American countries that allow travel with a national ID card.
What Colombia requires to enter or leave the country
In Colombia, Migración Colombia establishes that international travelers must have a valid and current passport or a document authorized through international agreements.
The authorities also remind travelers that Colombian citizens must identify themselves as nationals when entering or leaving the territory.
If the passport is expired, both airlines and immigration control can prevent the trip until the document is renewed.
Colombia maintains an exception for some Venezuelan citizens, since in certain cases entry is accepted with an expired Venezuelan passport under special conditions defined by the immigration authorities.
Peru also requires valid documentation to travel
Peru requires foreigners to present a valid passport or identity document during immigration control.
In the case of foreign residents, the authorities require them to have a valid passport when leaving the country.
In addition, although some Peruvian citizens can travel to neighboring countries using their ID card thanks to regional agreements, for many international destinations it remains mandatory to present a valid passport.
If the document is expired, airlines or Immigration may reject boarding or prevent entry depending on the destination and the passenger’s nationality.
What documents immigration authorities usually review
Before authorizing an international trip, immigration authorities and airlines usually verify different requirements related to personal documentation.
Among the main checks are:
- Valid passport in good condition.
- Valid identity document in countries that allow it.
- Match between the ticket details and the document.
- Immigration permits or visas, when applicable.
- Health requirements or forms required by some destinations.