Migración Colombia Suspends Services at 7 Offices After 7.4 Quake Near Bogotá

Migración Colombia suspended in-person services at seven regional offices after a 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck western Colombia on August 10, 2026, sending the centers into structural safety assessments for staff and visitors.

The quake hit at 7:34 a.m. local time. Authorities placed its epicenter near San José del Palmar in the Chocó department, at an approximate depth of 107 kilometers.

The affected facilities are Migration Service Facilitation Centers, known as CFSMs. They serve travelers and foreign nationals in Armenia, Cali, Manizales, Medellín, Pereira, Popayán and Quibdó.

The service interruption reaches several documents tied to legal status and cross-border travel. Processing has stopped for foreign national registrations, Cédula de Extranjería identity cards, status regularizations and travel permits called salvoconductos.

Those processes serve different needs. A registration records a foreign national’s presence, while the identity card and regularization procedures support documented status in Colombia. A salvoconducto can be needed for travel-related immigration matters.

Air travel has also been affected. Seven major regional airports, including those in Cali, Pereira and Armenia, suspended or limited operations for domestic and international passengers.

Seven CFSM offices have halted in-person appointments

The closures add a local-document bottleneck for people whose Colombian records are needed for status procedures or international travel. The agency described the shutdown as a precaution while officials assess building safety.

The Migración Colombia official portal is listed among the official government sources for the agency.

The U.S. Embassy in Bogotá issued an alert on August 10 for Americans affected by the earthquake. It advised citizens to check directly with airlines about flight status and rebooking procedures.

"The U.S. Embassy is continuing to monitor the situation. U.S. citizens should communicate directly with airlines regarding flight status and rebooking procedures. If you are injured, call 123 for immediate assistance."

The alert also advised Americans in affected areas to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, known as STEP, and coordinate with the embassy for emergency consular services. Many local government buildings remained closed for safety inspections.

Airport limits and consular guidance affect the same travel corridors

The airport restrictions overlap with the immigration-office closures in several cities. A traveler waiting for a salvoconducto may also face a limited departure schedule, while an American seeking emergency help may need to coordinate with the embassy instead of visiting a local government building.

Tommy Pigott, a State Department spokesperson, said on August 11 that the department was assisting Americans affected by the disaster. He urged U.S. citizens in Colombia to contact the embassy for consular assistance and monitor local news for safety updates.

"The Department is actively assisting American citizens affected by the earthquake. We urge all Americans in Colombia to contact the U.S. Embassy in Bogotá for consular assistance and to monitor local news for safety updates."

The State Department also said on August 10 that the U.S. Administration was committing $15.5 million for emergency shelter, food, protection and earthquake assessments.

"Following today's devastating 7.4 magnitude earthquake across various regions in Colombia, the [U.S.] Administration is committing $15.5 million in funding for emergency shelter, food, protection, and earthquake assessments. We are united in prayer with the Colombian people and stand ready to support President Abelardo de la Espriella and his government as they assess the needs on the ground."

The shutdown follows earlier U.S. immigration restrictions

The earthquake disruption comes alongside a separate U.S. policy change. In early 2026, the U.S. Department of State paused immigrant visa issuances for several countries, including Colombia.

The pause took effect January 21, 2026, after policy changes involving "public charge" provisions. That measure affects U.S. visa issuance, while the Colombian office closures interrupt local registrations, identity documents, regularizations and travel permits.

People handling both systems can therefore encounter two separate delays. One concerns a U.S. immigrant visa. The other concerns documentation issued through Colombian migration offices.

Damage reports show why public offices are undergoing inspections

Official reports as of August 12, 2026, indicated at least 132 deaths and over 570 injuries. Civilian-run databases reported nearly 4,000 people missing.

More than 1,600 buildings suffered damage. Parts of the University Hospital in Cali collapsed.

President Abelardo de la Espriella had been inaugurated on August 7, 2026, only three days before the earthquake. His government was assessing conditions as public buildings underwent safety inspections.

The State Department’s August 10 statement said the U.S. government stood ready to support the president and his government as they assessed needs on the ground. Pigott’s August 11 statement separately directed Americans toward consular assistance and local safety updates.