United States Embassy Branch Office opens in Cartagena

March 12, 2009

On March 3, 2009, the U.S. Embassy in Colombia opened a new Embassy Branch Office (EBO) in Cartagena. William R. Brownfield, US Ambassador to Colombia, inaugurated the EBO accompanied by Clemencia Forero, Colombian Vice-minister of Foreign Affairs; Joaco Hernando Berrío, Governor of Bolivar Department and Judith Pinedo, Mayor of Cartagena.

The new Cartagena EBO will not provide Consular Services to American or Colombian citizens. Only the American Citizen Services Section (ACS) at the U.S. Embassy in Bogota and the U.S. Consular Agency in Barranquilla will provide assistance to U.S. citizens in Colombia. The Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Bogotá will be the only office that will provide Immigrant and Nonimmigrant Visa services.

During the ceremony Ambassador Brownfield highlighted the importance of this new diplomatic branch. He also reminded his audience that the last time the U.S. Government had a branch office was in Barranquilla, closed in 1994.

The Ambassador added that more services will eventually be provided, including Consular Services, but explained that the implementation of these services will be a gradual process.