Extending your stay

[Montrealer]

Howdy all,
I haven't posted in a while, but I still read every now and then.

Just did something that may be useful for those that plan on staying lengthy periods in Colombia.

My last 60 day stamp was about to expire, so I was in the process of making plans to exit the coutry and come back in like last time.  I normally go and visit my daughter in Mexico for a bit, then return, but this time my ex and my daughter were in Acapulco for a brief vacation.  (Nice to know my child support payments are going to good use).  So I was just going to take a day trip to Panama and then come back.  I read online that to get the extension, I would have needed to apply 3 weeks in advance and it would be a pain in the arse, which is why I never bothered.  But my wife made a phone call to confirm that, and we were told by the DAS office here in BAQ that it could be done in one day.

So that's what I did.  I had to fill out one form, get a few pics, and some copies of my passport.  Also, instead of presenting a copy of my return ticket, which I don't have, I had to write a simple 3 sentence letter explaining why I wanted the extension, and when I planned on leaving.  The pay a fee of $60,600 COP at BanCafe.  All really easy.  Then they stamped my passport with a new date giving me an extra 30 days.  EASY!

So don't believe what the websites say from DAS, make a quick trip there and ask.  It's often alot easier than what is written.

As for me in BAQ, I'm still loving it.  Pregnancy is going fine.  Work is fine.  Me and the wife are better than ever.  I'm now planning on staying here another 12-18 months if possible.

Anyways, happy holidays to all from the Monty's.

[papi]

most guys that spend time in colombia are aware of going to DAS for the extra 30 days - and that can be done in most cities. The problem is that you can only stay 60 days on a USA passport and then get the extra 30 days for a total of 180 days per year. However, I am told the fines are nominal for overstaying the visa and it is lower to pay any fines at DAS vs the airport. Yet, I would not go that route. You should be eligible for a marriage visa

[soltero]

most guys that spend time in colombia are aware of going to DAS for the extra 30 days - and that can be done in most cities. The problem is that you can only stay 60 days on a USA passport and then get the extra 30 days for a total of 180 days per year. However, I am told the fines are nominal for overstaying the visa and it is lower to pay any fines at DAS vs the airport. Yet, I would not go that route. You should be eligible for a marriage visa

Monty, Papi knows what he is talking about. Going to Das for the extension is exactly as you described and not any lengthy drawn out process. It can take a whole day almost just because DAS is slow, but all you have to do is go to the bank, pay the money, get a picture to give them and get your 30 day stamp.

You are limited to 6 months during a year's time, and after that, you have to have a Visa to stay any longer. You may want to take the time to apply for the Visa now so that you can stay whatever length of time you want to depending on the requirements.

[Montrealer]

I've already exceeded my 180 days, and they didn't say anything to me, nor the last time I entered.  They just gave me the stamp without even counting the days.  I've read before about the 180 days a year, but I think this too might be fiction, or a DAS rumour.  Has anybody ever been rejected entry because it would have exceeded 180 days?

[papi]

be sure to go to DAS and not the airport if you overstay...maybe grease a palm and become friends with an official. be discreet about it like have $20 in your passport. They do issue fines for overstays. a marriage visa is your best bet

[Ricardo]

Monty, 
Good to know you're enjoying married life and BAQ.  Glad you got your extension.  I will be in Bogota for Xmas in 3 days, and then my wife and I head off to Neiva for a week to visit family.  We are still waiting to get her approval for landed immigrant status, (hopefully in another 4-5 months), but we're plan to be in Panama in a couple of months for a winter vacation.  Enjoy your stay in BAQ.

[Gator]

1.  ALWAYS call to the DAS office you intend to use.  Procedures and rule interpretations can and do vary from office to office.

2.  Stay on a tourist visa (which your passport stamp is) is for 180 days in a calendar year

3.  Why not visit MRE in Bogotá and obtain a marriage visa?

4.  Do not sweat the DAS office.  Your trouble will come when you attempt to exit the country.  DAS can and does deny boarding and will ship you off to the bank and their office to pay the fine.  Oh well!  You can catch a flight the next day.

[Jamie]

Your trouble will come when you attempt to exit the country.  DAS can and does deny boarding and will ship you off to the bank and their office to pay the fine.  Oh well!  You can catch a flight the next day.

That is correct you will not be allowed to fly out and not likely the next day either. The fine will depend on how much they feel they can get out of you. You get to negotiate that in their office.

In BAQ there is no need to call the DAS office just go there. Often the info you get on the phone is different then the what the person handling your situation tells you.

[bigstew33]

Wow I didn't know this.  My last trip was supposed to be for 2 weeks.  I ended up staying 7 weeks.  I left BAQ without a hitch.  No one said anything to me.  Now I am thinking of moving to BAQ.  I have no idea what I need to do to do this. 

[papi]

you cannot just move to BQ. Visitors can stay up to 60 days on a US passport and then another 30 days totals 90 days with an extension from DAS prior to the end of your initial 60 day visit and a total of 180 days in a year. I am still not clear whether it is a calendar or 12 month year. For longer stays, you will need to establish residency which is an entirely different process