How to Extend a Colombian Tourist Visa for 90 Days (Online Process)

If you’re planning to stay in Colombia longer than the initial 90 days allowed on your tourist visa, you can extend your stay for another 90 days. This process can be done either online or in person at Migración Colombia offices. The online process is becoming more common and is generally the easiest and most convenient way to extend your visa.

When to Start the Extension Request

You should start the extension request at least 15 days before your current tourist visa expires. It's important not to leave this to the last minute, as processing times can vary, and delays could result in overstaying your visa, which may lead to penalties or complications upon leaving the country.

Step-by-Step Process to Extend Your Tourist Visa Online

Step 1: Gather the Required Documents

Before applying for your visa extension, make sure you have the following documents prepared:

Valid Passport: A clear scan of the bio page (with your photo and personal information).
Entry Stamp: The page of your passport showing the date you entered Colombia.
Onward Flight Ticket: A flight ticket that shows your departure from Colombia within the next 180 days. The flight must leave Colombia for a non-Colombian destination. If you don’t have a return ticket, there are services that offer refundable tickets or temporary bookings that you can cancel within 24 hours.

 Note: If you're extending your child's tourist visa, you may also need to provide a copy of the child's birth certificate and the passport of the accompanying parent.

Step 2: Submit the Online Extension Application

To extend your tourist visa online, follow these steps:

1. Visit the Migración Colombia Website:

  Go to the official visa extension page of Migración Colombia:  
  [1](https://apps.migracioncolombia.gov.co/registro/public/formularioRegistro.jsf)  
  Select English at the top right corner if needed.

2. Select the Correct Visa Type:

  Under "Tipo de Tramite" (Type of Process), choose "Permiso Temporal de Permanencia para Prorrogar Permanencia" (Temporary Permit for Stay Extension).

3. Fill in Your Personal Details:

  Complete the form by entering your personal information and passport details. Be sure to enter your country of nationality in Spanish (for example, "Estados Unidos" for the United States, "Canadá" for Canada).

4. Upload Required Documents:

  Upload the required documents as one PDF file. This file should include:
  * The passport bio page
  * The entry stamp page
  * Onward flight ticket  
  Make sure the total file size does not exceed 1 MB. You can use tools like ilovepdf.com or combinepdf.com to combine and compress your PDF files.

5. Submit the Application:

  After filling out the form and uploading your documents, click the "ACEPTO" (I accept) button to submit your application.

Step 3: Wait for Approval

Once you submit the application, your documents will be reviewed by Migración Colombia. You should receive an email within a few business days (usually 1-2 days) notifying you of the status of your extension.

If your application is successful, the email will include a reference number and a link to make your payment.

Step 4: Make the Payment

Once your application is pre-approved, you’ll be instructed to make the payment. The amount varies depending on your nationality:

EU Nationals: The extension is usually free of charge.
Non-EU Nationals: The fee is typically around 99,000 COP (approximately $25 USD), but it may fluctuate.

Payment can be made online via credit card, or through a Colombian bank (Banco de Occidente) or at a Migración Colombia office.

Once the payment is made, you will receive a confirmation email. Keep the confirmation number handy, as you may need it to check the status of your application.

Step 5: Receive Confirmation of Extension

After payment is processed and approved, you will receive an email confirming the extension of your tourist stay in Colombia. This email will contain a PDF of your extended permit.

Note: The email will have the phrase "Con éxito" (Success) indicating that your application has been approved. Print out the PDF and keep it with your passport for reference.

Step 6: Check Your Extension Status

You can check the status of your application by logging into the Migración Colombia website using the reference number provided. The status should eventually update to "Aprobado" (Approved) once the process is complete.

Possible Issues and Solutions

While the process is generally straightforward, some issues may arise during the application. Here are a few common problems and their solutions:

Error in Document Uploads: Ensure all documents are clear and combined into a single PDF. If you encounter issues, try re-uploading the file after compressing it.
Application Rejected: If your application is rejected, check your documents carefully. It could be due to missing information, such as an incorrect date or a poorly scanned document. You can reapply without paying again until it is approved.
Payment Issues: Sometimes payments may fail or get delayed. If you face issues, try again after a few hours, or use a different browser. If problems persist, contact Migración Colombia for support.

Tips for a Smooth Application Process

Apply at least 15 days before your tourist visa expires to avoid any issues.
Double-check all documents before submitting them to ensure accuracy.
Make sure the size of your uploaded PDF files does not exceed 1 MB.
If you don’t receive confirmation emails in a timely manner, check your spam folder.

Conclusion

Extending your tourist visa in Colombia is a relatively easy process if done in a timely manner and with the proper documents. By following the steps outlined above, you can avoid any issues and continue enjoying your stay in Colombia for another 90 days.