Visa Extension
How to extend your Colombian visa
If you're in Colombia on a visitor visa and want to stay longer, you have options — but the rules are specific and timing matters. Here are the two main paths.
Two Scenarios
Which one applies to you?
Scenario 1
You want more time on your visitor visa
Most visitor (V) visas authorize 90 days. If you want to stay longer and your total time in Colombia won't exceed 180 days in the calendar year, you can apply to extend through Migración Colombia. Migración controls how long you stay once you're in the country; Cancillería issues visas.
- • Up to 180 cumulative days per calendar year — no more
- • Calendar year runs January 1 to December 31, not a rolling 12 months
- • Apply before your current authorized stay expires — late applications can be rejected
- • Extensions are not guaranteed — Migración Colombia can deny the request
Scenario 2
Your situation has changed — you need a different visa
If you've found a job, want to invest, plan to retire in Colombia, or simply want to stay beyond 180 days — you need a new visa, not an extension. Apply for a Migrant (M) visa while your current visitor visa is still valid. Waiting until your visa expires creates unnecessary risk.
How to Apply
How to extend a visitor stay: step-by-step
Confirm you're eligible
Before you do anything else, calculate how many days you've already spent in Colombia during the current calendar year. If you're approaching 180, an extension won't get you more time — you'll need a different visa. If you're within the limit, proceed.
Gather your documents
You'll need: a valid passport, your current Colombian visitor visa, an explanation of why you need more time (tourism continuation, pending travel, medical reason, etc.), and proof of financial means (bank statements, credit card statements, or similar).
Schedule your Migración Colombia appointment
Go to migracioncolombia.gov.co and schedule an appointment at your nearest Migración Colombia office. Appointments can fill up — don't wait until the last week of your authorized stay.
Attend the appointment
Show up on time with all your documents. Migración Colombia officers will review your case and decide whether the extension is warranted. Have a clear, honest reason for staying longer.
Pay the extension fee
The extension fee is paid at the time of your appointment. Confirm the current amount on the Migración Colombia website before you go (approximately COP 94,000 — fees are updated periodically).
Receive your extension
If approved, you'll receive documentation confirming your extended stay. Keep this with your passport at all times.
If You Overstay
Overstaying is a migration violation
- • Fines: Approximately COP 1,752,000 to COP 8,762,000 depending on length of overstay
- • Entry bans: Repeat overstays can result in a ban from entering Colombia
- • Future visa application issues: A migration violation can affect future Colombian visa applications, including residency
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about visa extensions
Can I extend my Colombian visitor visa?
Yes, if you entered on a visitor (V) visa and have not yet accumulated 180 days in Colombia during the current calendar year. Apply to Migración Colombia before your authorized stay ends. Extensions are not automatic — Migración reviews each request and can deny it if they don't find the reason sufficient.
How long can I stay in Colombia total on a visitor visa?
The maximum is 180 cumulative days per calendar year (January 1 through December 31). Most visitor visas start with 90 days. You can apply to extend to reach 180, but you cannot stay beyond that on a visitor visa.
What happens if I stay past 180 days?
Staying beyond your authorized period is a migration violation. You face fines based on the length of overstay (approximately COP 1,752,000 to COP 8,762,000), potential entry bans for future visits, and a migration record that can complicate future visa applications.
Can I leave and re-enter Colombia to reset my days?
No. Colombia counts cumulative days in the country during the calendar year. Leaving and returning does not reset the clock. Your total days across all entries are counted toward the 180-day maximum until December 31.
What is the difference between extending a visa and changing visa categories?
Extending a visitor stay means requesting more authorized time on your current visitor visa — handled by Migración Colombia. Changing visa categories means applying for a new, different visa (such as a digital nomad or retirement visa) — handled by Cancillería. If you need more than 180 days or your purpose has changed, you need a new visa, not an extension.
How much does a visa extension cost?
The extension fee is set by Migración Colombia and updated periodically. The approximate cost is COP 94,000. Verify the current amount at migracioncolombia.gov.co before your appointment.
Can I apply for an extension online?
Migración Colombia manages the extension process. Check the current process at migracioncolombia.gov.co, as appointment and submission procedures can change. Historically, in-person appearance has been required for stay extensions.
What if my extension is denied?
You must leave Colombia before your current authorized stay expires. Remaining after a denial constitutes an overstay. If you have a legitimate reason to stay in Colombia longer-term, speak with an immigration lawyer about whether applying for a Migrant (M) visa is an option.
Not sure what you need?
Visa rules change and timing errors are costly. Talk to a bilingual attorney before your deadline passes.
