immigration question...

tigredelnorte says on May 17, 2005, 17:25:

USA citizen If you are a USA citizen, you will not require a visa. The immigration officer will stamp your passport, and write the number of days allowed inside the stamped area. You can ask for 90 days. They will probably give it to you if your apperance is halfway decent. Once in the country, you can apply for extensions, 30 days at a time up to 180 days total , including your origional 90. I think this is more or less correct. check out this website for more info www.lonelyplanet.com

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dannyherm says on May 17, 2005, 17:30:

Fairly simple You'll be given an immigration declaration form on the plane (take a pen!) Asks if you are bringing in any unusual goods or excessive money. NOTE: Make sure you have the address and phone number of where you will be staying. That needs to be on the form (along with info like your flight number, and passport number).

When you arrive, it's very similiar to US Immigration and customs. Keep your ticket with baggage claim number, passport, and immigration form handy. The immigration person will ask you short questions about your visit, and then stamp your passport.

You then move on to pick-up your luggage. They WILL check your baggage claim number. You then go to a customs checkpoint. If I recall correctly, you push a button, and a traffic-like signal indicates green or red. If you are red lighted, you will be inspected.
Otherwise, you exit to an area where either your loved ones are waiting, or taxis are waiting.

Take some small loose bills for the taxi if you haven't had a chance to change your currency. The airport taxi drivers are used to US money, but don't expect them to make change for you (if they due, you might get short-changed).

FYI, if you are flying Continental out of Houston to Bogota, you are not allowed to check in more than two bags. There is an embargo, and paying for extra baggage not allowed. You may want to take a bag within your luggage to bring back souvenirs.

Enjoy your trip! I fell in love with Colombia, as well as it's people on my recent trip.

Danny H.

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Toby says on May 17, 2005, 17:44:

To add further information - as a tourist you are allowed a maximum stay in Colombia of 6 months each calendar year - but that six months must be broken up i.e. leaving and re-entering the country.

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poco says on May 17, 2005, 18:07:

6 Months I’ve stayed 5 continuous months w/o a problem. You should NOT need to exit to stay the allowable 6 calendar months per calendar year.

Possibility,, maybe,, I’m not sure,,, but..

If you stayed 6 months ending in January of the NEXT year,, (ie: Aug. 1st 2005 to Feb 1st 2006 you may need to go out of Colombia (Panama, etc) and return, same day if you want. Go to DAS when you get there, they’ll explain.

"When you men get home and face an anti-war protester, look him in the eyes and shake his hand. Then, wink at his girlfriend, because she knows she's dating a pussy." Quote - General Tommy Franks

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simplyplacid says on May 17, 2005, 22:48:

THANK YOU i have never flown before, and you have eased much anxiety. any more info will only help further. once again, thank you!

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Miguel says on May 17, 2005, 22:52:

And when you leave... Don't forget to have 30-40 USD ready to pay the departure tax, if your ticket did not already include it. The tax rate varies by airport.

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Michael_B says on May 18, 2005, 04:33:

Strip Searched Hey..U guys left out the part about being strip searched. Why leave out all the good parts :-)

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Hunter says on May 19, 2005, 06:38:

Toby "but that six months must be broken up i.e. leaving and re-entering the country."

I don't think this part is correct, unless the rules have changed, you just keep going to DAS and asking for an extension of one month up to the maximum of 6 months in any one calendar year, you don't need to leave the Country during this 6 months.

I did this for my first 6 months and I know others who are doing at the moment.

Hunter

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