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More than 180 days on tourist visas

I know there is already quite a lot posted on this subject but a lot of the information appears conflictual, and I was under the impressin some changes were coming that would make it easier for tourists to stay longer.

OK, hands up, I should have arranged this rentista visa thingy, and I would not be facing this problem. I have been living primarily in Colombia for about a year. I sometimes leave by motorcycle for neighbouring countries and sometimes by air. I have also returned to the UK twice on business.

I just added up my days spent in Colombia since January 1st 2007; if I stay until my next flight out on the 29th of November, I will have spent 190 days here, off and on. To stay until then, I need to extend my current visa by 17 days, (which I intended to do 4 days before expiration).

My questions are; will they extend the visa to the required date or even for 30 days more? If not should I leave the country a week or so before the expiration of the present visa, (170 days), which would allow me enough time to re-enter and fly out.

Hell! I don't know how I get myself into these situations - well I do actually.

Thanks in advance.

By Alma del Norte on Oct 22, 2007, 13:51 in Visa & paperwork.

Grateful Dead says on Oct 22, 2007, 15:14:

" know there is already quite a lot posted on this subject but a lot of the information appears conflictual"

on PBH ? Nah , not a chance.

lol

The other day I asked about direct deposits , I got like 6 different answers.

LMAO !!

Grateful Dead says on Oct 22, 2007, 15:17:

Just stay who cares .

pedro says on Oct 22, 2007, 15:18:

Usually each PBH poster is correct in relating their own experience.

You're asking a question about Colombia. It's a crap shoot, rules are not uniformly understood or applied. All depends on who, where, when...

que nota!

Gator says on Oct 22, 2007, 17:10:

DAS will only extend for 180 day, the legal stay in Colombia as a no-visa tourist.
Do NOT go to the airport for you flight unless you handle the problem first. If you appear with an expired length of stay you will have to go to DAS, pay the fine then exit the building look towards El Dorado and watch your flight departing.

"Brevior Sltare Cum Deformibus Mulieribus Est Vita!" .

tomtom33 says on Oct 22, 2007, 17:14:

This rule is pretty clear. Gator nailed it.

Grateful Dead says on Oct 22, 2007, 17:29:

"If not should I leave the country a week or so before the expiration of the present visa, (170 days), which would allow me enough time to re-enter and fly out."

yeah that sounds good, you 're in Santa Marta right ? just go hang out in Venezuela for a bit , then come back mate.

robi666 says on Oct 22, 2007, 17:37:

"All depends on who, where, when..."

Right on money Pedro! It depends...

A very good friend told me about his experience ;-) :
"When i first came here, after 60 days, I had to be given more days at DAS. Now, why make the queue, pay at the bank, go back again, etc.?
I just gave my passport with 50mil to the right person, my passport was taken to immigration, they put a stamp out at a date, a stamp in at a different date, and I was given 60 more days."

So, if you just know the right person, they would put a "stamp in" and a "stamp out" on you passport, and, like magic, you did not spend 190 days in Colombia.

Sometime you just need a lot of "savoir faire"...

"I am a citizen of the most beautiful nation on earth. A nation whose laws are harsh yet simple, a nation that never cheats, which is immense and without borders, where life is lived in the present."

Gator says on Oct 22, 2007, 17:43:

And you hope to God you pick the right person-not everyone is on the take and a bonus is offered if the employee turns someone in.

"Brevior Sltare Cum Deformibus Mulieribus Est Vita!" .

robi666 says on Oct 22, 2007, 17:44:

Right, it could happen, Gator

RussianFred says on Oct 22, 2007, 18:30:

If your visa is "lost or stolen" you can get a new visa. DAS will not know how long you been in Colombia.

Annual Drug Deaths: Tobacco: 395,000, Alcohol: 125,000, 'Legal' Drugs: 38,000, Illegal Drug Overdoses: 5,200, Marijuana: 0. Considering government subsidies of tobacco, just what is our government protecting us from in the drug war?--Ralph Nader

Gator says on Oct 22, 2007, 19:02:

Yes they will.

"Brevior Sltare Cum Deformibus Mulieribus Est Vita!" .

vicshere says on Oct 22, 2007, 19:17:

"If your visa is "lost or stolen" you can get a new visa. DAS will not know how long you been in Colombia."
the DAS keeps all your comings and going on computer......your "movimitios migratoris" is a print out of your trips in and out of the country...they keep dates times places of entry and exit and what kind of visa your used

listo

robi666 says on Oct 22, 2007, 19:21:

"the DAS keeps all your comings and going on computer"

Again, it depends on where you get in, Vic... All depends...

vicshere says on Oct 22, 2007, 19:25:

don't understand rob
once you enter the country they either stamp your passport or scan it...normally they scan and stamp now.....all my trips are registered on the DAS computer I know for a fact

listo

Gator says on Oct 22, 2007, 20:06:

Don't worry, first you MUST have the local police report concerning the lost or stolen passport and of course you would not have to worry about the notarized statement of loss and the question "Was it reported to the US Embassy?". When it is reported to the embassy, and it will be, the US Passport is immediately voided.

And yes, ALL entries and exits from Colombia are reported and maintained on a data base which DAS does and will check.

What the heck go for it.

You can always fall back on, "Yo tengo un amigo importante en la embajada de los Estados Unidos." Then, "El cárcel es magnifico. Mucho mejor que mi habiticón

"Brevior Sltare Cum Deformibus Mulieribus Est Vita!" .

robi666 says on Oct 22, 2007, 20:20:

Uhm, Gator, you are surely right, but I really would like to see if they put my entrance on the computer when I got in Cartagena and Santa Marta by sailboat and they put an entry stamp right away, without even bringing my passport to their office or when you cross the border with Venezuela by bus. I have doubts.

But I may be wrong. I just cannot see all this efficience...

Now, getting in at El Dorado is surely different.

Again, not to say that Gator is not right... I would never report a passport as stolen and trick on a Visa. Why?

Gator says on Oct 22, 2007, 20:27:

The problem is her does NOT have a visa. And if he reports it as lost/stolen then where do they put the stamp/visa? Believe me this is a dangerous game to play

Best way is for him to find out on his own by visiting DAS Bogotá

"Brevior Sltare Cum Deformibus Mulieribus Est Vita!" .

robi666 says on Oct 22, 2007, 20:33:

I agree on this. I was just talking about the entry - exit record database.

I dont know what RussianFred - UC was talking about... I believe he knows something more. I imagine that he was suggesting that if you "loose" your passport, they will lost references for counting the days for VISA de turista (which is not properly a Visa)... but he can talk for himself.

Morrongo says on Oct 22, 2007, 20:45:

Whether its a terrestrial crossing or airport, your details will be logged with DAS that I am certain. Just simply go to DAS explain the situation and see what happens.the very worst is you have to leave for awhile.Do not go the lost/stolen passport route.The complications that go with it, are not worth contemplating.

manINred says on Oct 22, 2007, 21:03:

They don't computer it at the Tulcan border! they just stamp and go, no scanning!!!

vicshere says on Oct 22, 2007, 21:08:

when I crossed the border at cucuta a couple of years ago they just stamped my passport..I actually crossed 2 times back and forth in the same morning cause I forgot a letter in my car..but for what ever reason all four entrances appeared on my computer printout

listo

manINred says on Oct 22, 2007, 21:15:

Really? Perhaps I stand corrected! Actually, at the Tulcan/Ipiales border (which I believe is much less important economically than the Cucuta border) my friend had lost his passport and had a new one without stamps. Thus he couldn't leave ecuador since he technically wasn't 'in' ecuador... 5$ solved that particular problem, shady business at that border crossing. If all else fails, use bribes I suppose.

RussianFred says on Oct 23, 2007, 01:19:

The lost visa should work. You will recieve a new passport number. Many people have common names I do no think they will be able to match the previous record. The US allowed terrorist into the country before 911. Colombia database can not be as good as the USA. A friend of mine was here for over one year. He was allowed to leave the country without any problems. However upon reentry was detained at the airport and deported. The DAS agent manually counted the days. Go for it!!!

Gator says on Oct 23, 2007, 06:31:

"O, what a tangled web we weave, When first we practice to deceive."

"Brevior Sltare Cum Deformibus Mulieribus Est Vita!" .

Grateful Dead says on Oct 23, 2007, 10:03:

Dumb immigration laws , people should be allowed to wander around and live wherever they want , that's just my opinion though.

Gator says on Oct 23, 2007, 12:59:

Kinda like the USA at present, perhaps?

"Brevior Sltare Cum Deformibus Mulieribus Est Vita!" .

Grateful Dead says on Oct 23, 2007, 13:08:

Anywhere Gator .................

Alma del Norte says on Oct 23, 2007, 13:25:

Blimey people! Thanks for the interest, I am now cogitating on the requisite 10 different points of view, and will let you know how it goes. I think I have to award Gator the award for "Juicio", but it's always nice to get a rounded view and then watch as things deteriorate. You know what? I think I'm gonna go to DAS 4 days before my present visa elapses, that's DAY 169. If they don't give me at least 21 days, I'm going on holiday for a couple of weeks hoping that I'll get another 7 on re-entry. BUT, please, please don't say I've gotta go to Venezuela! Anywhere but Venezuela, or maybe Isla Margarita wouldn't be so bad. Anyways, I'll let you know what happens. Ta

La vida es una rutina

Grateful Dead says on Oct 23, 2007, 13:40:

You win Gator *applause*

lol

Alma del Norte says on Oct 23, 2007, 13:47:

" You win Gator *applause* "

Aw c'mon man! Don't be a poor loser. You get some for the "Sin Fronteras" comment.

La vida es una rutina

Grateful Dead says on Oct 23, 2007, 13:49:

Thanks bud

poco says on Oct 24, 2007, 01:24:

Quote: BUT, please, please don't say I've gotta go to Venezuela!

I saw this post and thought gator ended it at post 4 or 5 but,,,,,,,, noooooooooooooo. Yep, reminds me of "transfer of money thread".

Let me say what I THINK,, which may or may not be in touch with reality.

YOU WILL NEED TO LEAVE COLOMBIA AND NEVER RETURN UNTIL JANUARY OF 2008. You can't GO ANYWHERE, NO STAYING ANYWHERE, NO CROSSING BORDERS ETC and no getting a get out of jail free card.

A tourist visa is good for (edited: should read 180 day) 6 months per year and that is a calendar year. Unless you can somehow obtain a "clean passport" with ONLY an entry date you choose (ha, ha).

Any question at the airport checkin line about your exit date will get you a TRIP to the DAS office. TRUST ME,, they will look at ALL entry dates and these guys can ADD.

Like said,, watch your airline take off without you. Go to DAS and workout the overstay but they might say,, you need to leave now?? Who knows.

The fine ??? I've never let myself be in that situation and I'm not excited having a NO ENTRY stamp put on my passport. I've heard it is ONE MONTHS minimum salary or about 430,000 pesos. I've also been told of one person who paid over one million.

"Violence is the first refuge of the incompetent" - Isaac Asimov

tomtom33 says on Oct 24, 2007, 05:40:

Poco, 6 months does not equal 180 days. Stay for 181 days and see what happens.

Gator says on Oct 24, 2007, 06:49:

Believe me, DAS can wander the halls of bureaucracy like a loosely organized mob for at least one day. If it was me damn if I would cut it that close and show up on the last day.But, on the other hand, there is a certain vicarious thrill of living on the razor's edge.

"Brevior Sltare Cum Deformibus Mulieribus Est Vita!" .

Man Tequila says on Oct 24, 2007, 12:28:

Well, good luck. Your plan to go to the DAS four days before sounds good to me. I'm pretty sure I ran into you in Colombia, no?

Aunque no me creas/ si me lo propongo/ lograre olvidarte/ porque a fin de cuentas/ no soy tan cobarde./ Y termino todo una de estas tardes/ no sera dificil buscar algún sitio donde refugiarme/ donde nunca mas vuelvas a encontrarme. (Polo Montañez)

curramberochris says on Oct 24, 2007, 12:54:

I had visa problems once and over ran my visa date by 3 months. They made me pay 450,000 to get back all square with them.

Alma del Norte says on Oct 24, 2007, 14:47:

POCO: "YOU WILL NEED TO LEAVE COLOMBIA AND NEVER RETURN UNTIL JANUARY OF 2008. You can't GO ANYWHERE, NO STAYING ANYWHERE, NO CROSSING BORDERS ETC and no getting a get out of jail free card"

Fooks sake! So you are saying I can`t leave after 169 days on visas in total, and then come back for perhaps another 11 days, making 180?

La vida es una rutina

Gator says on Oct 24, 2007, 18:26:

Hummm-hadn't though of that angle. I would say with that amount of time left that DAS might, and it is a MIGHT, deny entry which they can do with no reason and no right of appeal. Why not apply for the extension now?

"Brevior Sltare Cum Deformibus Mulieribus Est Vita!" .

poco says on Oct 24, 2007, 18:36:

Quote: Poco, 6 months does not equal 180 days. Stay for 181 days and see what happens.

Exactly correct, sorry about the 6 months. The stamp is in days and so is the extension.
I use an excel spreadsheet to make sure I'm not making a day error.

Quote: Fooks sake! So you are saying I can`t leave after 169 days on visas in total, and then come back for perhaps another 11 days, making 180?

Yes you can, matter of fact, they might not read all your stays and give you 30 days on a new stamp, but not on an extension. Read this again, must be a reading deficit kicking in, probably because it looked like a lot of trouble and expense vrs. changing your exit date.

"Violence is the first refuge of the incompetent" - Isaac Asimov

Alma del Norte says on Nov 6, 2007, 09:25:

Well thanks for the comments folks. With just 5 days to go on my current visa, I shuffled off to DAS on Calle 100. Having told a number of people off for pushing in, I get to the front, and she starts looking at every damn Colombian stamp in the passport, and trying to work out how many days I've spent in the country. The queue is getting bigger and bigger behind me, and she is getting the total really messed up. All the while she delivers a well-practised lecture on how I can't stay more than 6 months in any one year. I correct her; "180 days actually". She nods approvingly.

So, I come clean, tell her my problem. She tells me to sit down, and 5 minutes later calls me over. She delivers another lecture about not outstaying my welcome and returns my passport with an extension to the 21 November, (180 days in total). No forms, no fees, no photos, no copies, no waiting...no nada.

Now, as we know, this isn't long enough for me to stay until my flight. So now I'm off to Avianca to see what the damage will be to change my cheap and cheerful ticket to the 21st. In the alternative, I'm on the next bus outta here, damn!

La vida es una rutina

robi666 says on Nov 6, 2007, 13:27:

You did not even try to explain the problem about your ticket and ask to stay until the 29th ?!

Man Tequila says on Nov 6, 2007, 13:36:

I'm sure he did. Damn, that sucks, Alma.

Alma del Norte says on Nov 6, 2007, 17:26:

Only got myself to blame. The 3 P's they used to say in the army: Piss Poor Planning. I told her I needed to stay 8 more days, but she wasn't having it. That's why I've posted this, in case anyone else feels they might get some leeway. And they might... the next time. I'm not even going to go into how much the cost of changing the flight was! No, not talking about it.

La vida es una rutina

RussianFred says on Nov 6, 2007, 21:51:

With all due repect what did you expect them to do? feel sorry for you? The are government employees just doing their job. It sucks that you have to leave and not return until next year. You can still loose your passport upon return to the USA and return with a new passport. Love sometimes makes you do crazy things! lol.

robi666 says on Nov 6, 2007, 22:08:

Another stupid problem that could be worked out in no time in Colombia...
When are you guys going to learn that Colombia is absolutely lawless and that everything is relative?

Hell, one national hero of theirs, he is a guy who drugged a teen ager, raped her, killed her, hid her body, escape the police, and, at last went, away fine paying 50k USD to her family and you worry about 8 days of overstaying?

Alma del Norte says on Nov 11, 2007, 14:38:

Hey you pesky Rusky! Hopefully I'll be going to UK not US. Got NO plans to go to US. I've never expected anyone to feel sorry for me, and if they did, it would only make me feel shitty. Thanks for the advice chaps, but I prefer to keep things legal if I can. I save up my luck for when I need it, and I need it often - I'm a lucky guy ;)

La vida es una rutina

poco says on Nov 11, 2007, 17:55:

Quote: You can still loose your passport upon return to the USA and return with a new passport.

Four years ago I'd say this would work 99% of the time.

However, today, DAS has a pretty good country wide network. I have a suspicion they KNOW all the dates and don't necessarily rely on the passport stamps. Seems a bad bet to spend $500 plus for plane fare and be turned away at immigration.

Oh,, you could fly to somewhere close, take a bus across a "remote" border and get a stamp, maybe somewhere they don't have computers?

Quote: just what is our government protecting us from in the drug war?--Ralph Nader.

"Violence is the first refuge of the incompetent" - Isaac Asimov