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Visa expired / Illegal in Colombia (the answers)

Hi guys, a while ago I asked you what to do if you end up illegally in Colombia and aren't in Bogotá. It took me some "friends of friends" and the interference of a local DAS boss, but I found out. This one's for the archive.

I can happen that the DAS person you talk to, tells you a lot of crap, don't buy any of it. You can get your illegality arranged in any city that has a DAS office with an "Extranjeria" (I bet I spelt it wrong).

The procedure is as following:

- Go to the Extranjeria of the DAS and ask on what bankaccount you need to deposit the fine and how much it is exactly, in order to be allowed to leave the country. Do this within half a year of arrival in the country or the fine may go up. (Any tourist with a normal visa is allowed to stay 6 months per year in Colombia)

- If the person you talk to doesn't want to help you, ask for his / her superior.

- Make an appointment with the DAS no sooner than 30 days before you plan to leave the country. Don't be too late too, they have "very full agendas".

- You have to put one month salary (COL$471.500 in June 2008) on the DAS bank account at a Sudameris bank office. Make the bank give you two copies of your deposit.

- On the day of your appointment with the DAS, you show the papers that you have deposited the fine and they will give you a stamp to allow you to leave the country.

- The stamp will give you 30 days to leave the country. Make sure you check the stamp has the correct date.

- Have a pleasant remaining few days.

By Colombiareports.com on Jun 26, 2008, 10:08 in Visa & paperwork.

Philly says on Jun 26, 2008, 12:08:

I was in Colombia around 20 months. I paid a fine more like 500,000 pesos and was given only a week to leave. Now, I think was only only given a week because I told them I was getting my work visa the next day.

0 funny, 0 helpful.

Gator says on Jun 26, 2008, 12:26:

that about nailed it.

"Credidi pretio parvo emere et magno vendere tibi in animo fuisse!" .

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Monita Linda says on Jun 26, 2008, 15:50:

Some people had to pay millions. Other a few pesos and a smile. It all depends of the DAS officer...

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tejasmarcos says on Jun 26, 2008, 17:46:

it actually sounds..... very profitable.

trying to walk a straight line on sour mash and cheap wine...

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mistajohndoe says on Aug 4, 2008, 20:01:

Do you have any problem re-entering Colombia if you overstay? Thanks.

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davidslc46 says on Aug 10, 2008, 14:07:

" Do you have any problem re-entering Colombia if you overstay? Thanks "

That was my question as well. I am in Medellin for about two months on a tourists visa living with a girlfriend and with intentions of staying in Columbia permantly.

I have a couple loose ends:

1. I am in the process of a divorce in the USA and will not have more than about $50,000 to invest this next year in Columbia unless a couple properties I own happen to sell in the USA.
Probably unlikely with the market there.

2. If things go well with my relationship then it will progress to marriage or a permanent relationship. If things do not go well, I am almost too in love with Medellin to leave.

What happens if I just don't renew the tourist visa and accept that at some point pay the penalty and leave temporarilly.

My question is similiar to the question quoted above.

If I overstay, pay the penalty, leave for a few days.

1. Have I hurt my ability to freely travel to Columbia?
2. Have I hurt my ability to get another visa; tourist,investor, marriage?
3. Have I hurt any credability with Columbian immigration?

Thanks in advance,

David

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Gringo Spy says on Aug 10, 2008, 14:15:

Get a student visa.

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