Visa Renewal

angelcanada says on May 28, 2008, 08:16:

Hi there, you need to bring 2 Passports photos, $63.000 pesos, fill the documents that they will give you there and bring your passort...you don't have to make a line because your a turist.....but if I were you, I will go there with this documents as soon as posible and then check with them if is something missing...I speak better than write..ja.ja.ja

MY NAME IS ANGEL. I AM COLOMBIAN AND LIVED IN CANADA AND THE USA FOR 18 YEARS. I RETURNED TO MEDELLIN AND WOULD LIKE TO OFFER SERVICES AS INTERPRETER/ ESCORT AND DRIVER. I CAN ALSO HELP IN FINDING SHORT TERM APT. RENTALS.

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Rikito says on May 28, 2008, 08:26:

i love you...thanks so much

It is not life that matters, but the journey.

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Rikito says on May 28, 2008, 08:30:

FYI, I am not a tourist. I am retired and living in Armenia with my wife. stuff still the same?

It is not life that matters, but the journey.

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angelcanada says on May 28, 2008, 08:36:

Yes. is even better for you if you are not a turist.

MY NAME IS ANGEL. I AM COLOMBIAN AND LIVED IN CANADA AND THE USA FOR 18 YEARS. I RETURNED TO MEDELLIN AND WOULD LIKE TO OFFER SERVICES AS INTERPRETER/ ESCORT AND DRIVER. I CAN ALSO HELP IN FINDING SHORT TERM APT. RENTALS.

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durito says on May 28, 2008, 08:50:

No, it is not at all still the same. DAS will not be able to renew your visa.

I don't know the specifics for your VISA, check the MRE website or do a search here.

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vicshere says on May 28, 2008, 09:08:

MRE in bogota not at the DAS ...you go to the DAS within the first 15 days after you get your new visa from MRE

listo

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LilaM says on May 28, 2008, 10:41:

Just bring your passport, and they decide if you can stay a little bit more, so be nice, and for sure they are going to give you and extra time ;)

"You may be disappointed if you fail, but you are doomed if you don´t try" B. Sills

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Rikito says on May 28, 2008, 10:52:

vicshere, you are telling me that for me to renew my temporal visa I have to go to MRE in Bogota? Hard to beleive, but I am going to DAS today si I will let you know what I learn.

It is not life that matters, but the journey.

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durito says on May 28, 2008, 11:17:

"vicshere, you are telling me that for me to renew my temporal visa I have to go to MRE in Bogota? Hard to beleive"

Why is this hard to believe?

It's completely accurate. Do a search here if you don't believe us. Where did you get the visa in the first place? DAS has nothing to do with the issuing or renewing of visas. They give 30/60 day extensions to tourists. They will not be able to help you at all today, and likely anything they tell may not be accurate.

Ignore the people posting here that clearly aren't reading/understanding your question.


From MRE:

Visa
TEMPORAL
CONYUGUE O
COMPAÑERO (A)
NACIONAL COLOMBIANO (A)
Casado o que conviva con nacional colombiano


Esta Visa podrá ser tomada por primera vez en un Consulado de la República o en la Oficina de Visas en Bogotá.
Los titulares de esta Visa que acrediten un tiempo continuo e ininterrumpido mínimo de 3 años, podrán aplicar por lo menos dentro de los 30 días anteriores al vencimiento de la misma a una Visa de Residente Calificado. En estos casos no deben registrar ausencias del país por más de 6 meses. El salvoconducto expedido por el DAS, cuando haya lugar, se tendrá en cuenta para el cómputo de los 3 años. Los salvoconductos que hayan sido solicitados después del término de vigencia de la visa, interrumpen la continuidad. La Visa de Residente terminará si el extranjero se ausenta del país por más de 2 años continuos.

Si el extranjero titular de esta Visa pretende ejercer una actividad o profesión diferente a hogar o estudiante, deberá cumplir con los mismos requisitos exigidos para los nacionales colombianos, consagrados en las normas vigentes y aportará los documentos que le permitan el ejercicio de la profesión respectiva, tales como la homologación o convalidación del título profesional ante la autoridad competente (Ministerio de Educación) y la matrícula o tarjeta profesional que expida el Consejo regulador que corresponda a la profesión.
Para aquellas profesiones u oficios no regulados, que el extranjero pretenda desarrollar en Colombia, deberá acreditar experiencia o idoneidad mediante la presentación de constancias de trabajo.

Para autorizar la ocupación, al igual que para los titulares de Visa Temporal Trabajador, se debe presentar Certificación del Ministerio de la Protección Social, donde conste que con la incorporación del extranjero se respeta la proporcionalidad entre trabajadores nacionales y extranjeros. Se exonera de este requisito cuando la entidad contratante sea un órgano, entidad o institución del Estado.

Todo trámite de Visas es personal. En casos excepcionales, se acepta apoderado.

Para expedir esta Clase de Visa a los nacionales de los países no relacionados en el artículos 1 de la Resolución 273 de 2005, los Consulados de Colombia requieren autorización previa y escrita de la Oficina de Visas del MRE en Bogotá.

Los titulares de Visa cuya vigencia sea superior a 3 meses, así como los beneficiarios de las mismas, deberán inscribirse en el registro de extranjeros que se lleva en la Subdirección de Extranjería o en las Direcciones Seccionales y Puestos Operativos del DAS dentro del plazo de 15 días calendario siguientes contados a partir de su ingreso al país o de la fecha de expedición de la visa si esta se obtuvo dentro del territorio nacional. . La sede del DAS en Bogotá para este trámite se ubica en la calle 100 No. 11 B - 27.

Los titulares de Visas que deban registrarse ante el DAS se identificarán dentro del territorio nacional con la respectiva cédula de extranjería. Los demás extranjeros se identificarán con el pasaporte vigente.

La vigencia de una Visa Temporal terminará si el extranjero se ausenta del territorio nacional por un término superior a 180 días continuos.

El extranjero podrá solicitar en la Oficina de Visas en Bogotá o ante las Oficinas Consulares previa autorización, el traspaso de la visa por deterioro, cambio o pérdida del pasaporte; cuando se requiera alguna aclaración o cambio de entidad, empleador u ocupación con el lleno de los requisitos señalados.

Requisitos:
• FORMULARIO DE
SOLICITUD diligenciado por el interesado
• Pasaporte con vigencia mínima de 3 meses, en buen estado, con páginas en blanco y fotocopia de las páginas de datos y usadas.
• 2 fotografías recientes, de frente, a color, fondo claro.
• Registro civil de matrimonio colombiano, expedido con antelación no mayor a 90 días; o copia de la providencia judicial mediante la cual se acredite la existencia de la unión marital de hecho, según el caso.
• Nota autenticada del nacional colombiano (a) solicitando se le expida la visa al cónyuge o compañero (a) extranjero.
• Fotocopia autenticada de la cédula de ciudadanía del cónyuge o compañero(a) colombiano (a).
• Sólo cuando la solicitud de visa se presente en el exterior, se acepta el documento que compruebe la unión marital de hecho según las leyes de ese país.
• En caso de realizar una actividad laboral, acreditar los requisitos relacionados en la Visa Temporal Trabajador.

En caso de requerir mayor información consulte los siguientes documentos:
• Decreto 4000 del 30 de noviembre de 2004.
• Resolución 0255 del 26 de enero de 2005.

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Lowell says on May 28, 2008, 11:56:

Yep, You or your attorney will need to go to Bogota. I have a spousal Visa, which I think is what you have. After 3 years here you can apply for Permanent Residency. That's what I'll be doing in Agust.

Alfred E. Newman. "What. Me Worry?"

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Rikito says on May 28, 2008, 13:01:

ok...I'll take your word for it. But it does seem highly inefficient for someone who is 6-8 hours away to have to travel to Bogotá for a visa. And traveling by road to Bogotá right now is very dangerous from where I live.

And durito, “it is very hard to believe� because I have lived with a temporary visa in Saudi Arabia, UK, Egypt, Greece, and Italy and never had to go through the crap you have to go through here to get permission to stay. Apparently, you have had limited experience in living in other countries on a visa other than tourist. Not only that, it is like dealing with the U.S. embassy in that you have to put up with all the arrogant crap the local clerks aka superior intelligencia make you go through.

It is not life that matters, but the journey.

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vicshere says on May 28, 2008, 13:03:

rikito i have done it 3 times in 5 years

listo

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durito says on May 28, 2008, 13:20:

"And durito, “it is very hard to believe�? because I have lived with a temporary visa in Saudi Arabia, UK, Egypt, Greece, and Italy and never had to go through the crap you have to go through here to get permission to stay. Apparently, you have had limited experience in living in other countries on a visa other than tourist."

I find it hard to believe because this is how things are done in Colombia (and all of Latin America) and since you are renewing your visa you've obviously lived in Colombia for a while so I'd assume you have some understanding of how things are done (I'm kind of wondering how you managed to get the visa in the first place). Additionally, all of this info has been discussed on this site repeatedly. You don't have to take anyones word for it, I posted the exact information above directly from the MRE website.

I have lived in several countries in South America now and the procedures are all quite similar. I have to fly to Quito to get my next Visa next week, I wish I could just take the bus to Bogota.

If you don't want to go. Hire a lawyer and send them. It won't be cheap.

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durito says on May 28, 2008, 13:22:

Why is it dangerous to travel from Armenia to Bogota by bus right now?

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Rikito says on May 29, 2008, 07:57:

durito...please understand, I am not disagreeing with you, I believe what you say, but it is still hard to believe that this kind of stuff exists in a country that is trying to be a modern player. I appreciate what you said and will be going to Bogotá to get the visa.

Also, here’s another problem. I have to pay taxes on my car. I bought my car in Bogotá and I now live in Armenia. To pay the taxes I have to go to Bogotá. Sorry, but that sounds insane. I asked a lawyer I know why and her simple response is, "look, there is corruption everywhere in Colombia especially in government and no one will trust anyone for good reason. Just to make tax payments you first have to deposit your money in a special bank account the tax authority has set up then give the tax authority proof that the money is there." They do not trust their own organization to handle money. So now for me to pay the tax, I have to either go to Bogotá or have someone in Bogotá go to the taxing authority for me. Now that is insane.

The lawyer, who is also my neighbor and is the equivalent of the Attorney General for the Department of Quindio also told me, that in Colombia people have the mentality of the right of entitlement whether they deserve it or not. She told to me to just watch how people drive cars and act in a shopping line or restaurant. She feels it is a societal sickness that will never heal. So if they do something wrong or don’t do anything at all, it’s ok because they are entitled to act this way or so it seems. Too bad, but I agree with her.

It is not life that matters, but the journey.

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gringoloid says on May 29, 2008, 08:19:

I have a similar question but it is about the cedula.

I will renew my business visa next week at MRE in Bogota. Afterwards, I need to get my cedula.

Last year I registered my visa with DAS and then returned one week later to pick up my cedula temporal.

This year, I no longer live in Bogota but Medellin. I don't want to return to Bogota to pick up my cedula a few days later because it would involve another trip.

Question: Once I get my visa renewed at MRE, can I register my visa and pick up my new cedula at a DAS office in Medellin? Is there a DAS office in Medellin?

Who are the three blind men?

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Rikito says on May 29, 2008, 08:24:

durito, sorry I forgot to answer your question. Why is going to Bogota so dangerous? It's the rains. The mountains are so saturated that the mountain sides are collapsing. Here in the Quindio are many roads are closed. This morning all roads from Armenia to Quimbaya were clsoed due to the mountain collapses. Since the only way to Bogota by car is via 'La Linea' the travel will be very dangerous.

Driving via 'La Linea' is dangerous on normal days due to the childish behavior of many of the drivers. Now add in the mix of mountains collapsing. Good Grief!

It is not life that matters, but the journey.

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durito says on May 29, 2008, 08:40:

Ah, thanks, I figured it had something to do with the rain.

gringoloid --You can certainly register your visa at DAS in Medellin. However, most people I've talked to said it took DAS in Medellin 3-4 months to issue their Cedula as opposed to a few days in Bogota. I don't know if these times are still accurate at the moment.

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mranderson says on May 29, 2008, 08:54:

Gringoloid I registered my visa at DAS in bogota and told them that I live in medellin. They told me it would take 1 month to send the cedula to DAS in medellin. I put it off and waited 2 months but the cedula was waiting for me in medellin when I went to DAS.

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Lowell says on May 29, 2008, 10:31:

Same in Panama. Had to go to PC for just about anything important. Once bought a car when living near Costa Rica and then moved to PC. To renew the plate, I had to travel back to the area in which I bought the car. 8 hrs each way.

Alfred E. Newman. "What. Me Worry?"

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guacharaca says on May 29, 2008, 13:58:

The DAS in Bogota can now give you your cedula within as little as two working days. Stay two nights at Casa Chico (a block away from the DAS) and enjoy the big rainy city and all that traffic.

Colombianos: Las armas os han dado independencia, las leyes os daran libertad. (Santander)

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Rikito says on May 29, 2008, 19:39:

question, i have all of the paper i need for tomorrow except for a form. Don't you need to fill out a Visa request form or something. I went to the MRE web page which is a major blow job of internal propoganda for sure. Nowhere is the an Application form.

Any ideas or links I can check? I'm really tired of this shit. Thnaks for all of your advice...it's appreciated.

It is not life that matters, but the journey.

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guacharaca says on May 30, 2008, 05:32:

They will give you the form at the front counter at the MRE. If you are renewing a spousal visa, make sure your nortary issued marriage certificate is less than 90 day old as explained by durito above. Also don't forget your wife's request letter.

Colombianos: Las armas os han dado independencia, las leyes os daran libertad. (Santander)

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elk says on May 30, 2008, 07:35:

DAS in Medellin:

The cedula process has changed in Medellin at least for the pensionado cedula. It will take at least three or four trips to DAS using the new system.

1) First, go to DAS and pickup your instruction sheet. They will give you an appointment for a future date.

2) Return with the required documents and proof of fee payment. You will be finger printed and given your temporary cedula.

3) Your told to return in about one to two months for your laminated cedula. DAS doesn't have a filing system by name or cedula number and must look through possibly hundreds to find yours which takes time. They may or may not be able to find it on your first trip. I made four trips to DAS.

The pensionado visa also requires an annual trip to MRE in Bogotá followed by a trip to DAS within 15 days.

I personally liked the old system better.

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Medellin VIP Hotel says on May 30, 2008, 18:40:

You really don't have to go to Bogota. You can relax in Medellin while your visa is being processed. If your interested go to www.visascolombia.com

www.medellinviphotel.com & www.rentapartmentsmedellin.com & www.medellintravelersguide.com coming in July

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Rikito says on May 31, 2008, 09:34:

I got some bad info in here. I was told by the MRE in Bogota that I could have gone to the DAS offcie in Armenia to get my spousal visa extended for one month.

People should not listen to anyone in here about visa advice. Go to the MRE web site (which sucks) or call them. They have english speakers. You can aslo pay a few bucks for an attorney.

It is not life that matters, but the journey.

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vicshere says on May 31, 2008, 11:30:

rikito DAS can due extensions but not renewals...in your OP you asked about renewals ...so you got the right info from most people

listo

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tomtom33 says on May 31, 2008, 12:41:

Yup, ask the wrong question, and you will get the wrong answer.

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Rikito says on May 31, 2008, 13:04:

no i did not. when i went to the DAS I asked for for a one month extension. the info i got was still bogus.

It is not life that matters, but the journey.

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vicshere says on May 31, 2008, 13:07:

oh you mean info from the DAS....come on now first rule in colombia dont trust officals for correct info

listo

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Rikito says on Jun 1, 2008, 08:13:

nor should you trust PBH intelligencia for correct info as well. where I grew up we called these types, "shit house lawyers."

It is not life that matters, but the journey.

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