Table of Contents
What happens if I overstay in Colombia? Do I have to pay a fine? Foreigners need to know Colombian immigration regulations and understand the circumstances in which they may be subject to fines with Migración Colombia. This blog covers fines in Colombia, their classifications, and tips to avoid penalties.
That is why at expatgroup.co, we explain the cases in which the Unidad Administrativa Especial Migración Colombia can charge fines or sanctions and their classifications.
According to Chapter 13 of Decree “Decreto 1067 of 2015”, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs regulates the causes for sanctions, in addition to the classification according to Resolution 2357 of 2020
What are Migración Colombia Fines?
In Colombia, immigration fines are economic sanctions imposed by the Unidad Administrativa Especial Migración Colombia, the migration authority responsible for exercising migratory surveillance and control over nationals and foreigners within the national territory. It also supports the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other State institutions in the formulation and execution of migration policy.
These fines are the result of non-compliance with Colombian immigration regulations, reaching up to seven monthly legal minimum wages, which represents a considerable amount that can impact your legal stay in Colombia. That is why at expatgroup.co, we explain the cases in which the immigration authority can charge fines or sanctions and their classifications, according to Chapter 13 of “Decree 1067 of 2015,” where the Colombian Chancellery regulates the causes for sanctions, in addition to the classification according to Resolution 2357 of 2020.
These infractions are categorized as minor, moderate, major, and egregious infractions
1. Minor Infractions
When discussing immigration regulations in Colombia, it is essential to recognize that certain actions, though considered minor violations, can still lead to legal consequences. These infractions, often involving failure to comply with administrative processes or requirements, are typically subject to fines or other penalties. Below are the resolutions of minor infractions under Colombian migration law, which individuals should be aware of to avoid potential issues during their stay in the country.
| Article | Resolution |
|---|---|
| 1.1 | Not giving notice of the change of residence, address, employer, and/or contracting party within fifteen (15) calendar days following the occurrence of the event. |
| 1.2 | Not requesting prior authorization from the Internal Working Group determined by the Minister of Foreign Affairs for the change of employer and/or contractor within fifteen (15) calendar days following the occurrence of the event. |
| 1.3 | Failure to register changes in entity, profession, trade, activity, or occupation in the visa within 15 calendar days of authorization or upon entering the country may result in penalties. Additionally, minors must be registered within the same timeframe. |
| 1.4 | Incurring in an irregular stay, as long as there are exceptional circumstances, as established in article 2.2.1.13.1.2 of Decree 1067 of 2015. |
| 1.5 | Not processing the corresponding safe conduct “Salvoconducto” when required. |
| 1.6 | Not requesting the Foreign ID card Cédula de extranjería within fifteen (15) calendar days after reaching the age of majority. |
| 1.7 | Not renewing the Foreign ID card Cédula de extranjería within fifteen (15) calendar days following its expiration. |
| 1.8 | Enter or leave the country without complying with the legal requirements. |
| 1.9 | Exercise a profession, occupation, or trade different from the authorized one. |
| 1.10 | To develop remunerated activities without being authorized to do so. |
| 1.11 | Exercise activity or occupation with the safe-conduct Salvoconducto issued for leaving the national territory. |
2. Moderate Infractions
In addition to minor infractions, Colombian migration law includes moderate violations involving more significant breaches of regulatory requirements. These actions may result in heavier fines or more severe legal consequences. The following are the resolutions of moderate infractions that individuals or entities should be mindful of, as non-compliance can lead to serious repercussions for both foreigners and those facilitating their stay or employment in the country.
| Article | Resolution |
|---|---|
| 2.1 | Refusing to appear before the immigration authority despite being required to do so in writing. |
| 2.2 | Failure to comply with any of the obligations established in Decree 1067 of 2015 by the owners, administrators, lessees, tenants, and usufructuaries of hotels, guesthouses, hostels, residences, apart-hotels, farms, houses, apartments, and other establishments that provide lodging services. |
| 2.3 | Entering into commercial contracts with foreigners without fulfilling the legal requirements. |
| 2.4 | Facilitating the obtaining of visas by simulating some type of contract. |
| 2.5 | Failure to notify Migración Colombia in writing of the entry or departure of a foreign national within 15 calendar days by the entity, federation, confederation, association, community, or other religious entity. |
| 2.6 | Allowing a foreigner to begin studies without the corresponding visa and/or failing to give written notice to Migración Colombia of the start of their studies and their definitive termination within 30 calendar days following said termination. |
| 2.7 | Failure to report in writing within 5 business days following the formal delivery of a property by the owners or administrators of farms, apartments, houses, or hotel and real estate properties that rent or provide lodging services to foreigners. |
| 2.8 | Failure to report in writing within 5 business days following the formal delivery of a property by the owners or administrators of farms, apartments, houses, or hotel and real estate properties that rent or provide lodging services to foreigners. |
| 2.9 | Failure to facilitate the review of documentation related to the hiring, engagement and/or admission of foreign personnel by employers or contractors. |
| 2.10 | Transporting foreigners without the corresponding legal documentation and/or not complying with the obligation to return them when Migración Colombia does not authorize entry. |
| 2.11 | Failure to make available to Migración Colombia upon arrival the person who has been deported, expelled, or returned, or to omit or delay the delivery of the corresponding documentation. |
| 2.12 | To bind, hire, employ, admit, or allow to develop labor, work, or trade to a foreigner without fulfilling the migratory requirements. To favor their irregular permanence or to abstain from communicating the linking, admission, disengagement, and/or termination of work within the following fifteen (15) calendar days. |
| 2.13 | Promote the irregular entry or exit of foreigners or nationals from the national territory by companies, firms, or agencies of any nature without prejudice to other legal sanctions that may apply. |
| 2.14 | Abstain from informing in writing five (5) calendar days before the realization of the event or public, cultural, or sporting show on the part of the contractors or entrepreneurs, without prejudice to the legal sanctions that may apply. |
| 2.15 | Abstain from paying for the return expenses to the country of origin or to the last place of residence of the foreigner hired or linked, as well as that of his family or beneficiary if applicable, when there is the termination of the contract or disengagement, and/or when the cancellation of the visa, deportation or expulsion, without prejudice to the legal sanctions that may apply. |
| 2.16 | Failure to comply with the obligations established in immigration regulations by clinics, hospitals, or medical centers that provide emergency and hospitalization care to foreign citizens. |
3. Major Infractions
Major infractions represent the most serious violations of Colombian migration law, carrying severe legal consequences for those involved. These offenses typically involve fraudulent or deliberate actions that undermine the integrity of the immigration system, such as false documentation or failure to comply with expulsion orders. Below are some examples of major infractions that can lead to the most significant penalties, including long-term deportation or legal action.
| Article | Resolution |
|---|---|
| 3.1 | Entering or leaving the country without fulfilling the legal requirements, as long as there are no special circumstances that warrant a fine. |
| 3.2 | Refrain from canceling the economic sanction imposed by Migración Colombia, or when more than 2 months have passed since the execution of the administrative sanctioning act without having paid the obligation. |
| 3.3 | To be in irregular permanence according to current migratory regulations, as long as there are no special circumstances that merit the penalty of a fine. |
| 3.4 | Obtaining a visa through fraud or misrepresentation, providing false information when applying for a visa, or during administrative procedures before Migración Colombia, or submitting documents to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs that lead to error, or to Migración Colombia upon entry, exit, legalization, control, and registration. |
| 3.5 | Abstain from changing the visa or not applying for it when obligated to do so. |
| 3.6 | Exercise is an activity for which you are not authorized in the entry permit. |
| 3.7 | Incurring grounds for inadmissibility or rejection. |
| 3.8 | Being subject to constant complaints that qualify the foreign citizen as an unwelcome person for social coexistence or public tranquility. |
| 3.9 | Failure to leave the country within 30 days following the notification of visa cancellation. |
| 3.10 | Refusal to pay financial obligations to any natural or legal person. |
| 3.11 | Having been economically sanctioned 2 or more times in one year by the same public entity. |
4. Egregious Infractions
These infractions constitute the most specific and extreme violations of the country’s immigration laws. In these cases, Migración Colombia will expel any foreigner from the national territory and impose the heaviest fines on those who commit the following infractions.
| Article | Resolution |
|---|---|
| 4.1 | Refrain from complying with the deportation resolution within the time established in the safe-conduct to leave the country or return to the country before the prohibition time established in the deportation resolution or without the corresponding visa. |
| 4.2 | Register reports or annotations in the files of the competent authorities for promoting the entry of foreigners with false promises of contract, provision of visa, or entry or permanence documents. |
| 4.3 | Having been sentenced in Colombia to a prison term whose sentence does not include expulsion from the national territory as an accessory. |
| 4.4 | Being fraudulently documented as a Colombian national or from another country. |
| 4.5 | When expulsion is decreed as an accessory penalty by an enforceable sentence. |
How Much do I Have to Pay for Irregularity Infractions?
For incurring an irregular stay, the fines imposed by Migración Colombia can range from 26,31 to 210,50 UVT for Minor Infractions. Also, they can be calculated based on a specific amount of Minimum Monthly Legally Wages and its equivalency with the current UVT, as provided for in Article 49 of Law 1955 of 2019.
It must be taken into account that the final decision on the fine’s allocation will depend on the officer of Migración Colombia, because they must determine the severity of offenses and the severity of sanctions for administrative infractions of an immigration nature, the criteria associated with the behavior of the offender, the seriousness of the offense, recidivism or the reluctance of the offender, or all those events in which total or partial responsibility (Article 50 of Law 1437 of 2011 and Article 2.2.1.13.2 of Decree 1067 of 2015).
Based on the regulations described above, the following table provides estimated fine amounts for irregular stays of varying durations. Remember that the final cost changes depending on whether the immigration officer validates the presence of extenuating circumstances or applies the standard penalty.
| Irregularity time | With extenuating circumstances | Without extenuating circumstances |
|---|---|---|
| 0 days | $1.750.905 | $3.501.810 |
| 1 - 30 days | $2.451.267 | $4.202.172 |
| 31 - 60 days | $3.501.810 | $5.252.715 |
| 61 - 90 days | $5.252.715 | $7.003.620 |
| 91 - 120 days | $7.003.620 | $8.754.525 |
| > 121 days | $8.754.525 | $10.505.430 |
Amounts of reference
-For 2026, the UVT has been stated at 52.374 COP. This is approximately 13,96 USD with a reference rate of 3.750 COP per dollar.
-For 2026, the Minimum Monthly Legal Wage has been stated at 1.750.905 COP. This is approximately 467 USD with a reference rate of 3.750 COP per dollar.
What Does With Or Without Extenuating Circumstances Mean?
Extenuating circumstances or mitigating factors are specific facts, conditions, or situational contexts surrounding the commission of an infraction that, while not excusing the act or negating liability, diminish the degree of culpability or moral blame of the offender. Within immigration frameworks, these factors allow the authority to exercise leniency and apply the principle of proportionality to reduce the severity of the legal consequences of irregularity.
Migración Colombia can impose fines for immigration infractions, but “mitigating circumstances” can reduce the penalty. According to Article 21 of Resolution 360 of 2015, these circumstances are evaluated by the entity and can lead to a reduction of up to 50% of the fine amount, depending on the regulations and the seriousness of the infraction, thus being considered as “infractions with or without mitigating circumstances” that impact the economic amount. To know the exact amount and evaluate possible mitigating circumstances, it is necessary to complete the pending process and await official notification from Migración Colombia.
Download the OFFICIAL Migración Colombia Fines Guide
Understand Colombian immigration rules and avoid penalties for administrative errors. This guide explains the classification of minor, moderate, and major infractions, as well as the possible fines for irregular stays in the national territory.
What happens if I stay longer than allowed in Colombia?
Foreigners as tourists have 180 days per calendar year to stay in Colombia. Generally, upon entering the country, the foreigner is granted a 90-day stamp, and, within about 10 days before the expiration of the first 90 days, the foreigner must apply for an extension of another 90 days.
If the person does not do the above and remains in Colombian territory for a period longer than authorized, the foreigner will be in an irregular status and incur an economic penalty upon leaving the country or attempting to initiate a Colombian visa
How do I know if I have a fine at Migración Colombia?
If you are in Colombia, you should go to the Migration Service Facilitator Center to check whether you have any administrative sanctioning process.
On the other hand, when you leave the country, the immigration agent will inform you whether there is a process in your name and indicate the amount to be paid.
What is an irregular status?
Irregularity refers to the immigration status of a foreigner who may be in any of the following situations:
Entering the country irregularly, for example, without crossing the official border or with false documentation.
Exceeding the time granted either in a visa or residence permit.
If you are already irregular, it is important to find a way to complete the regularization process as soon as possible. This can be done:
First, request an appointment under the administrative process.
Once you attend the appointment, you will be informed about the amount to be paid, and you will be able to obtain the safe conduct Salvoconducto to continue either with the visa process or with the departure from the country.
What is safe conduct – Salvoconducto?
It is a temporary document issued by Migración Colombia for those foreigners who are on an irregular stay and require the document according to the following circumstances:
- For exit from the country: if the foreigner is already irregular in the country, he/she can go to a Migración Colombia office to state the intention to leave the country legally, show the exit ticket, pay the fine, and obtain safe conduct.
- For permanency: If the person makes a visa process, the foreigner goes to Migración Colombia, shows the visa application documents, and with this, after paying the fine, will obtain the safe conduct for legal permanency.
To Sum Up
Colombia is a great attraction for tourists and those who see business opportunities to establish themselves and live in the most welcoming country in the world.
At expatgroup.co, we guide you and offer the best options for you to have a legal stay in Colombia. Contact us, and we will analyze which Colombian visa is the best for you.
Would you like to get the guide on the various fines and sanctions imposed by Migración Colombia?
At expatgroup.co we know how important it is to be cautious of the fines and sanctions that foreigners are exposed to. Therefore, we have a guide to inform you about the dispositions of Migración Colombia. Leave us your information!
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46 Responses
are these prices still the same or is there any increase as of 2023? thank you!
Yes, the prices of fines from Migración Colombia have been updated for this year 2025, which implies an increase compared to previous years. If you need personalized assistance or have more questions, do not hesitate to contact us. We are here to help you in case you need personalized advice.
📲 https://wa.me/19547993692
I do have a 2 year Tourist visa with multiple entry to Colombia. I arrived here on November, 2023. And after staying for around 3 months. In March travelled outside colombia and this month I re-entered the country. so In total I’ve been in colombia for more than 4 months but I still don’t have Cedula Extranjeria. Should I’ve to pay a fine in order to ask and get Cedula Extranjeria? If so how much you think is the total fine?
Contact us so we can review your case properly. After that, we will help you with a complete understanding of the process you need to know, providing the best assistance and the most accurate advice:
📲 https://wa.me/19547993692
Hi
I am unaware of the laws here in for overstay and I used up most all of my savings
I am anxious to book tickets first because Idk how much fine we need to pay. We overstayed for 13months now
Hi i over stayed 7 months it was very foolish of i have admit that but i paid the fine and left the country this year in may. Im planning to come back in January do you think i will have problems entering Colombia
?
If you already paid the fine and left Colombia legally, you shouldn’t have any problem returning in January.
However, if you’re interested in applying for a Colombian Visa, don’t hesitate to contact us so we can guide you and assist you properly from start to finish:
📲https://wa.me/19547993692
Hi there. Do these fines apply for people that overstay because their migrant visa process takes too long? Or just for tourists? Also, where did this scale of fines come from? Is there a resolucion?
Hey, I totally forgot to request to extend my stamp. I’m 4 days over. But I had travel plans until the 15th of December. If I pay the fine can extend my stay or I’m I better off only taking care of the process closer to my leaving date (and paying a higher fine)?
Hi! This is great information. This happened to me when i overstayed by 1 day (silly mistake my part) that was in august 2022. I have still not recieved any information regarding my fine… how long does it usually take to hear from an agent? And if i am outside of colombia, is there a way i can contact migracion, in order to pay my fine? Thank you!
If you leave the country without paying the fine, it’s common not to receive a formal notification, but the fine will typically be recorded in your immigration record. In some situations, if you return to Colombia, you may be able to pay the fine at the airport during your arrival or departure or you can visit the Migración Colombia website and contact them.
However, if you consider applying for a Colombian Visa, don’t hesitate to contact us and we’ll gladly help you to process your visa application smoothly.
📲 https://wa.me/19547993692
THANK YOU FOR POSTING THIS INFORMATION.
I am in the process of renewing my Visa with Expat Group. Is there any way for me to obtain a salvoconducto before September 16th. Please direct me to where I need to go to take care of this.
Hello. I want to know cedula colombia how to make and bring family
are these prices still the same or is there any increase as of 2023? thank you!
Good afternoon, Mr Tim. Thank you for leaving your comment in our blog and for being part of or community. To answer your question, with your 2 year Tourist Visa you are able yo apply for the Cédula de Extranjería in Colombia. Now, about the fine, Migración Colombia will tell you either you have to pay or not when you fill up your application.
We hope you find our answer helpful. Have a great day!
I do have a 2 year Tourist visa with multiple entry to Colombia. I arrived here on November, 2023. And after staying for around 3 months. In March travelled outside colombia and this month I re-entered the country. so In total I’ve been in colombia for more than 4 months but I still don’t have Cedula Extranjeria. Should I’ve to pay a fine in order to ask and get Cedula Extranjeria? If so how much you think is the total fine?
Hello Liz, it will be our pleasure to assist you in getting your retirement visa. A colleague will contact you during the day. Best regards
Good morning! I am hoping that you are able to communicate with me in English since your number is a US number? If not, I can use a translator app or I have a friend who can translate for me. I am in the process of applying for a retirement visa in Colombia and am hoping you can assist me. If you can help, please contact me. Thank you for your attention to this request.
Alexa, I am very sorry for your situation but I advise you to go to a Facilitating Center and explain your case. You can check the approximate amount at the end of our blog. https://www.migracioncolombia.gov.co/informacion-general/content/31-centros-facilitadores-de-servicios-migratorios
How much did you pay for 7months? Where did you pay?
Hi
I am unaware of the laws here in for overstay and I used up most all of my savings
I am anxious to book tickets first because Idk how much fine we need to pay. We overstayed for 13months now
If you have everything in order, there will be no problem.
Hi i over stayed 7 months it was very foolish of i have admit that but i paid the fine and left the country this year in may. Im planning to come back in January do you think i will have problems entering Colombia
?
Hi there. Do these fines apply for people that overstay because their migrant visa process takes too long? Or just for tourists? Also, where did this scale of fines come from? Is there a resolucion?
Hello, Rita, how are you? If you still need to complete the tourist extension, it is recommended that you leave the country and re-enter so you can be given the remaining time you have as a tourist. If you choose to stay when you leave the country, you will be charged for the extra stay.
Remember that contact us if you want to stay legally, and we can help you process your Colombian visa for a more extended period +19547993692
Hey, I totally forgot to request to extend my stamp. I’m 4 days over. But I had travel plans until the 15th of December. If I pay the fine can extend my stay or I’m I better off only taking care of the process closer to my leaving date (and paying a higher fine)?
Hello Nigel. As such, there is no set time for them to contact you. However, you can contact Migration according to the different channels available. Regards https://www.migracioncolombia.gov.co/contactenos
Hi! This is great information. This happened to me when i overstayed by 1 day (silly mistake my part) that was in august 2022. I have still not recieved any information regarding my fine… how long does it usually take to hear from an agent? And if i am outside of colombia, is there a way i can contact migracion, in order to pay my fine? Thank you!
Thanks to you Robert, for reading us. What other topic would you like to read about?
THANK YOU FOR POSTING THIS INFORMATION.
Hi! Ulysses, a pleasure to greet you today, thank you for writing to us. Your assigned agent will contact you soon to inform you of the steps to follow in your process.
Hello, Haji, to be able to acquire a foreigner’s identification card in Colombia (Cédula de extranjería) by means of a visa, we will be happy to help you in the process. Contact us at +19547993692
I am in the process of renewing my Visa with Expat Group. Is there any way for me to obtain a salvoconducto before September 16th. Please direct me to where I need to go to take care of this.
Hello. I want to know cedula colombia how to make and bring family