The “tourism extension” or “the tourist stamp extension” is the extension of the time granted by the immigration authority when entering the country and stamping your passport. Normally, Migración Colombia authorizes a stay in Colombia of 90 days, which can be extended for an additional 90 days, allowing for a total of 180 days of tourism per calendar year. The tourism extension is processed online through Migración Colombia and is granted digitally, meaning you will receive an electronic confirmation rather than a physical stamp in your passport.

Although it should be clarified at this point that, according to the current immigration rule, this stamp is a tourist permit and not a visa directly, we use the term «tourist visa»  because it is more understandable to all.

If you do not wish to extend your tourist stamp but require a Colombian visa to engage in a specific activity for more than 180 days, we invite you to visit the following link:

Visa Services

How to Process The Tourist Stamp Extension in the Country?

Upon entry, most tourists receive a 90-day stay permit, which functions as a “tourist visa,” controlling the legal stay of foreigners in Colombia; this stamp is placed in your passport by a Migración Colombia official at the airport or border entry point. To explore Colombia further, you can apply for a 90-day extension before your initial 90-day permit expires, granting a maximum of 180 tourist days within a calendar year. If you want to extend your stay, this is what you must keep in mind:

What is the Cost of Extending the Tourist Stamp in Colombia?

According to Resolution 0633 of February 25, 2025, which sets the new fees for procedures and services, the price for extending the tourist stamp is 143,000 COP (37 USD), with the exception of Ecuadorian nationals, who are exempt from paying for this service.

The implications of not extending your tourist stamp on time, can be the following:

2. Exit ban or deportation:

In cases of prolonged overstay, Migración Colombia could prevent departure from the country until the situation is regularized and the corresponding fine is paid. In more serious situations, especially if there is a record or if the overstay is very extensive, a deportation process could be initiated. Deportation implies a prohibition from entering Colombia for a determined period, which can range from months to several years, depending on the severity of the infraction.

3. Difficulties in future entries:

Even if the person manages to leave the country by paying the fine, the record of the overstay will remain in the foreigner’s immigration history. This could generate problems when trying to re-enter Colombia in the future, as immigration authorities may view the previous overstay as a risk factor for non-compliance with immigration laws.

4. Inability to carry out procedures:

While in an irregular situation, it will not be possible to carry out any official procedures in Colombia, such as opening bank accounts, signing long-term rental contracts, obtaining a NIT, or applying for residence or work visas, as presenting a regular migratory status is an indispensable requirement.

5. Legal vulnerability:

Being in an irregular situation exposes the foreigner to greater vulnerability in the face of any legal or security eventuality, since they do not have the support of a valid migratory status.

To Sum Up

The “tourism extension” or “tourist stamp extension” allows foreigners to prolong their stay in Colombia for an additional 90 days, totaling a maximum of 180 days per calendar year. This process is completed online through Migración Colombia, and the approval is digital, meaning you receive an electronic confirmation instead of a physical stamp. It’s recommended to start the process 10 days before your initial 90-day permit expires to avoid fines. The process typically takes 3 to 5 business days and costs 143,000 COP (approximately 37 USD), with Ecuadorian nationals being exempt. Exceeding the permitted stay without an extension can result in significant economic fines, exit bans, deportation, difficulties in future entries, inability to carry out official procedures, and increased legal vulnerability. At expatgroup.co, we provide guidance and advice throughout this process, including a specialized guide which you can download below and contact options for additional assistance.