Migration Fines and Penalties in Colombia: What You Need to Know to Avoid Problems
If you are a foreign national in Colombia, it’s essential to understand migration regulations to avoid fines and penalties that could affect your stay.
Even minor oversights can lead to serious issues, from difficulties entering or leaving the country to problems renewing your visa.
But don’t worry—this guide will explain everything you need to know about migration penalties in Colombia and what to do if you face one. Let’s get started!
What Are Migration Fines in Colombia?
Migration fines are monetary sanctions imposed by Migración Colombia when a foreigner fails to comply with migration regulations.
These fines can be applied for reasons such as overstaying the permitted time, failing to report important changes, or engaging in unauthorized activities. Depending on the severity of the infraction, fines can range from a few minimum wages to significantly higher amounts.
Situations That Can Lead to a Migration Fine
To avoid legal and migration issues, it’s essential to comply with Colombia’s migration laws. Here are some of the most common infractions that could result in penalties:
✔️ Overstaying the permitted time – If you entered Colombia with a tourist permit (90 days) and stayed beyond the allowed time without extending your status or obtaining a visa, you could face a fine.
✔️ Failing to renew or update your visa on time – If your visa expires and you remain in Colombia without applying for a new one or adjusting your status, you could face penalties.
✔️ Not reporting changes in address or economic activity – Some visa types require you to notify Migración Colombia of changes in your residence or job. Failure to do so within the required timeframe could result in fines or future migration issues.
✔️ Working without authorization – If you entered Colombia on a tourist visa and started working without the proper work permit, Migración Colombia may sanction you, affecting your migration record.
✔️ Violating entry or exit regulations – If you enter Colombia through an unauthorized border crossing, fail to stamp your passport, or do not undergo migration control, you could be detained at migration checkpoints until you regularize your status.
✔️ Employing a foreigner without a work permit – If you are an employer and hire a foreign worker without the required work authorization, you could face financial penalties.
✔️ Failing to report the hiring or termination of a foreign worker – If you employ a foreigner, you must notify Migración Colombia within the legal timeframe. Failure to do so could result in fines and other sanctions.
These are just a few of the situations that can lead to migration fines in Colombia. To avoid complications, ensure that you stay informed and comply with all applicable regulations.
How Much Can Migration Fines Cost in Colombia?
The amount of migration fines in Colombia varies based on the severity of the violation.
Currently, fines can reach up to 30 minimum monthly wages (SMMLV), representing a significant sum in Colombian pesos. In some cases, multiple infractions can accumulate, increasing the total amount payable.
Failing to pay a migration fine on time can result in serious consequences, including:
❌ Difficulties in future migration procedures
❌ Inability to re apply or apply for a visa
❌ Restrictions on re-entering Colombia
If you have a pending fine or need to regularize your migration status, it’s best to act quickly to avoid additional penalties.
How to Check if You Have a Migration Fine in Colombia
If you are unsure of your migration status and want to verify if you have any outstanding fines, follow these steps:
1️⃣ Visit the nearest Migración Colombia Facilitator Center – These offices provide up-to-date information on your migration status and pending fines.
2️⃣ Go to a Migración Colombia office in person – If you suspect you may have fines or infractions, the best approach is to visit an official office and request the information directly.
Checking your migration status on time will help you avoid issues in future procedures, renew your visa without complications, and ensure compliance with Colombian migration laws.
What to Do If You Already Have a Migration Fine?
If you discover that you have a pending migration fine, don’t panic! Here’s what you should do to resolve the issue:
✔️ Check the exact amount and reason for the fine – You can do this through the Migración Colombia website or by visiting their offices.
✔️ Pay the fine as soon as possible – You must request an official invoice from Migración Colombia, which allows you to pay by debit/credit card at their offices or at Banco de Occidente.
✔️ Keep your payment receipt – It is crucial to retain proof of payment, especially if you need to renew your visa or prove compliance with migration regulations.
✔️ Appeal the fine if you believe it is unfair – In some cases, you can file a reconsideration request (Recurso de Reposición) with Migración Colombia, arguing that the sanction was incorrectly imposed or that there was an administrative error.
Be attentive to any notifications from Migración Colombia related to administrative sanctioning processes, as they include specific deadlines and requirements for submitting appeals. Stay informed and act within the established timeframe to defend your case.
What Happens If You Don’t Pay a Migration Fine?
Ignoring a migration fine is not an option, as it can lead to serious consequences:
❌ Inability to renew or apply for future visas
❌ Difficulties leaving or re-entering Colombia
❌ Accumulation of additional fines and interest
❌ In extreme cases, deportation
To avoid these problems, it’s crucial to address the fine as soon as possible and regularize your migration status.
Tips to Avoid Migration Issues in Colombia
To avoid fines and legal complications, follow these recommendations:
✔️ Understand your visa type and its restrictions – Each visa has specific conditions, so make sure you comply with all requirements.
✔️ Track expiration dates – Mark the expiration date of your visa or stay permit on your calendar and plan ahead for renewal.
✔️ Avoid informal advisors – If you need assistance, seek professional help to prevent errors in your migration procedures.
✔️ Do not work without authorization – If you need a work permit, obtain approval before starting any job.
✔️ Do not hire workers without a work permit – If you employ foreigners, verify that they have the proper documentation to work legally in Colombia.
✔️ Report the hiring or termination of foreign workers – Employers must notify Migración Colombia each time they hire or terminate a foreign worker to comply with migration laws.
Following these guidelines will help you avoid fines and enjoy your stay in Colombia without complications.
We understand that dealing with migration issues can be complicated, but you don’t have to do it alone.
Contact us today and avoid problems with your stay in Colombia. We are here to help!
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After submitting the form, your case undergoes a comprehensive review by our team of specialist to assess its viability. Providing clear and concise information about your objectives accelerates this process.
Subsequently, a specialist will be assigned to your case, reaching out to you within a day to clear up details about your case and outline the next steps to help you achieve your goals.
Get started with a free case assessment
What will happen after you fill out this form?
After submitting the form, your case undergoes a comprehensive review by our team of specialist to assess its viability. Providing clear and concise information about your objectives accelerates this process.
Subsequently, a specialist will be assigned to your case, reaching out to you within a day to clear up details about your case and outline the next steps to help you achieve your goals.
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