How Long Can You Stay in Colombia as a Tourist? Visa Colombia Guide (2026)

If you are planning to travel to Colombia as a tourist or exploring your visa Colombia options, there is one key rule you need to know from the start

You can stay up to 180 days per calendar year, respecting the tourism permit or extension granted to you.

Here’s exactly how it works, so you can avoid immigration issues.

How Many Days Can You Stay as a Tourist in Colombia?

When you enter Colombia as a tourist, you normally receive:

• 90 initial days of stay
• Granted by Migración Colombia upon entry into the country

📌 This permit is called a tourism permit.

Then you can:

• Apply for an additional 90-day extension

Maximum total allowed: 180 days per calendar year

What Does “180 Days per Calendar Year” Mean?

This is very important

• The count runs from January 1 to December 31
• It doesn’t matter if the days are consecutive or not

Example:

• January to March → 90 days
• July to September → another 90 days

You have now reached the 180-day limit for that year

You cannot extend your stay as a tourist beyond that within the same year.

How to Extend Your Stay from 90 to 180 Days

If you want to stay longer than the initial 90 days:

You must apply for an extension before your permit expires

✔️ How to do it:

• Apply online through the Migración Colombia website
• Pay the required fee
• Be in regular immigration status

📌 Important:

• It is not automatic (although it is usually approved)
• You must apply before the 90 days are completed

What Happens If You Stay More Than 180 Days?

This is where problems begin.

If you stay longer than allowed:

• You will be in irregular immigration status

You may face:

• Fines
• Problems leaving the country
• Difficulties with future visa Colombia

📌 In serious cases, additional sanctions may apply.

Can You Stay More Than 180 Days in Colombia?

Yes, but NOT as a tourist.

If you want to stay longer, you need:

Options:

• Visitor visa Colombia (Type V)
• Digital nomad visa Colombia
• Student visa Colombia
• Work or investment visa Colombia

The law is clear: If you want to stay more than 180 days, you must change your immigration status

Do All Nationalities Have the Same Rules?

In general, yes—but with some variations.

Many countries:

• Do not require a prior visa Colombia
• Receive 90 days upon entry

📌 However:

• Some nationalities do require a visa Colombia
• Immigration may grant fewer days in specific cases

Basic Requirements to Enter as a Tourist

To enter Colombia, you typically need:

• Valid passport
• Exit ticket from the country
• Proof of financial means
• Migration form (Check-Mig in 2026)

📌 These requirements are verified by Migración Colombia

Common Mistake: Thinking You Can Get More Than 180 Days by Leaving the Country

This is false in many cases.

Leaving and re-entering does NOT automatically reset your time.

The limit remains: 180 days per calendar year

Real Example (Very Common)

Tourist arriving in January:

• January–March → 90 days
• Requests extension → +90 days

Now reached 180 days

Cannot stay longer that year as a tourist
Must wait until the next year or switch to a visa Colombia

Conclusion: Simple Rule for Tourists in Colombia

Clear summary:

• 90 initial days
• +90 days extension
• Maximum 180 days per year

After that: you need a visa Colombia

Do You Need Help Extending Your Stay or Changing to a Visa Colombia?

At Nexo Legal, we help you:

• Extend your stay legally
• Change your immigration status from tourist to visa holder
• Avoid fines and immigration issues
• Plan your stay in Colombia

Contact us and stay in Colombia without risks.

FAQs

How long can I stay in Colombia without a visa?

Up to 180 days per calendar year.

Can I extend the initial 90 days?

Yes, you can request another 90 days.

What happens if I stay longer?

You may receive fines and immigration sanctions.

Can I re-enter to reset my time?

Not necessarily. The limit remains 180 days per year.