Question about the Tourist Permit Shuffle

Hi ChineduOpara, good question — this situation is more common than it seems among digital nomads in Colombia. 👇

In principle, you can request an extension of your tourist permit without leaving the country, but it all depends on your immigration history and the exact number of days you've accumulated in the last 12 months. Colombian Immigration usually analyzes this before approving or denying the extension.

Keep in mind that the system isn't always predictable, and in some cases, if they perceive an intention to seek "hidden residency" with multiple extensions, they could deny the request or even restrict future entries.

There are also immigration options other than the tourist permit that would allow you to avoid these frequent departures and have more peace of mind during your stay. If you'd like, I can advise you, free of charge, on the most convenient criteria and timeframes for your case.

@ChineduOpara

I think there is a strong chance they will give you the extension and you won't have to leave until April. The worry I presume is that your time under the DNV in 2025 will count against you or otherwise affect their decision on the extension? I for example have entered in Dec. each of the last 4 years and they always extend me up to 180 days online with no fuss. I don't have your DNV situation though. But if they were counting that against you, you would have been refused entry when you returned Oct. 9 because you had already exceeded 180 days in 2025. Actually It seems like you were treated the same as any other visitor with a 90 day entry and therefore you should get another 90 when you apply.

@El Jer

Exactly.  With my first DNV, I let it expire, left, and came back as a tourist..  my DNV time isn't counted. AFAIK, the "180 day" rule is specifically for tourist status.

Just to play things safe, I shall plan on stepping out to Ecuador at the end of December, and coming back in Jan. I have never been to Ecuador so it's worth spending the $$ to get that new stamp/experience.

@CCV Soluciones Migratorias

Hello, thanks for the response. I will message you directly about OTHER migration/visa questions,  if you don't mind.

@ChineduOpara

You can stay until your 90 dsys is due and then get the 90 day extension.

However it gets complicated if you extend int the new    year. Might not get thef full 90 days. Only the days in 2026, which I gues thast would be 9.

Thats mroe or less what Migraciones here in Manizaes told me.

Better make an appointment with Migraciones and ask that  or askt he lawyer that did your last visa.

I am in the same boat  but I cant get an extension in January because I am on my  second extension

Sent  query to Langon.Havent checked if.they replied yet

Best of luck

@CCV Soluciones Migratorias

You are only allowed one extension on a passport stamp. Period

No.multiple extensions

@El Jer

Thats interesting kinda contradicts what Migracione in Manizales told me. Theoretically according to them your extensiom would be equal to the time you were in Colombia with a passport stamp.in the new year..i.e. 90 minus days you were in Colombia  in December