Guide contents
Quick answer: if you entered Colombia as a tourist without a visa, you received an Entry and Stay Permit (PIP). You can extend your stay with the Temporary Stay Permit (PTP), also called an extension (prórroga): the tourism permit can be extended for up to 90 calendar days, without exceeding 180 days per calendar year. You apply online with Migración Colombia at least 5 business days before your PIP expires, and it costs COP 150,000 in 2026. Citizens of Ecuador and the European Union are exempt from the fee.
What the PIP is and which types exist
Foreigners from nationalities that do not need a visa receive an Entry and Stay Permit (PIP) when they arrive. Migración Colombia Resolution 2061 of 2020 groups them as follows:
| Permit | What it is for | Extension (art. 17) |
|---|---|---|
| Tourism Permit (PT) | Rest, leisure, culture, health, events, conventions or business | Up to 90 calendar days |
| Integration and Development Permit (PID) | Short non-profit stays: cooperation, personal or academic matters, among others | 90 days in most cases; 15 days for urgent matters |
| Other Activities Permit (POA) | Short-stay activities different from the above | The same term as the PIP, once a year |
The rule that governs all of them: your total stay with these permits cannot exceed 180 calendar days, continuous or not, within the same calendar year (arts. 16 and 17). Migración Colombia keeps track of your days.
Who can request the extension
- Foreigners from nationalities that do not need a visa, who have already used a PIP and want to extend their stay.
- Your PIP must be valid when you apply.
- You must not have exceeded, and must not exceed with the extension, 180 days in the calendar year.
The extension is discretionary: Migración Colombia may grant it or not (art. 25), and it refuses to process it for people with conduct contrary to public order or considered a security risk (art. 20).
Step by step to request the extension online
- Count your days: add up the days you have already spent in Colombia this calendar year and confirm the extension will not take you past 180.
- Apply on time: at least 5 business days before your PIP expires. If you are late, you must leave the country before your permit expires so you do not become irregular.
- Fill in the FUT on the official form.
- Attach a PDF file with your passport or ID document and the supporting documents for the PIP you were granted.
- Authorize email notifications and wait for pre-approval.
- Pay with the «Pagar en línea» button (PSE, credit or debit card) or download the slip for a bank deposit. If you do not pay within the stated term, the application is considered withdrawn.
- Receive the extension by email; according to Migración Colombia, 3 business days after payment. Keep it with your passport.
How much the extension costs in 2026
| Case | 2026 fee |
|---|---|
| General PTP / extension fee | COP 150,000 |
| Citizens of Ecuador | Exempt |
| Citizens of European Union countries | Exempt |
Source: Migración Colombia Resolution 599 of 2026 (fees and exemptions) and the official procedure page.
If your permit is cancelled
Migración Colombia may cancel any permit in the exercise of its discretionary power, through a reasoned administrative act. In that case an SC-1 safe-conduct is issued and the person must leave the country within 5 calendar days; otherwise, administrative measures may follow (art. 26 of Resolution 2061 of 2020).
Want to stay more than 180 days? You need a visa
The extension is the last possible extension as a tourist. If your plan is to live, work, study, retire or work remotely from Colombia, you need a visa, and ideally you should apply while your permit is still valid. If your permit expires without an extension or a visa, you fall into irregular stay, a serious infraction that forces you into an administrative process and a safe-conduct before you can apply for a visa. See the guide on safe-conducts and immigration status.
The visas most used by people who arrived as tourists are the digital nomad, pensioner, rentista, student and family-based M visas. Almost all require health coverage in Colombia. For the application, see the guide to applying for the visa online step by step.
Common mistakes with the extension
- Applying late: less than 5 business days before expiry.
- Miscounting the 180 days: they are counted per calendar year, January to December, adding all your stays, continuous or not.
- Not paying on time: the application is considered withdrawn.
- Believing the extension allows you to work: the tourism permit does not authorize employment.
- Waiting until the last day to apply for a visa: your permit may expire while you put the file together.
Frequently asked questions
How long can I stay in Colombia as a tourist?
Up to 180 calendar days, continuous or not, per calendar year, adding the initial permit and its extension (Resolution 2061 of 2020).
How much does the tourist extension cost in Colombia in 2026?
COP 150,000. Citizens of Ecuador and the European Union are exempt (Migración Colombia Resolution 599 of 2026).
How far in advance should I request the extension?
At least 5 business days before your PIP expires, according to Migración Colombia.
Where do I request the extension?
Online, with the Migración Colombia Single Procedures Form; supporting documents may exceptionally be filed at a Migration Services Center (Centro Facilitador de Servicios Migratorios).
How long does the extension take to arrive?
According to Migración Colombia, it is sent by email 3 business days after payment.
What happens if I stay more than 180 days?
You fall into irregular stay, a serious infraction that involves an administrative process, a possible sanction and a safe-conduct to leave or to apply for a visa.
What is the PIP?
The Entry and Stay Permit that foreigners from nationalities that do not need a visa receive when they arrive. Migración Colombia Resolution 2061 of 2020 regulates its types.
What is the Tourism Permit (PT)?
The PIP for rest, leisure, culture, health, events, conventions or business. It can be extended for up to 90 calendar days.
What is the Integration and Development Permit (PID)?
The PIP for short non-profit stays, such as cooperation or personal or academic matters.
Who can request the stay extension?
Foreigners from nationalities that do not need a visa, with a valid PIP when they apply, and without exceeding 180 days in the calendar year with the extension.
Is Migración Colombia required to grant the extension?
No. The extension is discretionary (article 25), and Migración refuses to process it for people with conduct contrary to public order or considered a security risk (article 20).
What document do I attach to the application?
A PDF file with your passport or ID document and the supporting documents for the PIP you were granted, on the official Migración Colombia FUT form.
Do European Union citizens pay for the extension?
No. Under Resolution 599 of 2026, citizens of European Union countries and of Ecuador are exempt.
How are the 180 days counted?
Per calendar year, January to December, adding all your stays in Colombia, continuous or not.
What happens if Migración cancels my permit?
An SC-1 safe-conduct is issued and you must leave the country within 5 calendar days; otherwise, administrative measures may follow (article 26 of Resolution 2061).
Can I work with the tourist extension?
No. The tourism permit does not authorize employment.
What happens if I do not pay the extension on time?
The application is considered withdrawn, and you must leave the country before your permit expires so you do not become irregular.
What should I do if I want to live in Colombia for more than 180 days?
You need a visa. Ideally, apply while your permit is still valid, so you do not fall into irregular stay.
Do I need a medical plan to switch from tourist to a visa?
Most visa categories require health coverage in Colombia for the whole period. Have it ready before you file to avoid requirements.
What happens if I request the extension late?
If there are fewer than 5 business days left before expiry, you must leave the country before your permit expires so you do not fall into irregular stay.
Official sources: Migración Colombia – PTP / Extension · Resolution 2061 of 2020, arts. 16–26 · Resolution 599 of 2026 (fees and exemptions) · Resolution 5477 of 2022, art. 34. Informational content.
🛡️ CoVisas plan: your visa's medical requirement, complete
- The 7 mandatory coverages of Resolution 5477 in the contract
- Contracts of up to 3 years · no age limit
- Consular letter for Cancillería included
- 20–30% more affordable · personal advisor 24/7