How Long Does It Take to Hear Back After Applying for a Tourist Visa Extension in Colombia?
It usually takes about 2 weeks to hear back if you apply for a tourist visa extension through the Medellín office, while smaller offices like Pereira or Manizales process applications much faster — often in 2 to 3 business days. Migración Colombia will email you a payment link once approved, and your stay can be extended up to 180 days.
Processing Times by Office
Medellín Office: Around 2 weeks. In my experience, approval often came just a few days before my 90-day tourist stamp was about to expire.
Smaller Offices (Pereira, Manizales, etc.): Much faster — typically 2–3 business days. Choosing a smaller office can save time, but you may need to travel there if asked (rare, but possible).
What Happens After Approval
When your 90-day Colombia visa extension is ready:
Migración Colombia sends you a payment link by email.
The fee is about COP 125,000 (some nationalities are exempt).
Once you pay, you’ll receive your extension PDF confirmation by email.
Payment Issues and Solutions
International credit cards often cause errors when paying online.
I’ve had better success using PSE (Pagos Seguros en Línea), Colombia’s local payment system.
If the payment goes through but doesn’t show as confirmed in the system, you’ll need to:
Book an appointment at a Migración Colombia office.
Bring proof of payment (receipt + screenshot).
Have an officer manually finalize your prórroga (extension).
My Experience: The Waiting Game
The hardest part of the process isn’t the paperwork — it’s the waiting. In Medellín, I often didn’t hear back until the last minute. That’s why I recommend:
Always apply 20 days before your 90-day stay expires.
If possible, consider applying through a smaller city office for peace of mind.
Keep all emails, receipts, and screenshots in case you need to resolve an issue in person.
FAQ: Colombia Tourist Visa Extensions
Q: How long does it take to get a tourist visa extension in Colombia?
A: About 2 weeks in Medellín, and 2–3 business days in smaller cities like Pereira or Manizales.
Q: How much does it cost to extend a tourist visa in Colombia?
A: Around COP 125,000, though some nationalities may be exempt.
Q: How many times can I extend my visa?
A: Only once. You can stay in Colombia for up to 180 days in a calendar year.
Q: What if my payment fails?
A: Try PSE if you have a Colombian bank account. If the system doesn’t confirm your payment, go to a Migración office with proof.
Final Thoughts
Waiting for your Colombian visa extension can feel stressful, but knowing the timelines and common payment issues helps you prepare. Apply early, keep backups of your documents, and use PSE when possible.
👉 Need help with your visa extension? Our team at OnCallColombia can handle the entire process for you — from submitting the FUT form to confirming your approval. [Contact us on WhatsApp today.]
