Info for Volunteers in Cartagena

Visas for Volunteers

Unfortunately we cannot offer any solid advice in terms of visas. One government department says that to be an unpaid volunteer you in Colombia you need to have what is called a 'temporal visa' which lasts from 6 months to two years and cost between $US120-$US205. This should be organised with the Foreign Affairs Department in your country before arriving in Colombia. Another says that as long as you aren't being paid you do not need any special visa. It is easy to slip under the radar of the DAS (Departamento Administrativo de Seguridad - The Colombian Security Service) by not drawing too much attention to yourself, only having a normal tourist visa and then claim ignorance should you have any problems.

For detailed information about Colombian Temporal Visa's, visit the Consulate General Colombia, Texas.

Visa Extensions in Cartagena

All visitors to Colombia receive an entry stamp upon arrival at the airport or land border. These visa's are issued for 30, 60 and 90 days, although you may have to explain the purpose of your stay if you require a 90 day visa. To extend your tourist visa you will need to go to the DAS office which is located in the suburb called 'Pie de la Popa' (open Monday to Friday 8-12am and 2-4pm). The easiest way is to go by mototaxi from Calle de la Media Luna. This shouldn't cost more then 1,500 pesos (US$0.55, June '06).

You are entitled to a 30 day visa extension and the whole time of your stay in Colombia with a tourist visa is limited to six months per year. To extend your visa at the DAS office in Cartagena you must be prepared to present a valid passport including visa/stamp of entry, four photographs, your onward ticket and a copy (if you don't have one, say you have an e-ticket) and two copies of both the ID page and your entry stamp of your passport. Furthermore you need a folder for files and the receipt and a copy of your money transfer at BANCAFE (no other bank). The price for a 30 day extension is 60,600 pesos (US$23, June '06).

The DAS office (Tel: 6562524 Extension 15) will give you the up-to-date price of the visa extension as well as all details for the money transfer to the DAS account, alternatively you can look at the BANCAFE near to the Plaza de Reloj which has example 'Visa Extension Form' on display. You can find this bank in a small side street between Av. Daniel Lemaitre and Av. Venezuela. You will see the Bank if you walk down the Av. Daniel Lemaitre.

Anyway, you should ask at the DAS office for the documentary requirements before your visa runs out because they change frequently. They will give you a note with all things you'll need (and they can show you a folder in case you don't know what to buy).

Ask for an extension beginning with the date of expiration of your old visa otherwise it could be they give you 30 days beginning with the date of issue. Count on spending a lot of time waiting and be polite, there is no point in getting upset.

Read more at Volunteer Colombia.