Multiple Passports Will Travel (?)

[Tinto]

I have a question regarding the six month maximum allowed time per calendar year for a tourist visa.

Before the end of the six month time limit would it be permissible to exit the country for one day then reenter Colombia on another passport and obtain another tourist visa? Also, how would DAS look at this once it came time to renew the new tourist visa (they are aware of the second passport). Can a person who has more than one passport get around the six month time limit by doing this?

I remember a couple years ago that I left Colombia for a visit to Argentina. Upon my arrival back into Colombia (MDE) they took a look at my passport and started counting up the months I had already been in country and was informed that I would not be allowed entrance as I had exceeded my six month limit for that calendar year. I told the immigration official, much to his surprise that I had a second passport and after inspecting it, gave me a two month stamp and allowed me in. Because of that incident I am assuming that if I paid a short visit to say Ecuador, Panama or Venezuela and returned on another passport there would be a repeat performance.

I'd like to know where it states that a person can only be in country for a maximum of six months (starting January 1) regardless if they have additional passports. If that is the case, then that one inspector at MDE was in error allowing me back into the country.

I should go to the local DAS and ask but unfortunately they aren't that friendly, or at least that is my impression. The last time I was there the head honcho when handing me my passport with my final one month extension told me, "Ultimo mes!" My reply was of course, "Si señor". In fact, for emphasis he grabbed my passport and wrote next to the extension what he just uttered. He handed it to me for the second time, I thanked him and left wondering about my little dilemma that I'm now facing. I guess I should return to their office bearing a nice assorted chocolate box for the main secretary, and an 8 year old bottle of rum for Señor Jefe and ask him about possible options.

Yes, I know, I should have applied for a better visa before my trip but time was short and I ran out of it.

I've looked at various web sites and have not found anything in writing if the six months maximum allowed stay is for the person or for the passport.

Gentlemen, any suggestions?

[Ricardo]

Tinto,

How do you have two passports? US citizens are only issue one passport unless you have an expired one or one that you reported lost. If you are using one that you reported lost, it is technically no longer valid. US and Colombian authorities do share information and when DAS swipes your passport at the airport I would think that information is coordinated/verified with the US Government. If somehow you have two US passports, and alternated between them to stay in Colombia for the entire year, I would think you would potentially be in deep s*%@ if the DAS or US authorities found out. The only other way I could think to have two valid, legal passports would be if you were a dual citizen and have them from two different countries. In that case I would think the alternating passport scheme might work.

[Tinto]

Ricardo,

Bond, James Bond.

Actually I have three passports thanks to my parents. Only one is a US passport. I was born in England and since my father was born in Ireland I was able to obtain an Irish passport as well. All perfectly legal mind you. Actually, having more than one passport has been beneficial at times like when I returned from Argentina. Entering certain countries is easier not to mention cheaper as in the case of Brasil or Chile. There are many other ADVANTAGES in having multiple passports. If you are eligible for others by all means acquire one.

Hopefully it won't be a scheme but rather one more benefit. Anyone have any factual data, links or suggestions?

[Ricardo]

Tinto,

You're a true international man of mystery! By the way, are you still in Pereira or stateside?

[Tinto]

I found out a little more information, nothing in print form but I did get a verbal confirmation just today. Earlier I contacted the Colombian consulate both by email and by telephone explaining my situation and desire to stay longer in Colombia. The Consulate told me that I would have to contact DAS here in Colombia and find out what they said. The DAS in my city didn't give me the impression that they were the most helpful bunch the few times I have been there. Where I used to live in Medellin the ladies that work in DAS all remember me most likely because I brought them yearly Christmas presents when I needed visa extensions during November or December and of course the nice guy that I am, cough, cough.

I wished more than once why couldn't the local DAS be as helpful, nice and friendly as their paisa counterparts when it dawned on me, "Why not bring a couple presents to the people that worked with me in the past? It worked before showing my appreciation for their hard work, surely it would work again". At least it was worth the try.

I paid a visit to the Exito store and purchased a small box of Brazilian chocolates for the secretary and a small bottle of aged 8 year old rum for the main jefe. Armed with these peace offerings I headed over to DAS.

I arrived a few minutes before they returned from their long two hour lunch break. Who do you think came walking up first to open the door, none other than the wicked witch of the east. I walked up to her like one of the magi telling her that I had a regalito for her. It was amazing the change in countenance she displayed from all the other times I spoke with her. She was all smiles, red faced and que peña this, que peña that, but accepted it upon my insistence. She let me in early and proceeded to wait on me asking what was it that I needed. I explained my little predicament to her and asked her opinion about my idea of getting more time on a tourist visa if I left the country for a day and returned on another passport. After thinking about it for a while she said that she thinks they would allow this but to be sure to talk with her jefe that returned to the office a few minutes later. No waiting this time as señora told her boss that I'd like to speak with him. "Well, señor, there are two things that I would like to say, one is to present you with this small gift and the other is"...well you know the story. We joked around for a few minutes and he brought in a colleague to discuss my situation. After a few minutes he gave me his blessing saying that I could get another tourist visa if I entered in on my other passport.

Before I left I felt like they were "old friends" and no longer did I envision them as being less than friendly. I'm not recommending bribing any public officials but it is nice to present small tokens of appreciation for their hard work, something that I think they take note of and appreciate. I doubt many extranjeros think of doing this but in my situation it has worked mini miracles.

[Jim]

That's a great story Tinto. I might need to use that tactic sometime here in the Phils.

Not for immigration however. Here we need to renew our visa every two months (at about $50 a month) up through 16 months. Then we need to leave the country and reenter. It could be as quickly as the next plane but I'll go to Thailand probably. Only catch is we must enter with a departure ticket which we won't actually use.

In CR you just have to leave every three months for 72 hours.

[Micky10]

"I'm not recommending bribing any public officials but it is nice to present small tokens of appreciation for their hard work, something that I think they take note of and appreciate." Tinto


You are not recommending bribing them, but that is what you do. Tinto, I understand why but "small tokens...for their hard work"??????? DAS??? The laziest ****ers I have EVER seen in my life anywhere?

Love - Micky

[Tinto]

Micky,

Now hold on! I can't deal with two Gringos picking on me at the same time.

Why, even the Good Book recommends the occasional "gift" now and then.

"A bribe is a charm in the sight of it's owner; wherever he turns he prospers." Proverbs 17:8 and

"A gift opens doors for the one who gives it and brings him into the presence of great people." Proverbs 18:16

It's my impression that many circumstances dictate little gifts being given in Latin society. Now it could be had I gone to DAS without them I may have had the same outcome but based on their response they really appreciated this thoughtful little gesture. It sure broke the ice and their whole attitude changed from my previous visits. Heck, I even gave a big bear hug to Señor Jefe in true Micky style and said "amigo!" before leaving. They were all smiles and had a good laugh at my expense at this crazy Gringo wanting to stay longer in their lovely country. Now, I'm not sure about their work load or their dedication to it but I would never speak down on my new found friends at DAS in case it ever got back to them.

As far as DAS in Medellin is concerned, they always seemed like hard working ladies to me. I'll never forget the large fruit/food basket that got "raffled off" and won by one of the secretaries much to her delight. She even wanted a photo taken of me presenting it to her. Man, talk about speedy service later!

[Micky10]

Tinto -

Save the bull**** for someone else. Your little bribes help you, I understand, they help NO one else. And for the sake of those who have never had the time wasting displeasure of sitting in the DAS office in Medellin watching "your hard working ladies" not do jack**** in three hours, they are lazy non-productive people.

Love - Micky

[Tinto]

No BS intended Micky. Those were gifts to DAS pure and simple. I have bribed (dishonest) police (supplementing their income) before when pulled over a couple times so I know the difference. There is a big difference between that a little gift.