Before you leave to any foreign country, it is important to read as much as possible before you come. This includes gathering as much information about safety, where to go, where not to go, and who to contact in case of an emergency. This is especially true for tourists embarking upon new areas and territories of travel.

Signing up with the American Embassy in the country where you intend to reside can help you tremendously. 

When a person signs up with their country's embassy it does several things:

• It informs the government that you are in another country.
• It provides the government with your contact information.
• They will provide travels updates in case it is needed.
• It helps you stay connected and provides assistance overseas.

Every country is different and have their own set of rules. Therefore, in this case, I can only tell what I know about Colombia since I have been there. Not only that, but I have overstayed my visa so I have a better understanding of the nuances of the issues that people face while traveling entering and leaving Colombia.

For every visiting tourist that enters Colombia, they are given a 90-day visa. The number 90 will actually be written on your passport upon entrance into the country. In essence, you have three months to be in Colombia.

If you intend to stay longer, it is important that you contact the migration office several weeks before your 90 days are up. You can file for an extension online at Migration Colombia (www.migracioncolombia.gov.co) or you can call +57 311 496 8145. The process takes a little time, so give yourself several weeks.

If you know that will stay longer than your expiration date, make sure to get this done before your due date as soon as possible. Things take time and they may not go according to your plans.

It is important to leave things open for any unexpected occurrences. Just keep in mind that every country operates at different paces, so patience is key.

If you are not staying longer than 90 days, and you want to come back. You will have to leave the country for thirty days and then you will be allowed to return.

(Please do your own research in this area because things do change, and I would not want you to get deported or in trouble with the Colombian government. Your due diligence is vitally important here.)