How do I apply for a Schengen Visa from Colombia?
Do Colombians require a visa to travel to the Schengen Area?
At the moment, Colombian passport holders are allowed to visit any and all of the member countries without being required to apply for a Schengen visa, as an agreement permitting this was signed in 2015. This applies to Colombian visitors coming to Europe for short stays of up to 90 days. All you will need to do is present your passport upon entering the Schengen Area.
From late 2023, the European Travel Information and Authorization System, referred to as ETIAS, comes into effect. This will cost €7 and be available online. Once in place, it will permit travelers with authorization for up to three years for multiple short trips of under 90 days each. You should, however, check that the country you plan to travel to is one of the 27 countries within the Schengen Area.
What is ETIAS?
ETIAS stands for European Travel Information and Authorization System. It is a form of electronic travel authorization that takes limited biometric data in order to perform limited background checks before you travel to the Schengen Area. To successfully apply for an ETIAS visa waiver, it is necessary to have a valid passport, a credit or debit card, and an email account. ETIAS is not a visa; it is an electronic travel permit that allows European authorities to screen passengers before arrival. Registering with ETIAS is quicker and more convenient than applying for a visa and can be done from anywhere with an internet connection - including your own home.
Are there any circumstances in which I will need to apply for a Schengen Visa from Colombia?
Yes, if you are not a citizen of Colombia, but of a country without a visa-free travel arrangement with Schengen countries living in Colombia, or want to spend longer than 90 days working or studying in the Schengen Area, then you will need to apply for a visa. The processing fee for Schengen Visa is €80 for adults and €40 for minors.
What documents do I need to apply for a Colombian Schengen Visa?
You will need to fill in an application form, which is available here:
In addition to this, you will need two recently taken passport-style photos, your passport or other travel documents that are no older than 10 years and valid for at least three months after your departure date from the Schengen Area. If you are not a Colombian national, you will need documentation showing you have the right to reside in Colombia.
You will also need travel and medical insurance covering you up to costs of €30,000, a cover letter stating your itinerary and the purpose of your visit, as well as a flight itinerary and proof of accommodation, proof of your civil status, like a marriage certificate, and proof you have means of subsistence during your stay. The amount you need to show you have will vary from country to country. For Colombians planning to work or study, you will need additional documents.
For those coming to work in Europe, these include an employment contract, a current bank statement, a no objection letter from your employer, and an income tax return. As a student, you will need proof of enrolment and a no objection letter from the school you study at. Whether you are planning to study or work long term, you will need a letter of invitation from your employer or educational institution within the Schengen Area.
Where should I apply for my Colombian Schengen Visa?
Not all countries have their own embassy or consulates in Colombia, but you can apply either via the embassy or consulate of the country you are applying to or an embassy acting on their behalf. These are generally situated in the capital, Bogota.
What if I want to stay for longer than 90 days in the Schengen Area?
Colombian citizens wanting to stay longer than 90 days in the Schengen Area will need to apply for a national visa for work, study, or family reunion purposes in the country they are intending to visit. Once obtained, these generally allow holders to travel to other EU states as long as their visa, or residency permit, is valid.
Traveling to Colombia on a Schengen Visa
Unusually, Colombia is on the list of non-EU countries you can travel to if you have a valid multiple-entry Schengen Visa for tourist or business purposes.
Why choose AXA Schengen Insurance?
Even if you do not need to obtain a Schengen Visa, due to Colombia’s visa-free travel arrangements with the Schengen Zone, it is still a good idea to get travel and medical insurance for the duration of your stay, as this will cover you for any mishaps, accidents or illnesses you may experience during your trip. AXA’s Low Cost Travel Insurance costs just €22 ($24) per week of your trip and will meet your visa requirements, and the AXA Schengen Europe Travel Insurance offers extended coverage up to costs of €100,000. Those seeking a multiple-entry visa can purchase the Multi Trip insurance from €328 per year, which again covers you for expenses up to €100,000.
How to apply for Schengen visa in other countries? :
- How to apply for a Schengen Visa from Thailand
- How to apply for a Schengen Visa from India
- How to apply for a Schengen Visa from Indonesia
- How to apply for a Schengen Visa from China
- How to apply for a Schengen Visa from the Philippines
- How to apply for a Schengen Visa from Jamaica
- How to apply for a Schengen Visa from Peru
- How to apply for a Schengen Visa from Mexico
- How to apply for a Schengen Visa from the U.K
- How to apply for a Schengen Visa from the U.S.A
- How to apply for a Schengen Visa from Turkey
Frequently asked questions about a Colombia Schengen Visa
How do I know if I need a Schengen Visa?
If you are a Colombian citizen and traveling for a short trip to the Schengen Area you will not need a Schengen Visa. Those planning to work or study for longer periods should check the visa application process of the country they plan to work or study in.
Do Colombians need a visa to visit the UK?
A UK tourist visa is required for Colombian citizens as it is not part of the Schengen Area.
Do embassies verify bank statements for visas?
Embassies confirm every piece of documentation you submitted with your application.