Eligibility of ETIAS
- Colombia will be among the first countries to implement ETIAS.
- In 2025, ETIAS will become available for Colombian citizens to apply for.
- An online application system for ETIAS will be beneficial for Colombian citizens.
Other Requirements for ETIAS
- Applying for ETIAS can be done online by Colombian citizens.
- Arrival to Europe by air, sea, or overland is covered by ETIAS.
- An e-passport that is machine readable is a requirement for travellers.
- ETIAS covers trips for tourism, business, transit, and medical purposes that are of a short duration.
- ETIAS will be provided free of charge for those who are under 18 or over 70 years old.
As of 2025, Colombian citizens will need to obtain an ETIAS in order to enter various European nations on a short-term basis, up to 90 days, for reasons such as tourism, business, transit, or medical treatment.
In light of the rising global threat of terrorism, the ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) program has been implemented to screen individuals arriving from abroad. The measure aims to enhance security and protect European Union member states.
By obtaining an ETIAS, Colombian citizens will be able to travel to participating European countries for short-term stays, without the need for a traditional visa. This will make the travel process more efficient and streamlined.
In 2016, the ETIAS program was officially given the green light by the European Union. This initiative will take four years to fully develop and implement. The systems that will be put in place will integrate with existing immigration databases and other security information to create a smooth and efficient screening process across the participating European nations.
By 2025, all Colombian citizens travelling to Europe by air, sea, or ground transportation will be required to complete an ETIAS application before departure. This includes individuals who will only be making a stopover in Europe as part of their journey to another destination.
Colombian citizens who wish to stay in Europe for longer than 90 days, or for reasons other than those permitted under the ETIAS program, will need to apply for a Schengen visa. More information can be accessed by visiting https://etias.co.uk/ and using the homepage assessment tool.
To avoid delays or the possibility of an ETIAS application being denied, it is recommended that Colombian citizens complete their ETIAS application at least 96 hours before their departure date. To learn more about the ETIAS requirements and process, it is suggested to review the ETIAS requirements page and the ETIAS FAQs. These pages can be found on the ETIAS website, and it is advisable to consult them before beginning an ETIAS application.
Starting in 2025, the European Union will require that all travellers applying for an ETIAS are full Colombian citizens. This means that individuals holding a passport or travel document with a different status will not be eligible to apply for an ETIAS, and will instead be required to apply for a full Schengen visitor visa. This may include individuals with dual citizenship or those holding a travel document issued by an international organization. It is important to check the status of your passport or travel document before applying for an ETIAS to ensure that you are eligible to do so.
It’s worth noting that the ETIAS is a new electronic travel authorisation system for citizens of countries that are currently visa-free to travel to the European Union. The ETIAS will be mandatory for all visa-free travellers starting in 2025. The purpose of the ETIAS is to strengthen security checks on travellers and to prevent unauthorised migration. The ETIAS is not a visa, but it’s an authorisation. It is similar to the ESTA system in the United States, which also allows travellers to enter the country for short stays without a traditional visa.
When applying for ETIAS, the applicant will need to provide personal information and answer security-related questions. The system will then check the information against various databases to determine if the traveller poses a security threat. Once the application is approved, the ETIAS will be valid for a period of three years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first. This means that travellers can enter the Schengen area multiple times within this period, as long as each stay does not exceed 90 days. This will make the travel process more efficient and streamlined.
Colombian citizens can expect a quick and efficient process when applying for an ETIAS. The application is usually processed and approved within minutes of submission, and the authorisation is sent to the applicant via email in the form of a PDF document. This means that there is no need for any physical documents to be printed or presented, as the ETIAS is stored electronically in the European Immigration system and linked to the passport details of the traveller.
This makes the process more convenient and eliminates the need to carry around any physical documents while travelling. Additionally, the ETIAS is valid for a period of three years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first, making it a one-time application process for multiple trips within that period.
Benefits of ETIAS
- A validity of 3 years from the date of issue is granted by ETIAS.
- Multiple entries, each lasting up to 90 days, are permitted by the ETIAS program.
- ETIAS authorisation is granted swiftly and is delivered electronically.
- ETIAS application can be submitted using a desktop computer, tablet or mobile device.
Application Advice for ETIAS
- It is recommended to submit an ETIAS application at least 96 hours before departure. This will prevent any delays and ensure a smooth travel experience.
- In case an ETIAS application is denied, a full visitor visa can still be applied for.
- An ETIAS does not necessarily grant entry to Europe, as the final decision is in the hands of the border security personnel of the country of arrival. Therefore, having an ETIAS does not necessarily mean that the traveller will be granted entry.