Visa Schengen Colombia 2023

Traveling to Europe can be a dream come true for many people, and if you are planning to visit the European Union (EU) countries, you might need a Schengen Visa. A Schengen Visa allows you to enter and travel freely within the Schengen area, which includes more than 25 countries in Europe. If you are from Colombia and planning to visit the Schengen area in 2023, this article will provide you with all the information you need to obtain a Schengen Visa.

What is a Schengen Visa?

A Schengen Visa is a travel document that allows you to enter and travel freely within the Schengen area. The Schengen area is a zone comprising 26 European countries that have abolished passport and other types of border control at their mutual borders.

The Schengen Visa is issued by the authorities of the Schengen area countries, which are the European Union Member States, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland. With a Schengen Visa, you can visit any of these countries without the need for additional visas.

Types of Schengen Visas

There are several types of Schengen Visas, depending on the purpose and duration of your visit. The most common types of Schengen Visas are:

• Uniform Schengen Visas (USV): valid for short-term stays of up to 90 days within a six-month period.
• Limited Territorial Validity Visas (LTV): valid for one or more specific Schengen countries, and only for the duration of your stay in that country.
• National Visas: valid for a specific Schengen country, and allow you to stay for longer than 90 days.

How to Apply for a Schengen Visa?

If you are a Colombian citizen and want to apply for a Schengen Visa, you need to follow these steps:

1. Check if you need a visa: Colombian citizens need a Schengen Visa to enter the Schengen area.
2. Choose the type of visa: Depending on the purpose of your visit, you need to choose the type of Schengen Visa you want to apply for.
3. Find the embassy or consulate: You need to apply for a Schengen Visa at the embassy or consulate of the Schengen country where you will spend the most time during your visit.
4. Collect the required documents: You need to prepare the required documents, such as passport, visa application form, travel itinerary, accommodation reservation, travel insurance, and proof of financial means.
5. Submit the application: You need to submit the visa application and the required documents at the embassy or consulate.
6. Pay the fee: You need to pay the visa fee, which is non-refundable, regardless of the outcome of your application.
7. Attend the interview: You may be required to attend an interview at the embassy or consulate.
8. Wait for the decision: The visa processing time may vary depending on the embassy or consulate and the type of visa. You will be notified of the decision by email or phone.

When to Apply for a Schengen Visa?

You should apply for a Schengen Visa as soon as you have confirmed your travel plans, as the visa processing time may take several weeks. You can apply for a Schengen Visa up to three months before the intended travel date, but not later than 15 calendar days before the intended travel date.

What are the Requirements for a Schengen Visa?

To apply for a Schengen Visa, you need to meet the following requirements:

• You must have a valid passport that expires at least three months after the intended departure date from the Schengen area, with at least two blank pages.
• You must have a Schengen Visa application form, which you can download from the embassy or consulate website.
• You must have a travel itinerary, including the dates and places of your stay in the Schengen area.
• You must have a reservation for a return ticket or a ticket to another destination outside the Schengen area.
• You must have a proof of accommodation, such as a hotel reservation or an invitation letter from a host in the Schengen area.
• You must have a travel medical insurance, with a minimum coverage of €30,000 for medical and repatriation expenses.
• You must have a proof of financial means, such as bank statements, employment letters, or income tax returns, to cover the expenses of your stay in the Schengen area.

What is the Cost of a Schengen Visa?

The cost of a Schengen Visa may vary depending on the embassy or consulate and the type of visa. The visa fee is non-refundable, regardless of the outcome of your application. The visa fee for a Uniform Schengen Visa is €80 for adults and €40 for children aged 6 to 12 years. Children under 6 years are exempt from the visa fee.

What is the Validity of a Schengen Visa?

The validity of a Schengen Visa depends on the type of visa. A Uniform Schengen Visa is valid for short-term stays of up to 90 days within a six-month period. A Limited Territorial Validity Visa is valid only for the duration of your stay in the specific Schengen country. A National Visa is valid for a specific Schengen country, and allows you to stay for longer than 90 days.

Conclusion

If you are planning to visit the Schengen area in 2023, you need to obtain a Schengen Visa. You need to follow the application process and meet the requirements to obtain a Schengen Visa. The visa processing time may take several weeks, so you should apply as soon as you have confirmed your travel plans. With a Schengen Visa, you can enter and travel freely within the Schengen area, and enjoy the beauty and diversity of Europe.