The Schengen Area has a Visa Waiver Program which allows certain nationalities to enter without a visa. Colombian passport holders are part of this visa-free policy, giving them permission to travel to all Schengen countries and stay for up to 90 days without a visa.
If you’re a Colombian citizen planning to visit the Schengen Area, you will soon need an ETIAS visa waiver for Colombians to continue enjoying visa-free travel.
The ETIAS is not a visa—it is a visa waiver. The travel authorization will be an additional step to support the Schengen Visa Waiver Program and allow it to continue as normal.
The ETIAS for Colombian citizens is a multiple-entry travel permit which is valid for 3 years from the date of issue. This means that you can use the same ETIAS to visit multiple Schengen countries during the 3 years of validity.
Your trip to Europe must be for business, tourism, or transit purposes if you plan to enter with an ETIAS. You cannot use the travel authorization to work or study during your stay.
If you wish to visit the Schengen Area and stay for more than 90 days, or to work or study, you will need to apply for a visa instead of the ETIAS visa waiver. You must do this through an embassy or consulate of the first country you intend to visit.