1) Do Colombians Need a Visa to Go to Spain for Tourism?
For short stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period for tourism, business, family visits, or events, Colombians do not need a Schengen visa. However, you must comply with all entry requirements checked by Border Police upon arrival (documents, financial solvency, purpose of visit, return ticket, etc.).
Important:
When ETIAS (expected in 2025) comes into effect, it will be mandatory to obtain electronic travel authorization before flying. We explain how it works further below.
If your purpose is to study for more than 90 days, work, or live in Spain, you need the appropriate permit (study visa, work visa, non-lucrative, digital nomad, etc.). In those cases, contact us to evaluate the right path.
2) Passport: Validity and Physical Condition
• Validity:
Ideally, 6 months from your planned departure date (Schengen legal minimum: more than 3 months after your planned exit and issued within the last 10 years).
• Condition:
No tears, stains, or loose pages.
• Stamps/Old Visas:
Keep them; they help prove your travel history.
3) Financial Solvency (How Much Money Should I Bring?)
Spain requires proof of sufficient funds to cover your stay. As a reference, border control usually considers a daily amount per person plus a minimum base.
- Have available a mix of cash + bank statements + debit/credit cards.
- Bring the last 3 months’ bank statements with your name and balance; avoid unusual transactions without explanation.
- If a third party (family member) sponsors you, present a sponsorship letter, ID, and proof of income from the sponsor.
Pro Tip:
Calculate your budget (flights, lodging, transportation, meals, activities) and print it. Show consistency between your plans and your funds.
4) Accommodation: Invitation Letter vs. Reservations
You have two valid options:
a) Hotel or Airbnb Reservations
- Confirmed and paid reservation or one with guarantee (show booking number and cancellation policy).
- Full address and phone number.
b) Invitation Letter (if staying with relatives/friends)
- Requested at the Police Station where your host lives in Spain.
- Must include your details, dates, address, hosting capacity, and host’s commitments.
- Bring a copy of the host’s DNI/NIE, proof of residence registration, and housing document (rental contract or deed).
- Does not replace financial solvency: you must still prove your own funds.
5) Return Ticket and Travel Plan
- Present a round-trip ticket within 90 days.
- Tentative itinerary: cities, dates, activities (show domestic reservations or tours if available).
- Baggage and cancellation insurance strengthens your traveler profile.
6) Travel Medical Insurance (Schengen)
Purchase travel insurance covering medical expenses and repatriation throughout the entire Schengen area during your stay.
- Add coverage for pre-existing conditions if needed and sports if you’ll practice them.
- Carry the policy in PDF and the certificate in English or Spanish.
7) ETIAS for Colombians (Mandatory Once in Effect)
ETIAS will be a pre-travel electronic authorization for nationals exempt from visas.
How it will work:
- Online form (personal data, passport, employment, previous travel).
- Payment by card (low fee).
- Response within minutes or hours (some cases may take longer).
- Valid for several years and multiple entries, as long as the passport is valid.
Recommendation:
Apply at least 2–3 weeks before your flight in case additional information is required.
8) Purpose of Travel: Supporting Documents that Convince
• Tourism:
Reservations, attraction tickets, tours, itineraries, insurance.
• Business:
Letter from your company, invitation from the Spanish company, agenda, and events.
• Family Visit:
Invitation letter + proof of kinship (apostilled civil records if applicable).
9) Minors Traveling from Colombia
- Notarized exit authorization from the parent who is not traveling.
- Birth certificate (original or certified copy).
- If traveling with third parties: specific power of attorney with companion’s details.
- Same travel documentation (passport, insurance, etc.).
10) Border Control: What They Check and What to Say
The officer may request any of these documents:
- Valid passport.
- ETIAS (when applicable).
- Proof of accommodation (invitation letter or reservations).
- Exit ticket from the Schengen area.
- Proof of funds (cash + statements + cards).
- Medical insurance.
- Supporting documents for the purpose of your trip.
Border Interview Tips:
- Answer clearly and directly; don’t give information they don’t ask for.
- Stay consistent between your answers and documents.
- Avoid phrases like “I’m going to stay and work” if you’re entering as a tourist: that leads to inadmissibility.
11) 10 Mistakes that Cause Entry Denial
- Passport with insufficient validity or damaged.
- No valid insurance.
- Insufficient funds or lack of proof.
- No proof of accommodation.
- Doubtful return ticket (fake reservations).
- Inconsistencies between your answers and documents.
- Unresolved records or alerts.
- Bringing documents without apostille/translation when required.
- Traveling with minors without valid permissions.
- Signs of intent to stay or work without the proper visa.
12) Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How much money do I need to show?
Bring a mix of cash, statements, and cards that comfortably covers your plan (lodging, transport, meals, extras). Authorities may use a daily amount per person plus a minimum base as reference; it varies and may adjust annually.
Does the invitation letter replace the funds?
No. The letter proves lodging, but you still need to show your own financial means.
Can I study or work as a tourist?
You cannot work. You may take short courses (less than or equal to 90 days). For courses >90 days you need a student residence permit.
How long can I stay?
Up to 90 days within 180. Overstaying leads to penalties and affects future travel.
Can I buy a one-way ticket?
Not recommended: authorities require a return ticket or onward ticket out of Schengen.
13) Printable Checklist (Before Traveling)
- Valid Colombian passport (ideally 6+ months).
- ETIAS approved (once effective).
- Schengen medical insurance (printed PDF).
- Round-trip ticket (dates within 90 days).
- Accommodation: reservations or original invitation letter.
- Funds: cash + cards + 3 months’ bank statements.
- Itinerary / invitations / business agenda.
- Minors: permissions and birth certificates.
- Digital copies stored in your email and phone.
14) Want to Travel Without Stress at the Border?
We review your travel file document by document, calculate solvency, design your supporting itinerary, and run a border interview simulation.