2023-07-28 17:25:01
Illustrative image. Colombians will need to issue the Etias permit to enter the Schengen area. Photo: Illustration Jesús Áviles from Infobae Colombia
The European Commission (EC) recently confirmed that citizens of the 62 countries that are currently visa-free to enter the European member nations of the Schengen area will have to apply for a new permit to travel to those territories. The new measure will apply to Colombians.
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This is the European Travel Information and Authorization System (Etias), a permit with which the European Union (EU) will seek to strengthen security controls for those who travel visa-free to the Schengen area.
“It will be an automated computerized system created to detect security or irregular migration risks posed by visa-exempt visitors traveling to the Schengen area and, at the same time, facilitate border crossing for the vast majority of travelers who do not pose those risks,” the European Union explained at the time.
Stock image. The Etias permit will come into effect from 2024. Photo: EFE/Carlos Ortega/Archive
The Etias permit will be a mandatory requirement for all Colombians who travel for tourism or business to the European countries that make up the Schengen area from 2024, for a maximum period of 90 days. According to the specialized Schengen Visa portal, people who travel to these territories for medical and transit reasons will also have to issue it.
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The countries that make up the Schengen area are: Germany, Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Denmark, Slovenia, Spain, Estonia, Finland, France, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Norway, Countries Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Czech Republic, Slovak Republic, Sweden and Switzerland.
The Etias will likewise be required for Colombians traveling to Romania, Bulgaria, Cyprus and Croatia, countries that are part of the European Union, but are in the process of entering the Schengen area.
Referential file image. The Etias will cost 7 euros. Photo: Europa Press
Unlike other travel permits, the Etias will be processed completely digitally, through the platform that the European Union provides at the time. What is known so far is that Colombians must complete a form with their personal data and travel information, prior to their departure to the Schengen area.
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For this process, nationals must have the following documents on hand:
A Colombian passport, valid for more than three months from the scheduled departure date from the Schengen area. A current email address to receive the approved Etias authorization in digital format. A valid debit or credit card to pay the entry fee. Etias visa waiver.
The cost of the permit will be 7 euros, that is, regarding 36,000 Colombian pesos. The Etias permit fee will be unique and, once it is issued, it will be valid for three years for multiple entries to Europe.
“Applicants under the age of 18 or over the age of 70 are exempt from this payment. Family members of EU citizens and family members of non-EU citizens who have the right to move freely within the European Union are also exempt.
Stock image of European Union flags. If you are shown to be a security risk, your Etias permit may be refused. Photo: REUTERS/Yves Herman/File Photo
Before issuing the Etias permit, it is important that you also know the reasons why you might be denied authorization, so that you are prepared in advance.
According to information known by Semana magazine, there are five reasons why you might be denied the Etias permit:
If the European authorities consider it a security risk, illegal immigration or a high epidemic. If you have previously been denied entry and stay in the European Union. If there are reasonable doubts regarding the reliability and veracity of the data, statements or documents provided. If you do not respond to a request for additional information or documentation within the established period. If you used a travel document that was reported as lost, stolen, embezzled or invalid.
Do not forget that the Etias permit will come into effect from the year 2024, and the authorization will allow Colombians to stay in countries that belong to the Schengen area for a maximum period of 90 days.
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