Last Updated: July 2026
As of July 2026, ETIAS is not yet live — and the previously confirmed Q4 2026 launch is under review, with 2027 now the likely outcome. Colombian passport holders currently travel to Europe with just a passport, as before. When ETIAS eventually launches, Colombian citizens will need this authorisation to enter Europe’s Schengen Area. ETIAS is a pre-travel authorisation, not a visa. Colombia’s visa-free access to Schengen is not being removed — ETIAS is simply a new digital screening step added before travel. The fee is €20 (~$87,000 COP), and approval lasts three years.
⚠️ July 2026 Update: ETIAS Q4 2026 Launch on Hold
In mid-July 2026, the EU quietly removed the “last quarter of 2026” launch target from the official ETIAS website. Financial Times reporting cited eu-LISA (the EU agency building ETIAS) as having internally concluded a 2026 launch is no longer feasible.
A revised timeline is expected after eu-LISA’s September 2026 board meeting. A 2027 launch is now the most likely outcome. For now, Colombian travellers head to Europe exactly as before — passport only, no ETIAS required. See our launch date tracker.
Colombians do not need a Schengen visa — and don’t need ETIAS yet either. When ETIAS eventually launches (2027 likely), you’ll apply online, pay €20 (~$87,000 COP), and receive approval within minutes. One authorisation will cover all 30 ETIAS countries for three years.
🛂 Visiting the UK Too? You’ll Need a UK Visitor Visa
Many Colombian travellers visiting Europe also stop in the UK — and unlike ETIAS, the UK requires a full visitor visa (not just an online authorisation) for Colombian citizens. The UK reintroduced its visa requirement for Colombia in November 2024. That means a proper embassy application: £127 government fee, biometric appointment, supporting documents, and a wait of several weeks. iVisa handles the UK visitor visa process end-to-end for Colombians, plus supporting documentation, expedited service, and any other travel document you need for your trip.
When ETIAS eventually launches, iVisa will handle ETIAS applications too.
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What Is ETIAS?
ETIAS is an automated pre-screening system introduced by the EU to improve border security without ending visa-free travel for low-risk nationalities. Before boarding a flight or arriving at a Schengen land border, you complete a short online application — similar in concept to the US ESTA. It’s not a visa and does not require an embassy visit.
The system checks your details against EU and international security databases. The vast majority of applicants will receive automatic approval within minutes.
Do All Colombians Need ETIAS?
Most Colombian passport holders will need ETIAS once the system is operational. The main exceptions are:
- EU/Schengen dual citizens: If you hold a Spanish, Italian, or other EU passport in addition to your Colombian passport, you travel on your EU document and do not need ETIAS. Many Colombians with Spanish ancestry may be eligible — this is worth exploring.
- Long-stay visa holders: A valid Schengen national visa (Type D) or EU residence permit exempts you from ETIAS for that trip.
- Children under 18 and adults over 70: ETIAS is free for these age groups.
ETIAS Cost for Colombians
The ETIAS fee is €20 per person, approximately $87,000 Colombian pesos at current exchange rates. The fee is charged in euros; your bank will convert at the rate applicable on the day of payment.
ETIAS is free for children under 18 and adults over 70. The €20 fee applies to everyone aged 18–70.
ETIAS Validity
Once approved, your ETIAS is valid for three years or until your passport expires — whichever comes first. You can make unlimited Schengen trips during that period without reapplying. Getting a new passport means getting a new ETIAS.
Which Countries Does ETIAS Cover?
A single ETIAS covers all 30 participating countries: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.
For Colombians, Spain is the most visited Schengen country by a wide margin — fully covered by ETIAS.
Spain is the top Schengen destination for Colombians. ETIAS covers Spain fully. If you have Spanish ancestry and haven’t explored citizenship by descent, it may be worth researching — EU citizens don’t need ETIAS.
How to Apply for ETIAS
Once operational, the ETIAS application will be entirely online via the official EU ETIAS website — no embassy visit required. Here’s the process:
- Complete the online form — personal details, passport information, travel history, and security questions.
- Pay €20 — by credit or debit card.
- Receive your decision — most applicants will receive automatic approval within minutes. Some cases may take up to 96 hours or, rarely, up to 30 days.
- Save your authorisation — linked digitally to your passport number. No printing needed.
ETIAS vs. Current Entry for Colombians
| Detail | Before ETIAS (now) | After ETIAS |
|---|---|---|
| Visa required? | No | No |
| Pre-travel authorisation? | Not required | ETIAS required |
| Fee | Free | €20 (~$87,000 COP) |
| Maximum stay | 90 days in 180 | 90 days in 180 (unchanged) |
| Validity | Per trip | 3 years / passport expiry |
The 90/180-Day Rule — What Colombians Need to Know
ETIAS does not change your stay rights. Colombians remain subject to the 90/180-day rule: a maximum of 90 days in any rolling 180-day period across the entire Schengen Area combined. A week in Spain and two weeks in Italy both count toward the same 90-day total.
For longer stays, apply for a national long-stay visa (Type D) from a specific country before travelling.
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When Will ETIAS Launch?
The ETIAS launch is currently under review. The previously confirmed Q4 2026 target was removed from the official EU ETIAS website in mid-July 2026 following Financial Times reporting that eu-LISA had concluded a 2026 launch was no longer feasible. A revised timeline is expected after eu-LISA’s September 2026 board meeting, with a 2027 launch now the most likely outcome. Once operational, a six-month grace period is expected — during which arriving without ETIAS will result in a reminder to apply, not a refusal of entry. Check our launch date tracker for updates.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does ETIAS start for Colombians?
As of July 2026, no confirmed start date exists. The Q4 2026 target that had been on the official EU ETIAS page was removed in mid-July 2026 following Financial Times reporting that eu-LISA had concluded a 2026 launch was no longer feasible. A revised timeline is expected after eu-LISA’s September 2026 board meeting, with 2027 the most likely outcome. See our launch date tracker for updates.
Do Colombians need ETIAS for Spain?
Yes, once ETIAS is operational. Spain is a Schengen member and will require ETIAS. Colombians with Spanish citizenship travel on their EU passport and are exempt.
Do Colombians need a UK ETA?
No — but not because you’re exempt. The UK reintroduced a visa requirement for Colombian nationals from 26 November 2024, and Colombians are not eligible to apply for a UK ETA. If you’re combining Europe with a UK stop, you’ll need a full UK visitor visa (£127 government fee, embassy application, biometrics required) rather than the £16 online ETA that other Latin American nationalities use.
How much is ETIAS in Colombian pesos?
At current rates, €20 is approximately $87,000 Colombian pesos. The exact COP amount depends on the exchange rate at time of payment.
Do Colombians already travel to Schengen without a visa?
Yes. Colombia has been visa-exempt for Schengen since 2015. ETIAS does not change that — it simply adds an online pre-authorisation step, once launched.
Can I use one ETIAS for multiple Schengen countries?
Yes. One ETIAS covers all 30 ETIAS-participating countries for three years, with unlimited trips subject to the 90/180-day rule.
What if my ETIAS application is denied?
Denials are uncommon for Colombian citizens. If denied, you’ll receive a written explanation and can appeal or apply for a standard Schengen visa instead.
Do I need ETIAS to transit through a Schengen airport?
Yes, if you are leaving the international transit zone (i.e. entering Schengen territory). For a pure airside transit where you don’t pass through border control, ETIAS may not be required — but confirm with your airline before travel.
There’s More to Plan Than ETIAS
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Build My Free Travel Briefing →📚 Related Articles
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- ETIAS Cost & Fees Explained — the €20 breakdown and exemptions
- Europe’s Entry/Exit System (EES) — the biometric system already operating
- The 90/180-Day Schengen Rule Explained — stay limits that apply with your ETIAS