France Visa-Free Entry
Short-Stay Visa Exemption (Schengen) · For Colombia citizens
Great news for Colombian travelers! You can visit France visa-free for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. Starting in 2025, you will need ETIAS authorization (€7) before travel. This guide covers entry requirements, documentation, and tips for a smooth trip to France and the Schengen area.
France Schengen Visa for Colombian Citizens (2025) - Document Checklist
For Colombia citizens · VisaBeat.com
Document Checklist
Your Colombian passport must meet specific validity requirements for Schengen entry
European Travel Information and Authorization System pre-travel authorization
Evidence that you can financially support yourself during your stay in France
Documentation showing where you will stay during your visit
Proof that you will leave the Schengen area within 90 days
Travel insurance with medical coverage for your trip
Recommended (Optional)
A general plan of your activities in France
Entry Process
As a Colombian citizen, you enjoy visa-free access to France and the entire Schengen area.1 Here’s what you need to know:
1. Before You Travel
Ensure your passport meets Schengen requirements: valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure and issued within the last 10 years.1 Starting in 2025, apply for ETIAS authorization online (€7) at least 96 hours before travel.3
2. Prepare Your Documents
While you don’t need a visa, have these ready for potential border checks:
- Valid Colombian passport
- ETIAS authorization (when required)
- Proof of accommodation (hotel bookings, host invitation)
- Return or onward ticket
- Travel insurance (minimum €30,000 coverage)
- Evidence of sufficient funds
3. At the French Border
Present your passport to immigration. You may be asked about your travel plans, accommodation, and financial means.1 Answer honestly and have supporting documents accessible. Entry is typically quick for Colombian passport holders.
4. During Your Stay
Enjoy up to 90 days in France and the Schengen area. Keep track of your days if you plan multiple trips. You cannot work or exceed your 90-day allowance.
Fees
| Item | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Visa | Free | No visa required for stays up to 90 days |
| ETIAS Authorization | €7 | Required starting 2025 (free for under 18 or over 70) |
| Travel Insurance | €15-50 | Varies by provider and coverage |
Schengen Access
Your visa-free entry to France grants you access to all 29 Schengen countries:2
Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, 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.
Important: The 90-day limit applies to the entire Schengen area combined, not per country. Time spent in Germany, Spain, or any other Schengen country counts toward your 90 days.
Processing Times
| Service | Timeframe |
|---|---|
| Border Entry | Immediate (with valid documents) |
| ETIAS Application | Minutes to 96 hours |
| Long-Stay Visa | 2-4 weeks (if needed) |
What You Need to Prove at the Border
Border officers may verify that you:1
- Have valid travel documents meeting Schengen passport requirements
- Have sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay (approximately €65/day)
- Have accommodation arranged for your visit
- Will leave within 90 days with proof of return or onward travel
- Have travel insurance covering medical emergencies (€30,000 minimum)
- Do not pose a security risk and have not been banned from Schengen
After Arrival
Once in France, you can:
- Travel freely within the Schengen area
- Stay up to 90 days within any 180-day period
- Exit and re-enter as many times as you wish (within the 90-day limit)
You cannot:
- Work (paid or unpaid) without a work visa
- Stay beyond 90 days without a long-stay visa
- Access public healthcare without proper insurance
If Entry is Refused
If you are denied entry to France, you will receive written reasons. Common next steps:
- Address the issue if it’s solvable (e.g., book a return ticket on the spot)
- Return to Colombia and resolve documentation issues
- Apply for a Schengen visa if your circumstances require it (previous violations, extended stay needs)
- Seek legal advice for complex situations
Entry refusals are recorded and may affect future Schengen travel. Always travel with complete documentation to avoid issues.
Common Rejection Reasons
Based on official refusal data for this corridor
Exceeded 90-Day Limit
Attempting to enter when you have already used your 90 days within the 180-day period, or your planned stay would exceed the limit.
How to avoid: Use a Schengen calculator to track your days. Wait outside the Schengen area until your 180-day period resets if you have used your 90 days.
Insufficient Funds
Unable to demonstrate sufficient financial means to support your stay in France.
How to avoid: Carry evidence of funds: bank statements, credit cards, or cash. Having €65-100 per day of stay is recommended.
No Proof of Return Travel
No return ticket or onward travel booking to show you will leave within 90 days.
How to avoid: Book a flexible return ticket before traveling. Even a refundable booking satisfies this requirement.
Previous Immigration Violations
History of overstaying or violating immigration rules in Schengen countries.
How to avoid: Be honest about any previous issues. If you have overstayed before, you may need to apply for a visa and explain your circumstances.
Invalid Travel Documents
Passport does not meet validity requirements (3 months beyond stay, issued within 10 years).
How to avoid: Check passport validity well before booking. Renew if necessary to meet the requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Colombian citizens need a visa for France?
No! Colombian citizens can visit France and all Schengen countries visa-free for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. Starting in 2025, you will need ETIAS authorization (€7) before travel, but this is not a visa.
What is ETIAS and when will it be required?
ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) is a pre-travel authorization for visa-exempt travelers visiting Europe. It costs €7 (free for those under 18 or over 70), is valid for 3 years, and will be required for Colombian travelers starting in 2025.
How long can I stay in France?
You can stay up to 90 days within any 180-day period in the entire Schengen area (not just France). This means if you visit France for 30 days, then Germany for 30 days, you have used 60 of your 90 days.
Can I work in France as a Colombian tourist?
No, visa-free entry does not permit any form of work, paid or unpaid. If you want to work in France, you need to apply for an appropriate work visa at the French embassy in Colombia.
What if I want to stay longer than 90 days?
If you need to stay longer than 90 days, you must apply for a long-stay visa (visa de long séjour) at the French embassy in Bogotá before traveling. You cannot extend your visa-free stay while in France.
Can I travel to other European countries with the same entry?
Yes! Your visa-free access applies to all 29 Schengen countries. You can freely travel between France, Germany, Spain, Italy, and other Schengen states. The 90-day limit applies to the entire Schengen area combined.
What documents should I have at the French border?
Have your valid passport, ETIAS authorization (when required), proof of accommodation, return ticket, travel insurance, and evidence of sufficient funds. While not always checked, having these ready ensures smooth entry.
What if I've been denied entry to Schengen before?
If you have previously been denied entry or deported from a Schengen country, you may need to apply for a Schengen visa even though Colombia is visa-exempt. Check with the French embassy in Bogotá for guidance.