• Europe is a favourite destination for Colombian tourists.
  • Find out which European countries Colombians travel to, when, and why.

08-11-2022

Colombians favour Europe as a vacation destination.

Colombians are drawn to Europe because of its history, culture, and natural beauty. Because of the close proximity of European nations, it is possible to visit many countries on a single trip.

Another reason why so many Colombians travel Europe is the lack of visa requirements. Colombian passport holders are permitted to visit the Schengen Area without a visa for up to 90 days in each 180-day period.

Colombians will need to apply for ETIAS before travelling to Europe beginning in November 2023. The new travel authorization for visa-exempt third-country nationals will be required for admission.

COLOMBIANS TRAVEL TO EUROPE FOR LEISURE AND BUSINESS

Colombians visit Europe for two primary reasons:

  • Tourism
  • Business

ETIAS is valid in Europe for short-term pleasure and business visits. The same visa waiver is valid for both types of travel. Colombians visiting Europe on business might also go sightseeing and participate in tourism activities.

COLOMBIAN TOURIST HOLIDAYS IN EUROPE

Colombian travellers can travel to Europe without a visa for up to 90 days in a 180-day period. All tourist activities, including sightseeing and visits to friends and relatives, are covered.

Colombians are most interested in the following vacations, according to a 2021 study conducted by the Asociación Colombiana de Agencias de Viajes & Turismo:

  • Sun and beaches vacations
  • Visiting cities
  • Ecotourism

Each of these sorts of tourism may be found in abundance in European places.

BUSINESS TRIPS FROM COLOMBIA TO EUROPE

Colombians can now travel to Europe on short business trips using ETIAS. The journey cannot last more than 90 days in a 180-day period. ETIAS covers the following sorts of business activities:

  • Conferences
  • Meetings
  • Industry events

A number of large corporations have offices in Europe and Colombia. Banking, financial services, and retail businesses are widespread in cities around Europe and Colombia.

Accenture, Amazon, Deloitte, and IBM are among the top corporations with offices in both Europe and Colombia.

ETIAS does not allow Colombians to work in Europe; a work permit is necessary to work in an EU nation; however, it does allow for short visa-free business visits.

COLOMBIANS CAN TRAVEL AROUND THE SCHENGEN AREA

Colombian travellers may make the most of their trip by visiting various countries because there are no internal boundaries between Schengen members.

To cross an external Schengen border, Colombians must display their passport. A valid ETIAS authorization will also be required beginning in November 2023. Colombians who enter the Schengen Area are free to roam around the zone without being subjected to further border inspections.

The train and road networks of Europe make it easier to navigate around the continent. Short connecting flights exist between European locations as well.

EUROPEAN COUNTRIES MOST VISITED BY COLOMBIANS

Since the EU struck a short-stay visa waiver agreement with Colombia on December 2, 2015, the number of Colombian visitors in Europe has surged dramatically.

Colombians can continue to visit any of the Schengen nations without a visa thanks to ETIAS.

SPAIN IS THE MOST-VISITED EUROPEAN COUNTRY BY COLOMBIANS

Both countries are Spanish-speaking, making Spain an attractive destination for Colombian tourists and business travellers.

The number of Colombian visitors visiting Spain has climbed dramatically in recent years, according to data. In 2018, over 425,000 Colombians visited Spain, a 50% rise in only four years.

Recent data in Europe have been impacted by COVID-19 travel restrictions, but tourism is beginning to rebound. As travel restrictions loosen throughout the world, Spain is anticipated to get more Colombian visitors in 2022.

OTHER POPULAR EUROPEAN DESTINATIONS FOR COLOMBIANS

Other European countries visited by Colombians are France, Germany, and Italy.

FRANCE

In 2018, around 45,000 Colombian visitors visited France. An 8.5% rise over the previous year.

Colombian travellers visit Paris to see prominent landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral, and the Louvre Museum.

GERMANY

In 2018, 38.5 thousand Colombian tourists visited Germany, 10,000 more than in 2015.

Colombian travellers might learn more about European history by visiting Germany. Colombians who want to see art galleries, museums, and notable landmarks should visit Berlin or Munich.

Beautiful German towns such as Weimar, Heidelberg, and Bonn provide an alternative to the major capitals.

ITALY

In 2018, almost 19,000 Colombians picked Italy as their European destination, an increase from 16,000 in 2017.

Colombians visit Italy for a variety of reasons, including its architecture and cuisine. Rome, Florence, and Naples are among the most popular tourist attractions.

THE FUTURE OF COLOMBIAN TOURISM IN EUROPE

Colombian travellers may now return to several of their favourite European countries, including Spain. A COVID-19 immunisation certificate and other health documentation may be required.

Reduced entrance restrictions in Europe are predicted to increase international tourism in 2022.

According to the aforementioned report, 62% of Colombians are planning overseas travel in 2022. Europe was the most popular area, with Spain, France, Italy, and Germany topping the list.

More than half of those polled indicated they planned to travel between April and September, to correspond with the European summer.

NEW TRAVEL AUTHORISATION TO TRAVEL TO EUROPE FROM COLOMBIA

ETIAS will be required for all visits to Europe beginning in November 2023.

With the implementation of ETIAS, Colombian visitors will be even safer in Europe. All travellers from third countries, even those who may travel without a visa, will be inspected before entering Europe.