Visa Information

Visa Fees

VFS Service Fee received only in local currency

Categories exempt of visa fee payment:

EEUU family members:

The following persons are defined as ‘core’ family members:

The spouse; the partner with whom the EU citizen has contracted a registered partnership, on the basis of the legislation of any Member State, if the legislation of the host Member State treats registered partnership as equivalent to marriage; the direct descendants who are under the age of 21 or are dependent as well as those of the spouse or partner as defined above; or the dependent direct relatives in the ascending line and those of the spouse or partner as defined above.

The Directive applies only to those family members, as defined above, who accompany or join the EU citizens who move to or reside in a Member State other than that of which they are a national.

Other categories exempt from visa payment:

School pupils, students, postgraduate students and accompanying teachers who undertake stays for the purpose of study or educational training

Researchers from third countries travelling for the purpose of carrying out scientific research

Representatives of non-profit organizations aged 25 years or less participating in seminars, conferences, sports, cultural or educational events organized by non-profit organizations

Holders of diplomatic and service passports

Participants aged 25 years or less participating in seminars, conferences, sports, cultural or educational events organized by non-profit organizations

Documents Required

• Travel insurance is mandatory for all Schengen countries. If you have not purchased, please click here

Please note that each visa application is evaluated individually. In case of groups or families, the supporting documents required needs to be submitted in each application.

It is crucial that your visa application is complete at time of submission. Forms are available on the website of the Embassy of Sweden and / or Visa Application Centre (VFS).

Tourism

Basic documents:

• Application form for Schengen-visa to be filled in completely and signed by the applicant.
• Passport with at least two empty pages. The passport should have been issued within the last 10 years. The passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond the date on which the applicant intends to leave the Schengen territory, or, in the case of multiple journeys, the date on which the applicant intends to leave after the last stay.
• Photocopy of the applicant’s passport, including the inside cover with passport number in red and the first page containing photo and signature. The applicant is also required to provide photocopies of previous visas and all stamps in the passport and, if applicable, the previous passport.
• One recent passport size photograph in color of the applicant with white background (35 x 45 mm). The photo should not be older than 6 months. The applicant needs to face the front in the photo.
• Reservation of air ticket (round trip) with the dates and itinerary of the trip. Note: it is not required to purchase the ticket before the visa approval.
• Travel medical insurance covering emergency medical, hospitalization and repatriation (including in case of death). The minimum cover should be of 30.000 EUR. This insurance must be valid for the entire Schengen area and throughout the whole duration of the stay.

Proof of financial means:

• Bank account statements (with signature and seal of the bank) for the previous three months: savings account, current account, credit cards, fixed-term deposits, valuation of any properties, etc. If the applicant’s trip is sponsored by another person, additional bank account statements should be presented in the name of that person. If the sponsor is not directly related to the applicant (child, spouse or parent) he/she needs to provide a signed letter, stating that he/she will cover all the costs of the intended stay.
• Last three months’ pay slips or receipts for professional fees. Last three months of pension contributions should also be submitted.
• Original Proof of Employment: Letter from employer indicating name, address, telephone number of the employer, position of applicant, tenure duration, dates on which the applicant is on holiday and/or on leave and salary.
• If the company is owned by the applicant: Updated certificate of the chamber of commerce (showing NIT-number and “mátricula de comercio”) and the last tax declaration.
• For pensioners: Pension statements and pay slips for the last 3 months.
• For students over the age of 18: Recent proof of studies (university, academy, institute, etc.) Students or interns should also present proof of sufficient means to cover the travel expenses, accommodation and general costs of the course or internship.

Proof of intention to return to home country:

• The applicant is required to submit documents that prove his or her reasons to return to Colombia (e.g. property, vehicle or other financial resources in the country).
• In case that the applicant has not already submitted proof of employment, statements proving any other type of occupation should be submitted.

Proof of purpose of the journey:

• Documents indicating the applicant’s motive/reason for the journey
• Hotel reservation or package holiday reservations for the entire trip, or proof of sufficient means to cover accommodation expenses.

In the case of minor:

• A separate application is required, even if the minor is registered in the parent’s passport.
• Original of the birth certificate of the minor or notarized copy.
• ID card/passport of both parents/legal guardian(s).
• Letter of school confirming permitted leave, outside annual school holidays.
• Permission of exit granted by the minors' court or from a notary, if the minor is travelling alone or with one parent

REMEMBER: Please ensure you request to return any original documents at the time of submission. The Swedish Embassy and visa application center are not responsible to return the original documents at the end of the process if the request for the return of the originals is not made.

Photo Specifications

Note: Photographs shall have the following specifications:

• Two ( 02) recent (not taken more than 3 months ago)photographs
• Photographs shall be taken against a light background (white or almost white) so that all the features may be distinguished and contrast with background.
• Photographs shall be of Good quality and the face must be in proper focus.
• Photographs shall be printed on normal photographic paper (chamber printing)
• Full face, without smiling (no sunglasses, hat or other element covering the head, unless applicant uses these elements for religious reasons or of ethnical origin)
• Please paste (do not staple) one photograph on the form at the specified space.

Note: Please, follow these instructions carefully. If photographs submitted do not comply with these requisites, your application shall be considered incomplete. Please download the file on photo specifications for more information

Processing Time

The processing time for an application for Schengen visa is generally 15 days from the day that the Embassy receives the application. Applications can be submitted up to six months in advance and must be received by the embassy at least 15 prior to the intended entry to the Schengen area. Applications submitted more than six months in advance or less than 15 days prior to entry into the Schengen area cannot be processed.

Please take into account that it will take a couple of days for VFS to forward an application to the Embassy of Sweden in Washington D.C. after it has been received by VFS.

Download Forms

	Application for Schengen Visa
	CheckList Schengen Visa

Visa Fees

VFS Service Fee received only in local currency

Categories exempt of visa fee payment:

EEUU family members:

The following persons are defined as ‘core’ family members:

The spouse; the partner with whom the EU citizen has contracted a registered partnership, on the basis of the legislation of any Member State, if the legislation of the host Member State treats registered partnership as equivalent to marriage; the direct descendants who are under the age of 21 or are dependent as well as those of the spouse or partner as defined above; or the dependent direct relatives in the ascending line and those of the spouse or partner as defined above.

The Directive applies only to those family members, as defined above, who accompany or join the EU citizens who move to or reside in a Member State other than that of which they are a national.

Other categories exempt from visa payment:

School pupils, students, postgraduate students and accompanying teachers who undertake stays for the purpose of study or educational training

Researchers from third countries travelling for the purpose of carrying out scientific research

Representatives of non-profit organizations aged 25 years or less participating in seminars, conferences, sports, cultural or educational events organized by non-profit organizations

Holders of diplomatic and service passports

Participants aged 25 years or less participating in seminars, conferences, sports, cultural or educational events organized by non-profit organizations

Documents Required

• Travel insurance is mandatory for all Schengen countries. If you have not purchased, please click here

Please note that each visa application is evaluated individually. In case of groups or families, the supporting documents required needs to be submitted in each application.

It is crucial that your visa application is complete at time of submission. Forms are available on the website of the Embassy of Sweden and / or Visa Application Centre (VFS).

Visiting family or friends

Basic documents:

• Application form for Schengen-visa to be filled in completely and signed by the applicant.
• Passport with at least two empty pages. The passport should have been issued within the last 10 years. The passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond the date on which the applicant intends to leave the Schengen territory, or, in the case of multiple journeys, the date on which the applicant intends to leave after the last stay.
• Photocopy of the applicant’s passport, including the inside cover with passport number in red and the first page containing photo and signature. The applicant is also required to provide photocopies of previous visas and all stamps in the passport and, if applicable, the previous passport.
• One recent passport size photograph in color of the applicant with white background (35 x 45 mm). The photo should not be older than 6 months. The applicant needs to face the front in the photo.
• Reservation of air ticket (round trip) with the dates and itinerary of the trip. Note: it is not required to purchase the ticket before the visa approval.
• Travel medical insurance covering emergency medical, hospitalization and repatriation (including in case of death). The minimum cover should be of 30.000 EUR. This insurance must be valid for the entire Schengen area and throughout the whole duration of the stay.

Proof of financial means:

• Bank account statements (with signature and seal of the bank) for the previous three months: savings account, current account, credit cards, fixed-term deposits, valuation of any properties, etc. If the applicant’s trip is sponsored by another person, additional bank account statements should be presented in the name of that person. If the sponsor is not directly related to the applicant (child, spouse or parent) he/she needs to provide a signed letter, stating that he/she will cover all the costs of the intended stay.
• Last three months’ pay slips or receipts for professional fees. Last three months of pension contributions should also be submitted.
• Original Proof of Employment: Letter from employer indicating name, address, telephone number of the employer, position of applicant, tenure duration, dates on which the applicant is on holiday and/or on leave and salary.
• If the company is owned by the applicant: Updated certificate of the chamber of commerce (showing NIT-number and “mátricula de comercio”) and the last tax declaration.
• For pensioners: Pension statements and pay slips for the last 3 months.
• For students over the age of 18: Recent proof of studies (university, academy, institute, etc.) Students or interns should also present proof of sufficient means to cover the travel expenses, accommodation and general costs of the course or internship.

Proof of intention to return to home country:

• The applicant is required to submit documents that prove his or her reasons to return to Colombia (e.g. property, vehicle or other financial resources in the country).
• In case that the applicant has not already submitted proof of employment, statements proving any other type of occupation should be submitted.

Proof of purpose of the journey:

• If the applicant is invited by a family member or a friend, an invitation letter must be provided, one of these forms should be used and signed by the inviting party:

  • To visit Sweden or Finland: Invitation form 241011
  • To visit Norway: Garantiskjema for besøk
  • To visit Denmark: VU2 invitation form
  • To visit Island: Guarantee form for visits
• Proof of relationship with the inviting person (e.g. birth certificate, marriage certificate or photos of the applicant and inviting person together) and letter by inviting person explaining relationship if not already stated in invitation form.
• If the inviting person and the relatives living in the Member State of destination are not nationals of that country, (copy of) a valid residence permit should be presented;
• If the inviting person pays for the travel and/or accommodation expenses, he/she should prove possession of sufficient financial means to bear the costs. This should be presented as with Bank account statements for the previous three months.

In the case of minor:

• A separate application is required, even if the minor is registered in the parent’s passport.
• Original of the birth certificate of the minor or notarized copy.
• ID card/passport of both parents/legal guardian(s).
• Letter of school confirming permitted leave, outside annual school holidays.
• Permission of exit granted by the minors' court or from a notary, if the minor is travelling alone or with one parent

Main family members of EU Citizens exempt from paying the visa fee:

The following people are defined as main family members:

• Husband; The partner with whom the EU citizen has contracted a registered association, on the basis of the legislation of any Member State, if the legislation of the host Member State considers the registered association as equivalent to marriage; Direct descendants under 21 years or dependents, as well as those of the spouse or partner as defined above; Or the upward dependent family members and those of the spouse or partner as defined above. In order for a family member to be considered a dependent of the EU citizen, he must prove that he depends economically on the EU citizen in covering his basic needs in his country of residence.
• The Directive only applies to family members, as defined above, who accompany or join EU citizens who move or reside in a Member State other than that of which they are nationals. The Directive does not apply if the EU citizen does not reside permanently in another member state, but is temporarily in another country than his or her country of origin, e.g. on a tourist trip.
• It is the applicant's responsibility to prove that they meet the aforementioned requirements for the directive to be applicable. The Swedish Embassy will be the one to evaluate the documents submitted by the applicants and decide whether the directive should be applied or not.

REMEMBER: Please ensure you request to return any original documents at the time of submission. The Swedish Embassy and visa application center are not responsible to return the original documents at the end of the process if the request for the return of the originals is not made.

Photo Specifications

Note: Photographs shall have the following specifications:

• Two ( 02) recent (not taken more than 3 months ago)photographs
• Photographs shall be taken against a light background (white or almost white) so that all the features may be distinguished and contrast with background.
• Photographs shall be of Good quality and the face must be in proper focus.
• Photographs shall be printed on normal photographic paper (chamber printing)
• Full face, without smiling (no sunglasses, hat or other element covering the head, unless applicant uses these elements for religious reasons or of ethnical origin)
• Please paste (do not staple) one photograph on the form at the specified space.

Note: Please, follow these instructions carefully. If photographs submitted do not comply with these requisites, your application shall be considered incomplete. Please download the file on photo specifications for more information

Processing Time

The processing time for an application for Schengen visa is generally 15 days from the day that the Embassy receives the application. Applications can be submitted up to six months in advance and must be received by the embassy at least 15 prior to the intended entry to the Schengen area. Applications submitted more than six months in advance or less than 15 days prior to entry into the Schengen area cannot be processed.

Please take into account that it will take a couple of days for VFS to forward an application to the Embassy of Sweden in Washington D.C. after it has been received by VFS.

Download Forms

General for all Countries:

Visa Fees

VFS Service Fee received only in local currency

Categories exempt of visa fee payment:

EEUU family members:

The following persons are defined as ‘core’ family members:

The spouse; the partner with whom the EU citizen has contracted a registered partnership, on the basis of the legislation of any Member State, if the legislation of the host Member State treats registered partnership as equivalent to marriage; the direct descendants who are under the age of 21 or are dependent as well as those of the spouse or partner as defined above; or the dependent direct relatives in the ascending line and those of the spouse or partner as defined above.

The Directive applies only to those family members, as defined above, who accompany or join the EU citizens who move to or reside in a Member State other than that of which they are a national.

Other categories exempt from visa payment:

School pupils, students, postgraduate students and accompanying teachers who undertake stays for the purpose of study or educational training

Researchers from third countries travelling for the purpose of carrying out scientific research

Representatives of non-profit organizations aged 25 years or less participating in seminars, conferences, sports, cultural or educational events organized by non-profit organizations

Holders of diplomatic and service passports

Participants aged 25 years or less participating in seminars, conferences, sports, cultural or educational events organized by non-profit organizations

Documents Required

• Travel insurance is mandatory for all Schengen countries. If you have not purchased, please click here

Please note that each visa application is evaluated individually. In case of groups or families, the supporting documents required needs to be submitted in each application.

It is crucial that your visa application is complete at time of submission. Forms are available on the website of the Embassy of Sweden and / or Visa Application Centre (VFS).

Business trip

Basic documents:

• Application form for Schengen-visa to be filled in completely and signed by the applicant.
• Passport with at least two empty pages. The passport should have been issued within the last 10 years. The passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond the date on which the applicant intends to leave the Schengen territory, or, in the case of multiple journeys, the date on which the applicant intends to leave after the last stay.
• Photocopy of the applicant’s passport, including the inside cover with passport number in red and the first page containing photo and signature. The applicant is also required to provide photocopies of previous visas and all stamps in the passport and, if applicable, the previous passport.
• One recent passport size photograph in color of the applicant with white background (35 x 45 mm). The photo should not be older than 6 months. The applicant needs to face the front in the photo.
• Reservation of air ticket (round trip) with the dates and itinerary of the trip. Note: it is not required to purchase the ticket before the visa approval.
• Travel medical insurance covering emergency medical, hospitalization and repatriation (including in case of death). The minimum cover should be of 30.000 EUR. This insurance must be valid for the entire Schengen area and throughout the whole duration of the stay.

Proof of financial means:

• If the applicant is invited by a company or organization, an invitation letter must be provided, one of these forms should be used and signed by the inviting party:

  • To visit Norway: Garantiskjema for besøk
  • To visit Denmark: VU1 invitation form
  • To visit Island: Guarantee form for visits

• Bank account statements (with signature and seal of the bank) for the previous three months: savings account, current account, credit cards, fixed-term deposits, valuation of any properties, etc. If the applicant’s trip is sponsored by another person, additional bank account statements should be presented in the name of that person. If the sponsor is not directly related to the applicant (child, spouse or parent) he/she needs to provide a signed letter, stating that he/she will cover all the costs of the intended stay.
• Last three months’ pay slips or receipts for professional fees. Last three months of pension contributions should also be submitted.
• Original Proof of Employment: Letter from employer indicating name, address, telephone number of the employer, position of applicant, tenure duration, dates on which the applicant is on holiday and/or on leave and salary.
• If the company is owned by the applicant: Updated certificate of the chamber of commerce (showing NIT-number and “mátricula de comercio”) and the last tax declaration.
• For pensioners: Pension statements and pay slips for the last 3 months.
• For students over the age of 18: Recent proof of studies (university, academy, institute, etc.) Students or interns should also present proof of sufficient means to cover the travel expenses, accommodation and general costs of the course or internship.

Proof of intention to return to home country:

• The applicant is required to submit documents that prove his or her reasons to return to Colombia (e.g. property, vehicle or other financial resources in the country).
• In case that the applicant has not already submitted proof of employment, statements proving any other type of occupation should be submitted.

Proof of purpose of the journey:

• Proof of business relationship with the inviting company, in the form of a letter from the legal representative of the sending company stating a business relationship with the company in the Member State of destination. This letter should state the applicant's job and the purpose of the trip and specify whether the sending company will cover the travel expenses and accommodation.
• Letter of invitation by the inviting company/companies or organization with registered offices in the Member State of destination. The letter should indicate the dates and duration of the visit, the purpose and the on-going activities.
• If the sending or inviting company/companies are covering the travel expenses they must provide supporting documents proving possession of sufficient means to bear the costs.
• If the sending or inviting company/companies does not cover accommodation, the applicant needs to submit a hotel reservation for the entire trip, or proof of sufficient means to cover accommodation expenses.
• Participants in a fair, congress or conference must submit the access pass.
• If the applicant is in charge of a stand at an exhibition he/she should submit the lease contract for the stand.

In the case of minor:

• A separate application is required, even if the minor is registered in the parent’s passport.
• Original of the birth certificate of the minor or notarized copy.
• ID card/passport of both parents/legal guardian(s).
• Letter of school confirming permitted leave, outside annual school holidays.
• Permission of exit granted by the minors' court or from a notary, if the minor is travelling alone or with one parent

SEAFARERS

“Seafarer” means any person who is employed, engaged or works in any capacity on board a ship in maritime navigation or a ship navigating in international inland waters.

In this case an application can be submitted 9 months before the intended date of travel

REMEMBER: Please ensure you request to return any original documents at the time of submission. The Swedish Embassy and visa application center are not responsible to return the original documents at the end of the process if the request for the return of the originals is not made.

Photo Specifications

Note: Photographs shall have the following specifications:

• Two ( 02) recent (not taken more than 3 months ago)photographs
• Photographs shall be taken against a light background (white or almost white) so that all the features may be distinguished and contrast with background.
• Photographs shall be of Good quality and the face must be in proper focus.
• Photographs shall be printed on normal photographic paper (chamber printing)
• Full face, without smiling (no sunglasses, hat or other element covering the head, unless applicant uses these elements for religious reasons or of ethnical origin)
• Please paste (do not staple) one photograph on the form at the specified space.

Note: Please, follow these instructions carefully. If photographs submitted do not comply with these requisites, your application shall be considered incomplete. Please download the file on photo specifications for more information

Processing Time

The processing time for an application for Schengen visa is generally 15 days from the day that the Embassy receives the application. Applications can be submitted up to six months in advance and must be received by the embassy at least 15 prior to the intended entry to the Schengen area. Applications submitted more than six months in advance or less than 15 days prior to entry into the Schengen area cannot be processed.

Please take into account that it will take a couple of days for VFS to forward an application to the Embassy of Sweden in Washington D.C. after it has been received by VFS.

Download Forms

General to all countries:

Schengen Visa Form

Visit to Denmark:

Invitation Form for Denmark - Business (VU1)

Visit to Iceland

Guarantee form for Applicants to Iceland

Visit to Norway:

Garantiskjema for bezok