The Schengen Agreement is an agreement among European countries that eliminates border controls between participating countries. It was signed in 1985 and is named after the town of Schengen in Luxembourg, where the agreement was signed. The agreement has since grown to include 26 participating countries, including most of the European Union member states.
However, the Schengen Agreement is not limited to European countries. There are a number of non-European countries that have signed the agreement or are associated with it in some way. One of these countries is Colombia, a South American country that signed an association agreement with the Schengen Area in 2015.
This association agreement allows Colombian citizens to travel to the Schengen Area for up to 90 days without the need for a visa. They must, however, possess a valid passport and sufficient funds to support themselves during their stay in the Schengen Area. Additionally, Colombian citizens must not have any criminal record or pose a threat to public order and national security.
The association agreement with the Schengen Area also includes provisions for cooperation between Colombia and Schengen countries in areas such as security, the fight against organized crime, and the prevention of terrorism.
The agreement is beneficial to both Colombia and the Schengen Area. For Colombian citizens, it provides greater ease of travel to Europe. For the Schengen Area, it strengthens ties with an important South American country and promotes economic and cultural exchanges.
However, it is important to note that the Schengen Agreement is not a free-for-all. There are still rules and regulations in place that must be followed, even for those traveling without a visa. It is also important to be aware of any updates or changes to the agreement, as these can affect travel plans.
In conclusion, the Schengen Agreement is a significant international agreement that has far-reaching implications for travel and cooperation between countries. For Colombian citizens, the association agreement with the Schengen Area provides a valuable opportunity to travel and explore Europe without the need for a visa.