Expert: Juan Carlos Valencia - 3/4/2009

Question
I am an American Citizen born and raised.  I recently married a Colombian woman and she is soon to receive her Green Card granting her permanent residency.  She still have a Colombian passport, as she is a Colombian citizen.  We are planning to go to Spain for our honeymoon, but are not sure how the visa situation would work.  I have been to Spain a number of times in the past and did not need a visa because I was only staying for a number of weeks as a tourist.  However, my wife told me that a Colombian needs a visa to go to Spain even if it is for a brief two week tourist stay.  My question is, since my wife will have her green card, will she need a visa to Spain? If so, will the green card make it easier for her to get one?  Also, what is the process for a Colombian citizen to get a visa to Spain (while hold a US Green Card) and how long could the process take?  Thank you very much. Robert.

Answer
Robert,

your question should be directed to an expert on Spain.

What I can tell you is that your wife is right. Colombians need visas to enter most countries in the world, it's a sad reality. The only way to avoid this would be for her to have an american passport. But she's not a citizen yet, so this option is discarded.

For requirements to get a visa to travel to Spain, your wife has to call the local Spain consulate where you live. Dont do it in Colombia as the requirements there are even more difficult.

Sorry not to be able to help more, but as I tell you, your question concerns european visa procedures.

Regards

JC