UK Reimposes Visa Requirement for Colombian Nationals

Starting December 24, 2024, Colombian nationals will again need a visa to enter the United Kingdom (UK), reversing a 2022 decision to lift the requirement.

This move comes amidst concerns over a significant rise in Colombian travelers using visitor entry for purposes not permitted under UK Immigration Rules, such as living, working, or seeking asylum.

Key Changes to UK Entry Rules

Visa Requirement: Colombian nationals must now apply for a visit visa before traveling to the UK. The Home Office will assess applications to ensure compliance with Immigration Rules, with the option to refuse applications if criteria are unmet.
Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA): Colombia is removed from the list of countries eligible for ETA applications.
Airside Transit: Colombian travellers will require a Direct Airside Transit Visa (DATV) for airside transits through UK airports.

A 28-day transition period will allow Colombian nationals with confirmed travel bookings made before the visa requirement announcement to enter the UK without a visa. Key points include:

Transition ends at 3:00 PM GMT on December 24, 2024.
Travel bookings after the transition period will require a visa, even if made prior.
Amending travel dates to earlier within the transition period still requires a visa.

This measure ensures fairness and minimizes disruption for pre-booked travellers, with the standard visitor visa processing time set at three weeks.

This also means Colombian travellers will be required a Direct Airside Transit Visa (DATV) for airside transits through UK airports.

Reciprocal Measures by Colombia

Colombian President Gustavo Petro has responded by announcing plans to impose similar visa requirements on British citizens. Citing “the principle of reciprocity,” Petro stated, “If the United Kingdom has reinstated the need for visas for the Colombian people, the Colombian government will ask for visas from British citizens who want to come to Colombia.”

Si el Reino Unido ha restablecido la necesidad de visas para el pueblo colombiano, tengo que decir que por el principio de la reciprocidad, el gobierno colombiano pedirá visas a los y las ciudadanas británicas que quieran venir a Colombia https://t.co/btr4exz8ND
— Gustavo Petro (@petrogustavo) November 26, 2024

This reciprocal measure could impact travel between the two nations as they approach the 200th anniversary of diplomatic relations in early 2025.

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