The United Kingdom Embassy in Colombia clarified what will happen to those who already had a trip booked.
News Colombia.
In a significant change to its immigration policy, the United Kingdom has announced that, starting December 24, 2024, Colombian citizens will need to apply for a visa to enter the country.
This measure ends the visa exemption that had been implemented in 2022, and responds to what the British government considers an abuse of the figure of political asylum and fraudulent activities associated with criminal networks.
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The Colombian ambassador to the United Kingdom, Roy Barrerasexplained that the decision is due to the “misuse” that a minority of Colombians have made of the visa exemption.
«A minority of compatriots, as we have warned for months, abused the ease of traveling without a visa and has harmed the majority with the irregular practice of requesting false asylums, with false documentation that has triggered thousands of applications for those asylums. », indicated Roy Barreras.
Reaction of the Colombian government to the decision of the United Kingdom
The measure, which has generated controversy, was also responded to by the president, Gustavo Petrowho, through his account on X, announced that British citizens will also need a visa to enter Colombia.
“If the United Kingdom has reestablished the need for visas for the Colombian people, I have to say that, due to the principle of reciprocity, the Colombian government will ask for visas from British citizens who want to come to Colombia,” wrote Petro, which which generated a wave of reactions.
If the United Kingdom has reestablished the need for visas for the Colombian people, I have to say that due to the principle of reciprocity, the Colombian government will ask for visas from British citizens who want to come to Colombia. https://t.co/btr4exz8ND
— Gustavo Petro (@petrogustavo) November 26, 2024
The United Kingdom Embassy in Colombia issued a statement, in which it confirmed that the measure comes into force from this Tuesday, November 26, all Colombian citizens must have a visa to enter the country, even if they are only passing through and must obtain a Transit Visa.
Colombians will be able to enter without a visa if they had the trip scheduled before the decision was made
However, the Embassy clarified that those Colombians who have booked their trip before 10 am on November 26, 2024, and arrive in the United Kingdom before 3 pm (British time) on December 24, 2024, will be able to enter without visa need.
📣Communication: starting today the visitor visa requirement for Colombians traveling or transiting through the United Kingdom is reestablished 🇬🇧
All information is found at: https://t.co/JReRWK9Kj8 pic.twitter.com/7sxBkUBsiP
— British Embassy in Colombia (@UKinColombia) November 26, 2024
This new policy will affect thousands of Colombians who, until now, could travel to the United Kingdom without the need for prior procedures. With the new visa requirement, Colombian citizens will have to go through an additional application process, which could increase both costs and waiting times to obtain entry permission.
Although the decision has been justified for reasons of immigration security and the control of abuses in the asylum system, the measure has caused concern among Colombians who plan to visit the United Kingdom for tourism, business or studies. Likewise, Colombian travelers should be aware of specific visa requirements, which may vary depending on the type of trip.
