UK visa requirement reimposed for Colombian nationals
In a Statement of Changes to the Immigration Rules published yesterday (26 November 2024), the UK government has confirmed that effective immediately, Colombian nationals travelling to the UK will require a visa.
The visa requirement is being reimposed after it was lifted in November 2022, as there has been a ‘significant and sustained’ increase in Colombian visitors travelling to the UK for purposes that are not permitted under the Immigration Rules for Visitors, such as to live, work or claim asylum in the UK.
The new visa requirement will allow the Home Office to assess an individual against the requirements of the Immigration Rules before granting them permission to visit or transit the UK. It also means that if the Home Office is not satisfied that an individual meets these requirements, the visit visa application can be refused and the individual will not be allowed to enter the UK.
As a result of this change, the following amendments to the Immigration Rules are also being made:
- Colombia is being removed from the list of countries eligible to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for travel to the UK.
- Colombian nationals will also require a direct airside transit visa (DATV) when conducting airside transit travel. Airside transit passengers are those who do not need to change airports and do not need to pass through the UK border.
Transition period in place until 24 December 2024
The introduction of the visa requirement will include a transition period for Colombian nationals to travel to the UK without a visa where they hold a confirmed travel booking made prior to the introduction. This transition period will run until 28 days after the introduction date, ending at 15:00 GMT on 24 December 2024.
During this period, Colombian nationals who hold a confirmed travel booking at the time of introduction for travel to the UK within the 28-day transition period, will not be required to obtain a visit visa before travel.
Colombian nationals who hold confirmed bookings for travel to the UK on a date after the transition period ends will need to obtain a visa in advance of travel.
Amending the date of travel on a confirmed booking to an earlier date that falls within the transition period would still require the person to have a visa.
This transition period will prevent operational difficulties, general unfairness, and ensure that people who arranged travel before this announcement do not lose money. The length of the period (28 days) has been chosen to give those affected enough time to apply for and receive a visa. The current customer service standard processing time for visitor visas is three weeks.
Learn more about the UK’s Standard Visitor visa
Colombian nationals intending to travel to the UK should be aware of the visa requirements and permitted activities.
A Standard Visitor visa allows foreign nationals to come to the UK for short-term visits, usually for up to 6 months at a time. This visa is intended for tourism, business, short-term study and other permitted activities.
We recommend seeking advice from a qualified immigration advisor if you are unsure about any part of the visa application process. If you require support with submitting a new application, Smith Stone Walters can help. To speak to an immigration advisor, please contact us today.
