The UK Embassy in Colombia confirmed this Tuesday at a press conference that the elimination of visas to Colombians will come into force as of this November 9.
(In context: Petro announces that the United Kingdom has withdrawn the tourist visa requirement for Colombians)
The news is known after President Gustavo Petro thanked the decision through Twitter.
(Read here: End of tourist visa for the United Kingdom: from November 9 they will not ask for it)
“This decision was approved after an extensive and rigorous process by different British authorities. With this announcement it becomes more accessible to all Colombians who want to discover its rich culture, its long history and its beautiful landscape,” said Hodgson.
When will the requirement be removed?
As of November 9, Colombians traveling to the United Kingdom will not need a visa.
How long will Colombians be able to stay in the UK as tourists?
With the elimination of the tourist visa, Colombians will be able to visit the United Kingdom for a period of up to six months.
What about the other visas?
The British ambassador in Bogotá confirmed that student, work and residence visas remain the same.
What if you already paid for the visa?
If you paid for the visa in the last few days, and your biometrics (i.e. fingerprints) have not yet been taken, you can request a refund directly from the embassy.
What does the Government of Colombia say?
Through a statement, the Colombian Foreign Ministry thanked the elimination of the visa.
“This relaxation in the British visa regime further consolidates and strengthens bilateral relations between both countries, as it will significantly boost tourism, trade, culture, among many other components of the intense and rich bilateral agenda,” he said. the Foreign Ministry through a statement.
This was the press conference in which the United Kingdom confirmed the measure
What will happen to those who have already applied for the visa?
“Colombian nationals who have applied for a visa, and have not given their fingerprints, can now apply to request a refund of the fee they paid,” said the ambassador.
Travel up to six months
George Hodgson, British ambassador, also confirmed that the elimination of visas for Colombians includes permits of up to six months.
This is the specific period in which Colombians will not require a visa to visit the United Kingdom.
‘It was a lengthy and rigorous process’
“The authorities took many factors into account. The result is a good result for Colombia and for the UK.”
The requirements to study and work are maintained
The British ambassador in Bogotá confirmed in a press conference that the requirements to study and work are maintained.
Press conference from Bogota
This Tuesday, from the United Kingdom embassy in Bogotá, a press conference is scheduled with the British diplomatic mission where details of the new measure are expected to be given.
How many Colombians travel to the United Kingdom?
According to data from Migración Colombia, in total they have traveled to the United Kingdom between January and September 2022 a total of 45,788: 14,457 of them for tourism and 24,932 for residence.
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