The UK government has re-imposed a visitor visa requirement for Colombian nationals, effective November 2024. This decision comes after a sharp rise in asylum claims and refusals from travelers arriving from Colombia.
The UK Home Office cited these as primary reasons for the reversal of the visa waiver introduced in November 2022. Previously, Colombian nationals enjoyed visa-free access to the UK, a measure designed to strengthen bilateral ties and encourage tourism.
Spike in Colombian nationals seeking asylum
Reports revealed that many Colombian nationals arrived in the UK as visitors but later sought asylum upon entry. A UK Home Office memorandum stated that an increasing number of Colombian citizens were visiting the UK for non-permitted reasons. These included living, working, or seeking asylum in the United Kingdom.
Specifically, 468 Colombians claimed asylum in the first half of 2024, versus only 19 in 2019. In addition, UK border authorities refused entry to more Colombian passengers. In particular, there were 285 refusals between January and June 2024, versus 162 for the entirety of 2019. Consequently, the government faced mounting pressure to revise the system to ensure proper border security and control.
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper defended the move, explaining that the decision was necessary to manage rising migration levels. She emphasized that the reintroduction of the visa requirement would allow the UK to better monitor and regulate who enters the country.
Furthermore, she pointed out that the previous system had become unsustainable, given the high rate of asylum claims and the resulting strain on UK immigration resources.
Businesses and agencies express concern
Colombian authorities fear it will significantly affect the number of Colombian students seeking studies in the UK. In addition, it also impacts businesses that largely rely on travelers to the UK for their livelihood.
In response to the UK’s decision, Colombian President Gustavo Petro announced that his government would implement a reciprocal visa requirement for British nationals. Petro stated that the move was a direct response to the UK’s new visa policy, underscoring the principle of reciprocity in international diplomacy.
Over the last three years, thousands have sought asylum in Europe and the US amid increasing violence and economic inactivity. This applies to particular parts of Colombia where rebel groups and drug trafficking activity is rampant. In 2022, US border control arrested over 165,000 Colombians at the Mexican border. The number of arrests was 155,000 in 2023.
The decision has also raised concerns within Colombia’s tourism industry. Travel agencies worry that the visa requirement may reduce UK visitor numbers, which have been a significant part of the Colombian economy. Industry representatives expressed their fears that British tourists could be discouraged from visiting the country due to the added complexity of obtaining a visa.
How the requirement impacts Colombian nationals
For Colombian nationals with existing travel plans to the UK, the change will take effect on December 24, 2024, at 4 p.m. Travelers who had booked their UK trips before November 26 can complete their trips without the new visa restrictions.
However, future travelers will face more stringent requirements. Colombian citizens will need to apply for a visitor visa, as well as a transit visa if they plan to pass through UK airports en route to another destination.
Image by freepik
