This situation has been the subject of conversations between the Colombian Delegation in London, led by Ambassador Roy Barreras, and the British authorities – credit EFE
The United Kingdom has seen a notable increase in the number of Colombian visitors since removing the visa requirement to enter the country in November 2022.
According to Migración Colombia, in 2022, after the visa restriction was eliminated, 45,788 Colombians traveled to the United Kingdom; Of them, 14,457 were for tourism and 24,932 established themselves as residents. Likewise, in 2023, an average of 1,200 Colombians emigrated every day. The majority of emigrants are young people who go mainly to North America and Europe, and usually send remittances to the country.
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According to journalist Camila Zuluaga of Blue Radioin the two years since the elimination of the visa, more than 5,200 Colombians have traveled to the United Kingdom, which represents an increase of 623% compared to previous years.
This change made it easier for many Colombians to visit the diverse landscapes of the European country, although those seeking to study, work, or reside permanently must still apply for a specific visa.
The only direct flight between Bogotá and London is operated by the airline Avianca, which has led many passengers to choose to make stopovers in countries such as France or Spain to reach their destination. Zuluaga shared his personal experience visiting the United Kingdom after the elimination of the visa, highlighting that the previous process was complicated and tedious.
The only direct flight between Bogotá and London is operated by the airline Avianca, which has led many passengers to choose to make stopovers in countries such as France or Spain – Freepik credit
Despite the increase in tourism, the British Home Office noted an increase in asylum applications by Colombians, which has led to this nationality occupying sixth place in the number of inadmissible people seeking residence in the Kingdom. United. This situation has been the subject of conversations between the Colombian Delegation in London, led by Ambassador Roy Barreras, and the British authorities.
The elimination of the visa has been a key factor in the increase in Colombian tourism to the United Kingdom, and this trend is expected to continue in the future. However, British authorities remain attentive to the implications of this change on immigration and asylum policies.
Please note that starting in January 2025, Any Colombian who wishes to enter the United Kingdom, whether for tourism, studies or work, must apply for a special permit.
Roy Barreras stated that, given the situation raised, the Colombian authorities have presented an action plan to their British counterparts – credit @RoyBarreras/X
In a context of growing anti-immigration pressure, Roy Barreras, Colombia’s ambassador to the United Kingdom, met on November 12, 2024 with the British Minister for Latin America, Baroness Chapman. During the meeting, Barreras defended the importance of maintaining the visa exception for Colombian citizens, a measure that the United Kingdom is reconsidering for several exempt countries.
Regarding his recent meeting with the British Minister for Latin America, in his X account he expressed the following: “Meeting this morning with the British Minister for Latin America, Baroness Chapman. We have defended Colombia’s position and insisted that the visa exception be maintained for our compatriots at a time when the UK is considering reimposing visa requirements on several exempt countries in response to growing internal and external anti-immigration pressure.
According to the Colombian ambassador, the visa exemption has been fundamental for the growth of tourism and the strengthening of economic and cultural relations between both countries. However, he acknowledged that British authorities share concerns about the increase in asylum applications and the existence of human trafficking networks. These networks, according to Barreras, would be abusing the visa exception by presenting asylum applications with false motivations.
