Colombia has announced that British travelers need a visa to enter the country, reported the Associated Press.
This decision comes in response to the United Kingdom (UK) reinstating visa requirements for Colombian citizens.
On 27 November 2024, President Gustavo Petro announced that British citizens must obtain visas to enter Colombia.
In a message posted on X, Petro stated “the principle of reciprocity” as the reason for imposing visa requirements on Brits.
The principle of reciprocity is a common practice in international diplomacy.
Countries often mirror visa policies to maintain fairness and balance in bilateral relations.
The Colombian president did not provide further details on when these visa restrictions will take effect.
Only a day prior, UK Minister for Immigration Seema Malhotra announced the reinstatement of visa requirements for Colombian nationals.
It also means plans to allow Colombians to apply for a UK Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) will no longer be introduced.
Colombians visiting the UK will now need a Standard Visitor visa for short visits of up to six months.
Colombian travelers transiting through the UK need a Direct Airside Transit visa, even without passing through border checks.
The history of visa-free travel between the UK and Colombia
In 2022, the UK lifted visa requirements for short-term visits by Colombian nationals.
This has allowed Colombians to travel to the UK freely for tourism, business, and family visits for up to six months.
This decision was part of broader efforts to strengthen ties between the two countries and to foster mutual economic and cultural exchange.
Similarly, Colombia has allowed British travelers to visit without a visa.
This has made the country an attractive destination for UK tourists seeking adventure in South America.
British visitors often flock to Colombia’s vibrant cities like Bogotá and Medellín.
They have also been drawn in by natural attractions such as the Amazon rainforest and Caribbean beaches.
These visa-free agreements played a crucial role in boosting tourism and trade, helping the two nations build closer connections.
However, the recent policy changes threaten to reverse some of these gains.
Why the UK reintroduced visas for Colombians
In her letter to Parliament, Malhotra cited a sharp rise in asylum claims from Colombians as the reason for the change.
The UK lifted visa requirements for Colombians in 2022, and the surge in asylum claims has been significant over the past two years.
According to Roy Barreras, Colombia’s ambassador to the UK, more than 940 Colombians made asylum claims in the UK in 2024.
That’s a significant increase from only six asylum claims made by Colombians in 2021, Barreras revealed.
He also claimed that some have resorted to travel agencies that allegedly taught them how to cheat in their asylum application.
The UK also cited an increase in Colombians who failed border checks upon arriving in the UK.
Malhotra said the decision to reinstate visa requirements was not taken lightly, as it affects legitimate travelers.
However, a minority of travelers’ misuse of the immigration system has undermined the visa-free agreement.
Potential impact on tourism and trade
The new visa requirements could significantly impact tourism between the UK and Colombia.
British travelers are among Colombia’s key international visitors, drawn to its diverse landscapes, rich history, and unique culture.
In 2023 alone, nearly 60,000 British tourists visited Colombia, contributing millions of dollars to the country’s economy.
Visa requirements may deter casual travelers and spontaneous trips due to added paperwork, fees, and wait times.
Colombians visiting the UK will face similar challenges that may affect family visits, business travel, and student exchanges.
Beyond tourism, the new policies could also impact trade and business ties between the two countries.
The UK is one of Colombia’s largest trading partners in Europe, with exports including coffee, flowers, and tropical fruits.
British companies, in turn, invest heavily in Colombia’s energy, infrastructure, and financial sectors.
Additionally, business travelers often rely on ease of entry to foster partnerships and explore opportunities.
Visa requirements add another layer of complexity, potentially discouraging investment and slowing negotiations.
Despite these potential risks, the UK maintains that its relationship with Colombia remains “a friendly one.”
Broader migration trends
The increase in Colombian asylum claims is part of a larger global migration pattern.
Many Colombians have fled to Europe and the United States in the last three years.
The European Union has also expressed concerns about irregular migration from South America.
Economic challenges, regional instability, and violence in parts of Colombia have prompted more people to seek opportunities abroad.
The UK’s decision aligns with similar moves by other nations to tighten border controls in response to rising migration pressures.
British and Colombian travelers are encouraged to plan well in advance, ensuring that they meet all visa requirements before their trips.
The hope remains that these policies will be reviewed in the future as bilateral relations evolve.