UK Reinstates Visa Requirement for Colombians, Effective Today

Nov 26, 2024, 04:30 PM

The United Kingdom has decided to reinstate visa requirements for Colombian nationals, effective immediately, following a two-year period of visa exemption. This decision was confirmed by Roy Barreras, the Colombian ambassador to the UK, who cited the abuse of the visa-free travel policy by a minority of Colombians as the reason for the change. The British Embassy in Colombia has announced that the visa requirement will be enforced starting today. The move comes in response to an increase in unfounded asylum claims from Colombians, with the UK government aiming to curb the 7,200 refugee claims made since the visa exemption was introduced in 2022. The visa will cost approximately £100, with exceptions for certain categories of travelers. The decision has been met with objections from several UK government departments, but was supported by the Home Office and No 10 Downing Street.