UK adds Colombia to Visa National List: what travellers need to know

Today, the UK government announced changes to its Immigration Rules, including the addition of Colombia to the visa national list. This move signals a significant shift in how Colombian nationals can travel to the UK, aligning with broader border security and immigration strategies.

Key changes for Colombian nationals

• Colombian citizens must now obtain a visa to travel to the UK. This replaces their previous eligibility under the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme, which offered a faster, visa-free option for short trips.

• Visa applications involve more detailed checks and documentation than the streamlined ETA process, ensuring closer scrutiny of travellers’ intentions.

Why was this change made?

The UK aims to enhance border security and prevent misuse of travel permissions. Similar policies were previously applied to other countries, such as Jordan, to address issues around increased asylum claims and irregular migration.

The Explanatory Memorandum to the Statement of Changes makes clear that this is the reason that Colombia specifically has been added to the visa national list, following an increase in the number of Colombian nationals travelling to the UK for purposes not permitted under the Immigration Rules for visitors, such as to live, work or claim asylum in the UK; and an increase in the number of Colombian nationals being refused entry at the border (often due to an intention to carry out a prohibited activity for visitors).

The Home Office makes reference to an increase in asylum claims by Colombian nationals, rising from 2, 4 and 7 in the first 3 quarters of 2022 respectively to 105 in the last quarter of 2022, unsurprisingly corresponding with the removal of the Visit visa requirement for Colombian nationals in November 2022. In the first 2 quarters of 2024, 227 and 241 asylum claims were made.

Adding a country to the visa national list (which requires citizens to apply for a Visit visa before arriving in the UK) by the Home Office following an increase in those claiming asylum from that country is a growing trend.

Transition and impact

• Colombians holding valid ETAs issued before the change may still use them under certain conditions, but moving forward, all must apply for visas.

• The new requirements may delay travel plans due to the longer visa application process of applying for a Visit visa, emphasising the need for early preparation.

Broader implications

This update reflects the UK’s ongoing overhaul of its immigration system, including the phased introduction of ETAs for other travellers. The goal is to ensure all non-British or Irish citizens secure permission before travelling, creating a more robust and regulated system.

What should travellers do?

Colombians planning to visit the UK should:

1. Review the UK government’s updated visa requirements.
2. Allow extra time for processing and gathering necessary documentation.
3. Monitor further updates to immigration policies.

The addition of Colombia to the visa national list highlights the dynamic nature of Immigration Rules and the importance of staying updated on evolving requirements for international travel.

Updated: November 2024

How Gherson can assist

Gherson’s Immigration Team are highly experienced in advising on UK visa matters. If you have any questions arising from this blog, please do not hesitate to contact us for advice, send us an e-mail, or, alternatively, follow us on X, Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn to stay-up-to-date.

The information in this blog is for general information purposes only and does not purport to be comprehensive or to provide legal advice. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the information and law is current as of the date of publication it should be stressed that, due to the passage of time, this does not necessarily reflect the present legal position. Gherson accepts no responsibility for loss which may arise from accessing or reliance on information contained in this blog. For formal advice on the current law please do not hesitate to contact Gherson. Legal advice is only provided pursuant to a written agreement, identified as such, and signed by the client and by or on behalf of Gherson.

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