Immigration

United Kingdom |  Immigration | Colombian nationals required to apply for visit visas in advance of travel to the UK with immediate effect

Summary

The UK Government issued a Statement of Changes to the Immigration Rules on 26 November 2024 which confirmed changes to the visa requirements for Colombian nationals coming to the UK, with immediate effect. From 3pm on 26 November 2024, all Colombian nationals coming to the UK as visitors are required to apply for a visa in advance of travel, with limited transitional arrangements in place for those who can prove they already have pre-booked travel.

The detail

With effect from 3pm on 26 November 2024:

• Colombian nationals have been added to the list of ‘visa nationals’ meaning they must formally apply for a visa before they travel to the UK, for example as a tourist or business visitor; and

• Colombia has been removed from the list of countries that will be able to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) from 27 November 2024 for travel to the UK on or after 8 January 2025 – this is as a result of the introduction of the visa requirement for Colombian nationals from 26 November 2024.

Transitional arrangements

Transitional arrangements have been put in place for Colombian nationals who hold a confirmed booking for travel to the UK that was made before 15:00 GMT on 26 November 2024. Arrival in the UK must be no later than 15:00 GMT on 24 December 2024. Where both these conditions are met, Colombian nationals will not need to apply for a visa in advance of travel to the UK. Evidence of the booking will be required for travel and we encourage any affected individuals to contact us for further advice and assistance before relying on these transitional arrangements.

Actions for employers

Employers should check if they have any Colombian national employees wishing to travel to the UK now or imminently as visitors and advise them of the requirement to formally apply for a visa, unless they benefit from the transitional arrangements. Colombian national employees coming to the UK under work-sponsored routes must continue to apply for a visa in advance as normal.

Contact us

For a deeper discussion on the above, please reach out to your Vialto Partners point of contact, or alternatively:

Lyudmyla Davies
Partner (Solicitor)

Ian Robinson
Partner

Andrea Als
Director (Solicitor)

Tom Marsom
Director (Solicitor)

Lucy Vaux
Senior Manager (Solicitor)

Further information on Vialto Partners can be found here: www.vialtopartners.com

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