Colombia’s President Gustavo Petro announced on Tuesday that his country will require visas from British citizens. This decision comes in response to the United Kingdom’s recent move to impose visa requirements on Colombian travelers.
The UK’s new regulations, which took effect at 3 PM on Tuesday, state that Colombian nationals must now obtain a visa to enter the UK. Additionally, Colombians will need a transit visa if they plan to pass through the UK en route to another destination.
In a post on X, Petro emphasized that Colombia’s decision is based on “the principle of reciprocity.” He stated, “If the United Kingdom has reinstated the need for visas for the Colombian people, I must say that, based on this principle, the Colombian government will require visas from British citizens who want to come to Colombia.”
UK Home Secretary Yvette Cooper explained that the decision was prompted by a “significant and sustained” rise in asylum claims from Colombian nationals and high refusal rates for visitors at UK borders since November 2022. In her written statement to Parliament, she noted that many Colombians had traveled to the UK for purposes not allowed under visitor rules since the visa requirement was lifted last year.
Cooper highlighted that this increase in asylum claims has put considerable pressure on border operations, leading to resources being redirected from other priorities. She reassured that the UK’s relationship with Colombia remains strong and friendly, and any changes to visa requirements are carefully considered.
As a result of this new visa requirement, plans for Colombians to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) starting Wednesday have been canceled. However, there will be a four-week transition period allowing those with confirmed travel bookings made before 3 PM on Tuesday to enter the UK without a visa until Christmas Eve.
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