On November 9, Colombia will become the first country in the Andean community to abolish the visa requirement for citizens wishing to travel For purposes of tourism for a maximum period of six months to the United Kingdom, This feature was given under Free Trade Agreement between the two countries.
In addition to canceling this type of visa as well The procedure that still needs to be done for entry to the UK has been removed to verify applicants’ income to justify their arrival in the country.
Although this is an important step that speeds up the process when it comes to Colombian travelers deciding to learn about British culture, the Colombian Foreign Ministry stated that the process for obtaining a work or residence visa does not apply to this advantage and process. They are kept.Application and assessment for the entry of citizens into the European country.
RCN News spoke with the UK’s ambassador to Colombia, George Hodgson Who said what will happen next Wednesday with Colombians who want to travel for tourism.
Read also: Now that there is no visa, how much does it cost to travel to the UK?
What will Colombians be able to do in the UK from November 9?
Yes, great news because From November 9, Colombian citizens can visit the UK without a visa. As a visitor for up to 6 months for tourism, but also to do business, for example short-term English courses. Good news for Colombia, the UK and our countries.
Will Colombians be able to work in the UK?
No, this is important. We do not change the work visa regime Or for people who want to settle down or live for a long time in the UK.
Are you considering any possibility regarding a student or work visa?
Not at the moment We are talking about changing tourist visas, from visitors.
What not to do in the UK as a tourist?
Well, the important thing is thatAll information is available on the UK government website So that any Colombian who wants to visit the UK He can understand exactly what is allowed and what is not.
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How was the way to reach this decision?
Well, it’s great news, an important decision, and as with all important decisions, It requires some thought and consideration of the opportunities as well as the risks And that’s what we did, we’ve been working on it for quite some time.
What places tourists can’t stop visiting in the UK?
There are many things to do and see in the UK, I am a Londoner and I will start from London, A city with a fascinating history With many modern shows, with many classics as well, with an interesting trade show, with culture, theatres, concerts and mostly free museums, so There is plenty to do in London, but also in the rest of the country. in Scotland With its beautiful landscapes, in welsh also in Northern Ireland, There is a lot more to the UK than just London.
What happens to those who maintain visa issuance procedures?
Well, for Colombians who have applied for a visitor visa and have not submitted their fingerprints and biometric data, These people can request a refund from the British government, Using the information on the site.
What is your next destination in Colombia?
We are planning other visits, obviously because Colombia has much more than just Bogota, Although Bogota is a beautiful place and a wonderful city for us, but yes We are planning visits to the Pacific Coastan important area, particularly in terms of the peace process, and a high priority for the United Kingdom in Colombia, We are also planning to visit Cartagena And much more, I’m only talking about the period until the end of the year, but I hope there will be opportunities to discover all over the country in the coming years.
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What is your dream city to visit in Colombia?
Well, in Colombia I think There is a diversity of landscapes and cultures, It’s a country with a range of opportunities, so there’s no set place, it’s more than the overall experience of everything Colombia has.
What about the gastronomy of Colombia?
It is true that in any city or any place we visit, we try to taste the local gastronomy, for example in Barranquilla and at Costa we had a great selection of seafood and fish which I love.
In what areas do Colombia and the United Kingdom operate?
We have worked as countries for nearly 200 years, and we have no long-term relationship and With more and more areas of cooperation I would say, So We work on the peace and security process, as well as the environment and forest protection, From the amazing nature of Colombia, in the fight against climate change and the COP27 summit; We have a broad agenda in terms of trade, business, investment on both sides, culture, English language, everything, We have a lot to do together, it’s a very ambitious agenda.
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