As of 15:00 GMT on 26 November 2024, Colombian nationals now require a visa to visit or transit through the UK, following their addition to the visa national list in the Appendix Visitor. This change reflects the efforts of the UK Home Office to effectively manage migration trends and compliance. Colombian nationals have also been removed from the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) list, meaning that they are no longer eligible for simplified travel arrangements. Additionally, those transiting airside through the UK must now obtain a direct airside transit visa (DATV). A 28-day transition period allows travellers with confirmed bookings made before the changes to enter the UK without a visa, provided they arrive before 15:00 GMT on 24 December 2024.
The visa national list identifies countries whose citizens must obtain a visa before entering the UK, ensuring appropriate controls over entry and immigration compliance. More and more countries are being added to this list, requiring their nationals to secure visas for any reason to enter the UK. This highlights the tightening of UK immigration control and the growing complexity of the rules. It is now more important than ever to seek legal advice to navigate these changes and ensure compliance with UK immigration requirements.
