United Kingdom entry requirements for Colombia passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 22, 2026·View sources
Visa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Colombian passport holders must get a visa before traveling to the United Kingdom. There is no visa-on-arrival or eTA option for Colombian nationals in 2026. Apply and receive approval before you book flights.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| UK Visa application Visa required | Colombian passport holders need a visa before traveling to the UK. Apply online at gov.uk/apply-uk-visa — the standard visitor visa costs £115 and processing takes around 3 weeks. You'll need to upload your documents and attend a biometric appointment at a UK Visa Application Centre in Colombia.Apply for UK visa | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover entire stay | Your passport must be valid for the full duration of your stay in the UK. There's no 6-month validity rule for UK entry — just make sure it doesn't expire before you leave. Airlines check this at check-in, so verify your passport expiry date before booking. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for visa holders | UK Border Force officers routinely ask for proof of onward travel — a return flight to Colombia or a ticket to your next destination. Have a printed or digital copy ready. If you're on a single-entry visa, the return ticket must match the visa validity dates. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended | Immigration officers may ask where you're staying — hotel bookings, a friend's address, or an Airbnb confirmation all work. Have the booking confirmation on your phone or printed. If staying with friends, carry their name, address, and phone number. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended | You need to show you can support yourself during your stay — bank statements from the last 3 months or a sponsor letter work. There's no fixed minimum amount, but having at least £1,000–£1,500 for a short trip is a safe benchmark. Credit card statements are accepted too. | Recommended |
Apply well in advance
UK visa processing can take 3–6 weeks during peak seasons (summer, Christmas). Don't book non-refundable flights until you have the visa in hand.
No visa-on-arrival for Colombians
There is no visa waiver or eTA for Colombian passport holders. You must have a valid visa sticker in your passport before you travel to the UK.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for a UK visa online
Go to gov.uk/apply-uk-visa and complete the online application. You'll need to choose the correct visa type (e.g., Standard Visitor). Pay the fee and book an appointment at a UK visa application centre in Colombia.
2
Attend biometrics appointment
Visit the visa application centre in Bogotá (or your nearest city) to provide fingerprints and a photograph. Bring your printed application, passport, and supporting documents.
3
Wait for visa decision
Standard processing takes 3–6 weeks. You can pay extra for priority (5 working days) or super priority (next working day) if available. You'll receive a decision by email.
4
Collect your passport with visa vignette
Once approved, your passport will have a vignette sticker. Check the dates — the visa is valid from the start date shown, not from when you collect it.
5
Arrive in the UK and go through immigration
At the border (e.g., Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester), join the 'All Other Passports' queue. Hand over your passport with the valid visa. The officer may ask about your trip, accommodation, and return plans. Answer clearly.
Download United Kingdom Entry Checklist
PDF · Colombia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 22, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Standard Visitor Visa (single entry)
Max stay6 months
Validity6 months from issue
Cost£115 (~$145 USD)
For tourism, family visits, or business. Must leave after 6 months.
Standard Visitor Visa (multiple entry)
Max stay6 months per visit
ValidityUp to 10 years (depending on application)
Cost£115 (~$145 USD) for 6-month validity; higher for longer validity
Allows multiple entries; each stay up to 6 months.
Marriage Visitor Visa
Max stay6 months
Validity6 months
Cost£115 (~$145 USD)
For getting married or registering a civil partnership in the UK.
Permitted Paid Engagement Visa
Max stay1 month
Validity6 months
Cost£115 (~$145 USD)
For specific paid engagements like guest lecturing or examinations.
work visa
Skilled Worker Visa
Up to 5 years, extendable
£719 (~$910 USD) for up to 3 years; £1,423 (~$1,800 USD) for 3+ years
For those with a job offer from a UK employer with a valid sponsorship licence. Requires meeting salary and skill thresholds. Leads to settlement.
Apply student visa
Student Visa (Tier 4)
Length of course + up to 4 months after
£490 (~$620 USD) plus Immigration Health Surcharge
For full-time study at a licensed UK institution. Allows part-time work during term and full-time during holidays.
Apply investor visa
Innovator Visa
3 years, extendable
£1,277 (~$1,615 USD) plus Immigration Health Surcharge
For those with a viable, innovative business idea endorsed by an approved body. Requires at least £50,000 in investment funds.
Apply family visa
Family Visa (Spouse/Partner)
2.5 years, extendable to 5 years for settlement
£1,523 (~$1,925 USD) plus Immigration Health Surcharge
For partners of British citizens or settled persons. Must meet financial and relationship requirements.
Apply Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Standard Visitor Visa (single entry)For tourism, family visits, or business meetings up to 6 months. | £115 (~$145 USD) |
| Standard Visitor Visa (multiple entry)Same fee as single entry; allows multiple visits within validity. | £115 (~$145 USD) |
| Long-term Visitor Visa (2 years)For frequent travellers; max stay per visit is 6 months. | £432 (~$545 USD) |
| Long-term Visitor Visa (5 years)Requires strong travel history and justification. | £771 (~$975 USD) |
| Long-term Visitor Visa (10 years)For very frequent travellers; subject to strict checks. | £963 (~$1,220 USD) |
| Priority Visa ServiceFaster processing (5 working days) at select locations. | £500 (~$630 USD) additional |
| Super Priority Visa ServiceNext working day decision (if appointment available). | £800 (~$1,010 USD) additional |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete application20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through United Kingdom
Transit visa required
Colombian passport holders need a Direct Airside Transit Visa (DATV) to transit through the UK unless they hold a valid visa, residence permit, or certain other exemptions.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid UK, US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, or Schengen visa (or residence permit) may transit without a visa.
- Holders of a valid Irish biometric visa or Irish residence permit may also transit without a visa.
- Diplomatic or official passport holders may be exempt.
Transit hubsLondon Heathrow (LHR) · London Gatwick (LGW) · Manchester (MAN)
Health & vaccines for United Kingdom
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, polio, etc.)EssentialInfluenza (seasonal)RecommendedHepatitis ARecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedTetanus-diphtheria-pertussis (Tdap)Recommended
Health risks
Seasonal influenzaModerate risk
Common in winter months; vaccination recommended.
Lyme diseaseLow risk
Tick-borne disease in rural/wooded areas; use repellent and check for ticks.
Air pollutionLow risk
Urban areas may have moderate pollution; generally not a concern for short stays.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
London
UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) – Premium Service Centre
70 Wilson Street, London EC2A 2DB
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00
For in-person appointments (e.g., Super Priority). Book online in advance.
Birmingham
UKVI Premium Service Centre – Birmingham
The Axis, 10 Holliday Street, Birmingham B1 1TF
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00
Alternative to London; same services available.
Practical information for CO travellers
Country basics
CapitalLondon
LanguageEnglish
Driving sideLeft-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS license valid for up to 12 months.
Money
CurrencyBritish Pound (GBP)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 0.74 GBP
Time zone
Local timeUTC+0
vs New York+5h (EST) / +5h (EDT)
vs Los Angeles+8h (PST) / +8h (PDT)
Electricity
Voltage230V / 50Hz
Plug types
GType G — unique 3-pin UK plug. US plugs do not fit. Bring a UK adapter.
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Safe to drink
Excellent tap water. Safe everywhere in the UK.
Emergency numbers
Getting to United Kingdom
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to United Kingdom — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, if you need to pass through UK border control (e.g., to change airports or stay overnight). If you stay airside and your connecting flight departs within 24 hours, you may be exempt. Check the UK government's transit visa page for your specific itinerary.
Standard processing takes 3–6 weeks. Priority service (5 working days) costs around £500 extra, and super priority (next working day) costs around £800 extra. Availability varies — check when you apply.
No, a Standard Visitor visa cannot be extended. You must leave before your visa expires. If you need a longer stay, you must apply for a different visa type before travelling.
Bring your printed application form, passport, recent passport photo, proof of accommodation (hotel booking or invitation letter), flight itinerary, bank statements showing sufficient funds, and any supporting documents for your visit purpose (e.g., conference registration, family invitation).
The application fee is £115 (approx. 550,000 COP as of 2026). This is non-refundable even if your visa is refused. Priority and super priority services cost extra.
You will receive a refusal letter explaining the reason. You can reapply, but you must address the reason for refusal. There is no formal appeal process for visitor visas — you simply submit a new application.
Yes, you can apply from any country where you are legally resident. You'll need to attend a biometrics appointment at a UK visa application centre in that country. Processing times may vary.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 22, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.