United Kingdom entry requirements for Colombia passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 7, 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 need a visa to enter the United Kingdom for any purpose, including tourism. You must apply for a Standard Visitor visa before you travel — there is no visa-on-arrival or eVisa option for Colombian nationals. Plan ahead, as the application process involves an online form, an appointment at a visa application centre, and a decision that can take several weeks.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| UK VisaYou need to get this visa approved before you fly – it cannot be obtained on arrival. Standard Visitor visa | A visa is required for Colombian citizens. You must apply online for a Standard Visitor visa before travelling. eVisa is not available for your nationality; apply at the nearest UK embassy or consulate. | Required |
| Passport validityCheck your passport expiry date – if it's too close, renew it before applying for the visa. At least 6 months | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of departure from the UK. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesMake sure there's a clean, unmarked page for the visa sticker. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank page for the visa vignette and entry stamp. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketBorder officers want to see that you have plans to leave the country. Proof of travel plans | You may be asked to show a return or onward ticket as evidence that you intend to leave the UK before your visa expires. | Required |
| Proof of fundsBank statements or payslips can help prove you can support yourself. Financial evidence | You should be able to show you have enough money to cover your stay without working or needing public funds. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou don't need to fill out any extra forms on arrival. UK landing card | No separate arrival declaration is required for the UK for your nationality. | Not required |
No eVisa for Colombian citizens
Despite the UK having an eVisa system for some nationalities, Colombian passport holders are NOT eligible. You must apply for a visa at the UK Visa Application Centre in Bogotá. Do not attempt to use any eVisa portal — it won't work for you.
Visa validity vs. stay duration
A Standard Visitor visa can be valid for 2, 5, or 10 years, but each visit is limited to 6 months. You can enter multiple times during the visa's validity, but you cannot stay longer than 6 months per visit.
Overstaying is serious
Overstaying your visa even by a few days can lead to a ban from the UK for up to 10 years. Always leave before your visa expires. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for an extension before your current visa ends — but note that Standard Visitor visas are not extendable.
What happens at the border
1
Complete the online application
Go to GOV.UK and fill out the visa application form. You'll need to create an account, answer questions about your trip, and pay the fee. After submitting, you'll get a reference number and be directed to book your biometric appointment.
2
Book and attend your biometric appointment
Schedule an appointment at the UK Visa Application Centre in Bogotá (the only VAC in Colombia). Bring your passport, the appointment confirmation, and any supporting documents. At the centre, you'll provide fingerprints and a photo. The appointment usually takes about 15-20 minutes.
3
Submit your supporting documents
You can upload your documents online before your appointment or bring them to the VAC to be scanned. Make sure you have all required documents — bank statements, employment letter, accommodation proof, etc. The VAC staff will verify your documents and send them to the UK Visas and Immigration office for processing.
4
Wait for a decision
Standard processing for a UK visitor visa from Colombia typically takes 3-4 weeks, but can be longer during peak seasons. You'll be notified by email when a decision is made. You can track your application online using your reference number.
5
Collect your passport and travel
Once approved, you'll receive your passport with the visa vignette (sticker) inside. Check that all details are correct. When you arrive in the UK, go through the 'Non-EU' queue at passport control. Have your passport and any supporting documents ready to show the Border Force officer.
Download United Kingdom Entry Checklist
PDF · Colombia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 7, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Standard Visitor visa (6 months)
Max stay6 months
Validity6 months
Cost£115
For tourism, visiting family, or short business activities.
Long-term Standard Visitor visa (2 years)
Max stay6 months per visit
Validity2 years
Cost£432
For frequent travellers; must meet eligibility.
Long-term Standard Visitor visa (5 years)
Max stay6 months per visit
Validity5 years
Cost£771
For frequent travellers; must meet eligibility.
Long-term Standard Visitor visa (10 years)
Max stay6 months per visit
Validity10 years
Cost£1,586
For frequent travellers; must meet eligibility.
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 (6 months)For tourism, visiting family, or short business activities. | £115 |
| Long-term Standard Visitor visa (2 years)For frequent travellers; must meet eligibility. | £432 |
| Long-term Standard Visitor visa (5 years)For frequent travellers; must meet eligibility. | £771 |
| Long-term Standard Visitor visa (10 years)For frequent travellers; must meet eligibility. | £1,586 |
| Priority visa service (optional)Faster decision, subject to availability. | £500 |
| Super Priority visa service (optional)Decision by end of next working day, subject to availability. | £1,000 |
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
No transit visa needed
Colombian nationals do not need a visa for airside transit through UK airports, provided they hold a valid visa for Canada, Australia, New Zealand, or the USA, or a valid Common Format Residence Permit issued by an EEA country or Switzerland. Otherwise, a Visitor in Transit visa is required.
Airside transitAllowed
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid visa for Canada, Australia, New Zealand, or the USA
- Holders of a valid Common Format Residence Permit issued by an EEA country or Switzerland
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 = 0.75 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
Standard processing time is around 3-4 weeks, but it can take longer during busy periods (summer, Christmas). You can pay for priority processing (currently £250) to get a decision within 5 working days, or super priority (currently £1,000) for a decision by the next working day, if available.
Yes, the application form is online at GOV.UK. However, you must still attend an in-person appointment at the UK Visa Application Centre in Bogotá to provide biometrics. There is no eVisa option for Colombian citizens.
The Standard Visitor visa allows you to stay in the UK for up to 6 months. It's valid for multiple entries, but each visit cannot exceed 6 months. The visa is usually valid for 2 years, 5 years, or 10 years, depending on what you apply for and the fee you pay.
Yes, you need to show that you have enough money to support yourself during your stay without working or using public funds. Bank statements for the last 6 months are standard. There's no fixed amount, but you should have enough to cover accommodation, food, and activities.
No. The Standard Visitor visa is for tourism, visiting family/friends, or business activities like meetings and conferences. You cannot work, study for more than 30 days, or get married. If you need to work or study, you must apply for a different visa category.
You'll receive a refusal letter explaining the reasons. You can reapply, but you'll need to address the issues raised. The fee is non-refundable. There is no formal appeal for visitor visa refusals, but you can request an administrative review in some cases.
No. The TB test is only required if you're staying in the UK for more than 6 months. For a standard visitor visa (under 6 months), you don't need it.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on August 7, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.