New UK visa application centre in Colombia
Opening of new UK visa application centre and changes to UK transit requirements from summer 2014 in Colombia
![](https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5e985599d3bf7f3fc943bbd8/UK_government_logo.jpg)
“Our visa hub in Bogota handles an average of 29,000 applications per year, with the majority processed well within our target of 15 days for non-settlement. For those selecting our priority visa service the majority are processed under 5 days.
I am pleased to confirm that from 27th February 2014 our commercial partner, VFS Global, has begun operating a new visa application centre as part of our global aim to deliver a modernised, efficient visa service. In addition to the existing priority visa service, visa applicants in Bogota are now able to choose to access other premium services including a premium lounge.”
A further passenger notice:
“From the summer, we intend to allow Colombian nationals to transit airside through UK airports without needing a Direct Airside Transit Visa (DATV)”. “Colombian nationals will still need a visa if they want to cross the UK border for any reason, whether to visit or change flights. If a connecting flight is from another airport, passengers will still need to get a Visitor in Transit Visa before passing through the UK.”