Inbound international flights halted

IMPACT – HIGH

Colombia has restricted all inbound international flights and limited immigration services, in the latest measures to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

Key Points:

• Colombia will restrict all inbound international flights for 30 days starting Monday.
• Colombian consulates abroad are no longer accepting any visa applications or approving new visas, with the exception of courtesy visas.
• Study visa applicants who have already paid their visa fee are eligible for a fee refund.
• Local immigration offices in Colombia will still register visas and issue foreign ID cards.

Background: Earlier this week, Colombia announced that it would restrict non-resident foreign nationals from entering Colombia and that those arriving in Colombia must undergo 14-day self-isolation. Authorities have started conducting random self-isolation compliance checks to ensure compliance.

Analysis & Comments: Effective Monday, all inbound international travel will be restricted, and Colombians and permanent residents will not be able to re-enter the country. While authorities will still register visas and issue foreign ID cards, they will not issue visas or process new applications for the time being, and employers should expect serious processing delays in the coming weeks. Deloitte will continue to follow developments and alert clients of any changes.

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