Political section (chancery)

The bilateral relations among the United Kingdom and Colombia as well as the lobbying that the United Kingdom performs about different policies before the Colombian government are responsibilities of the Political Section (Chancery) of the British Embassy in Bogotá. The Political Section presents reports and analysis to the government of the United Kingdom about the guidelines of the Colombian Government in the political, economical, social and regional levels and its historical background. The section identifies the contacts related to these subjects and has a permanent relationship with them. Within the main issues, the Chancery is in charge to follow up the internal conflict of the country, the development of the possible peace processes and the matters related with the narcotraffic. Technical Cooperation and Human Rights are also priorities for the objectives of the Political Section.

Consular section

The British Consulate staff in Bogotá are here to look after the interests of British nationals (and some unrepresented Commonwealth nationals) visiting or living within Colombia. Anyone seeking information on UK  public services, for example, benefit, pension and National Health Service issues, should contact the relevant Government Department direct, or visit the government’s portal to information on public services, DirectGov (www.direct.gov.gov.uk) In case of mayor difficulties such as death, accidents, illness, arrest and detentions the Consul will provide help.

Visa section

The Policy of the British Government is to guide the students and tourists to travel to the United Kingdom. At the Visa Section of the British Embassy the applications are assessed based on the Immigration Rules of the United Kingdom, providing a fast, efficient and amiable service. The British Government has implemented a system which processes the decision the same day, The British Embassy receives approximately 18.000 visa applications per year including the visa applications for other countries of the Commonwealth and Overseas Territories such as Antigua, Bermuda, New Zealand among others, of which 90% are issued. The student and visitors visa are issued for multiple entries, the visitors can remain in the United Kingdom for a maximum period of 180 days. The visas are valid for 6 months, 1,2, and 5 years. For the students, the validity of the visa is based on the length of the course.

Press and public affairs office

Provides information to students, researchers and the public in general about the United Kingdom. This section works in direct contact with the Media to disclose information about the United Kingdom and its bilateral relations with Colombia on a commercial, cultural and political level. The Press Office produces newsletters about commercial missions, ministerial visits, and pronouncements of the British Government; also of cultural activities and events of the British Embassy in Colombia.

Trade and investment section

It is part of UK Trade and Investment, a government institution that is in charge of promoting the British industry, trade and investment on a worldwide level. It has approximately 200 offices around the world. Through this section, the British Embassy identifies products and services providers in the United Kingdom, and also provides relevant information about the British industry, its fairs, exhibitions and trade events. The Trade and Investment section gives advice for the organisation of commercial visits to the United Kingdom, promotes commercial missions from the United Kingdom to Colombia and organises seminars.