Introduction
Colombia has grown into one of Latin America’s most attractive travel and relocation destinations for people from around the world, including a growing number of UK citizens. With its rich culture, diverse landscapes, and relatively low cost of living, Colombia draws tourists, digital nomads, retirees, and investors alike.
But for UK citizens, making the jump to Colombia—whether for a short visit or a long-term relocation—can come with unique challenges and legal considerations.
To unpack the realities of travelling or moving to Colombia from the UK, we sat down with Adam, the Australian-born founder of Colombia Law Connection, a legal firm that has been serving foreigners in Colombia for over six years. With his team of bilingual Colombian lawyers and years of on-the-ground experience, Adam has seen it all—and shares with us some critical advice for any Brit thinking about visiting or starting a new life in Colombia.
Q: Adam, thanks for speaking with us. For UK citizens who have never been to Colombia, what’s your general take on what the country offers them?
Adam: Thanks for having me. I think a lot of UK citizens are just starting to wake up to what Colombia really offers. It’s not just beaches and coffee—it’s a country of incredible diversity. You’ve got cosmopolitan cities like Bogotá and Medellín, beach towns like Cartagena and Santa Marta, and a growing infrastructure for remote work and foreign investment.
For Brits especially, who are used to high costs of living, Colombia can be a breath of fresh air. A person can enjoy a comfortable lifestyle here on a fraction of what they’d pay in London. But beyond the financials, there’s a charm to life here that’s hard to put into words—people are warm, there’s a strong social fabric, and the culture is vibrant.
Q: Let’s talk logistics. Do UK citizens need a visa to enter Colombia?
Adam: Not initially. UK passport holders can enter Colombia without a visa for up to 90 days as a tourist. That period can usually be extended by another 90 days through an application with Migración Colombia, giving Brits up to 180 days per calendar year in the country visa-free.
However, many people get confused here. That 180-day limit is per year, not per entry. So you can’t just exit and re-enter to reset the clock. If you’re planning to stay longer, or work remotely, or invest in a business, you’ll need to look into a proper visa.
Q: What are the most common legal issues that UK citizens run into when they come to Colombia?
Adam: Great question. First off, overstaying the 180-day limit is a big one. Many people think it’s no big deal, but overstaying can lead to fines, deportation, or future entry bans. We see a lot of that.
Second, immigration status and work legality are issues—especially for digital nomads. A lot of people work online and think they don’t need any visa, but technically, working in Colombia—even remotely—may require a Digital Nomad Visa or another appropriate visa. The law is still catching up to the times, but it’s best to stay on the safe side.
Then there are relationship and family law issues. We have British clients who marry Colombians or have children here and then face complicated custody or divorce proceedings. Colombian family law is very different from the UK system, and without proper legal guidance, it can be overwhelming.
Lastly, we help a lot of Brits with investments and real estate. Unfortunately, scams can happen—especially to foreigners who don’t speak the language or understand the system. Whether it’s buying property or starting a business, having legal support here isn’t optional—it’s essential.
Q: You mentioned digital nomads—how popular is Colombia with remote workers from the UK?
Adam: It’s booming. Cities like Medellín and Bogotá are seeing an explosion in coworking spaces, digital nomad-friendly cafes, and short-term rental housing.
For UK citizens, especially post-Brexit, Colombia presents an interesting alternative to Europe or Southeast Asia. The Digital Nomad Visa allows remote workers to legally live and work in Colombia for up to two years, as long as they earn income from outside Colombia and meet the minimum income requirement, which is quite reasonable—about $900 USD/month at the time of writing.
We’ve helped dozens of UK clients apply for this visa. It’s fairly straightforward with the right paperwork, and it gives peace of mind—you don’t have to worry about tourist visa limits or being kicked out halfway through the year.
Q: What about safety? UK travelers sometimes hear old stories about Colombia. Should they be worried?
Adam: This is one of the most common concerns. The Colombia of today is not the Colombia of the ’80s or ’90s. That being said, it’s not perfect. There are still areas to avoid, especially rural zones near certain borders. But cities like Medellín, Bogotá, and Cali have come a long way in terms of safety and infrastructure.
As a foreigner, especially from the UK, you’ll stand out. So you need to take basic precautions: don’t flash valuables, don’t wander into unfamiliar areas at night, and get local advice. Also, it’s always smart to register with the British Embassy when you’re staying long-term.
Many of our clients—especially retirees or families—find that once they adjust, they feel quite secure here. It’s just about being street-smart and culturally aware.
Q: How does Colombia Law Connection assist UK clients specifically?
Adam: Our law firm specializes in helping foreigners, and we’ve worked with a lot of Brits over the years. We offer services in English and Spanish, and we understand both the local Colombian system and the expectations and cultural norms that UK citizens are used to.
Some of the ways we assist UK clients include:
- Visa applications and renewals (Digital Nomad, Retirement, Marriage, Investment Visas)
- Immigration consultations and appeals for overstays or legal violations
- Property and real estate transactions
- Marriage, divorce, and family law services, especially for binational couples
- Business formation and tax guidance
- And we also help with criminal or civil litigation, if needed.
Our main value is helping UK citizens avoid costly mistakes. One wrong form, one miscommunication with immigration—it can snowball. We’re here to prevent that.
Q: You’ve lived in Colombia for over six years now. What keeps you here?
Adam: Honestly, Colombia just has a certain magic. The quality of life, the food, the people—it’s all very rich. Professionally, I’ve also found great purpose in helping other foreigners navigate a system that’s often confusing or intimidating.
A lot of our clients come to us frustrated or overwhelmed, and we’re able to give them peace of mind. That’s what keeps me going. Plus, I’ve built a life here. Colombia becomes home quicker than you’d expect.
Q: Any last words of advice for UK citizens thinking about travelling or relocating to Colombia?
Adam: Do your homework, but also don’t be afraid to explore. Colombia is changing fast—it’s more welcoming than ever, and the opportunities are real. Just make sure you have the right legal guidance from day one.
Whether you’re coming to retire, work online, start a business, or just travel around, you want to do it right. That’s where we come in. If you’re a Brit thinking about Colombia, we’d be happy to help you take the next step with confidence.
Closing Thoughts
From the breathtaking Andes to the Caribbean coast, Colombia is fast becoming one of the top destinations for adventurous UK citizens seeking something new. But between visas, legal pitfalls, and the learning curve of a new culture, the transition can be smoother with the right help.
Colombia Law Connection, under the leadership of expat Adam and his experienced legal team, provides the kind of trustworthy, bilingual support that UK travelers and expats need to truly enjoy the Colombian experience—legally and securely.
For more information or to book a consultation, visit www.colombialawconnection.com or follow them on social media.
