Discovering the United Kingdom: A complete guide for your next trip
Have you chosen your next adventure yet? If you're still looking for amazing destinations to experience unique adventures, the United Kingdom is the perfect choice. This nation, comprised of England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, is a fascinating destination brimming with history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes. Conecty brings you a detailed, step-by-step guide to help you plan every stage of your trip.
What are the requirements to enter the United Kingdom?
Did you know that since November 9, 2022, Colombians could travel to the UK without a tourist visa? However, this has changed, and as of November 26, 2024, Colombian citizens must once again obtain a visa to enter the United Kingdom. Therefore, when planning your trip, it's important to consider certain conditions and specific documents, such as:
✅ Valid Visa : Depending on your Visa type, you must continue to meet all the requirements that allow it.
✅ Sufficient funds: You must demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to cover the costs of your stay in the United Kingdom, where the official currency is the Pound Sterling. A tip… There is no specific amount required, but it is suggested that you have between £42 (US$53) and £85 (US$100) per day.
✅ Accommodation: You will need to provide details about where you will be staying during your stay, whether in a hotel, with family or friends.
✅ Tickets: Show your round-trip airline ticket confirming your departure from the United Kingdom, whether back to Colombia or to another destination.
✅ Travel medical insurance : Although not mandatory, it is advisable to have travel medical insurance that covers your expenses in case of emergencies or accidents during your stay in the United Kingdom.
✅ Intention to Return to Colombia: Immigration officers will seek confirmation that you intend to return to Colombia after your visit. This may include family ties, work, or studies awaiting you at home.
Heads up… as a Colombian citizen, you're allowed certain activities under the Visa Exemption program, such as tourism, education, business, and medical appointments, for a maximum of six months. For longer stays or to work, you'll need an appropriate visa.
How much money is needed?
The cost of traveling to the UK can vary considerably depending on several factors, such as the season, the length of your stay, the type of accommodation you choose, your spending habits, and the activities you plan to do. However, here is a general estimate of the top 5 things to consider:
- Flight tickets from Colombia to London: Approximately £1,070 (US$1,500) for a round trip. Tip… we recommend buying them in advance and during the off-season to avoid high prices.
- Accommodation: prices can range from £51 (60 USD) per night in a budget hostel to £160 (200 USD) or more in a mid-range or high-end hotel.
- Meals: You can expect to spend between £25.50 (US$32) and £42.50 (US$52) per day on meals, depending on your preferences.
- Public transport: a weekly pass for the London Underground and buses costs around £40 (US$50).
- Tourist attractions: Prices vary, but you can expect to spend between £16 (US$20) and £40 (US$50) per day on museum entrance fees, tours, and other sights.
In total, it is recommended to have a budget of £1600 (2,000 USD) to £2400 (3,000 USD) for a one-week (5-day) stay, including flights, accommodation, meals, transport, and some tourist activities.
And to make the most of your trip and stay informed about all the events, must-see places, restaurants, and local cafes, sharing all your experiences in real time, consider getting a data plan with Conecty. It will give you high-speed internet and the peace of mind of staying connected at all times.
How to live in England as a Colombian?
If you wish to live in England as a Colombian, you must meet the corresponding immigration requirements. Some common options are:
Work visa: You can apply if you have a job offer from a British company or are being transferred by your Colombian employer. You must demonstrate that you have the skills and qualifications required for the position.
Student visa: You will need to prove that you have been accepted into an accredited program at a British educational institution, and that you have sufficient funds to cover your living expenses and tuition fees.
Entrepreneur visa: If you have a solid business plan and funds to invest in the UK, you can apply for this type of visa.
Family visa: through close relatives (spouse, parents or children) who are British citizens or permanent residents that allow you to qualify.
Permanent residence: Generally, after 5 years of legal residence in the UK, you can apply for permanent residence, also known as "indefinite settlement".
It is important to bear in mind that the immigration process to the United Kingdom can be complex and requires meeting all the requirements, which you can check at the British Embassy , taking into account the options according to your situation.
How long does a trip from Colombia to the United Kingdom take?
The duration of the journey from Colombia to the United Kingdom varies depending on the route and layovers, but in general, you can expect the following:
- Direct flights from Bogotá to London: approximately 12 hours and 30 minutes.
- Flights with layovers : can take between 15 and 20 hours, depending on the number of layovers and connections.
Direct flights are the fastest option, but they're also usually more expensive, while routes with layovers are cheaper but involve longer travel times. For a more comfortable travel experience during layovers, connectivity is key, and with Connecty, you'll always have internet access, helping you stay informed and making waits more bearable and hassle-free.
Top 5 places to visit in the United Kingdom
The United Kingdom is a country rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. From vibrant cosmopolitan cities to picturesque rural villages, there's a wide variety of fascinating destinations to visit. Here are some of the best places you shouldn't miss on your trip to the UK:
- London: It is the capital and largest city in the country, with iconic landmarks such as Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, the British Museum, the Tower of London and the London Eye.
- Edinburgh: It is a charming city known for its impressive Edinburgh Castle, the iconic Royal Mile and its Georgian yellowstone buildings.
- Bath: This city in southwest England is famous for its Roman baths and its Georgian golden stone architecture.
- Lake District: Located in northwest England, this national park is a paradise for nature lovers and hikers.
- York: This historic city in the north of England captivates with its imposing York Minster, its medieval walls and its urban life.
These are just a few of the many fascinating destinations the UK has to offer. Each region has its own unique history, culture, and attractions that captivate travelers from all over the world.
Checklist before traveling to the United Kingdom
Here are some key recommendations before you embark on your trip from Colombia:
- Documentation : Make sure you have a valid passport and that the Consulate 's requirements are up to date.
- Connectivity: Being always connected to the internet is key to enjoying your stay abroad and avoiding potentially uncomfortable cultural or language barriers.
- Money and cards: Check the exchange rates to British Pounds and notify your bank about your trip to avoid card blocks for security reasons. Carry a combination of cash and credit/debit cards.
- Accommodation: Book your accommodation in advance and research convenient and safe locations on apps like Hostelworld .
- Transportation: You can choose options such as car rental or public transport using informative apps likeTrainline or UK Bus Checker .
- Weather and clothing: Check the weather and seasons in the regions you'll be visiting to pack appropriate clothing using apps like Weather UK.
- Learn some basic phrases: although English is widely spoken, learning to interact in this language can be useful and will facilitate your acquisition through apps like Tandem or Duolingo .
To ensure your adventure goes smoothly, Conecty has created a free Trip Planner that you can download . This tool is designed to help you organize your itinerary, budget, accommodation, transportation, and more—all in one place.
Remember to do thorough research and apply for your documents well in advance to ensure your trip to the UK is an unforgettable and trouble-free experience.
Ready! Start planning your next British adventure and get ready to create unforgettable memories in one of the world's most fascinating countries, along with the possibilities that Connecty has for you in more than 190 countries.
Dare to live a new adventure!
