Easier access to Colombia

Abu Dhabi, Jan 12, 2009 (WAM) - UAE citizens will no longer need to apply in advance for visas to enter the Latin American state of Colombia, the Foreign Ministry has announced, following the receipt of an official note from the Colombian Embassy in Lebanon, which handles the country's diplomatic relations with the Emirates. Visas can now be obtained on arrival in Colombia, particularly for tourism, business or short-stay visits.
Mohammed Abdul Rahim Abdul Jalil, Assistant Under Secretary for International Cooperation Affairs at the Foreign Ministry, also announced that UAE citizens visiting Switzerland will now no longer requires separate entry visas, following a decision by Switzerland to join the Schengen visa agreement with effect from December 12th 2008. Already signed by several member states of the European Union, a Schengen visa permits holders to enter and to travel between any of the signatory states. – Emirates News Agency, WAM