Colombian Tourist Association Regrets U.S. Visa Regulations

Oscar Rueda, president of the Colombian Travel Agencies and Tourism Association (ANATO) lamented the U.S. decision of reshuffling all requirements for either getting or renewing visas.

Beginning on March 1, Colombian citizens willing to renew their U.S. visas must go to the American embassy in Bogota rather than making arrangements through travel agencies or post offices.

For Colombians living in cities other than Bogota, the visa renewal process would imply additional charges of at least half a million pesos (some $180) for their trips.

At the same time, special applications for groups will be banned, thus making a dent in the flow of tourists, especially teen girls and their companions celebrating their outgoing parties.

In a press release on this issue, ANATO president said all these restrictive measures are harmful for receptive tourism in the United States.

Mr. Rueda indicated less Colombian tourists traveled abroad in 2003, a 10,000-tripper deficit from the previous year.