Latest News

British National Arrested with Silenced Pistol in Medellín’s Parque Lleras

By The City Paper Staff - November 2, 2026

Leigh Simon Elston, 38, was carrying a CZ handgun, a silencer and 24 rounds of ammunition when police stopped him in the city’s main nightlife district of El Poblado. Mayor Federico Gutiérrez says security operations will continue. MEDELLÍN — A 38-year-old UK national wanted by police in Wales was arrested in Medellín after officers discovered […]

Oscar Pérez-Escobar: Mapping The Orchid Tree of Life

By Richard Emblin - September 6, 2025

Colombian botanist Oscar Alejandro Pérez-Escobar, Research Group Leader at Kew Gardens, leads the Orchid Tree of Life project, tracing the evolution of 30,000 orchid species. His research, published in New Phytologist, underscores orchids as “canaries in a coalmine,” vital for biodiversity, conservation, and understanding climate change.

UK citizen Christopher Neil arrested in Medellín with ties to Gulf Clan

By The City Paper Staff - December 13, 2024

UK citizen Christopher Neil was wanted on an INTERPOL red notice and is accused of orchestrating major cocaine shipments to the United Kingdom and engaging in extensive money laundering operations.

Colombia’s Petro threatens Visas for Britons in “Reciprocity” to the UK

By Richard Emblin - November 26, 2024

Colombian President Gustavo Petro has vowed to impose visa requirements on British citizens in response to the United Kingdom’s decision to reinstate travel visas for Colombians starting December 24, 2024.

The London Eye was lit in the colors of the Colombian flag. (Photo Presidencia de la República)

UK to reinstate Visa Requirement for Colombian travelers

By The City Paper Staff - November 26, 2024

The United Kingdom will reintroduce visa requirements for Colombian nationals starting December 24, 2024, citing an increase in fraudulent asylum applications. Colombian Ambassador Roy Barreras confirmed the decision, stating it was prompted by a minority abusing the visa-free travel introduced in 2022.

Harry and Meghan begin four-day tour of “extremely dangerous” Colombia

By Richard Emblin - August 14, 2024

Harry and Meghan are set for their four-day tour of Colombia to promote social justice, cultural heritage, and child welfare, following an invitation from Vice-President Francia Márquez.

Colombia’s tall-ship ARC Gloria on the River Thames in London

By The City Paper Staff - July 6, 2024

Colombia’s tall-ship ARC Gloria majestically sailed through London’s Tower Bridge on the same day both Colombia and England reached the semi-finals of their respective football tournaments.

Colombia tells UK Duchess that sourcing coca plants for Poison Garden impossible

By The City Paper Staff - March 18, 2024

The Colombian Embassy to the UK refutes Duchess of Northumberland’s alleged request for coca plants, highlighting legal barriers and emphasizing coca leaf distinction from cocaine.

UK ends tourism visa requirements for Colombians

By The City Paper Staff - October 18, 2022

The United Kingdom will eliminate tourist visa requirements for Colombians as from November 9, 2022. The decision marks a diplomatic victory for President Gustavo Petro.

UK’s Hague and Santos commit to combating sexual violence

By Hannah Matthews - February 18, 2014

British Foreign Secretary William Hague came to Bogota to address the issue of sexual violence in conflict and lay out a framework for the June G8 Summit.