BOGOTÁ, Colombia – Visa appointments at the US Embassy in Colombia were canceled on Monday following a dispute over US deportation flights that almost turned into a costly trade war between the two countries.
Dozens of Colombians showed up outside the U.S. Embassy in Bogota and were handed letters by local officials saying their appointments had been canceled “due to the Colombian government’s refusal to accept repatriation flights for Colombians.” Other visa applicants on Monday received similar email messages.
Getting an appointment can take up to two years.
The tension between Colombia and the United States intensified on Sunday after President Gustavo Petro wrote a message in the morning of X saying that he would not allow two planes of the American Air Force carrying Colombian exiles to land in the country. He had previously approved flights.
Petro also shared a video showing another group of deportees who reportedly arrived in Brazil with chains on their legs. He said that Colombia will only accept deportation flights when the United States has established policies that ensure “respectful treatment” of deported migrants.
President Donald Trump responded to his position on Truth Social, where he called for an emergency 25% tariff on Colombian exports to the United States, and said that the US visas of Colombian government officials would be revoked, while the goods appeared. the South American country would face enhanced inspection of merchandise.
Meanwhile, the State Department said on Sunday it would stop issuing visas to Colombians until deportation flights resume.
Tensions eased Sunday night following talks between the countries, with the White House saying in a statement that Colombia had allowed the resumption of deportation flights and “agreed to all of President Trump’s terms,” including the arrival of deportees on military aircraft.
In the past, most Colombians removed from the United States arrived on chartered flights organized by US government contractors.
The White House said tariffs on Colombian goods would be suspended, but added that visa restrictions on Colombian officials and enhanced vetting would remain in place “until the first flight of Colombian deportees is successfully returned.”
The State Department did not respond to requests for comment about the resumption of visa appointments.
Last year, more than 1.6 million Colombians traveled to the US legally, according to a Commerce Department report. The report said the United States is the top destination for Colombians traveling abroad.