Colombia and Israel will abolish visa requirements for each other’s citizens starting September 1, 2026. The visa waiver was announced by Israel’s Foreign Ministry after negotiations between Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar and Colombian Foreign Minister Omar Bula Escobar.
Shift in Colombia’s Foreign Policy
This agreement reflects a shift under President Abelardo de la Espriella, who took office on August 7, 2026, reversing the previous foreign policy maintained by former President Gustavo Petro. De la Espriella’s administration aims to strengthen relations with Israel and has reversed many of Petro’s positions.
Diplomatic Background and Impact
In May 2024, former President Gustavo Petro severed diplomatic relations with Israel, accusing it of
genocide and crimes against humanity in Gaza and supporting legal actions against Israel in international courts. The new visa waiver enables citizens of both countries to travel without visas from September 1, 2026.
Traveler Impact and Official Announcements
The Israeli Foreign Ministry officially announced the visa waiver agreement, which allows Colombian and Israeli citizens to enter each other’s countries without obtaining visas in advance, effective from September 1, 2026.
