Colombia and Israel will remove visa requirements for their citizens beginning September 1, 2026, according to the Israel Foreign Ministry. The announcement followed discussions between Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar and Colombian Foreign Minister Omar Bula Escobar. This agreement allows travelers from both countries to enter without securing visas in advance.
Previously, Colombia’s relations with Israel deteriorated sharply under former President Gustavo Petro. In May 2024, Petro’s administration severed diplomatic ties with Israel and accused it of genocide and crimes against humanity in Gaza. The government also supported legal action against Israel, including a genocide case before the International Court
of Justice.
Since taking office on August 7, 2026, President Abelardo de la Espriella has quickly reversed Petro’s foreign policy toward Israel. His administration’s new measures include restoring diplomatic relations and establishing the visa waiver agreement to facilitate travel and cooperation.
The change benefits Israeli and Colombian citizens by simplifying entry procedures, enabling travel without advance visa applications between the two nations effective September 1, 2026.
