Colombia and Israel will abolish visa requirements for each other’s citizens starting September 1, 2026. The agreement was announced by Israel’s Foreign Ministry after talks between Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar and Colombian Foreign Minister Omar Bula Escobar.
Diplomatic Talks Result in Visa Waiver
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar and Colombian Foreign Minister Omar Bula Escobar held talks that culminated in the visa waiver deal. The Israeli Foreign Ministry made the public announcement following these ministerial discussions.
Reversal of Previous Foreign Policy
The visa waiver agreement marks a policy shift under Colombia’s new government led by President Abelardo de la Espriella, who took office on August 7, 2026. President de la
Espriella reversed the critical foreign policy stance of former President Gustavo Petro, whose administration severed diplomatic relations with Israel in May 2024 and accused Israel of genocide and crimes against humanity in Gaza.
Traveler Impact
Under the agreement effective from September 1, 2026, Colombian and Israeli citizens can travel to each other’s countries without obtaining visas in advance. This simplifies entry procedures and marks the restoration of diplomatic goodwill between Colombia and Israel.
