Israel News
Crisis Over: Israelis Can Enter Colombia Visa-Free Starting Next Month
After two years of strained relations, Israel and Colombia have agreed to restore mutual visa-free travel beginning in September. The move follows the renewal of diplomatic ties and is expected to help bring Israeli travelers back to the country.
Good news for Israeli travelers: Starting September 1, 2026, there will no longer be a need for an entry visa to Colombia. The Foreign Ministry announced Thursday morning that, following talks between Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar and his Colombian counterpart, the two countries decided to introduce mutual visa exemptions.
The decision comes as part of a significant shift in relations between Jerusalem and Bogotá, following roughly two years of severed ties and intense tensions. About a month ago, the governments of Israel and Colombia announced that they had reached a detailed framework for the full restoration of diplomatic relations, including the return of ambassadors and the transfer of the embassy to the Israelis. Alongside the reinstatement of visa-free travel, the move is expected to restart the security partnership and trade agreements that had been frozen, while also helping restore tourism between the two countries.
The visa requirement for Israelis took effect about a year ago. At the time, the Israeli consulate in Colombia announced that every Israeli passport holder, whether seeking to enter the country for tourism or business, was required to apply for an entry visa and receive prior approval from the authorities. The consulate also urged travelers to check the latest entry requirements and complete the necessary procedures before planning their trip and arriving in the country.
The restriction was imposed amid one of Israel's most severe diplomatic crises in Latin America. Relations between the countries deteriorated rapidly during the term of outgoing President Gustavo Petro, one of Israel's most prominent critics on the international stage. The low point came in May 2024, when Petro officially severed diplomatic relations with Israel. He accused Israel of committing "genocide" in Gaza and called for a global boycott to isolate it.
Now, after two years of hostility, relations between the countries are undergoing a significant change, and the elimination of the visa requirement could be felt especially strongly in the tourism industry. Colombia has long been considered one of the most beloved and popular South American destinations for Israelis, particularly backpackers and post-army travelers.
