Full Breakdown
Colombia and Israel Set Mutual Visa Waiver Starting Sept. 1
8/21/2026, 11:05:54 AM
Core Agreement
On August 20, 2026, both governments announced that citizens of Colombia and Israel will no longer need advance visas for travel beginning Sept. 1. Colombia will lift its advance-visa requirement for Israeli travelers, and Israel will do the same for Colombian travelers.
Background & Context
Relations between the two nations deteriorated after President Gustavo Petro severed diplomatic ties in May 2024, labeling Israel’s actions in Gaza a “genocide” and a “crime against humanity.” Petro’s administration also withdrew from the International Court of Justice case against Israel and imposed reciprocal visa restrictions in 2025. After taking office on Aug. 7, 2026, President Abelardo de la Espriella reversed these policies, recognizing Israel’s sovereignty over the occupied Golan Heights, aligning with Morocco on Western Sahara, and planning to open a Colombian embassy in Jerusalem.
Official Statements & Responses
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar highlighted the same roadmap in remarks reported by El Colombiano. President de la Espriella’s administration has also moved to establish a Colombia-Israel Binational Economic Commission and to send an official Colombian delegation to Israel in October.
Data & Timeline
- Aug. 7, 2026 (occurred): Abelardo de la Espriella assumes the Colombian presidency.
- Aug. 20, 2026 (scheduled): Announcement of the mutual visa waiver.
- Sept. 1, 2026 (scheduled): Visa requirements are lifted for both countries.
What’s Next
The upcoming Colombian delegation in October will discuss further economic cooperation and the planned reopening of the Colombian embassy in Jerusalem. Both governments indicate that the visa waiver is the first step in a broader effort to deepen bilateral ties across trade, tourism, and diplomatic engagement.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We mapped out a roadmap for the full and immediate restoration of diplomatic and economic relations between our countries,” — Gideon Sa’ar, israeli foreign minister — Gideon Sa’ar, Israeli Foreign Minister
