Full Breakdown
Israel and Colombia Set Mutual Visa Waiver for September 1, 2026
8/24/2026, 8:47:38 AM
Core Agreement
On September 1, 2026, Israel and Colombia will mutually exempt each other’s citizens from advance visa requirements. The arrangement was announced by the Israeli Embassy on August 20, 2026 and confirmed by the Israeli Foreign Ministry’s post on X/Twitter. Existing immigration and entry conditions will remain in force, and the waiver reverses reciprocal visa requirements that were reinstated in 2025.
Diplomatic Context
Relations between the two nations were severed in May 2024 after Colombian President Gustavo Petro ended ties over Israel’s actions in Gaza. The break included reciprocal visa bans in 2025. After the inauguration of right-wing President Abelardo de la Espriella in early August 2026, both governments moved to restore ties.
- August 7, 2026 – Colombian Vice President José Manuel Restrepo met Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar in Bogotá to discuss cooperation.
- August 10, 2026 – Colombia announced formal recognition of Israel’s sovereignty over the Golan Heights, becoming the second country after the United States to do so; the move drew criticism from several Arab capitals.
- The restoration roadmap, first outlined in July 2026, includes appointing ambassadors, reopening the Colombian embassy in Jerusalem, and creating a Colombia-Israel Binational Economic Commission.
Official Statements & Responses
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar emphasized the broader diplomatic plan:
“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
Data & Timeline
- Visa waiver start: September 1, 2026 (scheduled).
- Travel volume: Colombia is a popular destination for Israelis, with tens of thousands of Israeli visitors each year (established fact).
- Recent diplomatic moves: Recognition of the Golan Heights (August 10) and planned Colombian delegation to Israel in October 2026 (future event).
What’s Next
Colombia plans to send an official delegation to Israel in October 2026 to deepen economic cooperation. Both nations will continue to implement the broader roadmap, including ambassador appointments and the operation of the binational economic commission.
