Overview
- Israel's foreign ministry said Colombia and Israel will abolish visa requirements for each other's citizens from 1 September 2026, formalizing the latest step in a fast-moving normalization process.
- The visa waiver follows a July roadmap between Israeli FM Gideon Sa'ar and Colombian FM Omar Bula Escobar to restore diplomatic relations, exchange ambassadors and expand cooperation.
- Colombia's new president Abelardo de la Espriella began reversing his predecessor's policy after taking office on 7 August, including recognition of Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights and plans to open an embassy in Jerusalem.
- The move aligns Bogota more closely with U.S. and Israeli positions and could increase Israeli tourism to Colombia, including visiting soldiers, which has in other countries triggered protests and restrictions.
- The rapprochement comes against a backdrop of international legal actions over Gaza, including an ICJ case backed by former president Gustavo Petro and an ICC arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, which heightens reputational and diplomatic risks for Colombia.