Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar announced Thursday a significant diplomatic development between Israel and Colombia: beginning September 1, citizens of both countries will be able to visit each other without obtaining entry visas in advance.
Diplomatic Breakthrough
Israel, Colombia Sign Visa-Free Deal
Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar announces visa waiver agreement with Colombia, set to take effect September 1 following months of strengthened diplomatic ties between the two nations
The agreement comes against the backdrop of dramatically improved Israel-Colombia relations. Just months ago, Colombia became only the second country in the world, after the United States, to recognize Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights, a strategic plateau Israel captured from Syria in 1967 and formally annexed in 1981.
During a visit to Colombia, Foreign Minister Sa'ar met with President Gustavo Petro and presented Israel's security rationale for maintaining control of the Golan Heights. Despite pressure from Arab states, the Colombian president agreed to the historic recognition, demonstrating what Israeli officials described as courageous leadership.
The deepening ties were on full display following the disastrous 7.4 earthquake in Colombia. Israel deployed a major Home Front Command rescue team to assist, providing more international relief personnel than any other nation.
The Israeli mission operated in Cali, Colombia's third-largest city, working at three of the five most severely damaged sites. The team benefited from experience gained just weeks earlier during earthquake relief operations in Venezuela, contributing to successful rescue efforts in Colombia.
What the Agreement Means for Travelers
Under the new arrangement, Israelis will be able to enter Colombia without applying for a visa beforehand, while Colombians will enjoy the same privilege when visiting Israel. The move is expected to significantly facilitate travel for tourists and business professionals from both countries, while strengthening economic and cultural ties.
Israel has signed visa waiver agreements with various countries in recent years, with the United States agreement being the most significant. However, the Colombia accord stands out due to the broader diplomatic context of deepening bilateral relations between the nations.
The Foreign Ministry confirmed that the agreement will officially enter into force on September 1, 2026.
