Israel, Colombia announce mutual visa exemption as nations continue to rebuild diplomatic ties

With the election of the new right-wing president of Colombia, Abelardo de la Espriella, Colombia and Israel have restored ties that had been severed for two years under the previous administration.

Israel and Colombia are set to mutually exempt one another from requiring visas for travel starting on September 1, the Foreign Ministry announced in a post on X/Twitter on Thursday.

The decision follows talks between Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar and Colombia's Foreign Minister Álvaro Leyva Escobar, as the two countries work to strengthen ties.

With the election of the new right-wing president of Colombia, Abelardo de la Espriella, Colombia and Israel have restored ties that have been severed for two years under the administration of president Gustavo Petro.

Colombia is an extremely popular destination for Israeli travelers, with tens of thousands visiting the country annually.

Rapid diplomatic developments between Israel, Colombia

Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar arrived in Colombia for Espriella's inaugural ceremony to discuss practical opportunities to deepen cooperation across a range of fields with the intent to translate the renewed diplomatic relationship into a concrete partnership.

On August 10, just three days after the presidential inauguration, the Colombian government announced that it was recognizing Israel’s sovereignty over the Golan Heights, making it only the second country, after the US, to do so.

The decision drew immediate criticism from several Arab countries, which decried the move. Damascus, Riyadh, Doha, and other capitals all raised objections, while Colombia's Foreign Ministry maintained the necessity of the move, citing "the ongoing regional instability in the Middle East."

The new government has also announced its intention to move the country’s embassy to Jerusalem.

Following a 7.4-magnitude earthquake that rocked western Colombia last week, the IDF sent a humanitarian delegation called the "Alliance of Brothers" in order to assist in search and rescue efforts. 

Colombia's President, Abelardo de la Espriella, thanked Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for Israel's support during "these very difficult times."