Israel and Colombia Agree on Mutual Visa Waiver Starting September 1

Israel and Colombia have agreed to a mutual visa waiver effective from September 1, marking a significant policy shift that reverses a previous Colombian government decision to impose visa requirements on Israeli citizens. The agreement was reached following discussions between Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar and Colombian Foreign Minister Álvaro Leyva, shortly before the inauguration of Colombia's new president, Gustavo Petro. Sa'ar expressed gratitude to Petro for Colombia's decision to move its embassy to Jerusalem, further strengthening bilateral ties.

This visa waiver is part of a broader warming of relations between Israel and Latin America, driven by geopolitical changes in the region over the past two years. The rise of right-wing, pro-Israel leaders across Latin America, including Argentina’s Javier Milei, and the decline of leftist governments have shifted the regional political landscape. Countries such as Peru, Chile, Ecuador, Bolivia, Panama, and Honduras have seen increased pro-Western and pro-Israel sentiment amid public dissatisfaction with economic and security issues.

Colombia has become the first country besides the United States to recognize Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights and has resumed coal exports to Israel. Meanwhile, Venezuela’s recent political changes, including the departure of Nicolás Maduro and the rise of President Delcy Rodríguez, have opened opportunities for renewed diplomatic relations with Israel, signaling a move away from Iran’s influence.

Israel’s diplomatic efforts, including humanitarian aid and rescue missions following recent earthquakes in Colombia and the region, have played a key role in accelerating these diplomatic breakthroughs. Foreign Minister Sa'ar has prioritized Latin America in Israel’s foreign policy agenda for 2026, aiming to solidify these gains despite potential future political fluctuations. However, challenges remain, notably with Brazil, where President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva maintains a hostile stance toward Israel, complicating relations.

Overall, the strengthening of ties with Latin America represents a major diplomatic achievement for Israel, positioning the region as a vital arena for its international relations.