Colombia and Israel restore mutual tourist visa exemptions

Colombia and Israel have restored mutual visa exemptions for tourists, allowing citizens of both nations to travel to each other's territories for stays of up to 90 days without a prior visa. This decision, formalized through Resolution 12189 of 2026, marks a significant step in the normalization of diplomatic relations following a period of tension and distancing that began in 2024.

The agreement is part of a broader effort to rebuild bilateral ties, an initiative driven by the administration of President Abelardo de la Espriella. Beyond facilitating tourism, the measure aims to promote commercial, cultural, and academic exchanges between the two countries.

While the visa requirement is lifted for ordinary passport holders, travelers must still comply with specific migratory conditions. For instance, Colombian citizens traveling to Israel must still complete the required electronic travel authorization. The move signals a shift away from the diplomatic friction experienced during the previous administration of Gustavo Petro.