Israelis and Colombians set for visa-free travel as Jerusalem embassy opens

Colombia will officially open its embassy in Jerusalem on Wednesday, making it the tenth country to establish a diplomatic mission in Israel's capital. Colombian Foreign Minister Omar Bula is expected to travel to Israel for the inauguration ceremony.

For travellers, the same period of rapprochement has brought a separate change: Colombia and Israel have reached an agreement eliminating visa requirements for citizens of each country travelling between the two nations.

Key facts

• Wednesday: Colombia's embassy in Jerusalem is due to be inaugurated
• Colombia becomes the tenth country to open a diplomatic mission in Israel's capital
• Colombian Foreign Minister Omar Bula is expected to attend the ceremony
• Colombia and Israel have agreed to drop visa requirements for each other's citizens
• Diplomatic and economic relations were formally re-established in August

What is changing for travellers?

Colombia and Israel have reached an agreement that eliminates visa requirements for their respective citizens travelling between the two countries. The move forms part of a wider package of measures announced by the Colombian government aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation.

The source does not give the date from which visa-free travel takes effect, how long travellers may stay, or which passport types qualify. Travellers planning a trip between Colombia and Israel should confirm the current requirements before booking.

Why is this happening?

The changes follow a sharp shift in Colombia's foreign policy under President Abelardo de la Espriella, who took office on 7 August and has made closer relations with Israel a priority. Israel and Colombia formally re-established diplomatic and economic relations in August, shortly after he assumed office, and during his campaign de la Espriella promised to reverse his predecessor's approach and rebuild ties with Israel.

Shortly after taking office, his government formally recognised Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights, making Colombia the second country in the world to do so after the United States. The embassy opening marks a further departure from the policies of former President Gustavo Petro, whose administration severed diplomatic relations with Israel in May 2024 and later announced plans to establish a Colombian embassy in Ramallah.

What this means for travellers

Colombian and Israeli citizens are the group directly affected by the visa change, while the embassy opening adds a further diplomatic presence in Jerusalem. Anyone travelling between the two countries should check which rules currently apply to their passport before departure.

The inauguration of the Jerusalem embassy is scheduled for Wednesday, with Colombia's foreign minister expected in Israel for the ceremony.