Israel and Colombia Visa-Free Travel Returns Sept. 1

Israel and Colombia’s visa-free travel is set to return on September 1, 2026. Both governments have said Colombian passport holders and Israeli passport holders will again be able to make short visits without a visa. Until that date, the current rules stay in force, so don’t assume the change is live yet.

What’s changing

This restores reciprocal short-stay entry for ordinary passports. For Colombians heading to Israel, going visa-free again should mean falling under the ETA-IL regime, which covers visa-exempt travelers and allows stays up to 90 days. Israelis should again be able to enter Colombia without a visa for short tourist trips.

When it kicks in

September 1, 2026. The announcement covers ordinary tourist and short-stay travel; it’s not clear yet where diplomatic and official passports stand. Official pages are still inconsistent with each other, so treat this as announced, not live, until the start date.

Why now

It comes down to reciprocity and a bilateral thaw after talks between the two countries’ foreign ministers. Colombia’s 2025 visa restriction on Israeli nationals was also framed as reciprocity at the time, and this new move says those requirements are getting lifted on both sides.

What travelers should do

The official pages don’t agree yet. Colombia’s bilateral Israel page still lists Colombians as visa-exempt for tourism under 90 days, while Israel’s Colombia consular pages still say Colombians need a visa.

Check the ETA-IL eligibility page and Colombia’s visa lists again on or after September 1, 2026 before booking anything. If the change is live as announced, ETA-IL applies to visa-exempt travelers: stays up to 90 days, validity up to two years or until your passport expires, and a 25 NIS fee. Until then, go by the current visa rules.

Sources

1. 1IsraelColombia Ministry of Foreign Affairs · cancilleria.gov.co
2. 2Resolution 8558 of 2025Colombia Ministry of Foreign Affairs · cancilleria.gov.co
3. 3Israeli Citizens Travelling to ColombiaMinistry of Foreign Affairs of Israel · embassies.gov.il
4. 4Application for ETA-IL approvalMinistry of Foreign Affairs of Israel · embassies.gov.il
5. 5Colombia and Israel Lift Mutual Visa Rule Sept. 1El Espectador · elespectador.com