Colombia’s new government scraps visa requirements with Israel

Colombia and Israel will abolish visa requirements for each
other’s citizens from September 1, marking another step in
President Abelardo de la Espriella’s reversal of the foreign policy
pursued by his predecessor, Gustavo Petro.

Israel’s Foreign Ministry announced the agreement on Thursday
following talks between Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar and
Colombia’s Foreign Minister Omar Bula Escobar.

Under the arrangement, Colombian and Israeli citizens will be
able to travel to each other’s countries without obtaining a visa
in advance.

The agreement represents a significant change in Colombia’s
approach to Israel after years of increasingly critical policies
under Petro.

Petro severed diplomatic relations with Israel in May 2024,
accusing the Israeli government of committing “genocide” and
“crimes against humanity” in Gaza. His administration also
supported international legal proceedings seeking accountability
for Israel and Israeli officials, including the genocide case
brought before the International Court of Justice.

De la Espriella, who took office on August 7, has moved rapidly
to reverse many of Petro’s foreign-policy positions and strengthen
relations with Israel.

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