Colombian and Israeli travelers regain 90 day visa-exempt access Sept. 1

Israel and Colombia restored mutual visa-free entry Sept. 1, rolling back consular visa mandates imposed in July 2025.

Reversing the 2025 visa restrictions

The bilateral agreement undoes short-term visa barriers introduced during diplomatic disputes last year, restoring visa-exempt access for tourism, academic activities and business trips for up to 90 days. Colombian travelers no longer need to schedule consular interviews for standard B-2 tourist visas, while Israeli citizens regain routine entry to Colombia without advance paperwork.

The policy shift applies strictly to non-immigrant short stays; neither government expanded work rights or altered long-term residency categories, the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed.

ETA-IL entry requirements for Colombians

Colombian passport holders traveling to Israel must now obtain an ETA-IL electronic travel authorization prior to departure. The digital clearance costs 25 Israeli shekels (roughly $7), remains valid for multiple entries over two years or until the passport expires and limits each visit to 90 days.

Border officials at Israeli ports of entry still require arriving travelers to present standard documentation:

• ETA-IL approval linked to a valid passport

• Proof of return or onward travel

• Confirmed accommodation for the full duration of stay

• International travel health insurance

• Proof of economic solvency

Applications must be submitted through the official government portal to avoid third-party processing fees, the Embassy of Israel in Colombia announced.

Stays for remote workers

Remote workers planning trips between both destinations gain immediate flexibility under the restored 90-day limits. The waiver removes the weeks-long consular processing queues required over the past year, though travelers staying longer or seeking local employment must still secure formal permits through pathways covered in Israel's residency rules.

Anyone holding an upcoming consular appointment for a leisure or business trip can cancel the booking and submit the electronic form instead.