Colombia-Israel visa waiver begins Sept 1
Colombians can visit Israel visa-free from September 1 but must obtain a new Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA-IL), costing about 25,000 pesos.
Starting September 1, Colombia and Israel will mutually waive visa requirements for short visits. The new rule, announced by the Israeli government, results from dialogue between Foreign Ministers Gideon Sa'ar and Omar Bula, according to a report by El Tiempo.
Israeli Ambassador to Colombia Vivian Aisen stated the move will facilitate the arrival of hundreds of Israeli businesspeople and thousands of tourists to Colombia. For Colombians, it adds Israel to the list of 131 countries they can visit without a visa, based on data from the Henley & Partners Passport Index.
The Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA-IL)
Despite the visa exemption, all Colombian travelers must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization, or ETA-IL, before departure. This requirement, which Israel will impose from 2025 on citizens of visa-exempt countries, was confirmed to El Tiempo by the Israeli Embassy in Colombia.
The ETA-IL covers short stays for tourism, medical tourism, business, and certain non-academic short-term studies. Each traveler, including minors, must submit an individual application online, which requires personal and passport details. A fee of 25 Israeli shekels, approximately 25,000 Colombian pesos, applies.
Application Process and Travel Advice
Processing can take up to 72 hours. The Embassy recommends applying at least 72 hours before booking flights, accommodation, or other travel expenses. While not mandatory for the ETA, travelers must have a valid passport, a return ticket from Israel, and valid health insurance for their stay.
"It is also advisable to carry documentation that allows you to prove the conditions and purpose of the trip, such as a reservation or information about the place of accommodation, sufficient financial means, and, where appropriate, documentation related to the activity you will carry out in Israel," the Embassy stated.
An approved ETA-IL is valid for up to two years or until passport expiry, whichever comes first, and allows for multiple entries. Each stay, however, is limited to a maximum of 90 days. A new application is required if the traveler gets a new passport or changes their name, gender, or nationality.
Possession of an ETA does not guarantee entry. All travelers remain subject to border immigration and security controls, which can deny entry if inconsistencies are found.
Stays Longer Than 90 Days and Current Visa Rules
For stays exceeding 90 days, travelers must obtain the corresponding immigration authorization based on their purpose. The visa waiver does not replace required visas for specific activities.
| Purpose of Stay | Required Visa / Permit |
|---|---|
| Long-term study (over 90 days) | A/2 Student Visa |
| Religious activities | A/3 Clergy Visa |
| Work | B/1 Work Visa |
| Tourism (for nationals still requiring a visa) | B/2 Visitor Visa |
Colombians with travel planned before September 1 must still apply for a conventional B/2 visitor visa. This electronic visa costs 107,000 Colombian pesos and has a processing time of up to 10 days.
Security Context and Official Warnings
Travel to the region carries risks due to ongoing conflict and security tensions. The U.S. Department of State maintains a Level 3 travel advisory for Israel, recommending travelers "reconsider travel" due to terrorism and civil unrest. Canada advises avoiding non-essential travel to Israel due to the wars and tensions with actors like Iran, Hamas, and Hezbollah.
The Israeli Embassy advises Colombian citizens considering travel to "stay informed about the evolution of the security situation, consult official sources and the recommendations of the authorities before and during the trip." It warns the situation can change, requiring travelers to make an informed decision based on circumstances at the time of travel.
