Vivian Aisen, Israel’s new ambassador to Colombia. Credit: X: @VivianAisen
Relations between Colombia and Israel entered a phase of recovery after having been severed in May 2024 by former President Gustavo Petro. With Abelardo de la Espriella’s arrival to power, one of his first diplomatic measures was to restore the ties that had been close for years.
Immediately, Colombia announced the opening of its embassy in Jerusalem, and Israel also appointed its new ambassador to the South American country.
She is Vivian Aisen, who previously served as ambassador to Macedonia. Her appointment in Colombia is the result of the efforts of Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar to renew and restore relations between the two countries.
Aisen’s diplomatic career is rather distinguished. She previously headed the Central America Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and served at Israel’s embassies in London and Chile, as well as at its missions in Brussels and to the European Union. She was born in Brazil, but lived in Jerusalem for many years.
Before arriving in Colombia, she showed herself to be excited and enthusiastic. She expressed this in a video she posted on her social media. “What joy and what pride it is for me to represent Israel in this beautiful land,” she said.
“Colombia is a country that I deeply admire: its people, its culture, its gastronomy, its music and, of course, its art,” Aisen added, and assured that she is a fan of dancing and that one of her favorite genres is salsa, so she is very happy to enjoy that passion that is also felt in Colombia.
“We are experiencing a very special moment in relations between our two countries,” she continued, and offered a positive message. “I am convinced that we will work together for the prosperity of our nations and the well-being of our peoples.”
Good atmosphere that Israel’s new ambassador will find
Aisen will find a favorable environment for her work. In recent days, Colombia and Israel agreed to mutually eliminate the visa requirement for their citizens, which will facilitate travel between the two countries. The change will take effect soon, according to Israel en Espanol.
The decision was announced following talks between Israeli Foreign Minister Sa’ar and Colombian Foreign Minister Omar Bula Escobar. According to the announcement, both governments agreed to establish the exemption for their citizens.
“We are pleased to announce that, following talks held between Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar and Colombia’s Foreign Minister Omar Bula Escobar, both countries have agreed to mutually exempt their citizens from the visa requirement as of September 1,” the Israeli government reported through its official Spanish-language information account on X.
The change represents a modification to the immigration conditions that applied to travelers from both countries. In the case of Colombians, Israel had reinstated the visa requirement for tourism in May 2025, while Colombia subsequently adopted a reciprocal measure for Israeli citizens.
Until that date arrives, travelers must take into account the immigration conditions currently in force. In fact, the information currently available on the website of the Consulate General of Israel in Bogota still states that Colombian citizens need a visa to enter the country for tourism purposes.
For this reason, those planning to travel before the change should verify the requirements corresponding to the date of their trip. The announced exemption does not mean that entry conditions are identical to those of other countries, as there may be immigration controls and additional requirements.
In May 2025, the Israeli government had reinstated the visa requirement for Colombians traveling for tourism purposes, amid the deterioration of bilateral relations during the administration of then-President Gustavo Petro. Colombia subsequently responded with a reciprocal measure for Israeli citizens.