Colombian President Gustavo Petro has accused the United States of violating international law after Washington revoked his visa in response to his pro-Palestinian stance and outspoken criticism of Israel’s war in Gaza.
The U.S. State Department confirmed the move on Friday, saying Petro’s visa was cancelled due to what it described as his “reckless and incendiary actions.” The decision followed Petro’s appearance at a pro-Palestinian rally in New York, where he urged American soldiers to reject President Donald Trump’s orders and instead “obey the orders of humanity.”
Reacting on social media, Petro declared:
“I no longer have a visa to travel to the United States. I don’t care. I don’t need one. I am not only Colombian but also European—and above all, a free citizen of the world. Revoking it for denouncing genocide shows the U.S. no longer respects international law.”
Colombia’s Foreign Ministry condemned Washington’s action, warning that using visas as a political weapon undermines the United Nations’ principles of neutrality and freedom of expression. The ministry even suggested relocating UN headquarters to a neutral country where entry is managed by the organisation itself, not a host state.
Israel, for its part, has rejected accusations of genocide, insisting its military operations in Gaza are defensive. Authorities in Gaza say the war has killed 65,000 people and displaced the enclave’s entire population, sparking widespread international outrage.
Relations between Bogotá and Washington have been in sharp decline since Trump’s return to office. Earlier this year, Petro blocked U.S. deportation flights, prompting tariff threats before a fragile compromise was struck.
In July, both countries recalled their ambassadors after Petro accused Washington of plotting a coup—an allegation the U.S. dismissed as baseless.
Tensions with Israel have also deepened. In 2024, Petro cut coal exports to the country and closed Colombia’s embassy in Tel Aviv.
Petro is not the first Colombian president to face such measures. In 1996, then-President Ernesto Samper had his U.S. visa revoked over allegations of cartel financing in his campaign.
About the Author
