Starting October 1, Colombians and other foreign nationals seeking to visit the United States will face significantly higher visa fees, following the approval of new immigration measures contained in Donald Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill”.
Latest News
Colombia Captures Top Italian Mafia Boss for Latin America in Bogotá Raid
Colombian police, with support from Europol and Italian and UK authorities, arrested Giuseppe Palermo, alias “Peppe,” the alleged head of the ‘Ndrangheta mafia in Latin America. Wanted in 196 countries, Palermo oversaw cocaine trafficking from Colombia, Peru, and Ecuador to Europe via maritime and land routes.
Ex-FARC Commanders Admit to Forcible Recruitment of More Than 18,000 Minors
The six former FARC commanders of the Secretariat admitted to recruiting more than 18,000 children during Colombia’s armed conflict, calling it a grave mistake before the Special Jurisdiction for Peace.
Petro’s ‘Coup’ Allegations Deepen Colombia–U.S. Rift, Resolution Still Elusive
Colombia–U.S. relations have reached their lowest point in years after President Gustavo Petro accused U.S. lawmakers of plotting a coup. Washington recalled its top diplomat over “reprehensible” remarks, prompting Bogotá to withdraw its ambassador. Tensions mount as visa sanctions loom and key bilateral cooperation on security and narcotics hangs in balance.
Foreign Minister Laura Sarabia Resigns as Washington Weighs “Certification” of Colombia
Foreign Minister Laura Sarabia resigned Thursday, weakening President Gustavo Petro’s government and straining ties with Washington as the U.S. weighs decertifying Colombia over narcotics policy. Sarabia, a key Petro ally, had clashed with officials over foreign policy decisions and was seen as a crucial link to U.S. diplomacy.
Mass Grave in Guaviare Confirms Execution of Church Group by FARC Dissidents
Colombian authorities have uncovered a mass grave in Guaviare containing the bodies of eight evangelical church members abducted in April. Prosecutors say FARC dissidents executed the victims for being from Arauca. The massacre, Colombia’s deadliest of 2025, underscores rising violence and the failure of state presence in remote regions.
Cocaine Production Hits Record High, Colombia’s Coca Crop at 253,000 Hectares
Global cocaine production hit a record 3,708 tons in 2023, driven by a surge in coca cultivation in Colombia, the UN reported. Cocaine use, seizures, and drug-related environmental crimes are rising worldwide, with Indigenous communities in the Amazon disproportionately affected by violence, displacement, and illegal gold mining
Petro Faces Criminal Case Over “Hostile” Social Media Against Miguel Uribe
Colombian President Gustavo Petro faces a formal criminal complaint over 43 statements allegedly inciting hostility against Senator Miguel Uribe, who remains in critical condition after a June 7 assassination attempt. The case can only deepen tensions amid a politically volatile pre-election campaign.
Colombian Mayors Demand More Protection After Petro invites Crime Bosses to Medellín Rally
President Gustavo Petro sparked national outrage after sharing a stage with jailed crim bosses during a rally in Medellín, just weeks after an assassination attempt on opposition candidate Miguel Uribe. Mayors across Colombia are demanding protection amid rising threats ahead of a potentially dangerous election season.
Petro’s Disapproval Rises to 64% as Colombians Abandon Leftist Agenda
Colombian President Gustavo Petro’s disapproval rating has risen to 64%, according to a new Invamer poll, as political tensions mount following an assassination attempt on opposition candidate Miguel Uribe. Public confidence in Petro’s reforms, peace agenda, and governance continues to erode ahead of the 2026 presidential election.
Petro Delivers Defiant Speech from Cali in Defense of His August 7 Referendum
Colombian President Gustavo Petro defended a binding referendum to bypass Congress and push labor reforms, sparking controversy over democratic norms. Critics accuse him of undermining institutions and consolidating an autocratic government by executive decree.
Bombings in Colombia’s southwest kill Eight, leave 75 injured
Tuesday’s attacks across southwest Colombia by FARC dissidents in have killed eight persons and injured 75. Colombian President Gustavo Petro faces mounting pressure amid rising violence and a constitutional crisis over his proposed referendum rejected in May by Congress.
Rasmussen Star: New Orchid Species Discovered in Colombia’s Sierra Nevada
Researchers in Colombia have discovered a new orchid species, Epidendrum Rasmussenii, in the cloud forests of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. The endangered orchid highlights the region’s extraordinary biodiversity and the urgent need for conservation amid increasing deforestation.
Petro halts extradition of Dissident Commander “HH” wanted in U.S. for drug trafficking
Colombian President Gustavo Petro suspended the U.S. extradition of dissident commander Gabriel Yepes Mejía, sparking tensions with Washington. The move, tied to peace talks, risks sanctions as Colombia deepens ties with China and distances itself from traditional U.S. alliances.
Colombia braces for 48-hour National Strike as Petro calls for popular revolt
Colombian President Gustavo Petro has backed a two-day national strike on May 28–29, urging mass mobilizations after Congress blocked his popular consultation. Labor unions will lead protests amid growing political tensions and institutional deadlock.
Eight Colombian towns nominated for UN’s Best Tourism Villages 2025
From the snow-capped Andes to the warm turquoise waters of the Caribbean, Colombia has nominated eight remarkably diverse rural towns for UN Tourism’s Best Tourism Villages 2025. These standout destinations—celebrated for their cultural depth, natural richness, and community-driven tourism—tell the story of a country where sustainability meets soul.