Travel To Colombia: What Americans Need To Know

Americans can still travel to Colombia, but the US State Department currently advises against it, urging citizens to reconsider due to crime and terrorism. The advisory warns of violent crime, such as homicide and assault, as well as attacks by terrorist groups and criminal organisations. However, some travellers have reported feeling safe in Colombia as long as they remain vigilant and avoid certain areas.

Safety in Colombia

Despite Colombia's improved image among travellers in recent years, safety is still a concern for those visiting the country. The US State Department has issued a Level 3 travel advisory for Colombia, urging travellers to "reconsider travel" due to crime and terrorism. Violent crime, such as homicide, assault, and armed robbery, is widespread, and kidnapping remains a risk. Terrorist groups and criminal organisations are active and may attack with little or no warning, targeting transportation hubs, markets, shopping malls, local government facilities, police stations, military facilities, hotels, restaurants, and other public areas.

• Avoid areas near the Venezuela and Ecuador borders due to the risk of violence, kidnapping, and detention.
• Stay away from protests, strikes, and demonstrations, as they can turn violent.
• Be vigilant and aware of your surroundings at all times, especially in crowded areas and tourist locations.
• Do not display valuables, such as phones, cameras, or jewellery, as petty theft is common.
• Use only trusted transport options like official taxis or ride-sharing apps. Avoid using public buses.
• Only drink bottled or boiled water, and avoid raw fruits and vegetables unless you can peel them yourself.
• Get travel insurance and make sure it covers medical evacuation in case of unforeseen medical complications.
• Avoid non-touristy areas at night, and stick to well-lit, populated areas.
• Do not accept food or drinks from strangers, as drink-spiking can occur.
• Dress conservatively and avoid flashing money to blend in and not stand out.
• Be cautious when using ATMs, and avoid those located on the street.
• Use licensed or pre-booked taxi services, and avoid hailing taxis on the street.
• Be wary of scams and fraudulent activities, especially on dating apps and websites.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to stay informed and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.

By following these safety guidelines and staying informed about the latest travel advisories, travellers can take necessary precautions to enhance their safety while visiting Colombia.

Travel advisories and warnings

The US State Department has issued a Level 3 Travel Advisory for Colombia, urging Americans to "reconsider travel" to the country due to crime, terrorism, civil unrest, and kidnapping. The advisory warns of violent crimes such as homicide and assault, as well as attacks by terrorist groups and criminal organizations. Certain areas, such as the border regions with Venezuela, pose a greater risk.

The US government has implemented several restrictions for its direct-hire employees, including prohibiting them from travelling by road between most cities, using motorcycles, and hailing street taxis or using public buses. These restrictions highlight the security concerns and risks faced by travellers in Colombia.

In addition to crime and terrorism, there is also a risk of civil unrest and kidnapping in Colombia. Demonstrations and protests occur regularly and can turn violent, resulting in fatalities and injuries. It is advised to avoid areas where demonstrations are taking place and to monitor local media for updates.

When it comes to health and safety, there are several concerns to be aware of. The quality of healthcare varies across the country, with limited good health care available only in major cities. In the event of an injury, adequate medical treatment may only be accessible in or near these cities. Therefore, it is recommended to purchase medical evacuation insurance.

Tap water may not be potable in rural areas, and it is advised to drink bottled water or beverages instead. Additionally, some cities in Colombia, such as Bogota, are at high altitudes, and travellers should be aware of the symptoms of altitude sickness and take necessary precautions.

Natural disasters, such as flooding and mudslides, can occur during the rainy seasons, usually from March to June and from September to November. These incidents can disrupt travel and reduce access to essential services.

When it comes to specific regions, the Arauca, Cauca (excluding Popayán), and Norte de Santander departments are given a Level 4 advisory ("Do Not Travel") due to crime and terrorism. The Colombia-Venezuela border region is also assigned a Level 4 advisory due to crime, kidnapping, and the risk of accidental crossing into Venezuela, where US citizens may face detention.

To ensure safety, it is recommended to enrol in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security updates and alerts. Staying informed about local media and adjusting plans accordingly is crucial. Additionally, it is advised to follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter and review the Country Security Report for Colombia.

Crime and terrorism

To reduce the risk of becoming a victim of crime or terrorism, Americans travelling to Colombia should take several precautions. These include:

• Enrolling in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security updates and make it easier to be located in an emergency.
• Monitoring local media and avoiding protest areas and crowds.
• Being aware of their surroundings at all times and avoiding isolated or deserted areas, particularly at night.
• Dressing down and avoiding the display of signs of wealth, such as expensive jewellery or watches.
• Keeping cell phones, cameras, and other valuables out of sight and limiting the use of electronic devices in public.
• Using ATMs inside banks, shopping malls, or other secure locations during business hours and avoiding ATMs on the street.
• Carrying only the cash and credit cards needed for the day's activities.
• Staying in reputable accommodations with good security measures and keeping windows and doors locked.
• Avoiding walking alone or travelling alone at night.
• Using a dispatch service or cell phone app to book a licensed taxi and avoiding hailing taxis on the street.
• Not resisting physically during robbery attempts and prioritising personal safety by promptly surrendering valuables.
• Maintaining composure and adopting a prone position on the ground if caught in the vicinity of a shooting.

In addition to the risk of crime, there is also a threat of terrorism in Colombia. Terrorist groups, including dissident groups of the former Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) and the Ejército de Liberación Nacional (ELN) guerrillas, continue to plan and carry out attacks. Targets may include government, military, and police sites or personnel, nightclubs, hotels, restaurants, corporate facilities, and transportation hubs. To reduce the risk of becoming a victim of terrorism, it is advisable to:

• Monitor local media and official warnings for emerging threats.
• Avoid possible targets of terror attacks, where possible.
• Report any suspicious activity or items to the police.
• Leave the area immediately and avoid the affected area in case of secondary attacks if an attack occurs.

Border crossings

Border areas in Colombia are best avoided due to the risk of kidnapping and violence posed by the presence of illegal armed groups and other criminal organizations. The U.S. Department of State has issued a Level 4 "Do Not Travel" advisory for Arauca, Cauca, and Norte de Santander departments, as well as the Colombia-Venezuela border region.

If you are travelling to Colombia by land, there are several border crossings to be aware of. The most common route is from Ecuador to Colombia, with the main and most secure crossing at Ipiales, which is open 24/7. This crossing is often used by those travelling from Quito to Bogota, or Tulcan to Pasto.

There are other lesser-known crossings, such as La Punta (Ecuador)/San Miguel (Colombia), which is a bridge crossing the Río San Miguel in the jungle, and San Lorenzo (Ecuador)/Monte Alto-Tumaco (Colombia), which involves a sea and river journey. These crossings are more complicated and adventurous, and you may be subject to greater scrutiny by border control officials.

It is important to note that border crossings may be closed on certain occasions, such as during national elections, protests, or emergencies. It is recommended to stay flexible and keep yourself informed about the latest news and developments in Colombia and neighbouring countries.

When crossing borders, ensure that you have all the necessary documentation, including a valid passport and any required visas. Keep yourself alert and stick to established routes and processes to ensure a smooth and safe experience.

Entry Requirements

Before entering Colombia, all travellers must complete an electronic immigration form ("Check-Mig") within 72 hours to 1 hour before their flight or land/maritime/river crossing. This form is free and can be completed on the Migracion Colombia website.

U.S. citizens do not need a Colombian visa for tourist or business stays of 90 days or less, or for cumulative stays of 180 days or less per calendar year. However, you must present a valid U.S. passport and may be asked to show proof of a return or onward ticket and sufficient funds for your stay.

Exit Requirements

When exiting Colombia, U.S. citizens with dual citizenship must present a valid Colombian passport. If you are travelling with minors who have Colombian citizenship, additional documentation is required, such as birth certificates and notarized authorization to travel from the non-travelling parent(s).

Make sure to obtain an exit stamp in your passport when leaving Colombia by land, as failing to do so may result in a fine.

Medical care and travel insurance

Although the US State Department urges Americans to reconsider travel to Colombia due to crime and terrorism, it is not illegal for Americans to travel there. However, it is important to be aware of the potential risks and take necessary precautions, including purchasing comprehensive travel medical insurance.

Colombia has some of the best private hospitals in Latin America, but healthcare is not free for visitors, and charges can add up quickly. Therefore, it is highly recommended that visitors buy a comprehensive travel medical insurance plan that covers emergency medical care, emergency evacuation from the country, medical evacuation transportation, and repatriation.

Additionally, the Colombian healthcare system includes a government-subsidized program and private institutions. The cities, such as Bogota and Medellin, offer better care and easier access to some of the best private hospitals in Latin America. However, medical staff may speak little to no English, and patients are responsible for all costs associated with transfer to or between hospitals.

In the event of an emergency, calling 123 will direct you to the specific emergency service departments. It is important to note that Colombia does not use 911. To reach the Tourist Police, where agents speak English, you can call (1) 337-4413 directly. Ambulance services are available in larger cities, but response times may vary, and it may be faster to take a taxi or private vehicle to the nearest major hospital.

When preparing for a trip to Colombia, it is important to be up to date with all vaccinations recommended by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Additionally, travelers over the age of 18 should ensure they are up to date with their COVID-19 vaccinations and provide proof of vaccination upon entry.

It is also important to be aware of the strict drug laws in Colombia due to its history of drug-related conflicts. If you are bringing prescription medication, keep it in its original packaging, along with your doctor's prescription, and only bring the amount you need for your trip. Some medications that are routine in the US may be prohibited in Colombia, so it is advisable to check with the Colombian embassy before your trip.

In conclusion, while Americans can travel to Colombia, it is important to carefully consider the risks and take necessary precautions, including purchasing comprehensive travel medical insurance to cover any potential medical expenses or emergencies.

Frequently asked questions