According to the Tourism Observatory of the District Personnel of Medellín, the number of thefts committed against foreign visitors excluding Venezuelans increased 200 percent in the third trimester of 2023 compared to the previous year and violent deaths of foreign visitors increased 29 percent.  Most of the 2023 violent death victims were US citizens.   

As a service to readers, this message has been reprinted in its entirety as issued by the US Embassy in Bogotá.

Criminals use dating apps to lure victims to meet in public places such as hotels, restaurants, and bars, and then later assault and rob them.  Numerous US citizens in Colombia have been drugged, robbed, and even killed by their Colombian dates.   

Over the last year, the Embassy has seen an increase in reports of incidents involving the use of online dating applications to lure victims, typically foreigners, for robbery by force or using sedatives to drug and rob individuals.  The Embassy regularly receives reports of these types of incidents occurring in major cities, including, but not limited to,Medellin, Cartagena, and Bogota.  These types of crimes routinely go underreported as victims are embarrassed and do not want to follow through with the judicial process.   

All visitors to Colombia should be vigilant, maintain heightened situational awareness, and incorporate strong personal security practices into their activities.   

The full advisory is available at https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Colombia.html 

Actions to Take: 

Be cautious if using online dating apps in Colombia.   

If meeting with a stranger, you should strongly consider meeting only in public places and avoiding isolated locations, such as residences or hotel rooms, where crimes are most likely to occur.  

If inviting an individual that you just met to your residence or hotel room, speak to your door attendant/concierge beforehand and establish a policy as to what information your new visitor should provide before being authorized entry (photo of identification, etc.) and what process should be followed when your visitor departs. 

Tell a friend or family member of your plans, including where you are going, details of the person you are meeting, and the app you used to meet them.  Victims who are targeted via online dating applications tend to have their electronic devices stolen which often contain all evidence of communication with the assailants.  

Do not physically resist any robbery attempt.  Victims of crime who resist robbery are more likely to be killed. 

Trust your instincts– if something does not feel right, do not hesitate to walk away from a situation.  

Assistance: 

U.S. Embassy Bogota, Colombia 
Tel. +57-1-275-2000 or 601-275-2000 
acsbogota@state.gov 
https://co.usembassy.gov/ 

U.S. Consular Agency, Barranquilla 
conagencybarranquilla@state.gov 

U.S. Department of State – Consular Affairs 
1-888-407-4747 or 1-202-501-4444 

Colombia Country Information  

Enroll in Smart Traveler Enrollment Program  to receive security updates 

One of the most popular methods to target unsuspecting individuals is through online dating applications.  Individuals match with dates and there is an agreement to meet.  This meeting can either initially start in a public place or at the residence/hotel of the victim.  Eventually, a sedative is introduced to the victim, leaving them disoriented and sedated so they are easily robbed.  These types of crimes are believed to be underreported as victims are embarrassed and do not want to follow through with the judicial process, especially if they are tourists.

We are reprinting this urgent bulletin from the US Embassy as a service to our readers.

Historically in Colombia, a drug called scopolamine has been used to carry out these crimes. Also known as Burundanga in Colombia, it is an odorless, tasteless, memory blocking substance used to incapacitate and rob unwary victims. If ingested or exposed, scopolamine can render a victim unconscious up to 24 hours or more. In large doses, it can cause respiratory failure and death. It is most often administered in liquid, spray, or powder form in foods and beverages. Other drugs used in Colombia include benzodiazepines that can render a person unconscious. In one recent case, the assailant used zolpidem (brand name: Ambien), a non-benzodiazepine sedative used commonly to treat insomnia. These types of drugs can cause extreme effects and leave the victims defenseless.

The US Department of State advises citizens to reconsider travel to Colombia due to crime, terrorism, and COVID-19 and to exercise increased caution in Colombia due to civil unrest and kidnapping.  The full Travel Advisory for Colombia can be found at https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Colombia.html.

Actions to Take:

• If you are in imminent danger, contact local authorities by dialing “123” from any Colombian telephone line.
• If you are the victim of a crime, visit https://co.usembassy.gov/victims-of-crime/ for information on how to the U.S. Embassy can assist you and how to report the crime to the Colombian authorities.
• If using dating applications in Colombia, before you go on a date, let someone know who you are meeting, where you are going, and the details of the dating application account you are communicating with. Victims who are targeted on dating applications tend to have their electronic devices stolen which often contain all evidence of communication with the assailants.
• Avoid going to bars or nightclubs alone and leaving with strangers.
• Do not leave food or drinks unattended.
• Do not accept food or drinks from strangers.
• Seek medical attention if you believe you may have been drugged.
• Be vigilant and trust your instincts – if something does not feel right, don’t hesitate to walk away from a situation.

Assistance:

• US Embassy Bogota, Colombia
  Tel. +57-1-275-2000 or 601-275-2000
  acsbogota@state.gov
  https://co.usembassy.gov/
• US Consular Agency, Barranquilla
  conagencybarranquilla@state.gov
• US Department of State – Consular Affairs
  1-888-407-4747 or 1-202-501-4444
• Colombia Country Information
• Enroll in Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security updates
• Follow us on Facebook and Twitter

Image created by Microsoft Bing AI

Police took him to the hospital where he was treated for non-lethal wounds, but the next day, a bandaged Ware was present at Ruta N on the city’s north side to celebrate the opening of his technology initiative called Forte Global.

Forte Global is collaborating with Medellín’s Ruta N business incubator to train young adults between the ages of 18 and 28 from the city’s two lowest socioeconomic strata in information technology with the goal of the participants being employable after the training, that lasts between four and nine months, as information technology professionals. Forte hopes that at least 50% of participants are young women, who are underrepresented in information technology and other STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) fields.

To participate, applicants must:

1. Be a resident of Medellín and the Metropolitan Area.
2. Be over 18 years old, completed before June 30, 2022.
3. Received less than $39.5 million in annual income in 2021 (roughly $10,000 USD) and paid no income taxes that year.
4. Not have previously worked in a position or company in the field of technology.
5. Not currently taking a formal or non-formal study in technology.
6. Have access to email, computer and the internet.
7. Be available 40 hours per week for full-time training and 20 hours per week for part-time training.

Applicants only have until March 31 to apply, and training begins in April, and may apply here.

Ware was undaunted by the attack. “This illustrates what is happening in the world, it is a reality that we have, people are looking for desperate measures to get out of poverty. I don’t blame them, there are other ways to get out of these difficult times and I think one of them is generating training and opportunities,” he said.

“We will train talent so that they can grow and improve their productivity and, ultimately, turn Medellín into the Silicon Valley of Latin America. Medellín has a lot of potential and its inhabitants do too. This pilot will help both young people and the city.”

Reconsider travel to Colombia due to COVID-19. Exercise increased caution in Colombia due to civil unrest, crime, terrorism and kidnapping. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.

Finance Colombia notes that air travel to Colombia’s major cities and tourist destinations is generally safe for tourism, family visits, and business travel, though travelers should always assess their individual circumstances. 

Read the Department of State’s COVID-19 page before you plan any international travel.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a Level 2 Travel Health Notice for Colombia due to COVID-19, indicating a moderate level of COVID-19 in the country. Your risk of contracting COVID-19 and developing severe symptoms may be lower if you are fully vaccinated with an FDA authorized vaccine. Before planning any international travel, please review the CDC’s specific recommendations for fully vaccinated and unvaccinated travelers. Visit the Embassy’s COVID-19 page for more information on COVID-19 in Colombia.

As a service to readers, this message has been reprinted in its entirety as issued by the US Embassy in Bogotá.

Do Not Travel to:

Arauca, Cauca (except Popayán), Chocó (except Nuquí), Nariño, and Norte de Santander (except Cúcuta) departments due to crime and terrorism.

Reconsider Travel to:

Several departments throughout the country due to crime and terrorism.

Country Summary: Colombia is experiencing continuing demonstrations, unrest, and disruptions throughout the country. The nationwide events can cause the shutdown of local roads and major highways, often without prior notice or estimated reopening timelines. Road closures may significantly reduce access to public transportation and airports and may disrupt travel both within and between cities. Several cities have seen vandalism, looting, and destruction. Demonstrations have resulted in fatalities and injuries across the country.

Violent crime, such as homicide, assault, and armed robbery, is common. Organized criminal activities, such as extortion, robbery, and kidnapping for ransom, are widespread.

While the Colombian government signed a peace agreement with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) terrorist group, some dissident groups refuse to demobilize.

The National Liberation Army (ELN) terrorist organization continues plotting possible attacks in Colombia. They may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, local government facilities, hotels, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, parks, major sporting and cultural events, educational institutions, airports, and other public areas.

US government personnel cannot travel freely throughout Colombia for security reasons.

Read the country information page.

If you decide to travel to Colombia:

• See the U.S. Embassy’s web page regarding COVID-19.
• Visit the CDC’s webpage on Travel during COVID-19
• Avoid protest areas and crowds.
• Monitor local media for breaking events and adjust your plans based on new information.
• Keep a low profile.
• Be aware of your surroundings.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter.
• Review the Crime and Safety Reports for Colombia.
• U.S. citizens who travel abroad should always have a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist.

Arauca, Cauca, Chocó, Nariño and Norte de Santander Departments – Do Not Travel

Violent crime, including armed robbery and homicide is widespread.

Terrorist groups are active in some parts.

The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to US citizens as US government personnel cannot travel to these areas due to security concerns.

Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.

Several Departments throughout the Country – Reconsider Travel

Reconsider Travel to:

• Antioquia department north of Medellin
• Caquetá department
• Casanare department
• Cesar department outside of Valledupar
• Cordoba department outside of Montería
• Guainía department
• Guaviare department
• Meta department
• Putumayo department
• Valle del Cauca department outside of Cali and Palmira area
• Vaupes department
• Vichada department

Violent crime, including armed robbery and homicide, is widespread.

The US government has limited ability to provide emergency services to US citizens as US government personnel cannot travel to these areas because of security restrictions and limited domestic travel options.

Visit the state department website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.

Assistance:

U.S. Embassy Bogota, Colombia Tel. +57-1-275-2000 or 601-275-2000 acsbogota@state.gov https://co.usembassy.gov/     U.S. Consular Agency, Barranquilla   conagencybarranquilla@state.gov     U.S. Department of State – Consular Affairs   1-888-407-4747 or 1-202-501-4444