US Embassy Issues Guidance On Colombia Post-Easter Covid Restrictions

The U.S. Embassy continues to monitor the rapidly changing conditions due to COVID-19 in Colombia and in other locations worldwide. The most current information regarding the impact of COVID-19 may be found at our COVID Information Page.

New Nationwide Post-Semana Santa Restrictions

Colombia has announced additional measures to reduce the risk of contagion by COVID-19. Movement restrictions in municipal areas will be triggered if hospital occupancy rates of hospital Intensive Care Unit (ICU) reach certain levels. These measures will be in effect from Monday, April 5, until Monday, April 19.

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

For information on your city’s specific restrictions and ICU occupancy rate, consult local media and the Colombian Ministry of Health website.

For cities with ICU occupancy of 85% or higher:

• Complete restriction on movement from 6 PM to 5 AM. Medellin, Santa Marta, and Cali currently meet this threshold.

For cities with ICU occupancy of 80% to 84%:

• Complete restriction on movement from 8 PM to 5 AM. Barranquilla currently meets this threshold.

For cities with ICU occupancy of 70% to 79%:

• Complete restriction on movement from 10 PM to 5 AM. Manizales currently meets this threshold.

For cities with ICU occupancy of 50% to 69%:

• Complete restriction on movement from Midnight to 5 AM. Bogota, Bucaramanga, Villavicencio, Armenia, Monteria, and Pereira currently meet this threshold

Please note that Pico y Cedula will be in effect in localities with ICU occupancy rates of 50% or above. Restaurants and parks are exempt from implementing Pico y Cedula measures. Under this policy only one member of each family may leave the home for shopping, banking, and any other services or errands. Businesses will allow entry to individuals based on the last number of their ID according to the following guidelines:

• On odd-numbered dates, people with IDs ending in even numbers may enter.
• On even-numbered dates, people with IDs ending in odd numbers may enter.

Local governments can take additional, more restrictive measures. You should monitor media reports for more specific information in your area. Refer to the municipal website of your locale for specific Pico y Cedula information.

COVID Testing Requirements

​Starting on April 7 until further notice, the Ministry of Health and Social Protection is requiring that all Colombians and foreign residents present a negative COVID PCR test to enter Colombia by air.

Further Information

• Consult the CDC website for the most up-to-date information.
• Review the CDC’s latest recommendations on reducing your risk of contagion.
• Review the State Department’s guidance on travel during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Visit our Embassy webpage on COVID-19 for information on conditions in Colombia.

Assistance

• U.S. Embassy Bogota, Colombia
  Tel. +57-1-275-2000
• [email protected]
  https://co.usembassy.gov/
• U.S. Consular Agency, Barranquilla
  [email protected]
• 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 (STEP) to receive security updates
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