US State Department Says Reconsider Travel To Colombia “Due To Civil Unrest, Crime, Terrorism & Kidnapping.”

The Department of State renewed its Travel Advisory for Colombia on October 26, 2021, which remains at Level 3 (Reconsider Travel).

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 [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