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Colombia has significantly improved security for individuals in the country. However the threat of future terrorist attacks is possible across the country. In the capital Bogotá, terrorist threats have decreased, but there is still a possibility they may occur in the future; the last attack in the capital was early 2009, resulting in two deaths and more than 20 injured. The attacks are indiscriminate, which requires extra vigilance - especially in the vicinity of popular areas that are frequented by expatriates and foreigners.
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In urban centres the threat of terrorist attacks is low, but the possibility of future attacks is real. Notably attacks have occurred in recent years in Cali and Buenavenutra, which have resulted in deaths. It is important you stay aware of possible attacks and take precautions to avoid putting yourself in a dangerous situation.
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Colombia is affected by illegal armed groups which have a strong presence in certain areas of the country. International foreign offices and Colombian authorities strongly recommend avoiding all but essential travel to the rural areas bordering Panama, Venezuela and Ecuador; the towns of Buenaventura and San Jose del Guaviare and surrounding areas are particularly suspect areas – as is the Parque Nacional Natural de La Macarena in the department of Meta. The safety of visitors to these areas cannot be guaranteed and the threat from illegal armed groups is ever present. Therefore it is strongly advised to minimize the risks by avoiding these areas.
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Because Colombia has illegal armed groups operating throughout the country, the threat of attacks is unpredictable. The groups move across the country to avoid the Colombian authorities. This means it is impossible to determine in advance whether a particular area will be unsafe at a certain time. The risk is greater in rural areas; however, there is always a threat in cities and town. If you are planning to visit remote areas of Colombia, it is paramount you seek professional security advice and make arrangement for your security prior to visiting the potentially dangerous area. Seeking advice from local authorities is recommended, as they will be up-to-date with current threats.
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The Parque Nacional Tayrona is a tourist destination popular with Colombians and foreign visitors; it is important when visiting the beach and resort areas that you keep to the recommended areas and avoid going inland. Armed groups are active in these areas, which are also used for growing drugs. To avoid any potential risk, it is strongly advised to keep to the allotted areas.
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Eco-tourism is popular in Chocó, as the town is located on the Pacific coast; however, the town is remote and in an unsafe location. It should be noted that the town of Bahia Solano poses less risk and is less dangerous. If you are planning to visit Pacific coastal towns, it is recommended you go by air - as road travel is potentially unsafe due to illegal armed groups and drug traffickers present in these areas. In 2008, Revolutionary Forces of Colombia (FARC) kidnapped six tourists in the town of Nuqui. It is extremely important you take all precautions when traveling to the coastal towns, as the risk from dangerous groups is high.
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Kidnapping in Colombia is common, with a variety of criminal groups conducting the attacks. While the number of kidnappings has fallen in the last decade, hundreds [of kidnappings] still happen each year. The majority of foreigners are possible targets for the kidnappers, who will not discriminate. They have kidnapped backpackers and expatriates working in Colombia in the past. The kidnappers will demand a ransom for the release of the victim. The risk of kidnapping remains prominent in Colombia, with the risk higher in certain regions of the country. It is important you do not put yourself into a precarious situation. Try and avoid visiting remote areas and known hot spots for criminal activities.
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South and Central America are prime drug producing regions, with armed criminals being protective of certain areas. You need to avoid areas known for growing coca as these are hot beds for armed groups. Also, land mines are scattered across the country, with some areas having warning signs. Therefore it is important to keep a watchful eye, to ensure you are not walking in a dangerous area.
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The healthcare facilities in Colombia are generally good, but can be expensive. In rural areas of Colombia healthcare is sub-optimal with limited availability. It is important you have comprehensive travel and medical insurance in place for your trip to Colombia as any medical treatment you receive is payable by you.
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Dengue fever is common across Central and Latin America, also malaria is common in the lowland tropical areas of Chocó and north western Antioquia. It is important you take preventative steps to stop the risk of catching these diseases and it is advised you seek medical advice prior to your trip.
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Colombia has been experiencing an increase in criminal activities in urban areas, this includes the capital Bogotá. Crimes such as muggings and pick pocketing are often accompanied by violence. Foreign visitors are a prime target for thieves, drug traffickers and pickpockets. There are measures you can take to lower your vulnerability - such as avoid unnecessary display of wealth and carry a minimal amount of cash. By taking steps you lower the potential risk of becoming a victim of crime.
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When possible only use pre-booked taxis, instead of hailing one down in the street. This will ensure an established, reputable taxi company is used.
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Drugs are used by criminals to overpower victims. The assailants will try and get the potential victim to consume a drug that will make them severely incapable of self control. The methods used by assailants to administer drugs are through food, drinks, cigarettes, aerosols, needles and powder; drugs used will take immediate effect. Victims will be robbed and assailants will escape. The drugs used can take several days to leave the victim’s system. It is important to be diligent and assume that you are an intended victim for a criminal.
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In Bogotá there are reports of fake police, who approach foreigners asking to see documents and to check currency. If you have any doubts about the legitimacy of the police, you should request to see proof of identity.
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The population and living conditions in some cities in Colombia are very poor and you should avoid visiting these areas as crime is rife. Within Bogotá, you are advised to avoid south Candelaria and the area west of the airport road as these are regarded as particularly dangerous by the authorities. The city of Cali has a very high murder rate and caution is needed when walking in streets; special attention is required at night time. It is important you do not put yourself into unnecessary danger as foreigners are prime targets for criminals.
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Colombia is generally a superb country to visit, with the vast majority of tourists having a trouble free time. However there is an element of danger that exists, but this can be minimized if you take correct preventative measures. It is important to check for up-to-date advice before visiting Colombia and, while there, with local authorities. This is important as the prevailing conditions in Columbia change frequently.
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Care is required when traveling in rural areas as Colombian and foreign authorities have limited ability to provide assistance. If you are visiting rural areas you need to bear in mind the risks present from armed groups and kidnappers. It is important to consider the potential consequences of visiting certain regions of Colombia, where there is limited government control.
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Bogotá. Medellin, Cali, Barranquilla, Cartagena and Bucaramanga are the major cities in Colombia where the majority of business activity takes place. Expatriates and travelers need to be aware criminals focus attention on petty crime at these locations and that these popular areas may be possible targets for terrorists; vigilance is therefore of paramount importance.
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If you plan to drive, most national driving licences are valid in Colombia; it is compulsory to have car insurance. The road conditions vary across the country and driving standards are poor, resulting in accidents being a common problem. If possible, refrain from driving at night - as the potential for an accident increases.
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If you are planning to enter Columbia via land border points, there are some crossing places best avoided, these are at: Aruja and Riohacha (Venezuela-Colombia) and all borders with Panama. This is due to the potential risk of kidnapping from armed groups.
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It is illegal in Colombia to be involved with drugs. The Colombia authorities have very sophisticated methods of catching drug traffickers, which result in arrests. When packing luggage, you should do it yourself and avoid carrying any items given to you. When you are in Colombia you are subject to their laws and to the legal systems of the country; the penalties for being associated with drugs are severe. It should be noted that in recent years embassies and consulates have reported foreign nationals being arrested and imprisoned in Colombia for drug trafficking.
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Taking photographs of military or strategic sites is not permitted.
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The majority of foreign nationals traveling do not require a visa, however you should check with the nearest Colombian Embassy or Consulate to ensure the requirements have not changed.
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When leaving Colombia an individual is only entitled to leave with US$10,000. Colombian immigration has confiscated excess cash over the permitted US$10,000.
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Yellow fever vaccination certificates are required if you are planning to visit jungle areas in Colombia. If you are traveling across Central and Latin America it is recommended you check the requirement for yellow fever vaccinations - as it may change for each individual country.
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Natural disasters such as earthquakes, flooding, landslides and volcanoes occur regularly in Colombia. It is important you listen to local and international reports for up-dates on potential events that may impact your trip. If you are unfortunate to experience a natural disaster while in Colombia it is advised to listen out for local authorities advice and follow the steps they recommend for your safety.
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Galeras volcano in Nariño Department erupted in 2010, which lead to the local authorities issuing travel warnings for the department of Narino, and the city of Pasto and La Florida. The Nevado del Huila volcano in the Parque de los Nevados is also unstable, with authorities warning that eruption can occur at anytime. It is vital to check media and authority reports to ascertain the current status of these volcanoes.
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You are advised to carry photocopies of identification documents and the Colombia visa and your passport, in order to minimize difficulties in the event of loss or pilferage. Also it is sensible to leave copies of passports / travel documents at your home base for access by contacts in case of an emergency.
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It is important you take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance, which covers all non-standard activities you expect to perform while in Colombia. It is recommended that your policy covers the eventuality of emergency evacuation for specific treatment resulting from illness or accident - as this process can be very expensive; and, as the patient you will be responsible for payment.
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International governments strongly recommend you have comprehensive travel and medical insurance in place for the duration of your stay in Colombia.
