Travel Advisory
Please check your government's official travel advisory before departure. Situations can change rapidly.
Safety Level
Official risk level and travel advisories
Safety in Colombia varies greatly by region. Tourist areas of the main cities have improved, but always check the latest official travel advice before your trip.
- Overall risk
- Varies widely by area; some regions carry advisories
- Main concern
- Theft, robbery and taxi-related scams in cities
- Emergency number
- 123 (unified emergency line)
- Bogotá, Medellín, Cartagena and Cali welcome many visitors, yet risks differ sharply between neighbourhoods and between cities and rural or border areas. Do not assume any place is simply "safe" or "dangerous"; consult your foreign ministry, the UK FCDO and the US State Department for current guidance before and during travel.
Danger Zones & Areas to Avoid
Regions with poor security or restricted access
Advisories apply to some border zones and rural areas. Even in cities, avoid deserted districts and walking alone at night. Check current official advice.
- Higher-risk areas
- Some border regions (e.g. near Venezuela) and remote rural areas
- In cities
- Avoid quiet or unfamiliar districts, especially after dark
- Advisory levels change over time and by department, so verify the latest official travel advice before deciding where to go. Stick to well-known central and tourist areas, and avoid unlit or deserted streets alone at night.
Natural Disaster Risks
Earthquakes, typhoons, floods, and other hazards
Colombia lies in a seismic and volcanic zone. Earthquakes, active volcanoes and rainy-season flooding and landslides are the main hazards.
- Earthquakes
- Andean regions are seismically active
- Volcanoes
- Several active volcanoes; monitor official alerts
- Rainy season
- Flooding and landslides, especially in mountainous areas
- Earthquakes can occur across the Andean interior, and Colombia has active volcanoes. During the rainy seasons, heavy rain triggers flooding and landslides that can cut roads. The Caribbean coast sees heavy downpours though direct hurricanes are less common; follow local warnings and evacuation instructions.
Health & Disease Risks
Endemic diseases and hygiene concerns
Watch for altitude sickness in the highlands and mosquito-borne diseases in the lowlands. Tap water is generally drinkable in major cities but bottled water is advised in rural areas.
- Altitude
- Bogotá sits at about 2,600 m; acclimatise gradually
- Mosquito-borne
- Dengue, Zika and chikungunya in tropical lowlands
- Vaccines
- Yellow fever and malaria risk in some areas; seek advice
- The high altitude of Bogotá and other highland cities can cause altitude sickness; rest on arrival and stay hydrated. In warm lowland and tropical regions, protect against mosquito bites and check whether yellow fever vaccination or malaria precautions are recommended for your itinerary. City tap water (e.g. Bogotá) is generally considered safe, but choose bottled water in rural areas.
Crime & Scam Trends
Common crimes and scams targeting tourists
Be alert to "paseo millonario" taxi robberies, drink spiking with scopolamine, ATM crime and fake police. Use registered ride-hailing apps or trusted taxis.
- Taxi robbery
- "Paseo millonario": robbery inside a hailed taxi
- Drink spiking
- Scopolamine ("devil's breath") used to incapacitate victims
- Advice
- Use registered apps, guard drinks, be wary of fake police
- Avoid flagging taxis on the street; book through a registered ride-hailing app or hotel. Never leave food or drinks unattended and decline items from strangers. Be cautious near ATMs, withdraw cash inside banks where possible, and ask for identification if approached by anyone claiming to be police.
Political Situation & Protests
Political instability and potential demonstrations
Colombia is a democracy. Demonstrations and protests occur from time to time and can disrupt transport; avoid them.
- Government
- Presidential democratic republic
- Demonstrations
- Occur periodically; can turn disruptive, avoid them
- Protests and strikes can arise at short notice and may block roads or affect transport. Even peaceful gatherings can escalate, so stay away from demonstrations and follow local news and official advice.
Local Laws & Prohibitions
Important local laws and penalties for travelers
Drug offences carry severe penalties. Involvement with cocaine or other narcotics can mean long prison sentences. Carry ID and respect local rules.
- Drugs
- Illegal; trafficking and possession bring heavy penalties
- ID
- Carry a copy of your passport at all times
- Customs
- Do not carry items for strangers through airports
- Colombia enforces strict anti-drug laws and prison conditions can be harsh. Never accept packages or luggage from others, especially at airports. Keep a copy of your passport with you and respect local customs and instructions from authorities.
Emergency Contacts
Police, ambulance, and fire department numbers
Dial 123 for all emergencies: police, ambulance and fire. Operators may not always speak English.
- All emergencies
- 123
- Tourist police
- Available in main tourist cities
- Tip
- Save your embassy and accommodation numbers
- 123 is the unified emergency line for police, ambulance and fire nationwide. Operators may not always speak English, so learn a few basic Spanish phrases and keep key contact numbers, including your embassy, saved on your phone.
Embassy & Consulate Info
Location and contact details of your embassy
No embassy or consulate information is available for your selected nationality in this country.
Travel Insurance
Recommended coverage and tips for choosing a policy
There is no reciprocal healthcare agreement, so carry comprehensive travel insurance with medical, evacuation and high-altitude/adventure cover.
- Coverage
- Comprehensive policy with strong medical cover
- Evacuation
- Include emergency medical evacuation and repatriation
- Activities
- Cover high-altitude trekking and adventure sports
- Assume no reciprocal medical agreement applies in Colombia, so private treatment must be paid for. Take out comprehensive travel insurance covering medical care, emergency evacuation and repatriation, and check that high-altitude and adventure activities are included if relevant.