Colombia travel advice

This advice has been reviewed and reissued with amendments to the Summary, Natural Disasters section (eruption of Galeras Volcano) and Passports section. The overall level of the advice has not changed.

Travel Summary

• We advise against all but essential travel to all rural areas bordering Panama, Venezuela and Ecuador, to the towns of Buenaventura and San José del Guaviare and the areas surrounding them; and to the Parque Nacional Natural de La Macarena in the department of Meta.
  
  
• We advise against all but essential travel in areas of intensive coca cultivation (see the Crime section of this Travel Advice), including the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta.
  
  
• Though the overall security situation in Colombia has improved considerably in recent years, the threat of terrorism is still high in many parts of the country. A bomb attack in Bogotá in January 2009 killed two people and injured at least twenty others. Attacks can be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers, and in the vicinity of government buildings and military establishments. See the Terrorism/Security section of this Travel Advice.
  
  
• In January 2010 the Galeras Volcano in Nariño Department erupted. See the Natural Disasters (Volcanoes ) section of this Travel Advice.
  
  
• In many areas of Colombia, the security situation can change very quickly. In general, the more remote the area, the greater the potential threat to your safety. See the Terrorism/Security and Crime sections of this Travel Advice.
  
  
• Kidnapping remains a serious problem and Colombia continues to have a high rate of kidnapping for ransom. By following this advice the chances of your being kidnapped will be much lower.
  
  
• In 2007, 886 people were killed or injured in Colombia by landmines, more than in any other country in the world. When travelling in rural areas you should always follow local warnings about the presence of landmines.
  
  
• Around 18,000 visits are made by British passport holders to Colombia every year (Source: Colombian State Security Department - DAS). Most visits are trouble-free. 11 British nationals required consular assistance in Colombia in the period 01 April 2008 – 31 March 2009 for the following types of incident; deaths (1 case); hospitalisations (7 cases). During this period assistance was also requested with regard to lost or stolen passports (56 cases). Bogotá and Cartagena are increasingly popular tourist destinations. The main type of incident for which British nationals required consular assistance in Colombia in 2007 was the theft of personal belongings, including passports. Street crime is a particular problem in major cities. You should avoid unnecessary travel to deprived areas of all Colombian cities.
  
  
• We recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake. See the General (Insurance) section of this Travel Advice and our Travel Insurance page.
  
  
• You should be aware that the British Embassy in Bogota no longer issues full validity passports. All applications must now be submitted to the British Consulate in Washington. More information can be found at http://ukinusa.fco.gov.uk on how to apply.
  

Safety and security

Terrorism/Security

Though the security situation in Colombia has improved considerably in recent years, the threat of terrorism is still high in many parts of the country. In Bogotá, where the threat has decreased in recent years, indiscriminate attacks do still occur. A bomb attack on a video-rental store in the north of Bogotá on 27 January 2009, killed two people and injured at least twenty others. You should be vigilant, particularly when visiting or staying in public places used by expatriates and foreign travellers, and in the vicinity of government buildings and military establishments. For more details see our Terrorism Abroad page.

We advise against all but essential travel to rural areas bordering Panama, Venezuela and Ecuador; the towns of Buenaventura and San José del Guaviare and the areas surrounding them; and to the Parque Nacional Natural de La Macarena in the department of Meta. These areas are particularly dangerous due to the significant presence of illegal armed groups and high levels of coca cultivation.

There are a number of illegal armed groups operating throughout Colombia. Because they are mobile there are many parts of the country where it is not possible to determine in advance whether they will be unsafe at a particular time. In general, the more remote the area, the greater the threat to your safety. If it is essential that you travel to areas that are remote or reported to be dangerous, you are advised to seek professional security advice and make arrangements for your security throughout your visit. You should seek up-to-date advice from the local authorities before each stage of your journey. The Parque Nacional Tayrona is a popular tourist destination for Colombians and foreigners alike. You are advised only to visit beach areas and resorts you are reliably advised are safe and not to venture inland as illegal armed groups are active and drugs are grown and processed in the area.

The Pacific coast of Chocó is a popular eco-tourist destination, particularly for whale-watching. However, much of Chocó is remote and unsafe. On the coast, the town of Bahia Solano is considered less dangerous. If you intend to travel to this town, we recommend that you do so only by air and that you do not venture inland or along the coast out of town. Illegal armed groups and drugs traffickers are active in the area. Six tourists were kidnapped from Nuqui in January 2008, by the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC).

Although the terrorist threat in most urban centres is now relatively low, the threat is still real. For example, in August 2008 a large car bomb exploded in central Cali killing four people and destroying much of the Palacio de Justicia. On 1 February 2009, a bomb attack against a police station in central Cali left two dead.

In addition to the FARC, the ELN (National Liberation Army) is a major illegal armed group active in many parts of Colombia. A large number of armed criminal groups, many of them involved in the illegal drugs trade, have formed following the demobilisation of the United Self-Defence Forces of Colombia (AUC). These include the ‘Aguilas Negras’ (Black Eagles).

Crime

Drugs, organised crime and terrorism are inextricably linked in Colombia. Control of the drugs trade is a major driver of much of the armed conflict. We advise against all but essential travel in areas of large-scale coca cultivation. In its June 2009 survey on coca cultivation in Colombia , the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime reported an 18% decline in the amount of coca cultivation in the country but identified areas of Colombia with potentially high levels of coca as including the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, areas of north-eastern Magdalena, south-western La Guajira, southern Cordoba, southern Bolívar, northern Antioquia, southern Meta, northern and central Guaviare, central Aranca, central Vichada, western Cauca, eastern and western Nariño, and western and northern Putumayo (see map on p.9 of the UNODC report.) There is a high risk to your personal safety in any area where coca, marijuana or opium poppies are intensively cultivated and a particularly high risk in the vicinity of cocaine processing labs.

Criminal violence is a serious problem in Colombia. Both Colombia’s illegal armed groups, and other criminal groups, are heavily involved in the drugs trade and in other serious crime including kidnapping (for ransom and for political purposes), money laundering and the running of extortion and prostitution rackets.

Kidnapping remains a serious problem. Whilst levels of kidnappings have fallen off dramatically since peaking in 2000, Colombia continues to have a high rate of kidnapping for ransom. 687 kidnappings were recorded in 2006 and 521 in 2007 (Source: Fundación País Libre). Most foreign nationals are potential targets for kidnapping, including backpackers and those working for foreign organisations. There remains a significant risk of attack or kidnap in many more difficult parts of the country. In April 2008 a British national was kidnapped near Cali. He was held for almost one week before being rescued by the security forces. You should be aware that the long-standing policy of the British Government is not to make substantive concessions to hostage takers. The British Government considers that paying ransoms and releasing prisoners increases the risk of further hostage taking.

We currently advise against all but essential travel to the port of Buenaventura in the department of Valle de Cauca. Illegal armed groups and criminal gangs are very active in this notoriously violent Pacific coastal city.

We advise against all but essential travel to the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, including the ‘Lost City’. Armed groups are still active in this area, there is extensive cultivation of illegal drugs and the risk of kidnap remains high. While tour organisers may assure you that the area is safe, we do not believe it to be so. The Parque Nacional Tayrona is a popular tourist destination for Colombians and foreigners alike. You are advised only to visit beach areas and resorts you are reliably advised are safe and not to venture inland as illegal armed groups are active and drugs are grown and processed in the area.

If you plan to visit the archaeological park at San Agustín in the department of Huila we advise you to enter and leave on the main road through Neiva and not by other routes.

There has been a marked increase in criminal activity in urban areas, including Bogotá. Common crimes such as mugging and pick pocketing are often accompanied by violence. Foreign visitors present a tempting target to thieves, pickpockets and drug traffickers. When walking in urban areas, you should avoid any unnecessary display of wealth. You should only use pre-booked taxis, where possible. You should be wary of unsolicited approaches from strangers. There have been several cases of assailants using drugs to subdue their intended victims. Drugs can be administered through food, drinks, needles, cigarettes, aerosols, powder, and have even been impregnated in ‘flyers’ handed out at traffic lights. These drugs can take effect extremely quickly, allowing an assailant to rob the victim and escape before the attack can be reported. It can take several days for the drug to wear off and the victim to recover. These attacks frequently occur on public transport. You should never accept offers of food, drink or cigarettes from strangers – no matter how friendly or well dressed a person appears.

There have been reports, including in Bogotá, of bogus policemen approaching foreigners to ‘check’ documents or foreign currency.

You should avoid unnecessary visits to deprived areas of all Colombian cities. In Bogotá, you should be vigilant in areas to the south of Candelaria and to the west of the airport road as these parts of the city are particularly dangerous. Homicide rates in the city of Cali are especially high. You should be cautious on city streets, especially after dark. You should avoid, where possible, hailing taxis on the street but instead should book them through hotels or by phoning a reputable taxi company. You should be particularly vigilant when taking money out of cash dispensers.

For more general information see our Victims of Crime Abroad page.

Political Situation

Colombia Country Profile

Colombia has a long, though not uninterrupted, democratic history. The country has suffered from internal armed conflict for over forty years, and, although the security situation has improved considerably over the past few years, it continues to face many problems.

Local Travel

The security situation throughout Colombia is constantly changing. You could also be at serious risk in parts of the country not included in the list provided in the summary of this Travel Advice. You should review your security arrangements.

Colombia is affected by land mines and unexploded ordnance. Mined areas are frequently unmarked. You should be aware of potential dangers when visiting remote locations or venturing off the main roads.

In much of rural Colombia the effective authority of the Colombian State is limited. The British Embassy’s ability to assist British nationals in trouble in these areas will often be similarly limited.

When travelling in Colombia's major cities, your greatest threat will be from common criminals. You should take sensible precautions to avoid unnecessary risk. As well as Bogotá, important business centres include Medellín, Cali, Barranquilla, Bucaramanga and Cartagena. Cartagena is a popular tourist destination and venue for major conferences.

Road Travel

To drive in Colombia, you will need to have a valid UK or other recognised driving licence and car insurance is compulsory. Road surfaces, including in large cities, are variable. Driving standards are low and traffic accidents are common. You should avoid driving at night.

The risk of violence and kidnapping is higher in some rural areas, as is the threat of being caught in roadblocks set up by illegal armed groups. Main arterial roads are generally safe to travel on during daylight hours. Preferably you should avoid all travel at night. We recommend against hitchhiking in Colombia.

While we advise against travel to the rural areas of some departments through which the Pan-American Highway passes, the Highway itself is generally well guarded and considered to be reasonably safe. For more general information see our Driving Abroad page.

Rail Travel

There is no significant rail transport system in Colombia.

Entering and Leaving Colombia

Most visitors enter or leave Colombia by air. The national carrier, Avianca, and other national airlines (the main ones are Satena and AeroRepublica) generally have good safety records. Air travel is a key mode of transport in the country, not least because of the risks involved in travel overland.

If entering or leaving Colombia by land from or to Venezuela, we advise you to cross at Cucuta, and not at Arauja, or via Riohacha. If entering or leaving from or to Ecuador we advise you only to take the Pan-American Highway, and not to stop en route between the border and Pasto. Some visitors arrive by sea through Caribbean ports. We advise against trying to cross between Panama and Colombia by land.

If crossing into Colombia from either Ecuador or Venezuela, you are advised to ensure that you have your passport stamped by the immigration authorities on arrival in the country. Failure to do so may result in a fine. If the immigration office on the border is closed, you should seek assistance at the next nearest office of the Departamento Administrativo de Seguridad.

Airport tax for international departures for visitors who stay in Colombia for less than two months is US$30. For stays in excess of two months the tax is US$51. However, the charge depends on the type of visa with which you are issued. The Colombian Embassy in London (tel. 020 7 637 9893, e-mail info@colombianconsulate.co.uk) can advise further.

Local laws and customs

You should avoid all dealings with illegal drugs. Colombian drug trafficking detection methods are sophisticated and anyone attempting to traffick drugs should expect to be arrested. You should pack all your luggage yourself, and not carry items for other people. Conviction leads to severe penalties. In recent months four British nationals have been arrested for trying to smuggle cocaine out of the country.

Homosexuality is legal but not widely socially accepted, especially in rural areas.

Photography of military or strategic sites is not permitted.

It is a serious criminal offence to have sex with under age minors in Colombia and can result in long prison sentences.

For more general advice for different types of travellers see our Your Trip page.

Entry requirements

Visas

British nationals may enter Colombia for up to 60 days as a visitor without a visa, however there is no unconditional right to do so. The decision on whether to permit entry and length of stay rests with the Immigration Officer on arrival.

You may be able to extend your stay up to a maximum of a further 120 days on application and payment of a fee at the immigration office of the Department of Administration and Security once in Colombia. As a visitor, you cannot remain in Colombia for more than 180 days in any twelve-month period. You should not outstay your visa.

Before any travel to Colombia, particularly for purposes other than tourism, you should contact the Colombian Embassy in London (see contact details above).

Passport validity

You should have a valid return ticket with you and your passport should have at least six months’ validity.

You should note that the British Embassy in Bogota no longer issues full passports. All applications must be sent to the British Consulate in Washington. More information can be found at http://ukinusa.fco.gov.uk/en/passports/ on how to apply. In addition you can contact the Care Line Services (the UK Passport Helpline Service) on +44 208 082 4721, between 8.30am and 8.30pm EST, Monday to Friday

Yellow Fever vaccination certificate

Airport authorities have informed us that Yellow Fever vaccination certificates are only needed if you are planning to visit jungle areas of Colombia.

If you intend to travel on to neighbouring countries in Latin America from Colombia, you may not be allowed to do so without production of a Yellow Fever Certificate. You should confirm with the authorities of your next destination whether they require a certificate following your visit to Colombia. Since November 2008, it has been a requirement for all travellers from Colombia to Ecuador to be in possession of a valid Yellow Fever certificate.

Customs regulations on departure

Individuals leaving Colombia are only entitled to carry up to US$10,000 in cash. Anything in excess of this may be confiscated. In May 2006 a British national carrying US$14,000 had $4,000 confiscated by the authorities at the airport, despite his argument that the money belonged to both himself and his wife, who was travelling with him.

Travelling with children

Children under the age of 18 years who have resident status in Colombia and who are travelling on a British passport require written permission whenever they leave the country without both parents. The non-accompanying parent(s) must write a letter giving permission for the child to leave Colombia. The letter must be authenticated by a notary or by a Colombian Consulate. The letter must mention the proposed destination, the purpose of the trip, the date of departure and the return date. More information about Colombian emigration requirements can be obtained from the Departamento Administrativo de Seguridad (DAS) or by contacting the Colombian Consulate-General in London (info@colombianconsulate.co.uk).

Health

Private medical facilities in Colombia are generally of good quality, but may be expensive. Medical facilities in many areas of rural Colombia are limited. Most medicines are generally available, but can be costly.

Yellow Fever, Malaria and Dengue Fever are common to Colombia.

Yellow Fever affects the Magdalena, Cesar, La Guajira, Atlantico, Santander, Norte de Santander and Amazona areas. There is a high incidence of malaria in lowland tropical areas, particularly in Chocó and north western Antioquia.

Dengue Fever is common to Latin America and the Caribbean and can occur throughout the year. In 2007 there was a marked increase in the number of reported cases of Dengue Fever across the region. In Colombia it is more common on the north Caribbean coast, particularly in Chocó, Antioquia, Córdoba, Sucre, Bolivar and Atlantico departments.

In the 2008 Report on the Global AIDS Epidemic the UNAIDS/WHO Working Group estimated that around 160,000 adults aged 15 or over in Colombia were living with HIV; the prevalence rate was estimated at around 0.6% of the adult population. This compares to the prevalence rate in adults in the UK of around 0.2%. You should exercise normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS. For more general information on how to do this see our HIV and AIDS page.

You should seek medical advice before travelling to Colombia and ensure that all appropriate vaccinations are up-to-date. For further information on vaccination requirements, health outbreaks and general disease protection and prevention you should visit the websites of the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) and NHS Scotland’s Fit for Travel or call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47.

For more general health information see our Travel Health and Swine Flu pages.

Natural disasters

Earthquakes

Earthquakes occur regularly in Colombia. In the event of an earthquake you should monitor local media reports and follow the advice of the authorities.

Rainy season

There is a risk of floods and landslides after heavy rains throughout the Colombian Andes. You should seek local advice before travelling on mountain roads after heavy rain.

Volcanoes

On 2 January 2010 the Galeras Volcano in Nariño Department erupted. We strongly recommend against all travel to the department of Narino, and the city of Pasto and La Florida. If, against our advice, you are in the vicinity of the volcano, you should pay careful attention to all warnings issued and follow the advice of the local authorities.

In December 2009 the alert level for the Galeras Volcano in Nariño Department was raised to level 2 (eruption probable in days or weeks). We strongly recommend against all travel to the department of Narino, and the city of Pasto and La Florida. If, against our advice, you are in the vicinity of the volcano, you should pay careful attention to all warnings issued and follow the advice of the local authorities.

Since November 2008, Cerro Machin in Tolima Department (approx 17km west of Ibague) has been showing signs of increased instability resulting in the evacuation of residents in the immediate vicinity. The alert level has been set at Level 3. Travellers to the area should pay careful attention to all warnings issued and follow the advice of the local authorities.

The Nevado del Huila volcano in the Parque de los Nevados (on the Huila/Cauca/Tolima boundary) erupted in November 2008, causing a mudslide. Since the eruption, Colombia's Institute of Seismology has reduced the state of alert to Level 3 ( changes in volcanic activity). Several hundred people living in the immediate area were evacuated, and there were reports of a number of deaths and injuries. Despite the reduced alert level, we advise that all travel in the vicinity of the volcano should be avoided at the present time. You should pay careful attention to all warnings issued and follow the advice of the local authorities.

General

Insurance

We recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake. For more general information see our Travel Insurance page.

If things do go wrong when you are overseas then see our When Things Go Wrong page.

Registering with the British Embassy

Register with our LOCATE service to tell us when and where you are travelling abroad or where you live abroad so our consular and crisis staff can provide better assistance to you in an emergency.

More information about registering with LOCATE can be found here.

Identification

You should carry a photocopy of the data page and Colombian visa from your passport at all times, plus copies of other important documents. These should be kept separately from the originals, and copies left with friends or relatives in the UK. You should enter your next of kin details in the back of your passport.

Money

You should ensure you bring enough money with you or have access to enough money in your bank account to cover the costs of your visit. US dollars and Euros are widely exchangeable. Should you run out of money you can have money wired to you by a relation or friend through Western Union.

You should use credit and debit cards with caution and are advised to keep receipts. When using an ATM, try to do so during business hours at a location inside a bank, supermarket or large commercial building. You should be particularly vigilant before and after using an ATM on the street – robberies are common, especially at night.

British Honorary Consulates

There are British Honorary Consulates in Cali, Cartagena and Medellín, which can provide consular assistance. Contact details can be found on the Embassy website.