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Updated information on civil unrest and kidnapping.
Reconsider travel to Colombia due to crime, terrorism, civil unrest, and kidnapping. Some areas have an increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.
Do Not Travel to:
Country Summary: Violent crime, like murder, assault, and robbery, is common in many areas in Colombia. In some places, organized crime is rampant. This includes extortion, robbery, and kidnapping.
There is risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activity, in Colombia. Visit the U.S. Department of State's country reports on terrorism to learn more.
Terrorists and criminal organizations in Colombia may attack with little or no warning and target:
Political demonstrations are common throughout Colombia and can:
Due to the risks, U.S. government employees working in Colombia are prohibited from:
Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Colombia.
If you decide to travel to Colombia:
Arauca, Cauca (excluding Popayán), and Norte de Santander departments – Level 4: Do Not Travel
Do not travel to these areas for any reason. Violent crime, like armed robbery and murder, is common in these locations. Terrorist groups are active in some areas here.
The Colombia-Venezuela border region – Level 4: Do Not Travel
Do not travel to this area for any reason. Crime, kidnapping, and armed conflict are common here. Do not cross the border into Venezuela from Colombia. You may be detained by Venezuelan authorities.
Must be valid at the time of entry and for the duration of your stay.
Not required for 90 days or less.
Required for travelers coming from certain countries or visiting certain national parks. For more information, visit the Government of Colombia’s Health Ministry webpage.
$10,000 USD maximum
$10,000 USD maximum
Physical Address: Calle 24 Bis No. 48-50, Bogotá, D.C., Colombia
Mailing address: Carrera 45 No. 24B-27, Bogotá, D.C. 110111, Colombia
Telephone: +(57) (601) 275-2000
Emergency after-hours telephone: +(57) (601) 275-2000 and press 0
Email: ACSBogota@state.gov
Consulates
U.S. Consular Agency Barranquilla
Calle 77B No. 57-141, Suite 511
Centro Empresarial Las Americas 1, Barranquilla, Atlántico, Colombia
Telephone: +(57) 605-353-2001 and +(57) 605-369-0149
Emergency after-hours telephone: +(57) (601) 275-4021
Email: conagencybarranquilla@state.gov
For hours and services, please visit the U.S. Embassy Bogota website.
See the Department of State’s website www.state.gov for information on U.S. - Colombia relations.
Helpful resources
Embassy of Colombia Visa Information
Consulates General of Colombia in the United States
Prevention of International Child Abduction
Colombia’s Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Tourism
Passport and Visas
Special entry and exit instructions for dual U.S.-Colombian citizens
U.S.-Colombian citizens must travel with both passports. They should use their Colombian passport to enter and exit Colombia, and their U.S. passport for entry into the United States:
All Colombian citizens (with or without U.S. citizenship):
Exit Requirements for Minors
Visit Migración Colombia website.
Lost or Stolen Passport
If your U.S. passport is lost or stolen in Colombia:
HIV/AIDS Restrictions
The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to or foreign residents of Colombia.
Emergency Phone Numbers
Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes.
Dial 123 for all emergencies in Colombia.
Contact the U.S. Embassy in Colombia at +57 (601) 275-2000 or +57 (601) 275-4021 after hours to report crimes or emergencies.
Terrorism
Terrorist groups and individuals inspired by them want to attack American citizens outside of the United States. They use simple methods of attack like knives, explosives, guns, and vehicles to target crowds. They often go after unprotected or vulnerable targets.
For more information, see our Terrorism page.
Crime
Crimes and scams against tourists in Colombia are common:
Demonstrations occur frequently. They may take place in response to political or economic issues. They may also occur on politically significant holidays and during international events.
How to Stay Safe
U.S. citizens must always be aware of their surroundings:
Kidnapping
The Embassy sometimes receives reports of U.S. citizens being kidnapped for ransom in Colombia:
Dating apps (robberies, murders, and disabling drugs)
Criminals use dating apps to attract victims. They ask to meet in hotels, restaurants, and bars. Many U.S. citizens in Colombia have been drugged, robbed, and even killed by Colombian criminals posing as dates. They often work with accomplices. If using dating apps or websites in Colombia:
Scams
Internet romance and financial scams are prevalent in Colombia. Review the Department of State’s Protecting Yourself from Scams page and the FBI’s page on scams for information.
Scammers almost always pose as U.S. citizens who have no one else to turn to. Instead of helping, tell them to call the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. We can work with local authorities or through other channels to assist them.
Common scams include:
ATMs
There have been cases of fraudulent charges or withdrawals from “skimmed” cards:
Taxis
U.S. government employees are prohibited from hailing taxis on the street due to the risk of robberies and assault.
U.S. citizens have been killed during robberies while using taxis hailed on the street.
Use a dispatch service or car service app whenever possible.
Ayahuasca (hallucinogens)
Ayahuasca is marketed to tourists as “spiritual cleansing”:
Technology Usage Abroad
Mobile devices can be compromised, stolen, or damaged anywhere in the world. Before traveling abroad, it is best to keep all software (operating system and apps) updated. If possible, use a virtual private network (VPN) and encrypted voice over IP (VoIP) applications. Make sure that all VPN/VoIP are reputable, and U.S. based. Do not connect to unknown open Wi-Fi.
Victims of Crime
U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault are encouraged to contact the U.S. Embassy for assistance.
Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes.
Review our webpage on help for U.S. victims of crime overseas. We can:
*Note: The State Department will not pay for these services or provide you with funds to pay for them except in the form of an emergency loan. We will not loan you money for accommodations except as part of an overall repatriation loan to assist you in returning to the United States.
Domestic Violence
U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence are encouraged to contact the Embassy for assistance. Help in domestic violence situations is also available from Colombian authorities in Spanish by calling 155 (*155 from a cell phone).
Tourism
The tourism industry is not consistently regulated:
U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance. Review our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage.
Venezuelan Border
Traveling to Venezuela via Colombia is dangerous and the border isn’t always clearly marked. The U.S. Department of State has categorized Venezuela as Level 4: Do not travel. U.S. citizens are at risk of detention any time they enter Venezuela. Venezuelan authorities do not notify the U.S. government of the detention of U.S. citizens, and the U.S. government is not granted access to detained citizens. The U.S. government has no ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in Venezuela. Review the Venezuela Travel Advisory for more information
Criminal penalties
U.S. citizens must follow local laws.
Sexual abuse of children
In Colombia, engaging in sexual activities with individuals under the age of 18 is illegal. Violators, regardless of whether they were aware of the individual's age, can face severe legal consequences, including lengthy prison sentences.
Customs regulations
There is a currency limit of $10,000 USD on entry and exit. You must declare anything above this value and prove the legal source of the funds.
The Embassy has reports of customs officials taking expensive jewelry that was not declared upon entry.
You must follow local laws:
Artifacts (historical pieces)
Arrest notification
If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately. Many law enforcement authorities will not notify the Embassy. Few police officers speak English, especially outside of large cities. Review our webpage for further information.
Travel and airport issues
Few customs officers or immigration inspectors in Colombia speak English. Misunderstandings can result in detentions or return to the United States. If you are detained by immigration officers, the Embassy cannot help you. When you arrive in Colombia, please be polite and follow any instructions given to you.
Officials may ask you to take an abdominal X-ray on entry or exit.
Counterfeit and pirated goods:
Counterfeit and pirated goods are common but may be illegal according to local laws.
They may pose significant risks to consumer health and safety.
You could get fined or forced to give your goods to the authorities if you try to bring them back into the United .States.
The Truth Behind Counterfeits (source: U.S. Customs and Border Protection)
Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section (source: U.S. Department of Justice)
Faith-based travelers: See the following webpages for details:
International Volunteers:
LGB Travelers
There are no legal restrictions on same-sex sexual relations, the provision of information or services to persons on the basis of real or perceived sexual orientation, or the organization of events focused on sexual orientation in Colombia.
Colombian law prohibits discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation. However, protections are not always enforced:
Review our LGB Travel Information page for further details.
Travelers with disabilities
The law in Colombia prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities, but the law is not enforced consistently:
Review our Travelers with Disabilities page.
Students
Students Abroad
Women travelers
Women Travelers
Cruise ship passengers
Cruise Ship Passengers
Health resources
Colombia Traveler Health Information
International Air Quality Index
List of Hospitals and Doctors in Colombia
Emergency numbers
Dial 123 for medical emergencies.
Ambulance services
Ambulances are available in large cities.
We highly recommend that all travelers review the CDC’s Health Advice for Travelers to Colombia.
Medical insurance
The U.S. government including Department of State, U.S. embassies, and U.S. consulates do not pay medical bills.
We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation.
Healthcare
Adequate healthcare facilities are available throughout the country. However, healthcare in rural areas may be below U.S. standards.
The U.S. Embassy maintains a list of doctors and hospitals. We do not endorse or recommend any medical provider or clinic.
Prescriptions
You must carry prescription medications in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription. Check with Embassy of Colombia to ensure the medication is legal in Colombia.
Medical tourism and elective surgery:
Medical tourism is a fast-growing industry.
If you plan to undergo surgery in Colombia:
Pharmaceuticals:
Please review the Colombian government’s open data website for drug unavailability.
Assisted reproductive technology (ART) and surrogacy
The Department of State provides information on ART and surrogacy abroad.
Vaccinations
Travelers must be up to date on all recommended vaccinations, per CDC’s information.
Colombian health authorities encourage childhood vaccinations for children ages six and under.
Further Health Information:
Water quality and food safety
Altitude
Common diseases
In Chocó, Nariño, and Córdoba:
In the Amazon region:
HIV/AIDS:
Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for more information about Resources for Travelers regarding specific issues in Colombia.
Adventure traVel
Learn more about Adventure Travel (source: CDC)
Air quality
The air quality changes. People at highest risk from particle pollution:
Traffic Law
Road conditions and safety
Due to Colombia's security and infrastructure, U.S. government employees and their families cannot:
You should follow these same precautions.
Road travel in Colombia can be dangerous, especially at night:
The use of motorcycles and bicycles is widespread throughout Colombia.
Traffic laws
Traffic laws are often ignored and rarely enforced. This creates dangerous conditions for drivers and pedestrians.
You must follow all local laws:
Public transportation
Do not wave down taxis on the street.
For more information:
Aviation safety oversight
The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has found that Colombia’s Civil Aviation Authority meets international standards for aviation safety oversight. FAA’s website includes more information on its assessment program.
Maritime travel
Mariners planning travel to Colombia should check for U.S. maritime advisories and alerts. Information may also be posted to the U.S. Coast Guard homeport website, and the NGA broadcast warnings website.
Tourist vessels
Weather
Rainy season, flooding and landslides:
High temperatures and drought:
Tropical Storms (along the coast):
U.S. Citizens living abroad
If you live abroad for a long time, you or your family may experience various life events.
Review information about International Parental Child Abduction in Colombia. For additional IPCA-related information, please see the International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act (ICAPRA) report.
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