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:

• Arauca, Cauca (excluding Popayán), and Norte de Santander departments due to crime and terrorism.
• The Colombia-Venezuela border region due to crime, kidnapping, conflict between armed groups, and the risk of detention.

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:

• U.S. government facilities
• Local government facilities
• Tourist areas and attractions
• Transportation centers
• Shopping malls and markets
• Military and police facilities
• Hotels
• Clubs
• Restaurants
• Airports

Political demonstrations are common throughout Colombia and can:

• Shut down roads and highways without notice or estimated reopening timelines.
• Lead to road closures that reduce access to public transportation.
• Interrupt travel within and between cities.
• Become violent and result in deaths and injuries.

Due to the risks, U.S. government employees working in Colombia are prohibited from:

• Going to Colombia’s land borders with neighboring countries without special authorization.
• Using motorcycles.
• Using street taxis or any public transportation that is not prearranged.

Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Colombia.

If you decide to travel to Colombia:

• Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.
• Avoid demonstrations and crowds.
• Check local media for breaking news. Be prepared to adjust your plans.
• Keep a low profile.
• Do not display signs of wealth, such as expensive watches or jewelry.
• Stay aware of your surroundings.
• Travel only during daylight hours.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive messages and Alerts from the U.S. Embassy and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Review the Country Security Report for Colombia.
• Prepare a plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist.
• Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel and return to the United States.
• We highly recommend that you buy insurance before you travel. Check with your travel insurance provider about evacuation assistance, medical insurance, and trip cancellation coverage.

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.

• Due to the risks, U.S. government employees working in Colombia are prohibited from traveling to these areas.

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.

• Due to the risks, the U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens here.
• Due to the risks, U.S. government employees working in Colombia are prohibited from traveling to this region.
• The Colombia-Venezuela border is not clearly marked. Avoid the area due to the risk of accidentally crossing into Venezuela.
• Venezuela's Travel Advisory is Level 4: Do Not Travel. U.S. citizens trying to enter Venezuela without a visa have faced terrorism charges. They have been held for long periods.
• For more information, read the Venezuela Travel Advisory.