Colombia is no longer the narcoland often depicted on international streaming services.
Terrorism and guerrillas have largely disappeared locals and foreigners have been able to start thousands of highly successful tourism businesses across the country.
With a growing economy and booming tourism, most visits go off without a hitch.
However, not everything is good news. Colombia is still under “Travel Alert Level 3”. This means visitors should carefully ‘reconsider’ their trip or have a security plan ready.
Parts of the Colombian jungle and the borders connecting Venezuela are still very dangerous to visit. Most Colombians will tell you that there is no rational reason to go there. Then don’t go.
Stick to popular metropolises and Caribbean and Atlantic beaches and follow the following recommendations to have a safe visit to the “Third most beautiful country in the world!”, said Forbes.
LATEST NEWS from Colombia:
February – The US Embassy in Colombia emits radiation “Security alarm” Due to the persistent crime in the country.
In February, the US Embassy in Colombia had to issue a “Security Alert” because of concerns about armed robberies at tourist locations, especially in Bogota, the country’s capital.
The agency also reminded the Americans of this terrorist groups can carry out attacks on markets, shopping centers, local and international police and military facilities, hotels and airports with little to no prior notice.
However, the US government recognizes that such criminal groups exist do not specifically target Americans as in other countries.
Read our “Colombia Safety Tips” section to see what actions to take if you find yourself in a dangerous situation.
January Security Alert – Dangerous Dating Tourist Trap You Should Be Aware Of
8 fatal incidents in 2 months asked the US Embassy to warn Americans, especially men, about the dangers of using dating apps in the country, especially in Medellin, Bogota and Cartagena.
Scopolamine, also known as the devil’s breath, is the drug that beautiful criminal women use to control their victims. Unable to think for themselves, victims hand over all their valuables and reveal their bank passwords and PINs. Not always, but in some cases they also die.
Areas to avoid
International government agencies are clear. Do not travel to these Colombian regions if you want to avoid being kidnapped and even murdered by the remaining criminal groups still active in the area.
These areas include:
- Departments of Arauca, Cauca, Puerto Carreño and Norte de Santander (except the capital Cúcuta)
These areas are plagued by violence, armed attacks, murder and drug trafficking.
- Border Colombia – Venezuela
The Colombia-Venezuela border is another hotspot that travelers, especially Americans, should avoid at all times.
If you accidentally cross the border into Venezuela, you could find yourself in serious legal trouble. In the past, international visitors have been accused of terrorism and other terrible accusations. In this case, local and international governments can do little to help you.
- The British Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, in turn, is urging travelers to do this to avoid all visits to the Chocó department, except Quibdó, Sanquianga and Telembi in Nariño, Urabá and Bajo Cauca in Antioquia and the south side of Bolívar.
Official travel advice
US travel advice
The U.S. Department of State urges citizens to “Reconsider travel” to Colombia, as it is currently under travel alert level 3.
When such a warning is issued, the government means that the safety of their citizens is at risk and that “circumstances” can change with little to no warning.
The agency is particularly concerned about extortion, kidnapping, murder and terrorist attacks targeting local, tourist and government locations.
Travel advice for Canada
The says the Canadian government Violent armed robberies can occur on public transportation, restaurants and shopping centers in Colombia.
Kidnapping for ransom and petty crimes such as pickpocketing and stealing handbags and electronic devices are also quite common.
This government is also reminding all travelers, not just Canadians, of an ongoing curfew targeting minors. Persons under the age of 18 are not allowed to wander alone between 7:00 PM and 5:00 AM. They must be guided by legal teachers.
This restriction only applies to el Poblado, el corredor vial de la 33, La Plaza de Botero and La Veracruz Church in Medellin.
Safety tips for Colombia
To ensure a safe trip to Colombia, observe personal safety practices when enjoying your vacation. Take these recommended actions for a risk-free visit.
- Avoid wearing expensive jewelry.
- Be careful when using smartphones, cameras and other electronic devices on the street.
- Do not carry large amounts of cash.
- Only use ATMs in banks and shopping centers.
- Never leave your drinks unattended. Drugging and robbing tourists is a common practice.
- Don’t share sensitive information with strangers, especially Tinder dates.
- Avoid using dating apps like Tinder for the time being until they are safe again.
- Don’t wander alone in remote or isolated areas, especially after dark.
- Do not visit regions that are considered ‘do not travel’ areas. (See our “Areas to Avoid” section)
- In case of emergency you can call the police on 123.
