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Medellin, Colombia has undergone quite a transformation in recent years. Once known for its rough reputation, the city has become a thriving destination for digital nomads and travelers looking for an affordable place to visit. Medellin is currently implementing new regulations to attract more responsible visitors and remote workers.
Once a haven for bachelor parties and nighttime debauchery, the city’s mayor, Federico Gutiérrez, is transforming the tourist experience. Medellin wants to attract visitors looking for cultural experiences and more professional digital nomads.
Last year, more than 1.4 million visitors arrived in Medellin, including many Americans.
Medellin and Colombian immigration authorities are now taking several steps to send a loud message to misbehaving tourists that they are not welcome.
The party is over
Famous for its nightlife, the El Poblado district is filled with countless nightclubs and places to go wild. Arriving in the area of Calle 10, known for the infamous Lleras Park, visitors are greeted by dozens of police, security cameras and checkpoints to the well-known party areas.
The mayor even went so far as to impose a temporary 1 a.m. curfew on bars to tame the party. The curfew has now been lifted, but the message is still loud and clear. “We must regain control of this area; it is also very important for us to protect the community”, Federico Gutiérrez explained in a rack.
Security is tight everywhere, including hotels, nightclubs and restaurants. The mayor has banned all prostitution in all popular tourist areas. Large billboards are posted about sexual tourism and the exploitation of minors, warning tourists of the possible 25 years they could spend in prison. Signs have been posted in all hotels and all guests are strictly checked for identification.
Be prepared for additional questions and background checks upon arrival
Colombian authorities are now working with the US to catch unsavory tourists before they even enter the country. Upon arrival at the international airport just outside Medellin, tourists are asked additional questions about the purpose of their trip and those with a criminal record may be turned back under the new ‘Angel watch‘ program.
The US government warns travelers to avoid dating apps
Medellin, Colombia is currently not the place to look for the love of your life. Earlier this year, the US government issued a warning that travelers are being targeted on dating apps and then drugged and robbed for their belongings. Even as Tinder launches in Medellin, users will be greeted with a warning that meeting people could be dangerous, amid recent government warnings. The same warning applies to nightclubs and bars. Unsuspecting tourists are attacked and drugged with Scopolamine.
So far in 2024, 28 tourists have died in Medellin. This includes homicides and natural causes.
According to Medellin AdvisorsMedellin’s murder rate in 2022 was 15 deaths per 100,000 inhabitants. This represents a 3% decrease from previous years and is lower than the national average in Colombia, which stood at 23 homicides per 100,000 inhabitants at the end of 2022.
The Colombian Digital Nomad visa just got harder
The Colombian Digital Nomad visa was a huge success for the country as thousands of travelers flocked to the country for affordable living and culture. When the program first launched, digital nomads raved about how easy it was to get approved if you could provide:
- Monthly earnings above $900 US
- Health insurance that covers your stay in Colombia
- Permission to work abroad
Now times have changed and message boards on Facebook and Reddit are being filled with questions about additional paperwork that is not so easy to obtain. The Colombian government is allowed to require any additional information it deems necessary when assessing applicants, and that is exactly what it does for almost everyone. New forms being requested include:
- Criminal FBI Background Checks with Apostille
- Official proof of good reputation for your own companies together with Apostille
- Official proof of ownership for digital nomads running their own business with Apostille
- All forms must be dated and issued within the last 60 days
Safety in Medellín
Although the city has made vast improvements in overall safety, travelers are advised to stick to known tourist areas and avoid walking alone at night. To learn more about safety, read the top seven things travelers should know when visiting Medellin.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
The opinions expressed here are solely those of the author, and not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included in the post.
