Colombia captivates visitors with its incredible diversity, from Caribbean beaches and Andean peaks to Amazon rainforest and colonial cities. Experience vibrant culture, world-class coffee, salsa dancing, and warm hospitality in South America's most biodiverse nation.
Colombia has transformed dramatically from its difficult past and is now a vibrant, welcoming destination with millions of tourists annually. Major tourist areas including Cartagena, Medellín's El Poblado, and Bogotá's Zona Rosa are safe, but travelers should remain vigilant and follow standard urban precautions across all cities.
Current safety advisory
Moderate
Exercise increased caution in Colombia overall. Some areas have higher crime rates and limited government presence. Most tourist zones are safe with sensible precautions. Avoid border regions with Venezuela and Ecuador, Chocó inland, and Arauca department.
Last updated: 2025-01
Official advisories
Guidance from national travel-advisory services.
Level 3 - Reconsider Travel
Reconsider travel to certain departments including Arauca, Cauca (outside Popayán), Chocó (outside Nuquí/Bahía Solano), Nariño, Norte de Santander, and Pacific coast areas
Level 2 - Exercise Caution
Be alert in all Colombian cities, particularly at night. Use registered taxis or ride-hailing apps. Keep a low profile and avoid displaying valuables.
Tourist Police Program
PONAL tourist police operate in Bogotá, Medellín, Cartagena, and major tourist destinations. Wear distinctive uniforms and can assist with emergencies and tourist services.
Essential safety tips
Practical advice that applies everywhere.
Use registered taxis or ride-sharing apps, never hail street cabs
Avoid displaying expensive jewelry, cameras, or electronics
Be cautious of drink spiking in nightlife areas
Stay in well-populated tourist areas, especially at night
Avoid Colombia-Venezuela and Colombia-Ecuador border regions
Register with your embassy upon arrival, especially if traveling to remote regions
Always carry a photocopy of your passport and leave the original locked in your accommodation
Scopolamine drug-spiking in drinks is a documented risk in nightlife areas — never accept drinks from strangers
Use only Uber, InDriver, or officially dispatched taxi apps — street hails can be dangerous in major cities
Get vaccinated for yellow fever before visiting the Amazon or remote jungle regions, and take malaria prophylaxis
Common scams to avoid
Recognise and sidestep tourist-targeted scams.
Scopolamine Drug Spiking
The most serious scam — scopolamine (burundanga) is added to drinks or even blown in faces making victims compliant and amnesiac. Documented incidents in Bogotá and Medellín nightlife.
How to avoid: Never accept drinks from strangers, never leave drinks unattended, avoid going home with someone you've just met at a bar
Virtual Kidnapping by Phone
Callers claim a family member has been kidnapped and demand immediate bank transfer. Callers are very convincing and create urgency to prevent you from verifying.
How to avoid: Hang up immediately and call your family member directly. Never transfer money based on an unverified phone call.
Fake Police Officers
Men in plain clothes or fake uniforms demand to see your passport and wallet, claiming to be checking for counterfeit money or drugs.
How to avoid: Real police never check wallets for counterfeit bills. If approached, ask to go to the nearest police station. Call 123 to verify legitimacy.
Taxi Kidnappings (Express Kidnapping)
Street taxis are used to take tourists to ATMs under duress for forced withdrawals. Risk is primarily from street hails not registered or app-booked taxis.
How to avoid: Always use Uber, InDriver, Cabify, or hotel-dispatched taxis. Never hail a taxi off the street, especially at night.
Emerald Overpricing
Street vendors and unofficial dealers sell low-quality or synthetic stones as premium Colombian emeralds at wildly inflated prices.
How to avoid: Only purchase emeralds from certified dealers in reputable stores in Bogotá's Gems Exchange with proper documentation and receipts.
Health considerations
Staying healthy on your trip.
- Vaccinations
- Hepatitis A & B, typhoid, tetanus, routine vaccinations up to date. Yellow fever if visiting Amazon, Llanos, or rural Caribbean coast.
- Water
- NOT safe to drink in most areas. Drink bottled or filtered water. Brush teeth with bottled water. Ice in tourist restaurants usually safe.
- Food
- Facilities
Safety for specific travellers
Tailored advice for different groups.
Solo travellers
Colombia is manageable and rewarding for solo travelers who take reasonable precautions. Medellín's El Poblado and Cartagena's Old Town have large solo traveler communities. Join group tours for remote areas like Lost City and La Guajira. Register with your embassy for extended stays. Stay connected with hostel communities for up-to-date local safety information.
Female travellers
Female solo travelers visit Colombia successfully in large numbers, especially in established tourist areas. Exercise standard urban caution — avoid walking alone late at night, use apps not street taxis, and dress conservatively in non-beach areas. Cartagena and Medellín's El Poblado are the most female-friendly destinations. Be aware of persistent attention from men in some areas — firm, polite declining works best.
Families
Colombia is increasingly family-friendly in tourist zones. Colombians love children and families receive warm hospitality. The main cities have international pharmacies, hospitals, and family-oriented restaurants. Bogotá's altitude (2,640m) can affect young children — acclimatize first day. Caribbean coast and coffee country are most relaxed for families. Avoid long bus journeys overnight with small children.
LGBTQ+ travellers
Same-sex relationships are legal and same-sex marriage was legalized in 2016. Medellín and Bogotá's Chapinero neighborhood have vibrant LGBTQ+ communities and venues. Public displays of affection may attract unwanted attention in conservative rural areas and smaller towns. The annual Pride marches in Bogotá and Medellín are major events. Overall attitude in cities is accepting, with more traditional views in rural Colombia.
Emergency contacts
Numbers to know before you go.
- Police
- 123 or 112
- Medical
- 123 or 132
- Embassy
- Tourist Police