Colombia Travel Warnings

Colombia Travel Warnings

This advice has been reviewed and reissued with an amendment to the Summary and Terrorism and Security section (travel within department of Choco). The overall level of the advice has not changed.
We advise against all travel to the departments of Putumayo, Arauca, Nariño (excluding Pasto), and Norte de Santander (excluding Cucuta). To the towns of Buenaventura and San José del Guaviare and the areas surrounding them; and to the Parque Nacional Natural de La Macarena in the department of Meta. See the Terrorism and Crime sections of this advice for more details.

We advise against all but essential travel to the rural areas of Cauca, Huila (including to San Agustin and the Parque Arqueologico San Agustin), Caqueta, Guaviare, southern and western Valle de Cauca, southern Tolima , southern parts of Meta, Chocó (except for the tours of Nuqui and Bahia Solano), north western Antioquia, north-eastern Boyacá, Córdoba, Sucre, southern Bolívar and southern Cesar departments. We also advise against all but essential travel to the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta (including the ‘Lost City’). See the Terrorism and Crime sections of this advice for more details.

You should be aware that the security situation in Colombia is constantly changing and that you could be at serious risk in parts of the country not included in the list above. If it is essential for you to travel, you should review your security arrangements. See the Terrorism and Crime sections of this advice for more details.

There is a high threat of terrorism in Colombia. You should be vigilant, particularly when visiting or staying in public places used by expatriates and foreigner travellers, and in the vicinity of government buildings and military establishments. Roads, bridges and power supplies have also been targeted. There is also a serious risk of kidnapping in many parts of the country, including major cities. See the Terrorism and Crime sections of this advice for more details.

In 2005, more people were killed or injured in Colombia by landmines than in any other country in the world. When travelling in rural areas you should always follow local warnings about the presence of landmines.

Dengue Fever is endemic to Latin America and the Caribbean and can occur throughout the year. In 2007 there has been a marked increase in the number of reported cases of dengue across the region. See the Health section of this travel advice for more details.

Around 18,000 visits are made by British nationals to Colombia every year. Most visits are trouble-free. The main type of incident for which British nationals required consular assistance in 2006 in Colombia was the theft of personal belongings, including passports. There is a serious risk of crime throughout most parts of the country, including major cities. You should avoid all unnecessary travel to deprived areas of all Colombian cities.

We strongly recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake. See the General (Insurance) section of this advice and Travel Insurance.