Colombia FCO Travel warning - 17.3.08

Colombia


This advice has been reviewed and reissued with amendments to the Summary Terrorism/Security and Local Travel sections. The overall level of the advice has not changed.
You should be aware that the security situation in Colombia is constantly changing and that you could be at serious risk in all parts of the country. If it is essential for you to travel, you should make arrangements for your security throughout your visit. See the Terrorism/Security and Crime sections of this advice for more details.


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.


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 Bahia Solano), north western Antioquia, north-eastern Boyacá, Córdoba, Sucre, southern Bolívar and southern Cesar departments; the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta (including the ‘Lost City’); and the border areas of Cesar and La Guajira. See Terrorism/Security and Crime section 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/Security and Crime section of this advice for more details.


On 17 January 2008 the Galeras volcano in Nariño Department erupted. The alert level is currently Level 3 (no longer an imminent threat; but you should remain vigilant). If, against our advice, you are in Nariño Department (with the exception of the city of Pasto), you should pay careful attention to all warnings issued and follow the advice of the local Colombian authorities.


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.


Around 18,000 visits are made by British nationals to Colombia every year (Source: Colombian State Security Department - DAS). Most visits are trouble-free. The main type of incident for which British nationals required consular assistance in 2007 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.
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Kind regards,
FCO Webmaster

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