Colombia Travel Safety

Precautions

Avoid walking alone in areas that are isolated or less busy and remain vigilant at all times. Remain vigilant, be aware of your surroundings at all times and avoid travelling alone after dark. Dress down, avoid wearing jewellery or watches and keep cell phones, cameras and other electronic equipment out of sight. Do not carry large amounts of cash and refrain from using your cell phone on the street. Use automated teller machines (ATMs) inside banks, shopping malls and other public locations during business hours only. Leave your passport and other travel documents locked in your hotel safe, but always must have a photocopy on you, as local authorities often conduct identity verifications. If taking an overnight bus, keep your belongings close to you, not on the floor (or in upper compartment), as they could be taken away while you sleep. Stay in reputable accommodations with good security. When travelling by car, place all belongings under your seat and keep your doors locked and windows closed at all times. Carry a cellular telephone and park your car in a guarded parking lot when in the city. Thieves posing as police officers have approached foreigners to verify their documents or foreign currency. If approached, do not hand over money or documents unless you feel threatened-in which case you should not resist-and then request to do so at your hotel or other public place to maximize your safety.

Road safety

Road travel in Colombia, including Bogotá, can be dangerous. Drivers are frequently distracted, ignore traffic controls and can become aggressive. Most roadways are in poor condition and road signs are difficult to see. Motorcycles are prevalent and are often involved in traffic accidents. Pedestrians do not have the right of way, including at stop signs. Traffic laws are not enforced by police. Any road travel should be done during the day and using main roads only. Note that you may be denied entry to certain areas by local authorities due to emerging security threats. Military checkpoints outside cities are common. Labour strikes by truck drivers and agricultural workers are common in Colombia and associated roadblocks on major transit routes may cause significant travel disruptions. If you are planning to travel by land in Colombia, review local media and follow the instructions of local authorities. Dial 767 (from cell phones only) to receive advice (Spanish only) on current road closures from the Colombian Highway Police information line.

Public transportation

Public transportation is not safe in Colombia. City and rural buses are frequent targets for theft. Rural buses are often stopped by illegal armed groups.

Taxis

Do not hail taxis on the street, as express kidnappings and assaults often occur in unlicensed taxis. Book taxis through your hotel or an authorized and controlled taxi centre. Take note of the licence plate number. Smartphone applications are available that allow you to order safe taxis, which are monitored by GPS. Many restaurants and stores will call a taxi for you. If you have no other option than to hail a taxi on the street, avoid cabs without licence plates and do not enter a cab if it is already occupied by anyone other than the driver. Note the licence plate number and name of the driver, and communicate this information to family or friends, if possible. The El Dorado International Airport in Bogota only allows authorized taxis to pick up passengers at their terminals. Consult their website to obtain their recommendations for transportation services. It is recommended that you arrange pickup in advance with your travel agency/hotel.

Women's safety

Women travelling alone may be subject to some forms of harassment and verbal abuse. Avoid dark or non-tourist areas at night. Instead try to be around larger crowds, whether they are fellow tourists or local citizens. In addition, don't flash money or valuables in public. Be extra vigilant.

Crime

There have been significant improvements to Colombia's security situation, crime remains a problem throughout the country. Street crime, including pickpocketing, bag-snatching, assault and robbery, is common, particularly in larger cities such as Bogotá, Cali, Medellín and Santa Marta. Muggings and assaults occur even in safer parts of Colombia's cities, and can be accompanied by violence. Firearms are prevalent in Colombia, and armed robberies may take place on streets, in buses and in taxis. In Bogotá, numerous thefts occur in the following areas: the neighbourhoods of Ciudad Bolivar, El Codito (between calles [streets] 174 and 182 from Carrera 7 to Carrera 1 and in the northeastern hills from calle 182 to 200), Kennedy and Soacha; Monserrate and its surroundings, and the downtown area of Candelaria and surrounding neighbourhoods. These areas should be avoided after dark, unless you are accompanied by a guide or a private driver. In Medellín, thefts occur frequently in the city centre and areas not covered by the metro system. Avoid the Metrocable. Try to arrive at Medellín's José María Córdova International Airport during the day to avoid the road from the airport to the city after dark. In Cali, remain in the hotel zone and the south of the city. Violent crimes have recently occurred, even in wealthier neighbourhoods and shopping malls. Violence directed at tourists is much lower in resort areas such as San Andrés Island, Providencia Island, Cartagena, the Rosario Islands, Baru Island, the Amazon resorts near Leticia and the coffee-growing area called Eje Cafetero (Caldas, Quindío and Risaralda). Assaults against tourists have occurred on Taganga's beaches near Santa Marta. Note that these are all located in departments where we advise you to exercise a high degree of caution.

LGBT

Although the laws of Colombia do not prohibit sexual acts between individuals of the same sex. However, homosexuality is less tolerated socially and public display of affection may attract unwanted and negative attention.

Illegal drugs

Sentences for drug-related offences are severe and prison conditions are harsh. Monitor your luggage closely at all times. Never transport other peoples packages. Never exchange money for strangers, as this is a common practice for money laundering. Colombian drug trafficking detection methods are sophisticated and anyone attempting to traffic drugs should expect to be arrested.

Driving

An International Driving Permit is required. In the event of a car accident, the drivers involved are required by law to remain at the scene and not move their vehicles until the authorities (Policia de transito) arrive. You could call them by dialing 123 from a Colombian local phone. Failure to do so may result in serious consequences.