Reconsider travel to Colombia due to crime, terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, and natural disasters. Some areas have an increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.
Do Not Travel to:
- Arauca, Cauca (excluding Popayán), Valle del Cauca (excluding Cali) and Norte de Santander departments due to crime and terrorism.
- Within 10km/5mi of the Colombia-Venezuela border region due to crime, kidnapping, conflict between armed groups, and the risk of detention.
Advisory summary
Violent crime is common in many areas of Colombia, including murder, assault, and robbery. Other crimes, such as drugging, extortion, kidnapping, and armed break-ins—including at hotels and other places tourists stay—also occur frequently in some regions.
Street crime occurs throughout Colombia and can quickly become violent. If you are targeted by criminals, do not resist. Police procedures and investigations in Colombia differ from those in the United States, and crimes against tourists are not always prosecuted. This can be a source of frustration for victims.
Terrorism
There is risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activity, in Colombia. Visit the U.S. Department of State’s Country Reports on Terrorism to learn more.
Terrorists in Colombia may attack with little or no warning and target:
- U.S. government facilities
- Local government facilities
- Tourist areas and attractions
- Transportation centers
- Shopping malls and markets
- Military and police facilities
- Hotels
- Clubs
- Restaurants
- Airports
Police, military personnel, and their facilities are often targeted, including in large cities. In the past, attacks have included car bombs, grenades, explosive devices placed in buildings or on main roads, and the use of drones.
Illegal armed groups, including narcotrafficking groups and terrorist organizations, have increased in number and expanded into more regions of Colombia. In remote areas where these groups are fighting with the government, they use improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and landmines against rivals and government forces. These explosives may be hidden in vehicles, attached to drones, or buried in the ground. Truck bombs have also been used to attack police and military installations. Civilians could be unintentionally harmed by IED attacks aimed at rival groups and government targets.
Demonstrations
Political demonstrations are common throughout Colombia and can:
- Shut down roads and highways without notice or estimated reopening timelines.
- Lead to road closures that reduce access to public transportation.
- Interrupt travel within and between cities.
- Become violent and result in deaths and injuries.
Due to the risks, U.S. government employees working in Colombia are prohibited from:
- Going to Colombia’s land borders with neighboring countries without special authorization.
- Using motorcycles.
- Hailing taxis from the street or using any form of public transportation.
Natural Disasters
Colombia has many volcanoes that can become active, and earthquakes are common throughout the country. After seismic events, tsunami warnings may be issued for coastal areas. For current alerts and more information, consult the Servicio Geologico Colombiano .
Landslides are also a risk due to Colombia’s mountainous terrain and informal settlements in mountain cities such as Bogota and Medellin.
Risks in specific areas
Level: 4 – Do not travel
Arauca, Cauca (excluding Popayán), Valle del Cauca (excluding Cali), and Norte de Santander departments
Do not travel to these areas for any reason. Violent crime, like armed robbery and murder, is common in these locations. Terrorist groups are active in some of these areas.
- Due to the risks, U.S. government employees working in Colombia are prohibited from traveling to these areas.
- U.S. government employees are allowed to travel to Popayán and Cali with permission only.
The Colombia-Venezuela border region (Within 10 km/6 miles)
Do not travel to this area for any reason. Crime, kidnapping, and armed conflict are common here.
- Due to the risks, U.S. government employees working in Colombia are prohibited from traveling to this region.
- The Colombia-Venezuela border is not clearly marked. Avoid the area due to the risk of accidentally crossing into Venezuela.
If you decide to travel to Colombia:
