Colombia

Recommended Vaccinations For Colombia

For Most Travellers

Hepatitis B Vaccine

The risk of hepatitis B is low, however, the vaccination is recommended.

Hepatitis A Vaccine

There is a significant risk of exposure to hepatitis A for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.

For Some Travellers

Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) Vaccine

A dose of Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is recommended for infants aged 6 to 11 months.

Rabies Vaccine

Vaccination against rabies is recommended for travellers involved in outdoor activities (e.g., campers, hikers, bikers, adventure travellers, and cavers) who may have direct contact with rabid dogs, bats, and other mammals. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travellers and expatriates are at higher risk and should be vaccinated.

Yellow Fever Vaccine

There is a risk of transmission of yellow fever in some areas. A yellow fever vaccination is recommended for all persons 9 months of age or older, except those travellers who are travelling only to the cities of Barranquilla, Cali, Cartagena and Medellin. The vaccination is not recommended for travellers whose itineraries are limited to all areas at altitudes greater than 2,300 meters, the department of San Andrés y Providencia, and the capital city of Bogota. This country requires a certificate of yellow fever vaccination for travellers over 1 year of age travelling from Angola, Brazil, Democratic Republic of the Congo, or Uganda and travellers having transited for more than 12 hours through an airport from the same countries.

Typhoid Fever Vaccine

Unvaccinated travellers are at risk of exposure to typhoid fever in this country through consumption of unsafe food and water. Since exposure to unsafe sources is variable within this country, the vaccination against typhoid fever is generally recommended, especially when visiting smaller cities, rural areas, or staying with friends and family.

Recommended Medications For Colombia

For Some Travellers

Anti-malarial Drugs

For travellers whose itineraries include areas at altitudes less than, 1,700 meters (except Medellin, Bogota and Cartagena), the recommended anti-malarial medication is atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine. Chloraquine resistance is present.

Diseases To Be Aware of for Colombia

For Most Travellers

Dengue Fever

Dengue fever outbreaks may occur in Colombia.

Hepatitis B

The risk of acquiring hepatitis B in Colombia is low.

Chikungunya Fever

Chikungunya fever has occurred in this country.

Hepatitis A

There is a significant risk for hepatitis A virus exposure in Colombia through contaminated food or water. Infection can still occur at tourist destinations and resorts.

For Some Travellers

Leishmaniasis

There is a risk of acquiring Leishmaniasis in this country through sand fly bites.

West Nile Fever

There is a risk of acquiring West Nile virus in this country.

Measles

There is a risk of acquiring Measles in this country.

Tuberculosis

Travellers to this country are at risk for tuberculosis if visiting sick friends or family, working in the healthcare field, or having close prolonged contact with a sick person.

Hanta Virus

There is a risk of acquiring Hantavirus in this country through the consumption of food and water contaminated by an infected rodent or through rodent bites.

Rabies

Rabies occurs in Colombia. Travellers involved in outdoor activities (e.g., campers, hikers, bikers, adventure travellers, and cavers) may have direct contact with rabid dogs, bats, and other mammals. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travellers and expatriates are at higher risk.

Malaria

There is a low risk of malaria transmission in rural areas below 1,600m. The risk of malaria transmission is very low in areas above 1,600m and in Cartagena. Awareness of risk and bite avoidance is recommended. Prescription anti-malaria medicine is recommended to prevent malaria.

Typhoid Fever

Unvaccinated people can become infected through contaminated food and water in Colombia, especially when visiting smaller cities, villages, or rural areas and staying with friends or relatives.

Chagas Disease

American trypanosomiasis (“Chagas disease”) may occur in rural areas of Colombia. The risk of travellers acquiring this disease is low unless staying in very poor quality housing or camping.

Yellow Fever

There is a risk of transmission of yellow fever in some areas. A yellow fever vaccination is recommended for all persons 9 months of age or older, except those travellers who are travelling only to the cities of Barranquilla, Cali, Cartagena and Medellin. The vaccination is not recommended for travellers whose itineraries are limited to all areas at altitudes greater than 2,300 meters, the department of San Andrés y Providencia, and the capital city of Bogota. This country requires a certificate of yellow fever vaccination for travellers over 1 year of age travelling from Angola, Brazil, Democratic Republic of the Congo, or Uganda and travellers having transited for more than 12 hours through an airport from the same countries.

Zika Fever

There is transmission of the Zika virus in this country.

Safety & Security in Colombia

Personal Safety

Crime is a key concern for visitors. Pickpocketing and theft are common in major cities like Bogota, Medellin, and Cali, especially in crowded areas and on public transport. Armed robbery and mugging occur frequently. You face a notable risk from incapacitating drugs like scopolamine, which criminals administer through drinks, food, cigarettes, or paper flyers. This drug makes victims disoriented and vulnerable to robbery and assault. Criminals use dating apps to target travelers, especially those traveling alone. They create situations that seem safe but lead to drugging and theft. Kidnapping happens in Colombia. Express kidnappings involve forcing victims to withdraw money from ATMs, sometimes holding them overnight for multiple withdrawals. The ELN and FARC dissidents carry out kidnappings in rural and border areas. In February 2025, 29 police and army officers were kidnapped in El Plateado, Cauca. Narco-trafficking groups like Clan del Golfo attack civilians and security forces. Crime statistics show a 10.9% decrease from 2022 to 2023 according to Colombia’s National Police, but theft remains widespread. Violent crime including murder and assault is widespread across the country. Organized crime involving extortion and robbery is rampant in some areas. Violence occurs even in affluent neighborhoods. Use ride-sharing apps rather than hailing taxis on the street to reduce your risk of express kidnapping and robbery. Avoid traveling by road at night, especially in rural areas and near borders. Border zones with Venezuela, Ecuador, and Panama are dangerous due to armed groups and drug trafficking.

Extreme Violence

Colombia experiences terrorism from groups including the ELN, FARC-EP, and Segunda Marquetalia. These groups commit bombings, violence against civilians, kidnappings, and violent attacks against military and police facilities. In 2023, Colombian government data indicated a significant decline in terrorist attacks compared to 2022, likely due to ceasefires between the government and some terrorist organizations. However, attacks resumed an upward trend in 2024 and 2025. Terrorist acts in 2025 remain above the average of 404 attacks during the first half of every year from the past decade. Recent incidents include a bomb explosion in Balboa, Cauca in March 2025 that killed at least five people and injured 16. In February 2025, at least five attacks with explosives occurred in Norte de Santander, including Cucuta, involving a car bomb at a highway toll booth and a police station that injured at least five people. In August 2025, an attack occurred in Cali in front of the Marco Fidel Suarez Air Base causing multiple injuries and fatalities. The ELN and EMC use terror to reinforce territorial control and deter military operations. Attacks aim to intimidate local communities and discourage cooperation with armed forces or rival groups. Massacres continue to occur. Between January and June 2023, the UN reported 52 massacres, defined as the intentional killing of three or more civilians in a single incident. Antipersonnel landmines pose a risk throughout Colombia, especially in rural and remote areas. Mined areas are often unmarked. Between January and July 2023, five people died from landmine explosions and 58 were wounded. Armed groups including narco-trafficking organizations attack civilians and security forces without warning. Terrorists and criminal organizations may attack with little or no warning, targeting public areas like tourist attractions, restaurants, bars, shopping centers, hotels, and other sites frequented by foreigners.

Political Unrest

Demonstrations occur frequently in response to political or economic issues. They may also occur on politically significant holidays and during international events. Demonstrations can be unpredictable and past demonstrations have turned violent. Protests are frequent in the capital city Bogota. In April 2024, tens of thousands of Colombians protested against President Petro’s proposed economic and social reforms, with approximately 70,000 people marching in Bogota. In May 2025, President Petro called for two days of national protests on May 28-29 supported by labor unions and social organizations. Protesters block major thoroughfares, affecting transportation and mobility. In June 2025, large protests occurred in support of Petro’s labor reform proposals amid an eruption of violence including bombing attacks. Road closures and roadblocks cause travel disruptions for visitors. Protests can shut down roads and highways without notice or estimated reopening timelines, leading to road closures that reduce access to public transportation and interrupt travel within and between cities. Demonstrations sometimes become violent and result in deaths and injuries. During the 2021 protests, the UN condemned security forces crackdown in Cali where dozens died over the first weekend. The 2021 protests saw violence escalate in a brutal fashion according to local officials. There is a heightened risk of violence across the country when elections are held due to interference of armed groups and criminal gangs in the electoral process. You should avoid large gatherings, political rallies, and polling stations during national and state elections. Monitor local media including social media channels and follow the advice of local authorities if you are affected by protests.

Areas To Avoid

The Colombia-Venezuela border region is extremely dangerous. The border is not clearly marked, increasing the risk of accidentally crossing into Venezuela. The area experiences crime, kidnapping, armed conflict, and the risk of detention. US citizens trying to enter Venezuela without a visa have faced terrorism charges and been held for long periods. Arauca, Cauca (excluding Popayan), and Norte de Santander departments face severe threats from crime and terrorism. Violent crime including armed robbery and murder is common in these locations. The Catatumbo region in Norte de Santander and Cesar has a government-declared state of emergency due to increased violence, with increased military presence and movement restrictions. The Darien Gap along the Panama border is exceptionally dangerous due to harsh terrain, criminal activity, and lack of infrastructure. Several illegal armed groups operate there, and it is a hub for illegal migration and drug trafficking. There is no road crossing between Colombia and Panama. Border zones with Ecuador are risky. Avoid travel within 5km of the Ecuador border except for the Pan-American highway crossing at Puente Internacional de Rumichaca. The port towns of Buenaventura in Valle de Cauca, Turbo in Antioquia, and Tumaco in Nariño are dangerous. Illegal armed groups and criminal gangs are active in all departments where coca is cultivated, processed, or transported. Areas with high coca cultivation include rural areas near borders with Panama, Venezuela, and Ecuador, as well as Parque Nacional Natural de La Macarena in Meta Department. The western part of Valle de Cauca Department including Buenaventura poses security risks. Departments like Choco (except the capital Quibdo and towns Nuqui, Bahia Solano, and Capurgana), southern Bolivar, Caqueta (except Florencia), Casanare (except Yopal), southern Meta (excluding Cano Cristales if accessed via reputable tours), parts of Nariño, Putumayo, and Vichada (except Puerto Carreno) harbor illegal armed groups. Rural areas and small towns where terrorists, criminals, and armed gangs operate can be dangerous. Remote rural areas should be avoided.