Colombia
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Visitor Requirements for United States citizens
Extendable up to 180-days stay within a one-year period.
Safety
Updated information on civil unrest and kidnapping.
Reconsider travel to Colombia due to crime, terrorism, civil unrest, and kidnapping. Some areas have an increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.
Do Not Travel to:
- Arauca, Cauca (excluding Popayán), and Norte de Santander departments due to crime and terrorism.
- The Colombia-Venezuela border region due to crime, kidnapping, conflict between armed groups, and the risk of detention.
Country Summary: Violent crime, like murder, assault, and robbery, is common in many areas in Colombia. In some places, organized crime is rampant. This includes extortion, robbery, and kidnapping.
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 and criminal organizations 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
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.
- Using street taxis or any public transportation that is not prearranged.
Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Colombia.
If you decide to travel to Colombia:
- Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.
- Avoid demonstrations and crowds.
- Check local media for breaking news. Be prepared to adjust your plans.
- Keep a low profile.
- Do not display signs of wealth, such as expensive watches or jewelry.
- Stay aware of your surroundings.
- Travel only during daylight hours.
- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive messages and Alerts from the U.S. Embassy and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
- Review the Country Security Report for Colombia.
- Prepare a plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist.
- Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel and return to the United States.
- We highly recommend that you buy insurance before you travel. Check with your travel insurance provider about evacuation assistance, medical insurance, and trip cancellation coverage.
Arauca, Cauca (excluding Popayán), and Norte de Santander departments – Level 4: Do Not Travel
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 areas here.
- Due to the risks, U.S. government employees working in Colombia are prohibited from traveling to these areas.
The Colombia-Venezuela border region – Level 4: Do Not Travel
Do not travel to this area for any reason. Crime, kidnapping, and armed conflict are common here. Do not cross the border into Venezuela from Colombia. You may be detained by Venezuelan authorities.
- Due to the risks, the U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens 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.
- Venezuela's Travel Advisory is Level 4: Do Not Travel. U.S. citizens trying to enter Venezuela without a visa have faced terrorism charges. They have been held for long periods.
- For more information, read the Venezuela Travel Advisory.
Infrastructure
Getting Around
About Colombia
Pristine Caribbean beaches, soaring Andean summits, unreal archaeological ruins, and the impenetrable, mystery-filled Amazonian jungle, Colombia is an unexplored pot of adventure. Visit this rising Latin destination gracefully rising from its dark past and be among the first ones to see its wonderful landscapes, taste its food, and immerse in its lovely culture.
From Cartagena, the jewel of Colombia's Caribbean coast with centuries’ old, well-preserved colonial architecture and the coffee country of Eje Cafetero, to Medellin, a sightseer’s paradise, it is enchanting. Start off with a visit to the country’s heartbeat – Bogota – and marvel at how it colorfully fuses colonial charm with urban sophistication. Head out to the lost city of Ciudad Perdida, Colombia’s very-own Machu Picchu.
It would be impossible to explore the beautiful Colombia in a single day, but for the love of tastings and tours, you can see the finest of its thrill and treasure troves.The beautiful, quirky Providencia Island is perfect for a honeymoon, but if you fancy the off-beaten path, Pablo Escobar’s Hacienda Nápoles is now a booming amusement park. There’s the double the thrill of a protected national park with a beach - Tayrona National Natural Park.
Health
Money
Tipping is generally less expected except in a few places.
Hotels: $1 per bag for bellboys. $1-$2 per day for housekeepers.
Restaurants: 10%. Some high end restaurants may already include a 15% service charge, so check for that.
Tour guide: 5% to 10%.
Taxi driver: Don't tip.
People & Culture
Map of Colombia
Cities in Colombia
Medellín, Bogotá, Cartagena, Cali, Salento, Barranquilla, and more. Guides for each coming soon.