Colombia has a renowned history of civil wars and drug cartels. However, the country has undergone significant development in recent decades. It’s a vastly different country than it formerly was.
Even now, the US government advises travelers to take “increased caution due to crime and terrorism.” According to the Department of State, crimes such as homicide, assault, and armed robbery are prevalent. Furthermore, organized criminal operations such as extortion, robbery, and abduction for ransom are common in sections of Colombia.
So, if you’re planning a trip to Colombia, you should definitely think about safety. As with any destination, certain regions and activities are more risky than others. Things can always go wrong, and plans can always fail.
So, is it safe to visit to Colombia? The quick response is, “Yes.” However, the truth of how to be safe in Colombia is more nuanced, and it varies depending on who you ask.
Officially, numerous nations still issue travel advisories for Colombia. The US government’s admonition to “exercise increased caution” is why the country now rates as Level 2 in terms of safety. In addition, the United States has issued even tougher “Do Not Travel” advisories for select Colombian districts renowned for violence and possible terrorism.
Similarly, the Canadian government advises travelers to “exercise a high degree of caution.” They also issue regional travel warnings advising against all travel in important border regions. The Australian and UK governments have issued similar warnings.
Having said that, the majority of travelers that visit Colombia encounter no major challenges or issues.
Is Colombia Safe to Travel Right Now?
Traveling to Colombia is safer than it has been in decades.
Historically, armed militant organizations and/or cartels have been responsible for a significant amount of violence and crime in Colombia. However, while the cartel had enormous power in the 1980s and 1990s, the key groups have virtually disbanded now. Cartel violence has generally spread to neighboring Latin American nations.
Similarly, as of 2016, the long-running armed war between the Colombian government and the terrorist organization FARC was formally terminated with a peace treaty.
Colombia continues to have armed organizations, paramilitaries, and drug trafficking difficulties. However, as compared to the past, they are minor worries. These challenges are also primarily confined to rural areas with minimal tourists.
However, other challenges, like as the flood of Venezuelan migrants, continue to surface, causing border friction. Millions of Venezuelans have fled the nation in recent years as a result of violence, crime, increased unemployment, and an economic catastrophe. The great majority of these migrants have arrived to Colombia.
With so many refugees, Colombia’s border areas have become extremely violent. There is also an ongoing possibility of military confrontation between Venezuela’s governing party and other powers.
Given these risks, I recommend purchasing travel insurance before planning your vacation. With trip protection, you can be certain that if circumstances change, you may cancel or amend your vacation arrangements without losing any money.
Travel Insurance in Colombia
Every time you travel overseas, you should obtain travel insurance, regardless of where you go. While particular nations may be regarded safer or less safe, the fact is that petty crime, travel scams, and violence may occur practically anywhere on the planet.
In Colombia, you must purchase travel insurance. While violent crime is at an all-time low, and the Venezuela crisis is unlikely to harm vacationers, having travel insurance is more than just covering the major expenses.
In Colombia, your travel insurance is more likely to provide you with piece of mind in the event of a robbery or other frequent travel scams. These sorts of crimes are sadly more widespread in Colombia than anywhere in the globe.
around Colombia, especially, use caution around bus terminals and aboard buses. Thieves are more prone to steal luggage here. You may also observe that certain bus firms record all passengers before leaving.
Is Colombia Safe to Travel Alone?
Solo travel can be a great experience, and Colombia is no exception. Colombians are regarded for being extremely nice and inviting. Even if you travel alone in Colombia, you are unlikely to feel lonely.
In terms of being safe in Colombia, when traveling alone, you should take the same precautions you would anyplace else. It is a good idea to let someone back home know where you are and where you want to go, as well as to give regular updates.
You’ll also want to ensure that someone back home has access to your details, such as a copy of your passport and travel insurance. Even if you are officially alone, having an ally is beneficial in the event that something goes wrong.
While Colombia is quite secure for solo travel, you should be aware that you are more likely to be targeted by criminals.
Take extra precautions to protect your bag, especially in bus terminals and on the street. Walking alone at night in Colombia is likewise not recommended. If you’re staying in a hostel, you can generally find someone else to accompany you on any late-night escapades, but if not, take a cab or Uber home.
How Safe is Colombia for Americans?
Colombia is the South American country with the closest political ties to the United States. The countries collaborated intensively to combat the cartels of the 1980s and 1990s. They also have comparable political climates and cultural characteristics.
As a result, Americans are often greeted warmly and enthusiastically in Colombia. Colombians enjoy American culture, and you will soon make friends.
In terms of Colombia safety, Americans should have no more difficulties visiting or traveling in Colombia than anyone from a similar nation. Being from a wealthy nation makes you more susceptible to scammers.
Is Colombia a Safe Country for Solo Female Travelers?
Women face unique hazards and security concerns while traveling alone. Many Colombian women travel alone, although it is not always the safest or easiest location to do so.
Colombia, like many other Latin American countries, has a macho issue.
Men frequently catcall, whistle, and follow women on the streets. A forceful, aggressive response typically causes them to back off, but not always. Most native Colombian ladies ignore it.
If you are a woman traveling alone in Colombia, I do not advocate going out to drink or party alone. The nightlife in Colombia is fantastic, but as a single lady, you will be relentlessly sought at every nightclub. While violence or open assault are uncommon, harassment at nightclubs is common.
At the same time, native Colombians are quite friendly, and it is simple to make acquaintances if you are a tourist traveling alone. You will encounter both men and women eager to show you the finest of their homeland.
Is the Water Safe to Drink in Colombia?
The last thing you want to do on any trip is become ill. We all know that drinking contaminated water is the easiest method to contract a stomach sickness. Fortunately, most of Colombia’s main cities have absolutely safe tap water.
Colombia regulates and analyzes tap water for quality in Bogota, Medellin, Cali, and Cartagena. You should be alright in these cities, but be aware that there are occasional complications.
If you have an extremely sensitive stomach, you may still want to filter your water. Consider this option if you’re staying in an older building. They do not always maintain high-quality plumbing pipes.
Drinking tap water in rural areas and small cities is significantly dangerous. Many Colombians outside of big cities decided to boil all drinking water at home. Wealthier Colombians, both rural and urban, occasionally choose to have filtered drinking water supplied to their houses.
Unless you are just visiting big cities, it may be a good idea to bring a water filter. The Grayl Geopress water bottle is an excellent travel alternative because it is compact enough to pack and can be used as both a filter and a water bottle.
Is the Food Safe to Eat in Colombia?
Colombian cuisine is notoriously bland. The fact is that the country’s gastronomy may be excellent—if you know where to look.
Bogota is home to three of Latin America’s top restaurants. There are similarly excellent eateries in Cartagena, Medellin, and other big cities. In Medellin, for example, El Cielo is a well-known and highly rated restaurant that offers a molecular gastronomy tasting menu.
Eating at most downtown eateries is entirely safe. Water quality in more remote places might be a bit riskier, so stick to completely prepared foods.
When it comes to street and market food, you should exercise caution. In general, it’s generally safe, but use your common sense and avoid anything that appears odd, old, or undercooked.
Rural areas are more susceptible to food poisoning. Aside from poor water quality, you should exercise caution in remote locations where power outages are widespread. Keeping food, particularly meat, cool is difficult when there are frequent power outages. This is particularly evident in Colombia’s rural, hot coastal regions and the Amazon region.
Is it Safe to Take a Taxi in Colombia?
Colombia controls all cabs, which, in general, are safe. However, these are also the most prevalent spots in Colombia where local fraudsters prey on tourists.
Each city in Colombia has its own set of “rules” governing taxis. In Bogota, the meter should always be on. Meters are not often used in Cartagena or Santa Marta. Instead, pricing are calculated depending on distance. The difficulty is that if you don’t know the established pricing, you’ll be charged more.
Taxi drivers stating the meter does not operate is a common trick to watch out for. In certain towns (e.g., Cartagena or Santa Marta), they may be telling the truth, but in Bogota or Medellin, if the meter isn’t working, hail another taxi.
Another issue is that taxi drivers quote a greater fee than the meter indicates at the conclusion of the journey. In cabs with meters, there should be a chart provided that displays the meter number and charge. Drivers typically add a 2,000 COP extra to meter charges on weekends and at night.
Is Colombia Safe to Live?
Colombia is becoming a popular expat destination, with thousands of people relocating there every year. While individuals back home may ask if Colombia is safe to visit, the numerous expats in the nation have determined that the answer is “safe enough.”
Colombia has become a reasonably secure place to live, with improved security and falling violent crime rates. In addition to overall Colombian safety, the country boasts an excellent healthcare system. For many people, living in the country long-term is a practical and safe alternative.
So, is it Dangerous in Colombia?
Many people’s first introduction to Colombia is the Netflix series Narcos. And, while the show is wonderful, Colombia has changed dramatically in the last two decades.
Colombia is now contemporary and sophisticated. It is one of the most beautiful and varied regions on the planet. It features world-class food and nightlife. Every year, hundreds of thousands of visitors arrive.
Colombia is no longer known as the capital of abduction and murder. Today, it is safer and more secure than other Latin American countries.
Colombians say “no dar papaya,” which basically means “don’t give papaya.” The underlying meaning, however, is that you should not allow others the opportunity to take advantage of you.
Don’t count money on the street, don’t show off your valuables, and keep watchful.
In the same vein, use caution and avoid putting yourself at danger. Do not give the papaya. Most importantly, make sure you have insurance from one of the finest travel insurance companies so that you are covered no matter what occurs. I hope these safety guidelines help you travel around this lovely nation securely and confidently, knowing you’re well prepared.