Is Colombia safe to visit? Info for travelers

Colombia is a remarkable travel destination. From the vibrant streets of Bogotá to the coffee plantations of the Andes and pristine beaches, Colombia offers different experiences for all travelers. Is Colombia safe? Here we talk about how safe Colombia is, the precautions to take as a tourist and more tips to remain safe and sound in the country.

Is Colombia safe to visit?

If you are traveling to Colombia, you might wonder, 'Is Colombia safe to visit?' The answer is yes, but only if you are mindful of your surroundings and implement the tips and information we are going to provide here. In the past years, Colombia has been working hard to implement more safety measures and create a safer country.

Keep in mind that crimes like mugging, pickpocketing, assault, armed robbery, extortion, robbery, and kidnapping are common in some areas. Demonstrations occur regularly and can turn violent, you should be aware that public transportation can be reduced. You should always avoid demonstrations and look out for local media to be well-informed. 

Travelers must be vigilant in public places at all times and avoid displaying wealth. This is one of the main tips to remain safe in Colombia and avoid violent robberies. Don’t show your phone (it doesn’t matter if it is day or night and if you are in a touristy or non-touristy area) and don’t wear expensive accessories. In public transport you shouldn’t show laptops, cameras and phones. There have been incidents of armed robberies on buses.

In general, you shouldn't walk alone anywhere at night and always remain in crowded areas. If you need any guidance, get directions from sources like hotel staff and inform them of your plans. 

We highly recommend getting travel insurance. There are lots of good travel insurance companies that offer a wide range of insurances. We recommend one that has medical treatment and covers your personal belongings that might get stolen and need replacement. 

Is Colombia safe? With these tips in mind, and the following ones, you should be able to enjoy this beautiful country. Colombia offers amazing natural landscapes, vibrant cities, bustling nightlife, and historical sites. Additionally, it is an affordable and easy-to-navigate country.

Areas of Colombia safe to visit

If you are aware of your surroundings, you can visit a lot of different parts of Colombia. Nevertheless, these are some of the areas that are considered more safe: Santa Marta, Barranquilla, Tunja, Bucaramanga, the departments of Quindio, Risaralda, and Caldas, and most major cities.

Areas of Colombia to avoid

Various international governments advise against traveling under any circumstances to these areas:

• areas within 20km of the Venezuela border;
• areas within 20km of the Ecuador border (except the Pan American Highway border crossing of Ipiales and the Santuario de las Lajas);
• the cities of Buenaventura and Tumaco;
• the Darién Gap (except the town of Capurganá);
• Arauca, Cauca (excluding Popayán), and Norte de Santander departments.

Is Cartagena Colombia safe?

Cartagena, on Colombia's Caribbean coast, is a beloved tourist destination within Colombia and around the world. It has miles of well-preserved architectural gems from the country’s past and some of South America’s best beaches.

Cartagena is generally considered safe for tourists since violent crime rates have significantly decreased. However, like any city, you have to remain cautious and aware of your surroundings to avoid being pickpocketed. Keep in mind the tips shared above, such as avoiding poorly lit areas at night, keeping valuables secure and out of sight, and staying in well-reviewed accommodations in safe areas like Getsemaní and Bocagrande and avoid asking for directions and looking like a tourist (use Google Maps or memorize where you’re going.

Is Medellín Colombia safe?

Medellín Colombia, the second biggest city of Colombia after Bogotá, has been improving and has come a long way from its cocaine-fueled past. There are so many parks, restaurants, galleries, great food, and music everywhere. There you should definitely see the eco-árboles, tree-shaped structures that purify 22,000 cubic meters of air every hour. 

Medellín is a safe place to visit in Colombia. It is said that the city has seen an 82% decline in violent crime and most violent crimes occur in neighborhoods away from the city center.

The biggest concern is pickpocketing. To avoid this please follow our tips from above like “No dar papaya" or translated: don’t put yourself in a position to be taken advantage of that means not showing valuables, walking alone, or going to less popular parts of the city. In regards to more specific tips for Medellin, you should keep your belongings securely close by at all times since thieves are known to ride motorcycles through traffic, snatching phones, jewelry, and bags from open car windows. 

Is Bogotá Colombia safe?

Bogotá, the capital of Colombia, is actually one of South America’s safest urban areas. There you will be able to enjoy some of the best music, food and coffee, dance, and art of Colombia and the world.

In Bogotá you will encounter pickpocketing as it happens in most cities worldwide. To avoid this, unless it is necessary don’t take your phone out of your pocket while you are walking, should stick to the right neighborhoods (the northern part of Bogotá is known as the safe area with Zona T / Zona Rosa, Usaquén, Chapinero, Teusaquillo and Candelaria being some of the safest neighborhoods) and use heightened safety precautions just like you would in New York or London. Overall, keep your eyes and ears open at all times and be aware of where you are at (don’t wear headphones in the street).

Bogotá is one of the cities with the most police presence in all of Colombia. If you have any issue, chances are that  a "CAI" (Centro de Atencion Inmediata’ – local police station) booth is near you.

Is Cali Colombia safe?

Cali Colombia is probably one of the worst ones of this article when it comes to reputation. Cali frequently ranks in the top 10 for the most dangerous cities in the world, but the truth is that most of the violent crimes happen in its most dangerous neighborhoods like Siloé and Agua Blanca.

You can consider staying in these neighborhoods: Santa Monica, Ciudad Jardin, San Antonio, El Peñon, and Granada.

Also keep in mind that there is some police corruption and there have been cases where tourists have felt like they really don’t care about helping them and they’re only interested in finding ways to fine them or taking their money.

The biggest danger you can find is theft like in the other cities. Follow all the advices surrounding avoiding pickpocketing that we have mentioned above (avoid flashing personal valuables or carrying large sums of money), and you will be able to enjoy colonial architecture, lively plazas such as Plaza de Caycedo and go salsa dancing in the “Salsa capital of the world”.

Is it safe for women to travel to Colombia?

Female travelers should adhere to all the safety tips we've previously mentioned, but pay particular attention to these. Endeavor to connect with other travelers at hostels or during tours, allowing you to explore together and avoid solo outings, especially if you're traveling alone as a woman. Doing so will reduce the likelihood of becoming a target for pickpockets and petty criminals.

Remember don’t travel alone at night or questionable areas that are less crowded. Also don’t flaunt any valuables, and avoid taking taxis alone at night. Only book taxis through a reliable app or reputable companies. Nevertheless, always inform someone of your whereabouts whenever you venture out at night. 

If you decide to go out for drinks, be wary of the possible spiking of drinks. Always keep an eye on your drink in a bar and do not accept drinks from strangers. Drugs can also be administered through food, cigarettes, aerosols and paper flyers. They usually make victims become disoriented quickly and are vulnerable to robbery, sexual assault and rape. 

Is it safe for members of the LGBTQIA community to travel to Colombia?

Generally speaking, travelers from the LGBTQIA community can safely visit Colombia, especially its cities. Colombia has made significant strides towards LGBTQIA rights, boasting one of the strongest legal frameworks in Latin America defending the rights of LGBT+ people.

In Colombia it is a crime to harass or threaten someone because of their sexual orientation. Nevertheless, there is still ongoing violence against this community, especially in more conservative or rural areas.

It's advisable for LGBTQIA+ travelers to exercise discretion and be mindful of their surroundings, particularly in areas where acceptance of their sexuality may not be as common. We recommend researching LGBTQIA friendly establishments and seeking advice from local LGBTQIA communities.

More tips and security advice for Colombia

To fully enjoy your experience in Colombia, we have curated a list of specific safety tips:

• Monitor media constantly in the country since terrorist groups continue to plan attacks around Colombia. 
• Be aware there have been cases of criminals posing as police officers. The most common scam is to say they want to inspect your money to see if it is counterfeit. If you are approached by them, ask to be escorted to the nearest CAI (‘Centro de Atencion Inmediata’ – local police station).
• If you are going hiking, hire a reputable, experienced guide. 
• Refuse unexpected offers from people in the street.
• When it comes to health issues, it's important to be vaccinated against yellow fever, as it is widespread and some national parks may require a vaccination certificate for entry. Discuss with your doctor the best plan to navigate this country, where Zika virus and malaria are also risks. (Note: Malaria is a risk in areas below 800m, but not in Bogotá).
• If you want to ride on a taxi, only use pre-booked taxis. Do not hail taxis on the street since there have been reports of express kidnappings, assaults and robberies in unlicensed taxis. 
• Don’t carry large amounts of cash.
• Make copies of important documents.
• Share your itinerary with friends or family.
• If you have any emergency you should call: 123