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Is Colombia Safe for Travel in 2024?

ViaHero
Updated September 6, 2023

Is Colombia safe for travel? This South American destination is colorful, vivacious, and packed with stuff to do. And — generally — yes, Colombia is safe to visit.

With some help from locals, we created this guide to staying safe in Colombia. It covers everything from the COVID pandemic to using Uber. 

Looking for more insider info on safety in Colombia? Work with a local for on-the-ground access as you plan your trip. Learn more

COVID-19 in Colombia: What You Need To Know Before You Go

Colombia took quick, decisive actions when the pandemic broke out in March 2020. Colombia closed its borders in March 2020 and didn't open up again until September 2020. As of February 2023, Colombia requires proof of vaccination or a negative test result to enter the country. Bottom line: precautions are in place in Colombia that help make it safe. 

Here are the current rules for travel to Colombia:

We recommend talking to a Colombian local who can tell you how things are going in Colombia as the pandemic evolves.

Colombia is a country at peace

Since a 2016 peace accord ended the decades-long civil war between Colombia’s government and the paramilitary group FARC, Colombia has become much more peaceful and is enjoying a cultural renaissance. Travelers can explore Colombia's unparalleled food scene, its ecotourism industry, and innovative music explosion while taking in all the beautiful sights this country has to offer much more safely than before the landmark agreement.

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Colombia's major cities are safe — and getting safer

La Candelaria in Bogota

Colombia's major cities are incredible destinations. Each one offers something a little different — so check with a Colombian local about what fits your travel style. Plus, they're just getting safer and safer. Read on to learn more about safety and things to do in Bogota, Medellin, and Cartagena. 

Bogota

Bogota is quickly becoming one of the world’s hippest cultural destinations and with some preparation and awareness of your surroundings, you can travel safely in Bogota. Composed of dozens of distinct neighborhoods, it’s a city where travelers can benefit from local insights. Our trip planners rave that Bogota has it all: music, food, dance, and art. They suggest trying some traditional tinto (thick, sweet, black coffee), dancing salsa at a local bar, or dropping into one of Bogota’s numerous museums. Bogota safety tips:

  • The pedestrian-friendly Zona T is one of the safest areas in Bogota, and it has excellent shopping.

  • Plan your accommodations in advance to make sure you’re staying in a safe neighborhood (a local can help).

  • Do your sightseeing during the day and don’t walk alone at night. 

Medellin

When most people think Medellin, they think Pablo Escobar, cocaine, and crime—but people who actually live there say that there’s so much more to the city - and it’s a great place to visit. These days, parks, restaurants, galleries, and attractions abound in Medellin. The city was even named The World’s Most Innovative City in 2013 and received the prestigious Lee Kuan Yew World City Prize for urban development in 2016.

Visitors to Medellin are thrilled by impromptu street concerts, a thriving gastronomy scene, and the city’s state-of-the-art metro system. And we haven't even mentioned eco-árboles: massive tree-shaped structures that can each purify 22,000 cubic meters of air per hour.

Medellin safety tips:

  • Use Uber instead of taxis. 

  • Pay attention to local news and avoid protests if any occur during your visit (it’s unlikely, but possible). 

  • Keep an eye on your belongings - the most common crimes are petty theft and pickpocketing. 

Cartagena 

If crowded cities aren’t your speed, relax in the veritable paradise that is Cartagena. Located on Colombia’s Caribbean coast, Cartagena features miles of gorgeously preserved, centuries-old architecture, as well as pristine golden beaches. Popular with travelers both Colombian and foreign, Cartagena is safe, fun, and exciting. Cartagena can be touristy, which means getting local advice can introduce you to a side of the city that most tourists miss.

Cartagena safety tips:

  • Keep an eye on your drinks - drink-spiking with scopolamine does happen even in this safe city. 

  • The heat is no joke in Cartagena. Stay hydrated and plan for breaks as needed. 

  • Practice Spanish before you go, even just a few key phrases can help a lot.

Be mindful of scams and petty theft

Although very rarely dangerous, Colombia is home to some of the most creative scam artists around. Ranging from the run-of-the-mill to the ridiculous, these scams are easily avoided if you know what to look for and use common sense.

  • As in any other major city, be careful of your surroundings, especially at night. Criminals tend to work in groups, often near tourist centers.

  • Don’t accept food or drinks from strangers—even gum! Although very, very rare, there have been instances of criminals drugging victims before stealing their belongings.

  • Criminals will sometimes pose as undercover police officers, and ask to inspect your cash to “see if it’s counterfeit.” Obviously, don’t give it to them. Some will even present you with a fake police ID and offer to give you a receipt for your money.

  • Be careful in crowded areas; thieves will often distract you while accomplices help themselves to your cash.

  • Keep your wallet in your front pocket. If you carry a purse, don’t leave it unattended or hanging from the back of a chair.

  • Separate your cash, and keep it in different pockets. If the worst should happen, this trick prevents thieves from swiping all your money.

Travel safely—benefit from local advice

What kind of traveler are you?
Let’s face it. People want different things when they travel. Rather than spending hours sifting through blogs and top 10 lists written by people who may have totally different interests than you, why not start by sharing a little about what’s important to you when exploring a new destination?
Select your travel preferences below and let a local travel planner with ViaHero take it from there. Your personalized Colombia recommendations, itinerary, and maps are just a few clicks away.

Solo travelers love Colombia

A solo traveler exploring a colorful street in Bogota.

Colombia is a safe and welcoming place for people who travel by themselves. But being a solo traveler doesn't mean you have to go it alone!

Get advice from Colombian locals before you even arrive. When it comes to safety as a solo traveler in Colombia, our trip planners advise people to:

  • Know some Spanish: Learning a few key phrases in Spanish before you go can make a big difference. Our trip planners can include important words to know in your customized guidebook. 

  • Stay aware of your surroundings: Do your research before visiting unfamiliar neighborhoods and stay close to the crowds. If you have questions or concerns about visiting certain places, get insider advice about which parts of the city to avoid. 

  • Use the same precautions you would elsewhere: Don't accept drinks from strangers, don't break the law, and keep aware of your surroundings at all times. 

While catcalling and sexual harassment certainly remain an issue (the patriarchy knows no borders), Colombia is no worse than any other country in that regard.

Still, it’s helpful to get safety updates from the people who know best—locals in Colombia. Many of our trip planners are women and they can describe how they navigate their hometowns. 

Kidnapping has dropped to almost nothing

“Narcos” this ain’t! These days, kidnapping is much more of a problem for Colombia’s neighbors than Colombia itself.

In fact, Colombia's kidnapping rate has dropped by a whopping 92% since 2000. Avoiding sketchier areas (like lonesome rural highways) can also dramatically reduce your risk of danger.

If you’re unsure of where to go (and where you should avoid) you can always get some local advice.

"How did I ever not travel like this?! Ana’s local insight & planning was a game changer. It’s like having a digital concierge, travel agent, and local fixer all rolled into one!"
Sierra, recent ViaHero traveler to Portugal
Sierra, recent ViaHero traveler to Portugal

The water is safe to drink

Don’t bother spending your pesos on bottled water—Colombia’s major cities have some of the best tap water around. Bogota and Medellin are known for their excellent water quality.

However, locals tell us that drinking tap water in the Colombian countryside can be a bit more hit-and-miss.

Using Uber in Colombia

In January 2020, customers were informed that they could no longer use Uber in Colombia. However, Uber returned to Colombia less than a month later. There's a new set of rules. Basically, you can rent a car that comes with a driver using the Uber app.

Confused? Don't worry. Locals tell us you'll find plenty of other transit options. Like...so many. So get an insider's perspective on how to best navigate in Colombia. Locals can let you know how they get around their country.

Zika is almost nonexistent in cities

It’s a common misconception that traveling to Latin America puts you at a high risk of contracting Zika. The CDC keeps a map updated with the current status of Zika around the world and there are currently no Zika outbreaks in Central and South America. And cities like Bogota are always at low risk for Zika due to elevation. 

If you are pregnant or may become so, however, you should still talk to your doctor before traveling to Colombia.

Many travelers don't need to get any extra vaccines

For most travelers, being up-to-date on routine vaccines, including hepatitis A and B, is all you’ll need before visiting Colombia. If you’re traveling to rural areas, the typhoid vaccine and malaria pills may be recommended. To be safe, talk to your doctor before you fly.

It's a great family destination

A family poses for a photo in Bogota.

From the gorgeous beaches and lush rainforests of its Caribbean coast to the coffee-rich slopes of the Andes, Colombia offers something for everyone—especially families.

In fact, many hotels, ecotourism preserves, and even coffee plantations cater specifically to family travel. Notoriously friendly and family-oriented, Colombians love children and are quick to strike up conversations with strangers. Make sure to get some tips from locals on how to meet people—there's nothing worse than spending hours planning only to find that you're missing out on the *real* Colombia.

When it comes to activities for kids, Colombia’s famously family-focused culture shines through. Whether you fancy snorkeling off the Caribbean island of San Andres, galavanting through the interactive Parque Explora museum in Medellin, or learning about conservation as you stroll through the famous Cali Zoo (home to some of Colombia’s rarest animals) there are countless kid-friendly activities to take advantage of throughout Colombia.

Healthcare for tourists is top-notch

With one of the top healthcare systems in the Americas, Colombia’s state-of-the-art hospitals are quickly becoming known for their affordability and quality of care. Medical standards are just as rigorous as those in the United States, and many of Colombia’s doctors train internationally.

Conde Nast Traveler named Colombia one of the 10 best places in the world to retire in 2022.

Emergency numbers everyone should know

On the off chance that you run into any trouble on your Colombian adventure, here are some numbers to call for assistance.

  • National Emergency Number: 123

  • Tourist Police: (1) 3374413

  • Information: 113

  • U.S. Embassy in Colombia: (+57) (1) 275-2000

Still have questions about travel to Colombia?
Why not ask someone who lives there? ViaHero connects you with a local to help plan your trip. They’ll create a guidebook based on your personal travel style.
You’ll see a unique side of a destination and travel independently—all while saving time and money in the planning process. Find a local today.

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