Generally, Bogota is a safe place to travel (with a little know-how!). But like elsewhere in the world, Colombia has seen cases of coronavirus.
Check out our update below.
Colombia’s capital city has felt the impact of the pandemic with local cases and death, like much of the world. However, by taking a few simple steps it is possible to travel to Bogota in 2022.
COVID safety requirements in Bogota, Colombia:
Bogota locals can help you navigate the rules and also recommend the best art museums, brunch spots, and green spaces in the city.
The violent crime rate in Bogota is actually lower than that of many American cities—like Indianapolis and Miami.
In addition, kidnappings in the capital have dropped by a massive 92% over the past two decades.
And just like in any American city, these crimes almost always occur in outlying neighborhoods that most travelers would never enter, anyway.
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Worried about safety in Colombia? Feel free to reach out to one of our Colombian trip planners.
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Locals tell us that there are some scams to watch out for in Bogota. Use local advice to keep safe—our trip planners gave us these tips:
If you’re still concerned about petty crime and scams in Bogota, however, feel free to read more about safety in Colombia.
While you should still consult your doctor before traveling, you probably have all your necessary vaccines for Colombia already—MMR, polio, hepatitis A, and the like.
However, the CDC recommends the COVID vaccine for all travelers and certain additional vaccines for travelers going far off the beaten path.
Due to the city’s extremely high elevation (over 8,500 feet above sea level), mosquitos are physically unable to live in Bogota.
This means Zika, malaria, and yellow fever are almost nonexistent in Bogota!
That being said, The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) still suggests you visit your doctor 4-6 weeks before traveling to ask what precautions you should take.
It’s a common misconception that drinking tap water in Colombia will give make you sick. In actuality, the tap water in Bogota is perfectly safe to drink.
Due to its huge population of young people and students, Bogota is known for being a good spot for solo travelers.
Locals tell us that they generally feel safe while out on their own. However, benefit from this local tip—our trip planners told us that given Bogota's elevation, the effects of alcohol can be more extreme. So take your time!
Women traveling alone may encounter catcalls. Do what you'd do at home: ignore it.
Locals tell us that there are plenty of safe transportation options in Bogota.
The Transmilenio (Bogota’s Bus Rapid Transit System) and
Or, they let us know that yellow cabs are inexpensive and ubiquitous. If you do end up hailing a cab off the street, either decide on a flat rate beforehand or be aware that la
And you can always call an Uber.
It can be overwhelming to navigate in a new place. When you work with a local to plan your trip, they'll provide detailed transit instructions.
For decades, Colombia has been getting safer.
Widespread shifts to a modern coffee-and-tourism-based economy and massive crackdowns on illegal activity have brought Colombia an unprecedented period of tranquility.
Moreover, ever since the conclusion of its long civil war with the 2016 FARC peace accord, Colombia has been actively reinventing itself as a traveler’s paradise—complete with modern infrastructure, tourist police, and an emphasis on safe travel.
In addition, you can always call your local trip planner if you run into any issues.
And for more on Colombia travel, check out: