Colombia
Safety and security
Terrorism
There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.
UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe abroad and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.
Terrorism in Colombia
Terrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks in Colombia.
Armed groups
Despite the landmark peace agreement between the government and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) in 2016, many armed groups remain active throughout the country.
These groups may attack with little or no warning. The focus is predominantly in areas where there are active illicit economies and narco-trafficking but attacks have historically targeted some tourist locations, including:
- transportation hubs including airports
- markets and shopping malls
- local government facilities
- hotels, clubs and restaurants
- places of worship
- parks and other public areas
- major sporting and cultural events
- educational institutions
Police and military personnel and installations are frequently targeted.
Past methods of attack have included car bombs, grenade attacks and explosive devices left in buildings. Stay alert and follow the advice of the local security authorities.
Terrorist kidnapping
Kidnapping rates remain high and widespread in Colombia. Illegal armed groups kidnap hostages – both for ransom and for political purposes. While foreign nationals are not the primary targets, foreigners have been kidnapped in recent years, particularly those working for (or believed to be working for) oil, mining and related companies where armed groups operate.
British nationals are seen as legitimate targets, including tourists, humanitarian aid workers, journalists and business travellers. If you are kidnapped, the reason for your presence is unlikely to protect you or secure your safe release.
The long-standing policy of the British government is not to make substantive concessions to terrorist hostage takers. The British government considers that paying ransoms builds the capability of terrorist groups and finances their activities. This can, in turn, increase the risk of further hostage-taking. The Terrorism Act (2000) makes payments to terrorists illegal.
Regularly reassess your security arrangements and consider carefully any travel around the country.
Political situation
Colombia has suffered from internal armed conflict for over 50 years. In 2016, Colombia’s then-President Juan Manuel Santos signed a peace agreement with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) movement to end the civil war.
The peace agreement is still in place today, but Colombia remains seriously affected by conflict. Delays in the implementation of the peace agreement have led to a resurgence in violence in parts of the country. Much of this involves armed groups fighting for control of territory, the cocaine trade, and other illicit economies.
Protests
Protests and demonstrations happen regularly throughout the country and often start at short notice. They can turn violent and may lead to an increase in the police and military presence. Road closures and roadblocks can cause travel disruptions for visitors.
Avoid protests, strikes and demonstrations and follow the advice of local authorities or tour operators if you are affected. Allow extra time to reach your destination and monitor local media, including social media channels.
There is a heightened risk of violence across the country when elections are held due to the interference of armed groups and criminal gangs in the electoral process. During national and state elections, avoid large gatherings or political rallies and be alert around polling stations.
Crime
Drugs, organised crime and terrorism are inextricably linked in Colombia. There’s evidence of high levels of coca cultivation in:
- Nariño Department
- Cauca Department
- Putumayo Department
- Caquetá Department
- Meta Department
- Guaviare Department
- the Catatumbo region in Norte de Santander Department
- northern Antioquia Department
- southern Bolivar Department
There’s a risk to your safety in any area where coca, marijuana or opium poppies are cultivated and near to cocaine processing labs.
Illegal armed groups and criminal gangs are active in all of the departments where coca is cultivated, processed or transported, as well as in many cities. The risk is particularly significant in:
- rural areas near to the borders with Panama, Venezuela and Ecuador
- the Parque Nacional Natural de La Macarena in the Department of Meta
- the port towns of Buenaventura in the Department of Valle de Cauca, Turbo in the Department of Antioquia and Tumaco in the Department of Nariño
Money laundering, extortion and prostitution rackets are all part of organised crime activity.
Street crime
Pickpocketing, mugging and armed robbery are a problem, especially in major cities, including Bogotá, Medellín, Cali and the Caribbean coast. British nationals have been robbed at gunpoint in the Candelaria area of Bogotá and across many cities in Colombia.
Be vigilant in public places used by foreign nationals or near official buildings. Take care on city streets, especially in deprived areas of cities, after dark or if you are on your own. Do not carry large amounts of money or wear expensive-looking jewellery or watches.
Criminal kidnapping
Short-term opportunistic abductions known as ‘express kidnappings’ are common in Colombia. Criminals – often posing as taxi drivers may track and select a target victim, often from around ATMs and often at night. They also attack at random. The kidnappers force the victim to empty their bank account by making multiple transfers, or drive them to ATMs and force them to withdraw cash. Normally victims are quickly released, but there have been incidents where those who have resisted the kidnappers’ demands have been killed.
Be aware of your surroundings and always let someone you trust know your whereabouts. Use ATMs during business hours so you can go inside a bank, supermarket or shopping centre.
If you fall victim to a kidnapping, follow the kidnapper’s instructions.
Drug assisted robberies and sexual assaults
The British Embassy has received reports of criminals in Colombia using drugs to subdue their victims. This includes the use of scopolamine, which temporarily incapacitates victims. Criminals can administer drugs through food, drinks, cigarettes, aerosols and even paper flyers. Victims become disoriented quickly and are vulnerable to robbery, sexual assault, rape and other crimes.
Criminals use dating applications and websites to identify and lure foreign nationals who are travelling alone and looking to meet local people. Criminals work in teams, with women easing the victim into a false sense of security. Victims are incapacitated and robbed. Incidents have been reported in nightclubs, bars, restaurants, public transportation, including taxis, and on city streets. Do not accept invitations from strangers to their accommodation, and do not invite strangers to your accommodation.
Do not leave food or drinks unattended and do not take anything offered by strangers. These drugs can cause serious medical problems, including loss of consciousness, memory loss and can be fatal if administered in large quantities. Get local medical attention as soon as possible.
Where possible, plan how you will travel to and from your destination. Only use pre-booked taxis.
Public offences
The law against the sexual abuse of children (aged 13 and under) is strictly enforced, especially when it involves tourists. If convicted, you could face a long prison sentence.
The 141 national toll-free line and the Child and Adolescent Police are available for 24-hour protection, emergencies and orientation of children and young people.
Police scams
Criminals posing as police are known to operate in Bogotá and elsewhere. They may ask to inspect money to see if it is counterfeit. If you are approached, ask them to escort you to the nearest local police station (CAI or ‘Centro de Atención Inmediata’).
Crime in rural areas
In many rural areas, the authority of the Colombian state is limited, and the British Embassy’s ability to help British nationals in trouble in these areas will also be limited. Mobile and internet connection in rural areas is often limited.
Laws and cultural differences
Personal ID
Always carry a colour printout of the photo page and Colombian visa from your passport for identification. Keep the passport somewhere safe.
Alcohol
It is illegal to consume alcohol in public spaces.
Illegal drugs and prison sentences
Colombia has severe penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs.
Colombian drug detection methods are sophisticated and anyone attempting to traffic drugs can expect to be arrested. British nationals have been arrested and detained for trying to smuggle cocaine out of the country. Prison conditions are harsh. Pack your own luggage and keep it with you at all times. Lock your cases to protect them from tampering. Never carry items for other people. Never exchange money for strangers, as this is a common practice among money launderers.
Spiritual cleansing
Traditional hallucinogenic tea, known as Yagé or Ayahuasca, is brewed and marketed to tourists as spiritual cleansing. The various preparations typically contain dimethyltryptamine (DMT), a strong hallucinogen that’s illegal in the UK and many other countries.
There are many risks involved. Consumption is not regulated. Intoxicated travellers have been assaulted and robbed. There have also been reports of sexual assaults during these ceremonies.
Health risks are not well understood and some people have suffered serious illnesses and in some cases death after taking these drugs. The jungle retreats are often a long way from medical facilities making the risks even greater. Some have basic medical services, but others do not. Some do not have an established plan for how you can access medical facilities in case of an emergency.
Taking photos in secure areas
Photographing military or strategic government sites is illegal.
LGBT+ travellers
Same-sex sexual activity is legal in Colombia, but same-sex relationships are not widely accepted, especially in rural areas.
Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers.
Money
You can exchange US dollars and euros at banks and authorised money exchanges. Do not change money on the street.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, shops and restaurants. Keep the receipts in case you need to show customs what money you have spent when you leave.
Transport risks
Road travel
If you are planning to drive a hire car or a UK vehicle, see information on driving abroad.
You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in Colombia. If you still have a paper driving licence, you may need to update it to a photocard licence.
Hire car companies often have stricter requirements for their customers, such as:
- a year of driving experience
- being aged 18 years and over
- holding an International Driving Permit (IDP)
- a citizenship card or passport
- a credit card to guarantee the vehicle hire
Carry all vehicle documents in physical form, in case you are pulled over by the police.
Driving standards
Driving standards are poor and traffic accidents are common. Avoid driving at night, which can be particularly hazardous. Do not hitch-hike. The risk of violence and kidnapping is higher in some rural areas, and there is a risk of being robbed at roadblocks set up by illegal armed groups. Main roads are generally safe during daylight hours.
Public transport
Be cautious when using public transport in Colombia.
There have been several recent incidents of armed robbery on buses. Avoid displaying valuable items like laptops, cameras and mobile phones. Do not wear jewellery and only carry minimal amounts of cash. Avoid travelling on your own or at night, especially at border crossings or areas where there are few other people around. When travelling to remote areas, it may be safer to travel with others or take part in a tour with a reputable company.
Taxis
There have been reports of express kidnappings, assaults and robberies in unlicensed taxis. Use licensed telephone or internet-based taxi services whenever possible or book through your hotel. Many restaurants in Colombia will book a taxi for you. Do not hail taxis on the street.
There are authorised taxi booths at most airports in Colombia. Bogotá’s El Dorado International Airport only allows authorised taxis to pick up passengers at its terminals. Authorised taxis are yellow with white licence plates and plate numbers on doors and roof. The driver’s information will be shown inside the vehicle. Well-known taxi companies can be booked via Uber and Cabify.
Landmines
There is a risk from landmines throughout Colombia, especially in rural and remote areas. Mined areas are often unmarked. Be vigilant when visiting remote areas or travelling off the main roads.
Air travel
The departmental capitals of Amazonas, Vaupes and Guainía are only accessible by air due to the lack of road infrastructure in these departments.
Extreme weather and natural disasters
Find out what you can do to prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards.
Hurricanes
Although uncommon, hurricanes and tropical storms can affect the Caribbean coast and the Archipelago of San Andres, Providencia and Santa Catalina.
Monitor local news and check World Meteorological Organization weather reports for Colombia, the US National Hurricane Center, and the Institute of Hydrology, Meteorology and Environmental Studies (IDEAM) (in Spanish).
Earthquakes
There is a high risk of earthquakes across Colombia. Earthquakes occur regularly, particularly in Santander Department and the Andean Region.
Familiarise yourself with safety procedures and any instructions in your hotel or accommodation.
If an earthquake happens, monitor local media reports, follow instructions from the authorities and keep essential belongings, such as your passport and money, with you.
Get real-time information (in Spanish) following an earthquake from:
You can find a real-time earthquake map and further information about earthquakes in Colombia from Colombia’s Geological Services.
The US Federal Emergency Management Agency website has advice about what to do before, during and after an earthquake.
Flooding
There is a risk of floods and landslides after heavy rains throughout Colombia, especially in the Colombian Andes. Get local advice before travelling on mountain roads after heavy rain.
Volcanic eruptions
There are 25 active and monitored volcanoes in Colombia. Check the latest daily bulletins about volcanic activity (in Spanish).
If you are in areas of volcanic activity, monitor the Servicio Geológico Colombiano for any updates or alerts.
Notify friends and family of your location, stay alert, and follow any advice from local security authorities or your travel operator. Be prepared to make travel arrangements or follow evacuation plans at short notice.
Check before travelling on the Pan-American highway, which passes near a volcano. Call 767 for information (in Spanish) from the Colombian Highway Police about road closures.