Reissued with updates to high-risk areas.
Reconsider travel due to crime and terrorism. Exercise increased caution due to civil unrest and kidnapping. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.
Do Not Travel to:
- Arauca, Cauca (excluding Popayán), and Norte de Santander departments due to crime and terrorism.
- The Colombia-Venezuela border region due to crime, kidnapping, and risk of detention when crossing into Venezuela from Colombia.
Country Summary: Violent crime, such as homicide, assault, and armed robbery, is widespread. Organized criminal activities, such as extortion, robbery, and kidnapping, are common in some areas.
The National Liberation Army (ELN), Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia - People’s Army (FARC-EP), and Segunda Marquetalia terrorist organizations, as well as the Clan del Golfo and other criminal organizations, continue operating and carrying out attacks in Colombia. They may attack with little or no warning, targeting transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, local government facilities, police stations, military facilities, hotels, clubs, restaurants, airports, and other public areas. While terrorists have not specifically targeted private U.S. citizens, the attacks could result in unintended victims.
Demonstrations occur regularly throughout the country. Large public demonstrations can take place for a variety of political or economic issues. Demonstrations can shutdown roads and highways, often without prior notice or estimated reopening timelines. Road closures may significantly reduce access to public transportation and may disrupt travel within and between cities. Protests can become violent and can result in fatalities and injuries.
U.S. government employees must adhere to the noted restrictions:
- U.S. government employees are not permitted to travel by road between most major cities.
- Colombia’s land border areas are off-limits to U.S. government personnel unless specifically authorized.
- U.S. government employees may not use motorcycles.
- U.S. government employees may not hail street taxis or use public buses.
Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Colombia.
If you decide to travel to Colombia:
- Avoid protest areas and crowds.
- Monitor local media for breaking events and adjust your plans based on new information.
- Keep a low profile.
- Be aware of your surroundings.
- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
- Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter.
- Review the Country Security Report for Colombia.
- Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist.
Arauca, Cauca, and Norte de Santander Departments – Level 4: Do Not Travel
Violent crime, including armed robbery and homicide, is widespread.
Terrorist groups are active in some parts.
The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens as U.S. government-personnel travel to these areas is severely restricted due to security concerns.
Colombia - Venezuela Border – Level 4: Do Not Travel
U.S. citizens are advised not to travel to the border of Colombia and Venezuela. U.S. citizens are at risk of detention when crossing into Venezuela. The Colombia-Venezuela border is not clearly marked, and U.S. citizens should not go near the border due to the risk of crossing into Venezuela accidentally. U.S. citizens attempting to enter Venezuela without a visa have been charged with terrorism and other serious crimes and detained for long periods. For more information, see the Venezuela Travel Advisory.
Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.
I am an expert in international security and travel advisories, with a deep understanding of geopolitical dynamics and the factors influencing travel warnings. My expertise is backed by a comprehensive knowledge base and up-to-date information.
The travel advisory you provided is from the U.S. Department of State, offering crucial guidance to individuals planning to visit or currently residing in Colombia. The advisory is structured to address various aspects of safety and security, incorporating evidence-based assessments of crime, terrorism, civil unrest, and kidnapping risks.
Here's a breakdown of the key concepts in the advisory:
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Travel Levels:
- The advisory categorizes regions into different levels based on risk. Level 4 ("Do Not Travel") is assigned to Arauca, Cauca (excluding Popayán), and Norte de Santander departments due to high levels of crime and terrorism.
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Specific Areas with Travel Restrictions:
- The Colombia-Venezuela border region is designated as Level 4 due to crime, kidnapping, and the risk of detention when crossing into Venezuela from Colombia.
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Country Summary:
- Highlights the widespread presence of violent crime such as homicide, assault, and armed robbery. Organized criminal activities, including extortion, robbery, and kidnapping, are common in some areas.
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Terrorist Organizations:
- Identifies the National Liberation Army (ELN), Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia - People’s Army (FARC-EP), Segunda Marquetalia, Clan del Golfo, and other criminal organizations as active threats. These groups conduct attacks targeting various public areas.
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Demonstrations and Civil Unrest:
- Regular occurrences of demonstrations throughout the country for political or economic issues. These can lead to road closures, affecting transportation and posing potential risks to travelers.
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Restrictions for U.S. Government Employees:
- Specific restrictions include limitations on road travel between major cities, restrictions in Colombia's land border areas, and prohibitions on using motorcycles or public buses.
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Safety Recommendations:
- Travelers are advised to avoid protest areas, monitor local media for updates, maintain a low profile, enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), and follow the Department of State on social media for alerts.
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Emergency Preparedness:
- Emphasizes the importance of having a contingency plan for emergency situations and recommends reviewing the Traveler’s Checklist.
This comprehensive advisory serves as a valuable resource for individuals planning travel to Colombia, offering insights into potential risks and providing practical guidance for ensuring personal safety in a complex security environment.
