The US State Department warns of crime, terrorism, unrest, kidnapping, and natural disasters throughout Colombia and asks visitors to reconsider travel to the country. Terrorists operate in some areas, and violent crime is possible, the agency says.
Parts of the country are under a Level 4 advisory, with the agency recommending that Americans not travel to Arauca, Cauca (except Popayan), Valle del Cauca (except Cali), and Norte de Santander due to crime and terrorism.
The area within 6 miles of Colombia’s border with Venezuela is also at a Level 4 advisory, and the agency advises avoiding the area altogether to prevent accidental crossings into Venezuela, as the border isn’t clearly marked. The department says that Americans should not travel to this region “for any reason,” since crime, kidnapping, and armed conflict are common in the area.
Even in public and in affluent neighborhoods, well-organized crime can occur, the agency says. Americans are also targeted by terrorist groups and individuals inspired by them, per the State Department.
Dating apps and internet romance scams are also common, and the department advises being cautious when meeting strangers.
Travelers are advised against hailing taxis on the street, and US government employees are prohibited from doing so, as US citizens have been killed during robberies on hailed street taxis.
Mountainous land and informal settlements in cities like Bogotá and Medellín are at risk for landslides, and the country often experiences earthquakes. Volcanoes that can become active are also present in the country.
The agency also advises against participating in ayahuasca “spiritual cleansing” practices using psychedelic drugs illegal in the US, because “people claiming to be shamans or spiritual practitioners are neither licensed nor regulated,” and there are risks of robbery, assault, illness, or death while intoxicated.
Adequate healthcare facilities are available throughout the country; the agency warns that healthcare in rural areas may be below US standards, and tap water is not safe to drink in these areas.
Common diseases include COVID-19, dengue, chikungunya, malaria, Yellow Fever, and Zika. Using mosquito repellent and sleeping under a net is recommended.
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