Safety in Colombia
Is it safe to travel in Colombia?
Safety in Colombia has improved significantly in recent years. The country has implemented measures to combat crime, drug trafficking and illegal armed groups. This has helped reduce crime rates in many regions. However, there are still security challenges in some parts of the country, and there are a number of points to bear in mind if you want to enjoy your trip.
Colombia can be visited without any problems, if the trip is well prepared and if the rules of common sense are applied on the spot.
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Avoid clichés
Colombia has long suffered from a negative reputation in terms of safety, but it’s important not to rely on clichés and stereotypes. It’s important to detach ourselves from certain media that are still 20 years behind the times. Here are some common clichés about safety in Colombia that need to be clarified.
- All places in Colombia are dangerous: not true. As in many countries, some places in Colombia are safer than others. Major cities such as Bogotá, Medellín, Cali and Cartagena have seen a marked improvement in security, and are considered relatively safe for travellers. However, it's always important to take basic safety precautions and avoid areas known for their high crime rate.
- Kidnapping is common: although kidnapping was a serious problem in Colombia in the past, it has declined considerably in recent years. Enhanced security measures and progress towards peace have helped to significantly reduce the number of kidnappings.
- Tourists are often targeted: tourists are not specifically targeted in Colombia. As in many tourist destinations around the world, there can be isolated cases of theft and petty crime. By observing basic safety precautions, the risks can be considerably reduced. On the contrary, tourists are safer than Colombians in their own country.
- Colombia is at war: no. Although Colombia has experienced decades of internal armed conflict, the country has made enormous progress in the peace process and has considerably reduced levels of violence. The security situation has improved in much of the country, but there may still be isolated areas where the presence of illegal armed groups is a problem.
The main risks in Colombia
As in most countries in the world, there are a number of safety points to bear in mind if you don’t want to find yourself in a bad situation. Below are the main ‘dangers’ to be aware of when traveling to Colombia.
- Tourists in Colombia run fewer risks than the local population, and have to deal mainly with petty crime and street delinquency, as in most countries. Greater vigilance is called for in large cities.
- Pickpocketing: especially prevalent in big cities and their public transport systems. Remember to carry your bag in front of you and to keep valuables out of your pockets, especially your back pockets.
- Plan Tinders (or other dating sites): behind some Tinder dates there's sometimes a whole organization out to kidnap you and extract cash. So watch out for the beautiful creatures!
- Armed groups (FARC, ELN, etc.): although the pressure of armed groups in Colombia is less intense today, they are still present in certain areas of the country, generally off the tourist trail.
- Natural hazards: Colombia is prone to natural hazards such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, landslides and floods. Keep yourself informed of the situation before you leave.
- Drinks with Scopolamine: some careless people in nightclubs or bars may offer you a free drink, which may contain Scopolamine, turning you into a docile “zombie”.
- Cabs and the “Paseo del Millonario”: some unofficial cabs are a way for crooks to take their victims by force from ATM to ATM in order to empty their bank accounts.
- Social movements: although most demonstrations are peaceful, some can turn violent. We recommend avoiding gatherings and keeping an eye on local news.
Practical information about Colombia
10 tips for safe travel in Colombia
Carolina and I travel to Colombia every year, and apply the following advice, which I think has meant we’ve never had any problems. In the final analysis, these are simple, common-sense rules that tourists sometimes forget.
Staying on the tourist trail
Armed groups and drug cartels are much less present than in the past. But it would be a lie to say they've disappeared. Travelling only in tourist areas means staying away from any conflict zones, generally in isolated regions where tourists have no interest in going.
National news
A few days before your departure, and during your stay in Colombia, check the latest news from time to time. Your trip could be affected by events such as a volcano on orange alert, a landslide on a major road blocking traffic, demonstrations with blockades, and so on.
No dar papaya
Colombian expression meaning 'don't expose your valuables to public view', especially in big cities: don't walk with your camera constantly in your hand or around your neck, don't wear valuable jewelry, etc.
Cities: find out which neighbourhoods to avoid
Colombia's main cities (Bogota, Medellin, Cali, etc.) have one or more neighborhoods that are best avoided for obvious reasons of insecurity. Find out more about these non-touristy neighborhoods, which are sometimes close to tourist areas.
Cities: avoid walking at night
In Colombia's major cities, if you're going out at night, avoid walking in the middle of the night. The streets are sometimes poorly lit and deserted. It's best to return by cab or other means.
Scams: check service prices
Would you like to buy a product or benefit from a service? Make sure you know the cost beforehand. This will save you from unpleasant surprises. For cabs, check that the meter is working properly.
Withdrawing money from an ATM
The safest places to withdraw cash are airports and, in major cities, banks in shopping malls with security guards. Do it just as discreetly, no one needs to know how much you've withdrawn. Avoid withdrawing very large sums of money at once.
Road safety
Roads in poor condition, poor or non-existent lighting, animals and people without lights on the road - these are just some of the reasons to be extra careful on the road. Oh, and by the way, pedestrians don't really exist for some Colombian drivers, and the same goes for rear seat belts.
Taking official cabs
When traveling, use only official cabs. Use official mobile applications such as Taxis Libres. Services such as Uber, Beat or Cabify are present in Colombia, but are legal (always good to know).
Don't accept drinks from strangers
To avoid the risk of being drugged with Scopolamine, I advise you not to accept a drink offered by someone you don't know, even if she's a beautiful, sexy Colombian (a story that has already happened to several tourists).
- Always remain vigilant: you may be on vacation, but that doesn't mean you should relax your vigilance. Always observe the people around you.
Practical travel guide Colombia
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