The U.S. Department of State on March 31 updated its travel advisory for the Republic of Colombia, retaining a “Level 3: Reconsider Travel” warning for the nation and adding natural disasters as an additional risk for visitors.
Currently, the advisory warns about crime, terrorism, unrest, and kidnapping and hostage-taking risks, besides natural disasters, for Americans planning on visiting Colombia.
“Colombia has many volcanoes that can become active, and earthquakes are common throughout the country. After seismic events, tsunami warnings may be issued for coastal areas,” the department said.
“Landslides are also a risk due to Colombia’s mountainous terrain and informal settlements in mountain cities such as Bogota and Medellin.”
The State Department advised Americans to consult the Colombian Geological Service’s website to stay up to date on the latest alerts.
The advisory warned that violent crime is common in many parts of Colombia, with travelers facing the risks of assault, robbery, and murder. Hotels and other tourist stays may be subjected to drugging, extortion, armed break-ins, and kidnapping.
“Street crime occurs throughout Colombia and can quickly become violent. If you are targeted by criminals, do not resist,” the department advised.
“Police procedures and investigations in Colombia differ from those in the United States, and crimes against tourists are not always prosecuted. This can be a source of frustration for victims.”
Colombia faces terrorist violence risks, with attacks potentially targeting U.S. government or local government facilities, tourist areas and attractions, shopping malls and markets, clubs, airports, restaurants, hotels, and transportation centers, with little to no warning.
In addition, illegal armed groups, including narcotrafficking organizations, have expanded in the country. Civilians may become unintentional targets of these groups’ attacks against rivals and government authorities, the advisory said.
Political demonstrations are common and may end up shutting down roads or highways without notice, thus interrupting travel. Some demonstrations may become violent and result in injuries or deaths.
The advisory asked people not to travel to “Arauca, Cauca (excluding Popayán), Valle del Cauca (excluding Cali) and Norte de Santander departments due to crime and terrorism.”
Travel must be avoided “within 10km/5mi of the Colombia-Venezuela border region due to crime, kidnapping, conflict between armed groups, and the risk of detention,” it said.
The department asked Americans traveling to Colombia to keep a low profile, avoid displaying signs of wealth, travel only during daylight hours, monitor local media for breaking news, stay aware of their surroundings, and avoid demonstrations and crowds.
Relations between Colombia and the United States have been strained over the past months due to the issue of illicit drugs coming in from the South American country.
The State Department currently has active travel warnings for several other nations, including Burma (also known as Myanmar), Afghanistan, the Central African Republic, Libya, Haiti, Lebanon, Iran, and Iraq.
