Violent crime
Violent crime and gang activity are common.
'Express collection» also occurs. Criminals kidnap people and force them to withdraw funds from ATMs before returning them. The victim may be held overnight so that a second removal can be performed the next day. There have been incidents in which those who resisted were killed or injured. Hailing a taxi on the street can leave you vulnerable to this threat. Use a telephone dispatch service or taxi service app to book a licensed taxi. Ask staff at hotels, restaurants or entertainment venues for help.
Hikers are sometimes robbed at gunpoint, especially while hiking trails in and around Bogotá. Reduce your risks by hiring a reputable and experienced tour guide.
Always be mindful of your own safety and security. If you suspect criminals have drugged you or your traveling companions, get urgent medical help.
Criminals also target foreign citizens and tourists using popular dating apps and websites, especially in major cities like Bogotá, Cali, Medellín and Cartagena.
If you are traveling to remote areas, travel with reputable tour operators and ensure your safety throughout your visit. Seek up-to-date advice from local authorities before each stage of your trip. Be aware that mobile and internet connections in rural areas are often limited.
The towns of Bahía Solano, Nuquí and Capurganá in Chocó are popular ecotourism destinations. However, most of the Chocó department is isolated. Illegal armed groups are active and involved in drug trafficking throughout the department, particularly near the border with Panama. If you travel to these cities, do so only by air and do not travel inland or along the coast outside of the city.
If you are traveling to Ciudad Perdida (The Lost City) in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, you should do so as part of a tour package. If you're traveling to Parque Nacional Tayrona, don't venture inland. Stick to designated trails, beaches and resorts.
The Caño Cristales tourist site is located in the Meta department, in the Macarena National Natural Park. If you travel to Caño Cristales, do so only with a reputable travel agency and travel by plane to and from the town of La Macarena.
If you travel to La Guajira, avoid the area near the border with Venezuela. Be aware that medical services are limited. Hire the services of a reputable travel agency. Be prepared for high temperatures, scarce drinking water and food (bring enough water and food).
When traveling to the San Agustín Archaeological Park, in the Huila department, enter and exit the park only via the main road that runs through Popayán or Neiva.
Drug-related criminal activity also creates danger in places of cultivation, processing and transportation. There is evidence of high levels of coca cultivation and related criminal activity in the following departments of Colombia:
- Arauca
- Caquetá
- Cauca
- Guaviare
- Meta
- Narino
- Putumayo
- North of Santander
- northern Antioquia and
- south of Bolivar
It also creates increased danger in:
- regions located less than 20 km from the Venezuelan and Ecuadorian borders
- the port towns of Buenaventura, Turbo and Tumaco
- the Darién Gap (Panamanian border)
There is a risk to your safety in any area where coca, marijuana or opium poppies are grown and near cocaine processing laboratories. In these areas, criminal groups attack, extort, kidnap, detonate car bombs and damage infrastructure.
Don't take risks and become a target for criminals. To protect yourself from violent crime:
- avoid traveling at night
- if possible, fly to Colombia during the day
- keep vehicle doors locked, windows open and valuables out of sight, even while traveling
- stay in reputable accommodation with good security
- try not to drive in rural areas (fly instead)
- use caution when traveling alone or when traveling in or near tugurios (slums)
- use ATMs in banks, shopping malls or other public places during office hours and avoid using ATMs on the street
- avoid walking alone in isolated or deserted areas
Movement restrictions for minors in Medellín
Medellin authorities have imposed movement restrictions on unaccompanied minors (under 18) in areas of the city where they are considered to be at higher risk of sexual exploitation. Minors are not permitted to transit or stay in these areas between 7 p.m. and 5 a.m. unless accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
Areas of Medellin subject to restrictions are listed in the decree 0082 2024 (Spanish) and includes:
- El Poblado (including Parque Lleras)
- parts of the Corredor bottle of 33
- La Candelaria (including Plaza de Botero
- Parroquia de la Veracruz, and
- parts of the Corredor de la 70.
If you are traveling with a minor to Medellin, ensure that they carry appropriate identification (e.g. a photocopy of their passport) and follow the instructions of local authorities.
These restrictions will remain in effect until July 31.
Incapacitating drugs
In Colombia, criminals are increasingly using drugs to control their victims, including a growing number of foreign citizens. This may include the use of scopolamine or similar drugs that temporarily incapacitate the victim. Thefts and assaults occur after victims accept spiked food, drinks, cigarettes or chewing gum. Some victims were killed. Criminals can also administer these drugs through aerosol spraying or paper distribution. Many of these incidents involved the use of online dating apps to lure victims.
These medications can cause serious medical problems, including loss of consciousness and memory loss. Unsuspecting victims quickly become disoriented and are vulnerable to theft, sexual assault and other crimes. Hotspots include nightclubs, bars, restaurants, public buses and city streets, where criminals typically target lonely people. Be careful when approached by a stranger and avoid meetings held in isolated places.
Always check that your drink has been opened or prepared in front of you. Avoid leaving food or drinks unattended and do not accept anything from strangers.
Petty crime
Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, is also common, especially in larger cities like Bogota, Cali, Medellin, and Cartagena. This includes in main tourist areas, near hotels and at the Bogota airport. Do not carry large amounts of cash or wear valuable watches or jewelry. Avoid using your cell phone, cameras and other electronic equipment on the street. Avoid disadvantaged areas of cities. Tourists were robbed at gunpoint.
Organized criminals operate in urban areas, including Bogotá and Medellín.
Criminals pose as police officers in Bogotá and popular tourist towns to commit scams (asking to verify documents or foreign currency). People have reported harassment, theft and extortion. If you are approached, ask to be escorted to the nearest CAI ('Centro de Atención Inmediata') – the local police station.
Make sure your personal belongings, including your passport and other travel documents, are secure at all times. Always keep photocopies of these documents with you, as local authorities often carry out identity checks.
Be careful on public transport. Do not leave your luggage unattended, in overhead compartments or under the seat of buses, as it could be stolen while you are not looking or sleeping.
Card overload is common. Be careful in popular tourist areas, where scammers target tourists by charging them high prices for services, food and drinks. Request a printed price list before ordering and check your account statements for any unauthorized transactions. Take extra care when your cards are handled by other people and cover the keypad with one hand when entering your PIN.
Crush and grab attacks are common. Thieves snatch objects from cars stopped at traffic lights. Keep vehicle doors locked, windows open and valuables out of sight, even when you are moving. Be alert for threats, including when stopped in traffic.
Only take the money you need for the day and don't bring unnecessary valuables.
Ayahuasca or yage tourism
Ayahuasca or yage tourism is a growing industry, particularly in the jungle regions of Colombia, Ecuador and Peru. Shamans perform psychedelic spiritual purification rituals with this traditional plant.
Yage is not illegal in Colombia, but its consumption is unregulated and its interaction with existing medical conditions is not well understood.
Most facilities do not have basic first aid or emergency plans in place for those experiencing physical or mental health issues after ceremonies. Participants report symptoms ranging from increased alertness but lack of control to amnesia. Effects could also include severe vomiting and diarrhea.
Ceremonies often take place in remote areas, without access to medical or mental health resources and with limited communication with local authorities.
Some participants were also attacked and robbed.
If you decide to participate in ayahuasca tourism:
- research potential ayahuasca tour operators before signing up
- avoid participating in ayahuasca rituals without the presence of a trusted friend
- check if an existing health problem may be made worse by using ayahuasca
- check if your travel insurance covers health effects due to this type of experience
Cyber security
You may be exposed to cyber threats while traveling abroad to any country. Digital identity theft is a growing concern. Your devices and personal data may be compromised, especially if you connect to Wi-Fi, use or connect to shared or public computers, or Bluetooth.
Social media can also be risky in destinations where there are social or political tensions, or laws that may seem unreasonable by Australian standards. Travelers have been arrested for comments made on social networks. Do not comment on local or political events on your social networks.
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