Terrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks in Colombia. ALL / Embassies and Consulates Before you travel, check the Entry requirements section for Colombias current entry restrictions and requirements. As a visitor, you cant remain in Colombia for more than 180 days in any 12 month period. As a visitor, you can't remain in Colombia for more than 180 days in any 12 month period. Please visit the EmbassysCOVID-19 pagefor information on entry/exit requirements related to COVID-19 inColombia. Additional Exit Requirements for Minors: To prevent international child abduction, Colombia has implemented special exit procedures for Colombian children under 18 who depart the country alone, without both parents, or without a legal guardian. For further information about transiting through Colombia please contact your airline or tour operator. Entry Restrictions For Unvaccinated Foreigners Entering Colombia Starting May 1, 2022, partially vaccinated or unvaccinated nonresident foreigners over 18 years old can now enter Colombia. Luggage is sometimes damaged during screening procedures. Demonstrations can be unpredictable; avoid areas around protests and demonstrations. The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to or foreign residents of Colombia. In Bogot, you should be vigilant in areas to the south of Candelaria and to the west of the airport road as these parts of the city are particularly dangerous. You can end up stranded if your passport is not valid for more than 6 months beyond the date you expect to leave Colombia. Get advice from your doctor before you travel, particularly if you plan to carry out activities such as hiking in high-altitude areas. Read the entire Travel Advisory. Travel by road outside the major cities, including by public transport, is dangerous. These passengers, regardless of citizenship or . While terrorists have not specifically targeted U.S. citizens, the attacks could result in unintended victims. We use some essential cookies to make this website work. The use of motorcycles and bicycles is widespread throughout Colombia. If travelling to volcanic zones e.g. If the passenger is not fully vaccinated, they can present a negative result from a PCR test taken within 72 hours of boarding or a negative result from an antigen test taken within 48 hours to boarding. U.S. citizens are at risk of detention when crossing into Venezuela from Colombia. Proof of vaccination is required to enter multiple businesses, including mass events, concerts, sporting events, restaurants, clubs, museums, and cinemas In high-risk areas. Most airport inspectors do not speak English. Demonstrations occur regularly throughout the country. Arrest Notification: If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately. You will face a fine if you remain in Colombia longer than allowed, and you may not be able to leave Colombia until the fine is paid. Tap water is safe to drink only in Bogot. See Crime. U.S. citizens traveling overland must enter Colombia at anofficial border crossing. Article 79 of Resolution No. Table of Contents. Travel requirements by destination Check back frequently for the latest COVID-19 travel and specific testing requirements for your destination, including any stops for connecting flights. The risk is particularly significant in rural areas near the borders with Panama, Venezuela and Ecuador; in the Parque Nacional Natural de La Macarena in the Department of Meta; and the port towns of Buenaventura in the Department of Valle de Cauca, Turbo in the Department of Antioquia and Tumaco in the Department of Nario. The air quality varies considerably and fluctuates. You can get a tourist visa from the Colombian consulate or embassy in your country of residence. See theU.S. Department of Justice websitefor more information. Medical Insurance: Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas. If you want to drive: Drug trafficking is a serious crime in Colombia and drug smugglers face severe penalties, usually receiving long terms of imprisonment. Colombia - Venezuela Border Level 4: Do Not Travel In March 2022 the FARC-EP is believed to have been responsible for carrying out two IED attacks on police establishments in Bogota, killing two children and wounding several other people. Road Conditions and Safety: Due to the security environment in Colombia and poor infrastructure, U.S. government employees and their families are not permitted to travel by road between most major cities. All applications filed on or after October 22, 2022, will need to meet the new rules. See our webpage onhelp for U.S. victims of crime overseas. Credit card and ATM fraud occurs, as well as card overcharging, especially in popular tourist areas. victims compensation programs in the United States. We advise against all travel to Colombia's border regions with Venezuela until further notice. The letter must be authenticated by a notary or by a Colombian Consulate. With the announcement made by the President of the Republic, Ivn Duque, to withdraw the mandatory use of face masks in municipalities with 70% full scheme coverage and 40% reinforcements, new measures also arrive. We strongly advise against hailing taxis from the street. Your final vaccine dose must have been administered at least 14 days prior to travel. You can get more information about Colombian emigration requirements from Migracin Colombia or by contacting the Colombian Consulate in London. To apply for the M-11 retirement visa, you first need to show that your pension pays out three times the Colombian minimum wage, which equates to around 3.000.000COP (USD 784) a month. Protests can occur at short notice, impacting roads and transport. The border between Bolivia and Chile reopened on 1st May 2022. Use an appropriate insect repellent (see below). Internet romance and financial scams are prevalent in Colombia. Anyone interested in traveling for medical purposes should consult with their local physician before traveling and visit the. Learn about the U.S. relationship to countries around the world. If youre abroad and you need emergency help from the UK government, contact the nearest British embassy, consulate or high commission. Children under the age of 18 years who have resident status in Colombia and who are travelling on a British passport will need written permission when leaving the country without both parents. To all international travelers over 18 years old who enter Colombia by air (passengers and cargo) and by sea. When exiting the country, a certified copy of the childs birth certificate, along with a written, signed, and notarized authorization from the absent parent(s) or legal guardian must be presented. Links to external websites are provided as a convenience and should not be construed as an endorsement by the U.S. Department of State of the views or products contained therein. Children over 6 and under 18 who fulfil the conditions set out for adults should be allowed to travel. Cartagena is a Colombian Caribbean city with high . Before travelling, the Departmentstrongly recommendsthat you obtain comprehensive travel insurance which will cover all overseas medical costs, including medical repatriation/evacuation, repatriation of remains and legal costs. U.S. citizens have died in boating accidents. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, many countries have introduced a Travel Health Certificate for visitors. Check benefits and financial support you can get, Find out about the Energy Bills Support Scheme, nearest British embassy, consulate or high commission, National Travel Health Network and Centre website, View a printable version of the whole guide, About Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office travel advice, the departments of Arauca and Guaviare (except their capital cities), the department of Choc (except its capital Quibd, the whale-watching towns of Nuqu and Baha Solano, and the tourist site of Capurgan), the Ariari region of southern Meta (except the tourist site of Cao Cristales - if travelling to Cao Cristales, travel by air to and from the town of La Macarena with a reputable tour company), the South Pacific, Sanquianga and Telembi regions of Nario, Buenaventura in the department of Valle del Cauca, the Urab and Bajo Cauca regions of Antioquia, the Catatumbo region of Norte de Santander, Orito, San Migue, Valle del Guamuez, Puerto Caicedo, Puerto Guzmn, Puerto Asis and Puerto Leguizamo in Putumayo, Cartagena del Chair, San Vicente del Caguan, Puerto Rico, El Doncello, Paujil and La Montaita in Caquet, the municipality of Puerto Carreo in Vichada, except the departmental capital. Passengers 18 years and older arriving in Colombia by air or land must show proof of full vaccination upon arrival. *The information provided may vary according to the governmental laws of each country. Organized criminal activities, such as extortion, robbery, and kidnapping, are common in some areas. Help you find accommodation and arrange flights home. If youre a British/Colombian dual national, you must enter and leave Colombia using your Colombian passport and Colombian identification card (Cedula). Medical staff may speak little or no English. Visit theCDC Traveler Viewwebsite for vaccination information, and theColombia Ministry of Healthwebsite for Yellow Fever vaccination requirements. Drive-by motorcyclist snatchings of cell phones, bags, and valuables are extremely common. From 1 July 2022, the Thailand Pass registration scheme and a health insurance requirement for foreign visitors will be lifted. If youre unsure how Colombias entry requirements apply to you, contact its UK embassy, high commission or consulate. Use a dispatch service or cell phone app whenever possible. A closer look Background If you or someone in your household tested positive for COVID-19 within the last 14 days before your trip, you cannot enter Colombia. We strongly advise against entering Colombia overland. Email: conagencybarranquilla@state.gov. Monitor local media for breaking events and adjust your plans based on new information. Pay close attention to the warnings issued by the Colombian authorities. Top countries include Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria and Antigua and Barbuda. Firearms and knives are prevalent in Colombia and often used in muggings and robberies under the threat of violence. Despite high levels of crime, most visits to Colombia are trouble-free. You should confirm with the authorities of your next destination whether they require a certificate following your visit to Colombia. Demonstrations can shutdown roads and major highways, often without prior notice or estimated reopening timelines. Any traveler entering with a Colombian visa of any type (as opposed to visa-free entry described above) with more than three months validity must register the visa at a Migracin Colombia office or online within 15 days of arrival in Colombia or face fines. If you need to contact the emergency services, call 123 (in Spanish). Travelers are occasionally questioned, searched, fingerprinted, and/or asked to submit to an abdominal X-ray upon arrival or departure. Colombia is truly a place worth visiting, especially if you are a lover of nature. Criminals do utilize dating apps to target potential victims of theft, so travelers should use caution on such apps. Until October 21, 2022, the existing visa categories, requirements, processes, and processing times remain unchanged. If you phone outside of working hours, leave us a message giving: We regularly monitor these messages and one of our staff members will be in contact with you. Irish Citizensespecially those with a weakened immune system or women who are pregnant or trying to become pregnantare advised to follow guidance available on the website of the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC). Cover exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats. Taxis: U.S. government employees are prohibited from hailing taxis on the street due to the risk of assault or robbery. Be aware that U.S. Medicare/Medicaid does not apply overseas. Dont include personal or financial information like your National Insurance number or credit card details. At least 14 days must have passed since your second dose of the vaccine to be considered fully vaccinated. The use of drugs by criminals in Colombia to subdue their victims is relatively frequent. Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments. You should avoid large crowds, political rallies, demonstrations and any large public protests or gatherings. Entry Open for vaccinated visitors COVID-19 testing Not required Quarantine Not required for vaccinated visitors Restaurants Open Bars Masks Recommended in enclosed environments and public transportation. leave your mobile phone number, or the phone number of the hotel/hostel where you are staying). The U.S. Embassy maintains alist of doctors and hospitals. Demonstrations: Protests and demonstrations occur frequently, particularly in Bogota. Photos from my visit in 2022. . You are required to come to the airport with the appropriate travel documents. Subscribe to get up-to-date safety and security information and help us reach you in an emergency abroad. Transportation of DOGS as NESAN (to/ from and within Colombia): Remember that dogs must be placed at the passenger's feet or under the front seat. Childhood vaccinations are required by Colombian law for children ages six and under. If youre travelling to Colombia, our travel advice and updates give you practical tips and useful information. You can contact the emergency services in Colombia by dialling 123. Neighbouring countries may still implement their own border closures. Colombian law may require that released offenders serve a lengthy period of parole in-country, during which the offender is given no housing and may lack permission to work. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date you expect to leave Colombia. Highways are often unmarked and unlit, and do not have signs indicating destinations. An airport tax is charged for international departures. Of note, CDC's . It is more important than ever to get travel insurance and check your cover. The risk is highest in remote and rural . Getting a replacement passport will be easier if you are able to provide a copy of the lost or stolen one, so keep photocopies of your passport. Medical tourism is a rapidly growing industry. First responders are generally unable to access areas outside of major cities or to provide urgent medical treatment. U.S. citizens (who are not also Colombian citizens) traveling to Colombia are required to carry a valid U.S. passport to enter and depart Colombia and a return/onward ticket. Reconsider travel due to crime and terrorism. Print. A cheaper alternative would be to travel somewhere in Central America because most countries there are on the 'go' list, except Mexico. We also use cookies set by other sites to help us deliver content from their services. These may change with little warning. Avoid travelling on your own or at night, especially at border crossings or areas where there are few other people around. Your NHS appointment card from vaccination centres is not designed to be used as proof of vaccination and should not be used to demonstrate your vaccine status. You may need to provide evidence of return or onward travel. Before your 90-day stay expires, you may request an extension of up to 90 additional days from the Colombian immigration authority (Migracin Colombia). N95 masks (and their equivalents) are recommended for passengers above 60 years of age and those with pre-existing health conditions. Country Summary: Violent crime, such as homicide, assault, and armed robbery, is widespread. Foreign nationals who violate immigration laws in Colombia (e.g. If you are planning to drive in Colombia, you should be extremely careful. When consular support is unavailable, the British Embassy will liaise with local authorities to request assistance. You may be denied entry to Colombia if you do not have a return ticket. U.S. citizens attempting to enter Venezuela without a visa have been charged with terrorism and other serious crimes and detained for long periods. Drugs such as scopolamine can be administered through food, drinks, cigarettes, aerosols and even paper flyers, and can temporarily incapacitate the victim, leaving them vulnerable to robbery and other crimes. Unvaccinated visitors from the United States must present a negative RT-PCR (NAAT) or Antigen (quick-test) test taken within 72 hours for RT-PCR (NAAT) and 48 hours for Antigen (quick-test) before departing to Colombia. Colombias land border areas are off-limits to U.S. government personnel unless specifically authorized. Since 14 March 2022, the "vaccine pass" has been lifted in France in all areas where it was previously required (cultural and leisure venues, commercial catering, professional trade shows, etc.). U.S. government employees may not use motorcycles because of security concerns. The 'Darien Gap' is a dangerous area renowned for the presence of several illegal armed groups, illegal migration, and drugs trafficking. We use some essential cookies to make this website work. Lost or Stolen Passport: If your U.S. passport is lost or stolen in Colombia, you mustobtain a new onebefore leaving the country. You must be fully vaccinated with the primary series of an accepted COVID-19 vaccine to travel to the United States by plane. In January 2019, the ELN conducted a bombing on a police academy in Bogota, killing 23 people. There is a significant difference between the capital (and other large cities) and the rest of the country. Road travel in Colombia can be dangerous, especially at night. Travellers may enter with a negative PCR or antigen test without the need to have a complete vaccination schedule. Citizens should be particularly vigilant in bars and nightclubs, where in particular young women have been reported to target foreign men with scopolamine. 48-50, Bogot, D.C., Colombia If you're travelling to or living in Colombia, make sure you know what to do in the event of an earthquake. You have rejected additional cookies. However, the requirement was changed in 2022. Telephone: +(57) (601) 275-2000 U.S. citizens do not need a visa for a tourist/business stay of 60 days or less. Monitor this advice for the latest updates and stay in contact with your travel provider. If your passport is lost or stolen, it can take up to three weeks to get a replacement, due to time and distance factors. Please see Fact Sheet for this country/area. U.S. citizens are at risk of detention when crossing into Venezuela from Colombia. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance.