Colombia
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About Colombia
Pristine Caribbean beaches, soaring Andean summits, unreal archaeological ruins, and the impenetrable, mystery-filled Amazonian jungle, Colombia is an unexplored pot of adventure. Visit this rising Latin destination gracefully rising from its dark past and be among the first ones to see its wonderful landscapes, taste its food, and immerse in its lovely culture.
From Cartagena, the jewel of Colombia's Caribbean coast with centuries’ old, well-preserved colonial architecture and the coffee country of Eje Cafetero, to Medellin, a sightseer’s paradise, it is enchanting. Start off with a visit to the country’s heartbeat – Bogota – and marvel at how it colorfully fuses colonial charm with urban sophistication. Head out to the lost city of Ciudad Perdida, Colombia’s very-own Machu Picchu.
It would be impossible to explore the beautiful Colombia in a single day, but for the love of tastings and tours, you can see the finest of its thrill and treasure troves.The beautiful, quirky Providencia Island is perfect for a honeymoon, but if you fancy the off-beaten path, Pablo Escobar’s Hacienda Nápoles is now a booming amusement park. There’s the double the thrill of a protected national park with a beach - Tayrona National Natural Park.
Visitor Requirements for United States citizens
Extendable up to 180-days stay within a one-year period.
Health
Safety
Do not travel to Colombia due to COVID-19. Reconsider travel to Colombia due to crime. Exercise increased caution in Colombia due to civil unrest, terrorism, and kidnapping. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.
Read the Department of State’s COVID-19 page before you plan any international travel.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a Level 4 Travel Health Notice for Colombia due to COVID-19, indicating a very high level of COVID-19 in the country. Your risk of contracting COVID-19 and developing severe symptoms may be lower if you are fully vaccinated with an FDA authorized vaccine. Before planning any international travel, please review the CDC’s specific recommendations for fully vaccinated and unvaccinated travelers. Visit the Embassy’s COVID-19 page for more information on COVID-19 in Colombia.
Do Not Travel to:
- Arauca, Cauca (except Popayán), and Norte de Santander departments due to crime and terrorism.
Country Summary: Colombia is experiencing continuing demonstrations, unrest, and disruptions throughout the country. The nationwide events can cause the shutdown of local roads and major highways, often without prior notice or estimated reopening timelines. Road closures may significantly reduce access to public transportation and airports, and may disrupt travel both within and between cities. Several cities have seen vandalism, looting, and destruction. Demonstrations have resulted in fatalities and injuries across the country.
Violent crime, such as homicide, assault, and armed robbery, is common. Organized criminal activities, such as extortion, robbery, and kidnapping are widespread.
While the Colombian government signed a peace agreement with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) terrorist group, some dissident groups refuse to demobilize.
The National Liberation Army (ELN) terrorist organization continues plotting possible attacks in Colombia. They may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, local government facilities, hotels, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, parks, major sporting and cultural events, educational institutions, airports, and other public areas.
U.S. government personnel cannot travel freely throughout Colombia for security reasons.
Read the country information page.
If you decide to travel to Colombia:
- See the U.S. Embassy’s web page regarding COVID-19.
- Visit the CDC’s webpage on travel during COVID-19.
- Avoid protest areas and crowds.
- Monitor local media for breaking events and adjust your plans based on new information.
- Keep a low profile.
- Be aware of your surroundings.
- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
- Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter.
- Review the Country Security Report for Colombia.
- U.S. citizens who travel abroad should always have a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist.
Arauca, Cauca, and Norte de Santander Departments – Do Not Travel
Violent crime, including armed robbery and homicide, is widespread.
Terrorist groups are active in some parts.
The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens as U.S. government-personnel travel to these areas is severely restricted due to security concerns.
Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.
Last Update: Reissued with updates to COVID-19 information.
Money
Tipping is generally less expected except in a few places.
Hotels: $1 per bag for bellboys. $1-$2 per day for housekeepers.
Restaurants: 10%. Some high end restaurants may already include a 15% service charge, so check for that.
Tour guide: 5% to 10%.
Taxi driver: Don't tip.
Infrastructure
People & Culture
Getting Around
Map of Colombia
Cities in Colombia
Medellín, Bogotá, Cartagena, Cali, Salento, Barranquilla, and more. Guides for each coming soon.