Genvisec advises against all but essential travel to the following parts of Colombia:

 

all rural areas in Departments bordering Panama, Venezuela and Ecuador;the towns of Buenaventura in Valle de Cauca, Turbo in Antioquia, Tumaco in Nariño and Puerto Asis in Putumayo;

all rural areas in the Departments of Cauca, Valle de Cauca, Guaviare, Caqueta and Meta, including the Parque Nacional Natural de La Macarena; all rural areas in northern Antioquia, southern Cordoba, southern Bolivar, and northern Huila.

 

 Security advisory services should be requested prior to departure.

 

Crime

 

Despite improvements in security, crime rates remain high in Colombia. Illegal armed groups and other criminal groups are heavily involved in the drugs trade and serious crime including kidnapping (for ransom and political purposes), money laundering and running extortion and prostitution rackets.

 

Drugs, organised crime and terrorism are inextricably linked. Control of the drugs trade is a major driver of much of the armed conflict. In 2013, the UN noted that coca cultivation in Colombia had decreased. However, there was still evidence of high levels of coca cultivation in the following Departments in Colombia: Pacific Region (Departments of Chocó, Valle Del Cauca, Cauca and Nariño), Central Region (Departments of Cesar, Antioquia, Santander, Cordoba, the southern area of Bolivar and Norte De Santander), as well as the Departments of Putumayo, Caquetá, Meta and Guaviare. There is a risk to your safety in any area where coca, marijuana or opium poppies are cultivated and near to cocaine processing labs.

 

Illegal armed groups and criminal gangs are active in all of the Departments where coca is cultivated, processed or transported, as well as in many cities. The risk is particularly significant in rural areas adjacent to 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 Nariño.

 

Street crime is a problem in major cities, including Bogota, Medellin, Cali and Santa Marta. Mugging and pickpocketing can be accompanied by violence. British nationals have been robbed at gun point in the Candelaria area of Bogotá. Be vigilant, particularly if you are in public places used by foreigners, or near official buildings. Avoid deprived areas of cities. Take care on city streets, especially after dark or if you are on your own. Don’t carry large amounts of money or wear valuable watches or jewellery. Avoid using your mobile phone in the street.

 

Where possible, plan how you will travel to and from your destination. Only use pre-booked taxis. Be wary if you are approached by a stranger. Assailants have used drugs to subdue their intended victims. These drugs can take effect extremely quickly, allowing a criminal to rob the victim and escape before the attack can be reported. Never accept offers of food, drink or cigarettes from strangers no matter how friendly or well-dressed a person appears.

 

Express kidnappings - short-term opportunistic abductions, aimed at extracting cash from the victim - also occur. Victims can be targeted or selected at random and held while criminals empty their bank accounts with stolen cash cards. Most cases in major cities involve victims that have been picked up by taxis hailed from the street. There have been incidents where those who have resisted the kidnappers’ demands have been killed.

 

Terrorism

There is a high threat from terrorism in Colombia, from groups like the FARC (Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia) and the ELN (Ejército de Liberaciόn Nacional). The FARC celebrate their 50th anniversary on 1 May 2014. The Colombian Ministry of Defence reports that planned attacks by the FARC and the ELN are possible.

 

There are continuing indiscriminate attacks, including against public transport, industrial infrastructure (eg oil facilities), public transport, government buildings and other state installations. The pattern of these attacks means that incidents in public spaces and other areas visited by foreigners can’t be ruled out. Past methods of attack have included car bombs, grenade attacks and explosive devices left in buildings. In many areas of Colombia, the security situation can change very quickly. You should pay close attention to warnings issued by the Colombian authorities and monitor this travel advice. In general, the more remote the area, the greater the potential threat to your safety. You should be particularly cautious and vigilant during any major events.

 

Kidnapping

 

There is a high risk of kidnap from both terrorist and criminal groups. While Colombians are the primary targets, foreigners can also be targeted, especially those working for (or perceived to be working for) oil, mining and related companies. In 2013, there have been several reported kidnapping incidents attributed to terrorist groups. Although eventually released, those reported taken included foreign tourists and energy contractors.

 

You should regularly reassess your security arrangements and consider carefully any travel around the country.

 

Local travel

 

In many rural areas the authority of the Colombian State is limited, and the British Embassy’s ability to help British nationals in trouble in these areas will also be limited. If you travel to remote or dangerous areas, seek professional security advice and make arrangements for your security throughout your visit. You should also seek up-to-date advice from the local authorities before each stage of your journey.

 

The Pacific coast of Chocó is a popular eco-tourist destination. However, much of Chocó is remote and unsafe. Illegal armed groups are active and involved in the drugs trade throughout the Department and particularly near the border with Panama. On the coast, the town of Bahia Solano is considered less dangerous though there have been reports of kidnappings. If you intend to travel to this town, only do so by air and don’t travel inland or along the coast out of town.

 

The Parque Nacional Tayrona is a popular tourist destination. Only visit beach areas and resorts you are reliably advised are safe and don’t travel inland as illegal armed groups are active in the area.

 

If you travel to the ‘Lost City’ in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta as part of an organised tour you should confirm with the organisers that they are aware of the security situation. Armed groups are still active in parts of the Sierra Nevada, there are some areas of coca cultivation and there is a risk of kidnap.

 

The archaeological park at San Agustin is located in the department of Huila. This department is known for high levels of activity by illegal armed groups, especially FARC. If you travel to the archaeological park as part of an organised tour you should confirm with the organisers that they are aware of the security situation. You should enter and leave the Park on the main road through Neiva and not by any other routes.

 

Public buses and coach services

 

There have been several recent incidents of armed robberies on buses. Avoid displaying valuable items like laptops, cameras and mobile phones. Don’t wear jewellery and only carry minimal amounts of cash. Avoid travelling on your own or at night, especially at border crossings or areas where there are few other people around. When travelling to remote areas it may be safer to travel with others or take part in a tour with a reputable company.

 

Unexploded ordnance

 

Colombia is affected by land mines and unexploded ordnance. Mined areas are often unmarked. Be vigilant when visiting remote areas or travelling off the main roads.

 

Road Travel

 

To drive in Colombia, you will need a valid EU or other recognised driving licence and car insurance. Driving standards are poor and traffic accidents are common. Avoid driving at night, which can be particularly hazardous. Don’t hitch-hike. The risk of violence and kidnapping is higher in some rural areas, and there is a risk of being caught in roadblocks set up by illegal armed groups. Main roads are generally safe during daylight hours.

 

Although the Genvisec advises against travel to the rural areas of some departments through which the Pan-American Highway passes, the road itself is generally well guarded.

 

Land border crossings

 

If you enter or leave Colombia by land via Venezuela, you should cross at Cucuta, and not via other routes.

 

If you enter or leave Colombia via Ecuador on the Pan-American Highway, don’t stop en route between the border and Pasto.

 

Avoid trying to cross between Panama and Colombia by land.

 

Political situation

 

Colombia has a long democratic history, but the country has suffered from internal armed conflict for over 40 years.

 

Protests

 

Strikes by agricultural workers are taking place across the country, affecting travel on main roads. Demonstrations can be unpredictable and sometimes volatile. You should avoid large gatherings and demonstrations.

 

Some parts of Colombia are affected by social protest. Though most of the country is unaffected, in some places roads have been blocked and there have been isolated clashes with police. Particularly affected are the departments of Norte de Santander, Santander, Boyacá, Cundinamarca, Huila, Meta, Caquetá and Tolima. Monitor local media and seek information from local authorities before travelling outside the major cities. Dial #767 for up to date information (in Spanish) from the Colombian Highway Police about road closures.

 

Health

Contact your doctor around 8 weeks before your trip to check whether you need any vaccinations or other preventive measures.

 

Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.

 

If you need emergency medical assistance during your trip, dial 123 and ask for an ambulance. You should contact your insurance/medical assistance company promptly if you are referred to a medical facility for treatment.

 

Money

US dollars and Euros are widely exchangeable.

Use credit and debit cards with care and keep receipts. When using an ATM, try to do so during business hours inside a bank, supermarket or large commercial building. Be particularly vigilant before and after using an ATM on the street - robberies are common, especially at night.

 

Local laws and customs

Don’t get involved with illegal drugs of any kind. Colombian drug trafficking detection methods are sophisticated and anyone attempting to traffic drugs should expect to be arrested. Conviction leads to severe penalties. British nationals have been arrested for trying to smuggle cocaine out of the country. Pack your own luggage, and don’t carry items for other people.

 

Carry a photocopy of the data page and Colombian visa from your passport at all times for identification.

 

Homosexuality is legal but not widely accepted, especially in rural areas.

 

Photographing of military or strategic sites is not allowed.

 

It is a serious criminal offence to have sex with a minor (under 18 years old).

 

Visas

 

EU nationals can enter Colombia for up to 90 days as a visitor without a visa at the discretion of the Colombian Immigration Officer on arrival. You may need to provide evidence of return or onward travel. Check the latest entry requirements with the Colombian Consulate General in your home country before you travel.

 

You may be able to extend your stay once you are in Colombia by up to 120 days by applying at the immigration office Migracion Colombia. As a visitor, you can’t remain in Colombia for more than 180 days in any 12 month period. Don’t overstay your visa.

 

If you’re a Colombian dual national, you must enter and leave Colombia using your Colombian passport and Colombian identification card (Cedula).

 

If you enter Colombia by land from either Ecuador or Venezuela, make sure you have your passport stamped by the immigration authorities. Failure to do so may result in a fine on departure. If the immigration office on the border is closed, seek help at the nearest office of Migracion Colombia.

 

Passport validity

 

Your passport should be valid for a minimum period of 6 months from the date of entry into Colombia.

 

Departure tax

 

Airport tax for international departures for visitors who stay in Colombia for less than three months is US$ 35. For stays in excess of three months the tax is US$72 However, the charge depends on the type of visa with which you are issued. 

 

Customs regulations

 

You can carry up to US$10,000 in cash with you when you leave. Anything in excess of this amount may be confiscated.

 

Travelling with children

 

Children under the age of 18 years who have resident status in Colombia and who are travelling on a foreign passport will need written permission when leaving the country without both parents. The non-accompanying parent(s) must write a letter giving permission for the child to leave Colombia. The letter must be authenticated by a notary or by a Colombian Consulate. It must mention the proposed destination, the purpose of the trip, the date of departure and the return date. 

 

Earthquakes

 

Earthquakes occur regularly in Colombia. An earthquake of magnitude 6.9 occurred in February 2013 in Pasto, Nariño Department.

 

In the event of an earthquake, monitor local media reports and follow the advice of the local authorities. You can find a real-time earthquake map and further information about earthquakes in Colombia on the website of the US Geological Survey. To learn more about what to do before, during and after an earthquake, visit the website of the US Federal Emergency Management Agency.

 

Rainy season

 

There is a risk of floods and landslides after heavy rains throughout the Colombian Andes. Seek local advice before travelling on mountain roads after heavy rain.

 

Volcanoes

 

Volcano activity in Colombia is monitored by Ingeominas

 

The Nevado Del Ruiz volcano erupted in June 2012. The volcano activity level has since been lowered to Level III (changes in volcanic activity).

 

If you’re planning to visit areas of known volcanic activity, pay careful attention to all warnings and follow the advice of the local authorities.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

.