Colombia🇨🇴
Colombia, the only South American country with a coastline on both the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, is located in the northwestern part of the continent. It shares its border with five countries: Panama, Venezuela, Brazil, Peru, and Ecuador. Relations with neighbouring countries have frequently been strained due to issues like drug trafficking and territorial disputes, but have overall remained stable. Colombia is known for its diverse landscapes, fascinating history, and rich culture. It's home to Caribbean beaches, Andean mountains, Amazon rainforest, and colonial cities like Cartagena. Colombia's coffee culture, vibrant festivals, and the legendary city of El Dorado are also renowned worldwide. The stunning wax palm forests in the Cocora Valley, the pre-Columbian ruins in the Lost City, and the unique river Caño Cristales, referred to as 'the river of five colours', are some of the most recommended places to visit.
⚠️Things you should avoid⚠️
- Avoid flaunting expensive goods or carrying large sums of cash.
- Avoid illegal drugs and the drug trade, as penalties are severe.
- Avoid wandering around alone at night, especially in less frequented areas.
- Avoid unauthorized border crossings, particularly with Venezuela.
- Avoid areas with an ongoing threat of natural disasters without taking necessary precautions.
- Avoid risky areas known for high crime rates, like certain areas in Cali and Barranquilla.
- Avoid using unofficial taxis or ride services, especially late at night.
- Avoid getting involved in political demonstrations or protests.
- Avoid drinking tap water in rural areas and certain tourist sites.
- Avoid making derogatory remarks about the country's past or drug history.
Overall
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Crime 🔫
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Colombia has seen a high rate of crime, although it has reportedly decreased over the years. Violent crimes such as murder and armed robbery occur in many areas. Express kidnappings and vehicle theft remain problematic. The situation is particularly severe in cities such as Cali, Barranquilla, and areas on the border with Venezuela. Extra caution should be exercised when traveling to these regions.
Terrorism 💣
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Terrorism has been an ongoing issue in Colombia, primarily due to conflicts with militant groups such as FARC and ELN. Notable incidents include the 2019 attack on the National Police Academy in Bogota by ELN that killed 21 people and the 2016 attack on a police station in El Bagre by FARC.
War ⚔️
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Colombia endured a 52-year civil war with the Marxist Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) that ended in 2016, but smaller battles persist. More recently, clashes between armed groups and security forces near the Venezuelan border have intensified. Occasionally, civilians are caught in the crossfire, but these incidents primarily occur in remote areas.
Natural Disasters 🌊
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Colombia is at risk presented by natural disasters. It's highly vulnerable to earthquakes, floods, volcanic eruptions, and landslides. Noteworthy cases include the 2017 Mocoa landslide due to torrential rains, which claimed over 300 lives, and the eruption of Nevado del Ruiz volcano in 1985, which resulted in a devastating mudflow burying the town of Armero.
Medical Care 🏥
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While urban areas have fairly acceptable medical facilities, rural areas lag behind in both service quality and accessibility. Bogota, Medellin, and other large cities have internationally recognized hospitals. However, the increasing strain on health services due to the COVID-19 pandemic has raised concerns regarding their capacity to cope.
Tap Water Quality 💧
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The quality of tap water varies considerably across Colombia. In big cities like Bogota and Medellin, tap water is generally safe to drink, while in rural areas and at some tourist sites, drinking tap water is not advisable due to contamination risks.
Disease Burden 🤒
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Colombia faces a high disease burden due to tropical diseases such as malaria, dengue, Zika virus, and Chagas' disease. Access to healthcare in rural areas has been challenging due to the prevalence of these diseases. More recently, the COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact, with Colombia being one of the hardest-hit countries in South America.
Corruption 💸
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Corruption is widespread in Colombia, affecting many facets of society, including politics and business. High-profile corruption scandals include the Odebrecht corruption scandal in 2017, where the Brazilian construction firm was found to have paid huge bribes to win contracts in Colombia.
Safety for Women ♀️
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While the Colombian government has made efforts to address gender-based violence, many women, particularly in more remote regions, still face risks. The situation has exacerbated during the COVID-19 lockdowns, with a sharp rise in reports of domestic violence. Solo female travelers should take extra precautions, especially at night and while using public transportation.
Safety for Queer People 👬
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LGBTQ+ rights in Colombia have seen positive strides in recent years, with the legalization of same-sex marriage in 2016, and Bogota electing its first female and openly gay mayor in 2019. However, societal attitudes continue to be a challenge, and discrimination and violence against the LGBTQ+ community still persist, particularly outside urban areas.
Censorship 📺
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Freedom of speech and media are constitutionally guaranteed in Colombia. Nevertheless, journalists covering sensitive subjects like corruption, drug trafficking, or conflict are occasionally threatened or attacked. Additionally, during the 2021 anti-government protests, there were instances of internet disruptions and allegations of media censorship.
Public Transportation 🚌
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Public transportation in major Colombian cities is fairly reliable and comprehensive, with multiple options like buses, taxis and the Medellín Metro. However, caution should be exercised in terms of personal safety, particularly against scams and thefts. Traffic accidents are also common due to often reckless driving habits.
Other useful information
🔒 How safe is it?
While Colombia has significantly improved in terms of safety over the last couple of decades, it continues to face challenges related to crime, regional conflicts, and health risks. It's essential to stay updated with the local news, avoid certain areas known for violence and drug crime, and exercise general awareness and caution. Women and LGBTQ+ travelers should take additional precautions and adhere to advice from local authorities and trusted sources.
🏰 Embassies in this Country
Most countries have official diplomatic representations in Bogota, the capital of Colombia. These include the U.S. Embassy, the British Embassy, the Canadian Embassy, the Australian Embassy, the German Embassy, and the French Embassy, among others.
💉 Recommended Vaccinations
It's recommended that travelers to Colombia get vaccinations for Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Tetanus, and Yellow Fever. Dengue fever is endemic in some areas, so preventive measures against mosquito bites are highly recommended.
🐍 Dangerous Animals
Colombia's diverse wildlife includes some potentially dangerous animals. These include venomous snakes like the fer-de-lance and the bushmaster, poisonous dart frogs, crocodiles, jaguars, and several species of sharks in coastal waters. Avoiding provocation and keeping a respectful distance is generally the best strategy.
🛂 Visa Requirements
Most nationalities, including the U.S., UK, Australia, and EU countries, do not require a visa for tourist visits of up to 90 days. However, the requirements can change, so it's always a wise idea to check up-to-date information before planning your travel.
💲 Currency
The official currency is the Colombian Peso (COP). Exchange services are available at banks, large hotels, and specialized establishments ('casa de cambio').
💳 Credit Card Acceptance
Credit cards are widely accepted in major cities and tourist spots in Colombia. However, it's recommended to carry some cash for small vendors and in remote areas.
🧑🏭 Is it possible to work and travel in this country?
Colombia can offer intriguing opportunities for work and travel with its rich culture, diversity, and growing economy. Teaching English, volunteering, or jobs in tourism are common. However, it's essential to sort out the correct work visa beforehand to avoid legal issues.
💵 Cost of Travel and Living
Traveling and living in Colombia is generally less expensive compared to North America or Western Europe. However, prices vary depending on the location, with tourist hotspots and big cities being more costly.