Is It Safe To Travel To Colombia?

Colombia has a violent history of civil unrest and strife for several decades from various guerrilla movements and drug mafia. However, in the recent past, the country has recorded a lot of achievement in enhancing security and stability. Is it safe to travel to Colombia in 2023?

In short – yes, Colombia is generally safe for tourism now if some precautions are taken. The US State Department also recommends avoiding some areas close to the borders with Venezuela, Ecuador and Panama as a result of crime and terrorism. However, the major cities and tourist destinations in Colombia have become more secure.

Recent years’ change: Relative safety

And in the last twenty years Colombians have tried to leave the violence behind them. The recent conflict was that the country’s main militant group called FARC signed a peace deal in 2016 and this has helped in the reduction of conflict and increase in stability. Homicide rates have been coming down all over the country, including in tourist areas in Bogota, Medellin and Cartagena. Terrorist attacks and kidnappings are also not a regular phenomenon as they used to be 20 years ago.

However, sudden cases of criminal activities are still around today (more on that later); the most visited regions have their police and security systems. Overall, safety risks may arise if one’s behavior is irrational and unsafe, but generally, tourists who act reasonably and avoid taking unnecessary risks should not be in harm’s way. This South American country attracts more than 4 million tourists annually, and most of the solo female travelers interviewed stated that they had positive experiences during their tours.

To those who plan to travel it is very important that they be very careful especially if they are planning to traverse remote areas.

Most travellers to Colombia restrict their travels to a few cities and popular tourist destinations that remain popular amongst tourists with significantly low rates of crime. However, regions situated outside population hubs are more likely to be targeted by armed formations and drug traffickers.

Especially in the vicinity with Venezuela, Ecuador, and Panama, there are irregular militias and criminal gangs that control the territories and spaces such as the jungle and mountainous regions. These areas include; Several terror acts have been observed in these regions in the last few years. Landmines also remain a problem in some parts of the world where demining is still carried out to remove the explosive traps.

For these reasons, the US State Department advises reconsidering travel to places like

• The border regions of Arauca and Norte de Santander
  
• Narino, Cauca, and Valle de Cauca;
  
• The rural zones of Choco department
  
• Venezuela and Ecuador border regions in Amazonas department

Over 90% of travelers confine themselves to the cities of Colombia instead of the countryside. However, do consider the possible dangers of going off the typical tourist track far from large cities and attractions.

Adhere to Basic Safety Measures

No matter where you visit in Colombia, exercising basic precautions is always important:No matter where you visit in Colombia, exercising basic precautions is always important:

• When taking a taxi or using a ride-share service, only use licensed cabs especially at night. Scan licence plates and ensure that drivers are who they claim to be.
  
• Do not travel alone or at night, especially in areas that are not busy or well lit and do not carry valuable items with you.
  
• Do not try to fight off any robbery attempts. Surrender some valuables rather than be harmed as has been threatened.
  
• Do not carry or flaunt costly cameras, phones, or any other valuable items. Lock your belongings and do not leave them in places where they can easily be viewed.
  
• Learn more about the neighborhoods you are going to before you get there and do not hesitate to ask employees of the hotels that you are staying at for advice on safety. Street crime is much lower in richer neighborhoods.
  
• Instead of the actual passport, it is advisable to always carry a photocopy of your passport.
  
• Don’t buy drugs! Not only that it is unlawful, you are likely to encounter cartel communication or police demand for a bribe.

By employing these tips and exercising some basic logic, most crime problems can be prevented. Inform police in any incidents right from the time it happened.

Just like any new place you will be visiting anywhere else, it is advisable to investigate the areas you intend to visit in Colombia, do not take chances avoid areas which are known to be insecure, always conduct your tours in crowded parts of the country and avoid being robbed or pick pocketed by being very cautious. Then you can attend to embrace every aspect of this wonderful country that is on offer to anyone who visits!

Is health and medical care sufficient?

In the event an individual gets involved in an accident or gets sick while in another country, it is normal to feel concerned about how one is going to get good and cheap treatment. The good news in Colombia is that health care reaches international quality standards in cities.

Free public health is guaranteed to all the citizens of Colombia. There are also many private clinics and hospitals in larger cities that can provide services at par with those in the United States. There is a provision of specialist doctors and dentists in the English language from the major cities of Bogota and Medellin.

Many prescription drugs that can be purchased without a prescription in other countries are also easily accessible in Colombia. Travel health insurance which offers evacuation services is still a good safeguard for other severe problems. Finally, Colombian medical tourism is indeed a reality, thanks to efficient and cheap healthcare services!

The exception, as with security risks, can be seen in the very remote rural areas where small clinics are equipped with few instruments and specialists. So do take precautions while doing adventure sports or risky activities away from cities. It is helpful in the above scenarios to have evacuation insurance.

Is Colombia Safe for Female Traveler ?

Given the historical violence problems, the Colombian women traveling alone are only reasonable to ask about their safety. Luckily, the female solo travelers rate Colombia’s safety positively in the recent past.

Measures of safety should be taken for both genders, that is women and men. Ensure to hire registered taxi and avoid driving at night especially on ill lit areas, do not leave valuables in conspicuous places, and do not take any substance that will make you lose control among strangers. Yet, women may experience higher levels of catcalling and verbal harassment given Latin culture. Avoiding dressing provocatively and avoiding clubs and other late night activities help in reducing this nuisance risk.

Regarding the Colombian people, single women coincide with the statement that people are friendly, welcoming, and willing to help if only the visa issues could be ignored. Some areas of Bogota and Medellin are said to be safer for women at night than NYC or London! However it is always safer to meet other tourists or to join group tours whenever possible while traveling anywhere as a single person.

Why the Negative Stereotypes Persist

Looking through the global newspaper, during the period of 80s through 00s, Colombia appeared to be in a constant state of violence and turmoil. Guerrilla warfare, civil strife, drugs cartels, kidnaps and urban crime defined news headlines for so many years.

But the positives that are taking place on the ground in Colombia recently are not always reported in the international media. Thus, some stereotypic views about threats and instability remain with people’s consciousness even if significant progress has been made. Tourism organizations fight such misconceptions because crime levels are actually less than some other Latin American countries.

The raw truth of the matter is, none of the countries in the world with population of 50 million can claim that they have no crime at all. Random acts occur in Colombia just like in any other developing country. However, the general outlook on safety has had remarkable advancement throughout Colombia in the recent past. Thus, with certain measures, dangerous areas can be avoided, and the country’s many wonders can be appreciated to the fullest.

Mind you, just don’t expect all your agitated friends back home to grasp the difference!

The Verdict? Colombia Is Safe Overall!

Colombia has certainly come a long way in terms of security and boasts areas that are completely safe for tourists; it’s worth visiting with no prejudice. If you take basic precautions and don’t engage in risky behavior, you should not run into problems within this nation.

The Colombian government and businesses continue to desire resulting growing numbers in tourism. Thus, they carry on with the security operations and the tourist police where needed. The statistics along with the general conversation I overheard from expats and other digital nomads show that Colombia’s large cities don’t feel very dangerous anymore.

It is essential to note that no country is free from risk, but regarding security, Colombia is safe to visit in 2023 except for some areas. It’s high time to abandon prejudices and open the door to explore the truly beautiful nature, delicious food, vibrant night life, and exciting adventures in Colombia. But if the necessary precautions are taken, Colombia can be the trip of a lifetime!

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