Is Colombia dangerous? Should you worry about protests and express kidnappings? We debunk the myths to show you Colombia's safe side.
Photo © iStock/garytog
Colombia is a South American country with a bad reputation for drug wars and kidnappings. Despite its history of violence and insecurity, Colombia is – and has been for a while now – a favorite travel destination for adventure travelers.
From the charming culture and friendly locals to the vibrant nightlife and breathtaking natural landscapes, it's hard not to fall in love with this magical country.
So is Colombia safe for travelers? The short answer is yes – as long as you keep your wits about you and stay away from known dangerous areas. Do that, and Colombia will be one of the most incredible destinations you visit in South America.
- The bad news about safety in Colombia
- Civil unrest in Colombia
- The good news about safety in Colombia
- Kidnapping in Colombia
- What is Secuestro Express?
- Avoiding crime in Colombia
- Video: Why you shouldn't do cocaine in Colombia
The bad news about safety in Colombia
While Colombia's crime and kidnapping rates have significantly reduced over the last decade, you still need to use common sense and caution to stay safe.
Petty crime, such as mugging, pickpocketing and cell phone snatching, is common, especially in busy areas and on public transport in major cities. Keep your valuables out of sight when you're out and about. If you need to use your phone, don't whip it out in the middle of the street. Instead, go into a nearby shop or bank.
The number of kidnappings is down hugely from its peak in 2000, but it's a threat that you need to be aware of.
Certain regions of the country, especially Arauca, Cauca (excluding Popayán), and Norte de Santander departments and the borders with Ecuador and Venezuela, are dangerous. Many foreign governments recommend against travel to those regions because of the risk of kidnap. terrorism, or detainment. Don't travel anywhere your government tells you not to.
Civil unrest in Colombia
Colombians elected Gustavo Petro as their president in June 2022. Petro will be the country's first leftist leader, and his election has given hope to millions of young, struggling Colombians desperate for change.
The transition of power has put a pause on anti-government strikes, and there is presently no major civil unrest in Colombia. That said, things could change, and protests and demonstrations can start up. Monitor local news reports and avoid all protests or demonstrations, which may turn violent quickly.
The good news about safety in Colombia
Government travel advisories have declared several regions of Colombia to be safe for travel. These include Bogotá, Tunja, Bucaramanga, Medellín, Cali, the Coffee Zone departments of Quindio, Risaralda and Caldas, San Andres, the Caribbean cities of Cartagena, Barranquilla, Santa Marta and Capurganá, and the Pacific coast towns Nuquí and Bahía Solano.
Bogotá has its dodgy areas, but stay clear of them, and you'll find that the capital city is an exciting – and safe – place to explore.
When we speak to travelers who have been to Colombia and foreigners who live there, they only have good things to say about the country. They say it's beautiful and much safer than what the media make it out to be. However, that's only true if you stick to the well-known tourist destinations.
Going off the beaten path to more remote areas will only be safe if you do so with a reputable tour agency and expert guide. And when you're in major cities, ask your hostel staff, a friendly local or other backpackers which areas to avoid.
Common sense safety rules apply when traveling in Colombia:
- Don't wear expensive
- Keep your phones, cameras and bank cards out of sight
- Only carry enough money for the day
- Avoid taking your passports out with you.
If you show excessive signs of wealth, you'll stand out and increase your chances of getting robbed or mugged.
Colombians dress nicely in the cities. So try to blend in, and you'll avoid looking like a tourist – and a target for criminals. Don't wear shorts, hiking pants, or flip-flops – wear jeans and a nice t-shirt. And if possible, wear clothing with hidden pockets to stash your valuables.
Kidnapping in Colombia
With increased security measures along major roads and the ceasefire agreement between the Colombian government and the FARC, the risk of being kidnapped in Colombia nowadays is very low.
Criminals aren't waiting at the airport or outside restaurants to kidnap you and ask for ransom. However, if you venture into remote areas controlled by still-in-operation rebel groups, such as the ELN and dissidents of the FARC, you do place yourself at risk of being kidnapped. Stick to tourist spots, and you will be fine.
What are express kidnappings?
Secuestro express (express kidnappings), also known as paseo millonario (millionaire's ride), happens when you are kidnapped for an hour. Or however long it takes for the criminals to drive you around town visiting ATMs, emptying your bank account, and maxing out your credit card.
The ordeal usually begins when the victim gets into a taxi they flagged in the street. The driver will go around the corner where the bandits jump in. They persuade you to cooperate with knives, guns, or a punch of two.
Although express kidnappings don't happen often, criminals are opportunists and randomly select their victims. Stay safe by never hailing a taxi from the street. Nor enter an already occupied taxi or car you ordered on a ride-hailing app.
You could take a second credit card with a low limit to South America and leave the main card at home.
If this happens to you, your travel insurance may cover medical expenses for injuries caused by them. You'll have access to an emergency assistance helpline that will connect you with consular officials and experts who can help you deal with the psychological trauma. But, you'll have to argue with your bank about the credit card bill.
How to avoid crime in Colombia
Ask any Colombian the best tactic to avoid being a victim of a crime, and they'll tell you "no dar papaya" (don't give papaya).
This local saying means don't put yourself in a vulnerable situation where someone can easily take advantage of you. For example, don't walk alone late at night or flash valuables in public areas.
Most travelers who've encountered problems in Colombia have likely broken this simple rule.
Here are a few other ways to avoid crime in Colombia:
- Try to keep a low profile
- Don't use illegal taxis
- Don't drive on rural roads at night at all
- Don't ask for drugs
- Lock the doors of the car, and keep at least a half a tank of fuel
- Watch out for drink spiking at bars and clubs.
Video: Why you shouldn't do cocaine in Colombia
Related articles
Simple and flexible travel insurance
You can buy at home or while traveling, and claim online from anywhere in the world. With 150+ adventure activities covered and 24/7 emergency assistance.
Get a quote
4 Comments
Just came home from Cartegena. 13 family members went on the trip for 8 days. If you do not speak Spanish, you will struggle. The country does not cater to Americans and Europeans but does cater to other South American visitors. The nicest Colombians we interacted with were at our hotel, this was mostly the activities and acquatics workers.
Several times during the trip we felt uncomfortable in the old city. I would never recommend an American woman travel to Cartegena alone. Please take a few friends on the trip with you. There are a lot of scammers in Colombia, so you have to be smart and cautious or you will lose your money. We were scammed by an English speaking tour guide, but we booked our tour through the hotel, so we got our money back.
The beach is dirty, the Atlantic Ocean water is very cloudy, and Cartegena and the surrounding areas are extremely dirty. There is trash everywhere. Dogs and cats are treated like rodents. The number of underfed dogs and cats we saw on the trip was overwhelming. If you love animals, seeing the horrible way dogs and cats are treated will break your heart!
Overall the trip was fun and interesting, but we are not in a big hurry to return to Colombia any time soon!
I was drugged and robbed in Bogota a few years ago during my naive fist trip to Colombia/South America. When I think back I feel happy that I wasn't killed I was robbed - my wallet, my rolex, all my credit cards. I recall even giving them my pin numbers. I recall vaguely how I walked back to my hotel room. Next morning I overslept and missed my flight and people waiting for me at the LAX went crazy when my plane landed and I didn't show up. I returned safely on the same day with an afternoon flight. However, I had short term memory problems for several months after the incident. When seeing my friends or colleagues, I could not recall their names. Later, I gained my normal memory. I've been to many places in Colombia and South America since my first trip in 2010. All major cities in Colombia still have serious crime issues. I would say Colombia is much more dangerous than Rio de Janeiro's favelas because the Colombians use drugs and all kinds of "sophisticated" techniques to spike your drinks in bars and discos, or it could be a street beggar, or a senior/handicapped person, and so on. Even South Central Los Angeles will seem much safer. Sadly due to overall poverty in Colombia + still ongoing conflict with the militias in the jungles, despite the Catholic religious ethics - every Colombian praises Jesus Christ, there are many Colombians ready to kill you for your wallet or your brand new iPhone. I would not recommend Colombia for single travellers at all. Never should go out alone, always with friends you trust. The criminals operate especially in places where there are lots tourists who can't imagine how cruel the others can be especially when it comes to US$ or the last high-tech gadgets. The article refers to the French government's lift of travel ban to certain regions. I'm not sure how safe is the french ok.
When you say use common sense would you mind being a little more specific. My lady friend (she lives in Cali) will be with me. We are staying at a place I got on AirBNB. Thanks, Joe Mancini
I'm SO glad there lots of you out there that speak in behalf of Colombia.
It's a wonderful place to live and visit.
As many pointed out, common sense is your best safety. In Colombia and anywhere. (By the way, why do detractors mispell Colombia? It's ColOmbia, not ColUmbia). Maybe they are mistaken and it's ColUmbia which is dangerous.