Health & Safety When Traveling to Colombia

Medical, Health & Safety in Colombia

Let’s take a look at some key Colombia travel health and safety considerations to keep in mind as you prepare for your trip.

Common Diseases

Colombia has a warm, tropical climate, which means it’s home to various health risks and diseases that U.S. visitors don’t encounter at home.

Mosquito-borne illnesses, like dengue fever, chikungunya, and Zika virus, are prevalent, especially in low-altitude areas. Malaria is less common but may still pose a risk in rural and jungle regions, so preventative medication is recommended if you plan to visit these areas.

For the most current travel advice, consult the World Health Organization (WHO) for health news and updates before your departure.

Vaccinations

No vaccinations are required to enter Colombia, but the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises visitors to be up-to-date on all routine vaccines, as well as hepatitis A, hepatitis B, measles, and tetanus.

Mosquito-borne viruses are prevalent in Colombia, so certain high-risk travelers should consider a vaccine for chikungunya. You’ll also need a yellow-fever vaccine if you’ll be arriving from Angola, Brazil, Democratic Republic of the Congo, or Uganda — including any 12-hour-plus airport transits or layovers. You may also need it if you’re visiting any low-altitude areas — less than 1,700m (5,600ft).

A yellow-fever vaccine is not currently recommended, generally, if you’ll be sticking to the cities of Bogotá, Barranquilla, Cali, Cartagena, and Medellín; to the archipelagos of San Andrés and Providencia; and to areas of higher elevation (above 2,300m or 7,550ft).

Local Medical Treatment

Colombia has a mix of public and private healthcare facilities, and its healthcare system is known as one of the best in South America. Major cities, like Bogotá, Medellín, and Cartagena, have high-quality private hospitals, often with English-speaking staff.

However, in remote or rural areas, you may struggle to access the care you need. Travelers should ensure they have comprehensive travel insurance covering medical evacuation in case of emergencies, particularly if your itinerary includes any of the country’s more isolated locations. You’ll also need to see about a waiver for any pre-existing medical conditions.

You’ll find over-the-counter remedies for common ailments in pharmacies across the country, but it’s a good idea to carry a first-aid kit stocked with your personal essentials, as well as any prescription medication you may need, stored in its original container.

Water & Food

Tap water is generally safe to drink in large cities, like Bogotá and Medellín, but bottled or filtered water is recommended elsewhere. Also be aware of ice made from tap water.

To minimize the risk of food-borne illnesses, avoid raw or undercooked foods and unwashed fruits and vegetables (including salads). Street food is prevalent in Colombia, but it can be the cause of food-borne illness for visitors, so proceed cautiously.

Air Quality

Due to traffic and industrial pollution, air quality in the major cities of Bogotá and Medellín can often be poor. If you struggle with a respiratory condition, try to book accommodation in a less congested area, and monitor air-quality indices and take the relevant precautions during your stay.

Crime & Personal Safety

Colombia has a mixed safety record for tourists. Though it’s improved in recent years, a high level of caution is still warranted, both for petty and violent crime, like robbery and sexual assault, particularly in urban areas.

The U.S. State Department notes that U.S. citizens can be targets of attacks in Colombia, so be aware of the no-go zones, particularly in rural or border areas, where armed conflict and criminal activity from illegal armed groups may persist.

Terrorist groups in Colombia may target transportation hubs, markets and shopping malls, local government facilities, police stations, military facilities, hotels, clubs, restaurants, airports, and other public areas, as well as U.S. government facilities, per the State Department.

Demonstrations and other forms of civil unrest are common and may disrupt travel. Illegal drugs are sometimes put in foreigners’ food or drinks to make it easier to rob or assault them, so be aware of that threat as well.

Before you go, register for the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) in case of emergencies, and stay subscribed to State Department bulletins for further information.

Once you’ve arrived in Colombia, monitor local media to keep abreast of any potential threats, and seek help from the American embassy and local authorities if you run into any issues.

Natural Disasters

Colombia is prone to natural disasters, such as earthquakes, volcanic activity, and heavy rains that can cause flooding and landslides. They can strike with little or no warning, so travelers should familiarize themselves with local emergency protocols in advance, and monitor local news and weather forecasts to be aware of any ongoing threats.

Local Laws

Failure to comply with Colombian law can result in anything from hefty fines to lengthy prison sentences, so you may want to brush up on some of the local rules and regulations ahead of your trip.

Foreign citizens should carry a copy of their passport at all times, and be prepared to show it to local authorities if asked.

Driving in Colombia can be more dangerous than in other countries, due to chaotic roads and heightened security risks. If you decide to hire a car, familiarize yourself with the local traffic laws, plan your routes ahead of time, and avoid driving at night.