Colombia Travel Guide

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Passports and Visas

All tourists visiting Colombia must hold valid passports, tickets and documents for onward or return travel, and sufficient funds to cover their stay. Those who plan to visit coffee plantations must apply to 'Vegetable Sanitary Control' at the airport on arrival, or to a Columbian consulate or embassy in advance. Extensions on visas are possible.

Americans

US nationals must have a passport but do not require a visa for tourist stays of up to 90 days.

UK Nationals

British nationals must have a passport but do not require a visa for tourist stays of up to 90 days.

Canadians

Canadians must hold a passport but do not require a visa for tourist stays of up to 90 days.

Australians

Australians must have a passport and do not require a visa for tourist stays of up to 90 days.

South Africans

South Africans must have a passport, but do not require a visa for tourist stays of up to 90 days.

Irish Nationals

Irish nationals must have a passport but do not require a visa for tourist stays of up to 90 days.

New Zealanders

New Zealanders require a passport, but no visa is necessary for a tourist stay of up to 90 days.

Healthcare

Mosquito borne illnesses like dengue fever and malaria are prevalent in Colombia. In 2007 there was a dengue fever outbreak, infecting 40,000 people. Travelers to Colombia must be sure to take preventative measures, pack enough mosquito repellent and wear concealing clothing. A yellow fever vaccination is recommended for all travelers. Visitors should not drink tap water, unbottled beverages or drinks with ice. Fruit and vegetables should be peeled, cooked and eaten while piping hot. Avoid undercooked meat or fish. Medical care is adequate in major cities but varies in quality elsewhere. Medical insurance is essential.

Safety

Visitors to Colombia need to be aware they face various risks and should maintain a high level of vigilance. The risk of terrorist attacks from domestic Colombian groups in the towns and cities on public places like bars, restaurants and nightclubs frequented by expatriates, is high. Foreigners are also targeted by thieves, pickpockets and drug traffickers especially in urban areas, and crime is usually accompanied by violence. Never hail taxis in the street (book them through your hotel) and never accept food, drinks, chewing gum or cigarettes from strangers. These could be drugged to incapacitate victims. Foreign nationals have also been victims of kidnappings in recent years, the risk being high in rural areas; foreigners are advised against travel to the departments of Sucre, Bolivar, Choco, Putumayo, Meta, Arauca, Nariño and Caqueta. Some parts of the country are particularly dangerous and fraught with guerrilla and paramilitary activity. The rural areas of Antioquia, Cauca, Valle de Cauca, Huila and Norte de Santander are the most affected by political/narcotic violence and should also be avoided. All travel to southern parts of Meta and to the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, including the 'Lost City', should also be avoided due to a high risk to personal safety. Travelers are advised to contact their country's consular representatives and acquaint themselves with the latest situation before entering these areas, or preferably avoid them completely. Floods and landslides are common during the rainy season in April/May and October/November.