The U.S. Department of State renewed its travel warning for Colombia due to "continued violence by narco-terrorist groups and an increase in violent crime, including kidnapping and homicide, in many of the major cities".
While the updated travel advisory recognizes that "security in Colombia has improved significantly in recent years" it says that "small towns and rural areas of Colombia can still be extremely dangerous due to the presence of narco-terrorists" and that "common crime also remains a significant problem in many urban and rural areas."
The advisory also notes that "the incidence of kidnapping in Colombia has diminished significantly from its peak at the beginning of this decade" but that "kidnapping in rural areas is of particular concern".
In an recent interview with Colombia Reports, the Medellin Tourism Undersecretary advised that tourists can enjoy Colombia as long as they use common sense and avoid hot spots.
Franko
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... This is sad that the U.S. can’t seem to get their head our of their a*@es when it comes to this rhetorical language use when addressing this issue in Colombia. I was in Colombia for 6 months late last year and early this year and can attest that there was ABSOLUTELY no problems or danger of any kind. I am convinced that Colombia is simply a victim of “rhetoric labeling” stemming form aged U.S. views influenced by “old/dated Hollywood movies”.. I traveled + lived and worked in 4 major cities in different ends of Colombia and really had absolutely no problems or encounters of any kind in both rural and non-rural areas. I work for a major U.S engineering firm that chose Colombia that chose Colombia as a partner because of their advanced science and technology sectors. Basically it payed no attention to the U.S. Department advice and explored for itself the situation. Colombia has in place very U.S. and global trade relationship/trade and investment for small-midsize start-ups. There is a national slogan initiated by Colombia’s Ministry of Tourism that says “Colombia the Only Risk is Wanting to Stay Longer”… That is 100% true. I love Colombia and wish to move there. It is amazing and if you visit, visit Bogota- (considered being among the top 3 most beautiful cities on this side of the planet). |
Franko
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... I have an idea for the U.S. Department of State, why don’t they update their own analysis to detour people from going to Georgia for the risk of being kidnapped, tortured and killed by rural hillbillies as they did in (Deliverance). I know this is an “old” movie but maybe its still relevant. hummmmm.. |
