Colombia’s security has improved significantly but still poses terrorist risks, according to the most recent travel warning update from the U.K. Foreign Office.
“In many areas of Colombia, the security situation can change very quickly. In general, the more remote the area, the greater the potential threat to your safety,” read the update. “In Bogota, indiscriminate attacks targeting government buildings, embassies, public transport and areas frequented by foreigners do still occur.”
The office noted that “kidnapping remains a serious problem. Whilst levels of kidnappings have fallen off dramatically since peaking in 2000, Colombia continues to have a high rate of kidnapping for ransom.” The report warns that backpackers and those working for foreign organizations are at particularly high risk.
The statement also mentions several areas of Bogota where British nationals have been victims of violent robberies, such as La Candelaria, where nine Brits were robbed in 2010.