The United States specified its travel advisory for Colombia, recommending increased caution due to “crime and terrorism” for much of the country in 2018.
Unlike previous years, the latest travel advisory specified threats for American visitors and government personnel per region.
The State Department advised against traveling to much of the west coast of Colombia and the provinces bordering neighboring Venezuela.
The provinces where American tourists are advised not to go all have seen activity of guerrilla group ELN, a terrorist group according to the US government.
In these areas, “violent crime, including armed robbery and homicide, is widespread,” the State Department said.
If you decide to travel to Colombia
- Be aware of your surroundings.
- Monitor local media for breaking events and adjust your plans based on new information.
- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
- Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter.
- Review the Crime and Safety Reports for Colombia.
- U.S. citizens who travel abroad should always have a contingency plan for emergency situations.
State Department
With the exception of the southern Amazonas province, the State Department advised travelers to “reconsider travel” to much of the country’s south and all of the Eastern Plains.
Violent crime, such as homicide, assault, and armed robbery, is common. Organized criminal activities, such as extortion, robbery, and kidnapping for ransom, are widespread.
State Department
Capital cities in the areas with elevated levels of violence and crime were deemed safe to travel if “increased caution” is exercised by the traveler.
The US updates its travel advisories annually.