Colombia travel advice

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office in the UK advises against all but essential travel to all rural areas bordering Panama, Venezuela and Ecuador; to the towns of Buenaventura and San José del Guaviare and the areas surrounding them, and to the Parque Nacional Natural de La Macarena in the department of Meta. The FCO advises against all but essential travel in areas of intensive coca cultivation, including the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta.

In August 2010, the Galeras Volcano in Nariño Department erupted. The FCO recommends against all travel to the department of Nariño, and the city of Pasto and La Florida. If you are in the vicinity of the volcano, you should pay careful attention to all warnings issued and follow the advice of the local authorities.

Though the overall security situation in Colombia has improved considerably in recent years, the threat of terrorism is still high in many parts of the country. 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. Kidnapping remains a serious problem and Colombia continues to have a high rate of kidnapping for ransom.

In 2007, 886 people were killed or injured in Colombia by landmines, more than in any other country in the world. When travelling in rural areas you should always follow local warnings about the presence of landmines.

This advice is based on information provided by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in the UK. It is correct at time of publishing. As the situation can change rapidly, visitors are advised to contact the following organisations for the latest travel advice:

British Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Tel: 0845 850 2829.
Website: www.fco.gov.uk

US Department of State
Website: http://travel.state.gov/travel