Travel advice for Colombia

Avoid non-essential travel to Colombia and to the listed departments and border strips because of significant security risks. Earthquake damage has led to red alerts in Pereira, Cali, Quibdó, Manizales and Armenia, while travel to Puracé volcano and Los Coconucos is not advised during the orange alert. In Bogotá, expect election-related border closures, alcohol bans, demonstrations, transport disruption and increased pickpocketing, so avoid crowds. Elsewhere, exercise increased caution.

Avoid non-essential travel to Colombia due to crime, terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, earthquakes, volcanoes, landslides, and tsunami risk. Do not travel to Arauca, Cauca outside Popayán, Valle del Cauca outside Cali, or Norte de Santander due to crime and terrorism, nor within 10 km of the border with Venezuela due to crime, kidnapping, armed group conflict, and detention risk. Terrorist attacks can occur without warning, and demonstrations can close roads.

Exercise caution in Colombia because armed groups, terrorism, drone attacks, kidnapping and robbery create risks. Avoid travel to Norte de Santander, including Catatumbo, and Arauca, Nariño outside Pasto, and Putumayo, and avoid nonessential travel to high risk departments. Travel southwest by air because areas south of Cali are extremely insecure, and avoid demonstrations and large gatherings. Earthquake damage has disrupted roads and airports in affected provinces, with possible aftershocks.

Be extremely cautious because violent crime, terrorism, kidnapping and armed clashes create very serious risks. Avoid unnecessary travel to Caquetá, Guaviare, Guainía, Vichada, Norte de Santander and Amazonas, and specified rural areas. Avoid all travel to border areas in Putumayo, Arauca, Cauca, Chocó and Nariño and to the Ecuador, Venezuela, Panama and Peru borders, except named cities and tourist areas. If travelling, seek professional advice and take care at night.

Germany advises a high degree of caution for Colombia, and avoiding all travel for parts of it.

Japan advises against travel to Arauca, western Cauca, western Nariño and northern Norte de Santander because security conditions can change rapidly. Avoid non-essential travel to listed border areas, eastern Cauca and Nariño, much of Meta and other specified areas, and avoid passing through level 2 or 3 areas by road. Elsewhere, take sufficient care because terrorism, kidnapping, murder, crime, roadblocks and landslides remain risks. Around Cancio Cristales, take sufficient care, but travel by air because the rest of Meta is level 2.

Avoid all travel to red coded areas because armed groups, kidnappings, landmines and attacks make them dangerous, and the embassy cannot help. Travel to orange coded areas only if essential, during daylight, and do not go there on holiday. Elsewhere, exercise particular caution around Santa Marta and the coast toward Riohacha, and be aware that aftershocks may continue for a long time following the earthquake.

Exercise increased caution because armed groups are linked to drug trafficking, kidnapping, extortion and violence. Avoid nonessential travel to rural border areas and listed cities, areas growing coca, marijuana and poppies, cocaine processing laboratories and La Macarena National Park. After the earthquake, avoid affected areas including Chocó, Eje Cafetero and Valle del Cauca, and follow instructions. For Bahía Solano, fly and avoid the interior or coast outside the city.

Avoid all travel to Norte de Santander and areas within 20 km of the borders with Panama, Venezuela and Ecuador. Avoid nonessential travel to the listed departments and municipalities, except Arauca, Florencia, Popayán, Quibdó, Capurganá, Bahía Solano, Nuquí, San José del Guaviare, Rumichaca, the Rumichaca to Pasto highway, Pasto, Ipiales, Mocoa, Puerto Asís and Caño Cristales. No general advice against travel applies elsewhere in Colombia.

Avoid all but essential travel to parts of Colombia. British citizens need a valid passport and must meet visa and onward travel requirements; overstaying can lead to fines or deportation. Yellow fever certificates may be required from certain countries or when travelling in high-risk areas. Travel to San Andres, Providencia and Santa Catalina requires a tourist card unless staying for less than 24 hours.

Australia advises a high degree of caution for Colombia.

Exercise a high degree of caution in Colombia because crime is high. Avoid all travel to Arauca, nearly all Caquetá and Cauca, parts of Cesar and most of Chocó, and border areas near Venezuela, Panama and Ecuador because of kidnapping and violence. Avoid nonessential travel to other departments, cities and zones because of drug related crime by illegal armed groups. Take normal security precautions in Providencia and San Andrés.

Exercise increased caution in Colombia because armed groups, extortion, street crime, protests and guerrilla attacks pose risks. Do not display valuables or mobile phones, limit nighttime movement, avoid demonstrations and use taxis booked in advance. Scopolamine may contaminate food or drinks, so do not leave them unattended. Travel only when absolutely necessary with a certified guide to selected border and remote areas, and follow instructions during earthquakes or eruptions.

Exercise a high degree of caution in Colombia because crime is prevalent, including theft, street crime and robberies using drugs. Avoid all travel to Colombia's border region with Venezuela and do not use land crossings because it is volatile. Armed conflict disrupts the Troncal del Caribe between Santa Marta and La Guajira and access to Tayrona National Park and east Santa Marta. Follow local instructions and monitor local media.

Exercise a high degree of caution throughout Colombia and prepare for travel disruption in western areas affected by the earthquake, where damage to roads, bridges, airports and critical infrastructure may continue to affect travel. Make contingency arrangements for transport, communications and essential services, follow local emergency procedures and buy comprehensive insurance. Take extra care in the Colombia-Venezuela border region because of ongoing violence, possible increased military presence and movement restrictions.

There is no general advice against travel, but travellers should remain alert in poor neighbourhoods and tourist areas. Avoid nonessential travel to the listed departments and border areas, and avoid all travel to Arauca and the Venezuelan, Ecuadorian and Panamanian borders, subject to stated exceptions. Recent roadblocks and vehicle fires around Santa Marta have since subsided. Ensure you have emergency funds, travel insurance and international health coverage including repatriation.

Exercise normal precautions, but avoid travel to areas bordering Panama, Venezuela and Ecuador. Crime is higher than usual in cities. Estonian citizens may stay visa free for up to 90 days in a year.

Hong Kong advises normal precautions for Colombia.