Colombia is a country in South America known for its diverse culture, beautiful landscapes and friendly people. However, like any other country, Colombia has its own risks and challenges that travelers should be aware of.
One risk to be aware of when traveling to Colombia is the risk of crime and violence. Although the country has made significant progress in reducing crime rates in recent years, it is still important to be careful and aware of your surroundings, especially in large cities such as Bogotá and Medellín. It is recommended not to walk alone at night, to keep valuables out of sight, and not to display expensive jewelry or electronic devices. It is also advisable to avoid certain areas known for their high crime rates, such as the border region with Venezuela.
Official travel advice
You often hear that street crime is the biggest security problem nationwide. Especially the vacationers in Colombia should take care of themselves. Viventura says about it: Sure you should take care of yourself. However, this is the case in every country in the world if you do not know it. If you travel with common sense, respect and prudence, you will have a great time and certainly unforgettable memories. The statistics of the "Global Peace Index" underline this positive impression once again: Colombia has long since ceased to be one of the most dangerous countries in the world - in the last three years it has improved by 16 places.
Crime and security in Colombia's cities
Overall, the number of police officers and security forces, who carry out regular checks in many different places and ensure greater security in Colombia, has been greatly increased. For several years, the state has been investing a great deal in changing its image and expanding its infrastructure.
To better grasp the array of security forces: in the Unesco World Heritage city of Cartagena, for example, more than 2,000 police officers patrol the streets. Efforts to ensure security and order can therefore be taken seriously.
The city of Medellín, which was once characterized by fighting between guerrillas, paramilitaries and the army, has now also developed into a true showcase city. It has the first as well as the only subway and is constantly building new libraries so that the education of all classes of the population can be improved and ensured in the near future.
Natural disasters
Another risk to consider is the possibility of natural disasters. Colombia is located in an area prone to earthquakes, including several active volcanoes. Although it is not common for travelers to be directly affected by these events, it is important to be aware of the potential risk and follow any safety recommendations provided by local authorities.
Safety precautions for your trip to Colombia
According to the Tropical Institute in Leipzig there are no vaccination requirements for entry into Colombia - however, vaccinations against tetanus, diphtheria, influenza and hepatitis A are recommended. Yellow fever protection is also listed as recommended, but this is not urgently required in most areas of Colombia.
Vaccinations against typhoid, hepatitis B, meningitis, rabies and herpes zoster are equally recommended - but are not a must. In addition, malaria protection is advised in regions below 1,600 m altitude. To ensure the effectiveness of the vaccines, any action should be taken at least four weeks before departure. For a full medical recommendation, you should consult a physician trained in travel medicine or the Tropical Institute well in advance of your trip.
The Colombian Ministry of Health has also launched the so-called Zika epidemic declared the first country to be overcome. Zika virus is transmitted to humans by mosquitoes and is present in many Latin American countries, especially Colombia and Brazil. Here our blog article about it.
Valuables, money and visa
If you are a German, Austrian or Swiss tourist or traveler and do not want to stay in Colombia for more than 90 days, your passport is sufficient. Upon entry you will receive a stamp with the exact duration of your authorized stay. A visa is not necessary for these three citizenships.
Always carry your money and valuables close to your body - for example, there are special travel fanny packs that fit snugly under your clothes, so they are hardly noticeable and your money is always at hand.
Speaking of money: we recommend carrying as little cash as possible. To avoid any unpleasant surprises, it is best to find out at home whether your credit card will really work abroad - because foreign cash, including US dollars, is usually not accepted outside the major cities. The easiest way to get cash is to use an international bank card in the Maestro/Cirrus or Visa Plus network.
The language and common sense
If you are traveling in Colombia on your own, you should be able to speak a few words of Spanish, because only a few locals speak English. If you are traveling in a tour group, the tour guides are often multilingual and will help you to communicate in any situation with humor and joy. But even if you don't speak a single word of Spanish - communicating with hands and feet is just as fun, especially because Colombians are always warm, open-minded and helpful. Their hospitality simply never ceases to amaze!
The rules of reason dictate a few things in Colombia that apply just as much anywhere in the world: Never go with strangers and, especially in big cities, avoid lonely streets where you will directly catch the eye as a tourist. You should also be careful with cabs, for example, when driving to or from the airport, you should only use registered vehicles.
Colombia: Worth the trip despite the risks
Despite these risks, Colombia is a country worth traveling to. With its rich culture, breathtaking landscapes and hospitable people, it offers a unique and rewarding travel experience. By following common sense safety precautions and staying informed, travelers can enjoy all that Colombia has to offer while minimizing the potential risks.
If you now feel like discovering Colombia for yourself, then you can find here our current TripLegend Colombia Round trip. Here you can travel sustainably in a group of like-minded people while discovering the most exciting parts of the country. For even more travel inspiration, follow TripLegend also on Instagram and subscribe to our Newsletter
DE 
EN 
DK 
NL 
FI 
FR 
IT 
PT 
ES 
SE 