Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging with your doctors prescription. Unclean food and water can cause travelers' diarrhea and other diseases. Travelers must complete Migracin Colombias, within 72 hours of boarding an inbound or outbound flight from Colombia. Some of these vaccines include. Seeour webpagefor more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage. We have received reports of customs officials confiscating high-value jewelry that was not declared upon entry. There is no road crossing between Colombia and Panama. Many countries are reopening their borders for international travel. You can report the loss or theft on the Colombian National Policewebsite. If your doctor prescribed antimalarial medicine for your trip, keep taking the rest of your pills after you return home. Get any driving permits and insurance you may need. The dose does not count toward the routine 2-dose series. Considerations when choosing a drug for malaria prophylaxis, Chagas disease (American Trypanosomiasis), information page about avoiding bug bites, Association for International Road Travel, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases (NCEZID), Division of Global Migration and Quarantine (DGMQ), Obtencin de atencin mdica en el extranjero, Zika: A CDC Guide for Travelers infographic, Guidelines for US Citizens and Residents Living in Areas with Zika, Cholera Information for Health Care Professionals, Introduction to Travel Health & the CDC Yellow Book, Genomic Surveillance for SARS-CoV-2 Variants. Findcountry-specific informationabout malaria. Please seeYour COVID-19 Vaccinationfor more information. Domestic Violence: U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence are encouraged to contact the Embassy for assistance. Use the same common sense traveling overseas that you would at home, and always stay alert and aware of your surroundings. Tap water is safe to drink only in Bogot. Get an International Driving Permit (IDP). Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing. U.S. citizens are advised not to travel to the border of Colombia and Venezuela. U.S. citizens traveling overland must enter Colombia at anofficial border crossing. If you are planning to visit Colombia for any purpose, the check MIG form is one of the COVID 19 entry requirements to enter Colombia. The air quality varies considerably and fluctuates. Get advice from your doctor before you travel, particularly if you plan to carry out activities such as hiking in high-altitude areas. Approximate border lines for which there may not yet be full agreement are generally marked. Try to schedule flights during daylight hours and in good weather. High-profile public events (sporting events, political rallies, demonstrations, holiday events, celebratory gatherings, etc.). Large public demonstrations can take place for a variety of political and economic issues. Cruise Ship Passengers: See our travel tips forCruise Ship Passengers. Individuals establishing a business or practicing a profession that requires additional permits or licensing should seek information from the competent local authorities prior to practicing or operating a business. Review the. People at the greatest risk from particle pollution exposure include: People with lung disease such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema. In February 2022 the ELN carried out a three-day armed strike throughout various Colombian departments, committing terrorist attacks against government forces and civilians. U.S. citizens attempting to enter Venezuela without a visa have been charged with terrorism and other serious crimes and detained for long periods. It is a serious criminal offence to have sex with a minor (under 18 years old). As of December 14, 2021, proof of being fully vaccinated is required for entry. SeeourLGBTQI+ Travel Informationpage and section 6 of ourHuman Rights reportfor further details. Risks to travelers while intoxicated include robbery, assault, illness, or death, often at great distances from reliable medical facilities. U.S. citizens attempting to enter Venezuela without a visa have been charged with terrorism and other serious crimes and detained for long periods. No quarantine is . Yellow fever vaccination is required for travelers coming from certain countries or visiting certain national parks. Organized criminal activities, such as extortion, robbery, and kidnapping, are common in some areas. Any traveler entering with a Colombian visa of any type (as opposed to visa-free entry described above) with more than three months validity must register the visa at a Migracin Colombia office or online within 15 days of arrival in Colombia or face fines. Consider learning basic first aid and CPR before travel. Malaria is always a serious disease and may be a deadly illness. If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock ( Lock A locked padlock ) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. Telephone: +(57) (601) 275-2000 Non-U.S. Citizen, Non-U.S. As of May 1, 2022, visitors to Colombia ages 18 or older must provide proof of complete vaccination for entry or a negative COVID test (48 hours in advance of travel for an antigen test or 72 hours in advance of travel for a PCR test). Buy Covid Travel Insurance If you need to go back and make any changes, you can always do so by going to our Privacy Policy page. Many insurance companies will only compensate loss from theft if you can provide a police report. Travelers must still complete Migracion Colombias online Check-Mig form. Colombia's Ministry of Health announced, effective December 14, 2021, new entry requirements for all travelers 18 years and older arriving to Colombia by air. See our information page about avoiding bug bites for some easy tips to avoid them. The Colombia-Venezuela border region is currently volatile. There have been outbreaks of Zika Virus (a dengue-like mosquito-borne disease) in Central and South America and the Caribbean. Authorities have indicated that an eruption is likely in the coming days or weeks. Talk with your doctor about taking prescription or over-the-counter drugs with you on your trip in case you get sick. Colombias land border areas are off-limits to U.S. government personnel unless specifically authorized. Talk to your doctor about which items are most important for you. Your legal options in cases of malpractice are very limited in Colombia. Official websites use .gov A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. Plan for how you will get health care during your trip, should the need arise: Many foreign hospitals and clinics are accredited by the Joint Commission International. Colombia is affected by landmines and unexploded ordnance. Frequently, their aim is focused on unprotected or vulnerable targets, such as: In Colombia, the National Liberation Army (ELN), the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia - Peoples Army (FARC-EP), and Segunda Marquetalia terrorist organizations continue plotting and executing attacks. Terrorist groups are active in some parts. All arrivals should bring a PCR test but not mandatory quarantine is required. Credit card and ATM fraud occurs, as well as card overcharging, especially in popular tourist areas. An official website of the United States government. People claiming to be shamans or spiritual practitioners are neither licensed nor regulated. Visit theCDC Traveler Viewwebsite for vaccination information, and theColombia Ministry of Healthwebsite for Yellow Fever vaccination requirements. Traffic Laws: Traffic laws are often ignored and rarely enforced, creating dangerous conditions for drivers and pedestrians. Be aware of current health issues in Colombia. Check with your air carriers or travel representative prior to departure for the United States. Venezuelan Border:The U.S. Department of State has categorized Venezuela as Level 4: Do Not Travel due tocrime, civil unrest, poor health infrastructure, kidnapping,and thearrest and detention of U.S. citizens without due process or fair trial guarantees. Please see Fact Sheet for this country/area. Volcanic ash may cause disruptions to flight availability and airport operations. For further details about general entry requirements, including COVID-19 vaccination requirements, visit U.S. Embassy Bogotas page here. This system is checked regularly and a member of Embassy staff will contact you as soon as possible. In many cities and municipalities, the wearing of facemasks is no longer mandatory in certain indoor and outdoor spaces. Do not drive after drinking alcohol or ride with someone who has been drinking. Where possible, plan how you will travel to and from your destination. Many cities in Colombia, such as Bogota, are at high altitude. Luggage is sometimes damaged during screening procedures. Do not wear expensive clothing or jewelry. Before you travel, you should make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation. Further information may be found on theFAAs safety assessment page. Mask Recommendation Disabling Drugs: We receive regular reports of criminals using drugs to temporarily incapacitate unsuspecting victims and then rob or assault them. Be especially careful during summer months and at high elevation. Location: Colombia . Common scams include: Victims of Crime: U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault are encouraged to contact the U.S. Embassy for assistance. Entry and exit requirements are subject to change. Nationwide protests in 2021 resulted in fatalities and injuries. Arauca, Cauca, and Norte de Santander Departments Level 4: Do Not Travel. Follow your doctors instructions for taking the pills; some need to be started before you leave. April 2023 Colombian authorities are monitoring the Nevado del Ruiz volcano, located between the boundaries of Caldas and Tolima, which has been showing signs of increased seismic activity since March 24, 2023. CDC is not responsible for Section 508 compliance (accessibility) on other federal or private website. Don't handle drugs in Colombia. From pregnant woman to her baby, contaminated blood products (transfusions), or contaminated food or drink. U.S. entry requirements A pre-departure COVID-19 test is no longer required for travelers entering the U.S. All travelers must also provide their contact information within 72 hours of departure, and foreign nationals must sign an attestation that they meet U.S. entry requirements and are vaccinated. To cross by land between Colombia and Ecuador, you should only use the crossing on the Pan-American Highway, at Ipiales. Follow all local laws and social customs. Talk to your doctor about which malaria medication you should take. Resolution 692 states that international travelers entering Colombia must present proof of completion of a COVID-19 vaccination scheme or either a negative antigen test taken within 48 hours prior to the originally scheduled time of embarkment or a PCR test taken within 72 hours prior to the originally scheduled time of embarkment. Be aware that any person born in Colombia or of Colombian parentage may be considered a Colombian citizen, even if never documented as such. All U.S. citizens who do not also hold Colombian citizenship must present a valid U.S. passport to enter and leave Colombia. Check the vaccines and medicines list and visit your doctor at least a month before your trip to get vaccines or medicines you may need. For more information see Requirement for Proof of COVID-19 Vaccination for Air Passengers. Emergency after-hours telephone: +(57) (601) 275-4021 The threat comes from the National Liberation Army (ELN), dissidents from the demobilised FARC guerrilla group (Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia), and other illegal armed groups. All citizens should consultthe Colombian Ministry of Healthand/or consult their local Colombian Embassy for up-to-date information on updates in entry requirements. Unvaccinated visitors from the United States can enter Colombia without restrictions. Violent crime, including armed robbery and homicide, is widespread. Telephone: +(57) 605-353-2001 and +(57) 605-369-0149 If you are planning to drive in Colombia, you should be extremely careful. Check for lifejackets and safety equipment before boarding a tourist vessel. Colombia is in an active seismic zone, which can prove dangerous. For more information, see Requirement for Proof of COVID-19 Vaccination for Air Passengers. VACCINATIONS: It is still required in elderly homes, hospitals, public transport and indoor spaces at educational facilities. On the night of April 20, President Duque . Travel during daylight hours only, especially in rural areas. If you wake in a room with a bat, seek medical care immediately. No, you don't. COVID vaccine or vaccination certificates are not required to enter Colombia. Foreign residents registered under Colombias health care system can receive a vaccine when eligible. U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Food and Drug Administration are responsible for rules governing the transport of medication back to the United States. Sign language interpreters or personal assistants are available for hire. There is a risk of kidnapping from both terrorist and criminal groups. We do not endorse or recommend any specific medical provider or clinic. Links to external websites are provided as a convenience and should not be construed as an endorsement by the U.S. Department of State of the views or products contained therein. For more information, see the Venezuela Travel Advisory. Your passport should be valid for a minimum period of six months from the date of entry into Colombia. Leave a copy of your itinerary, contact information, credit cards, and passport with someone at home. All eligible travelers should be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines. You should regularly reassess your security arrangements and consider carefully any travel around the country. Police can take areportof acrimefrom you in person in any local police station known as CAI (Centro de Atencion Inmediata). Anyone interested in traveling for medical purposes should consult with their local physician before traveling and visit the. Furthermore, some laws are also prosecutable in the United States, regardless of local law. Colombias land border areas are off-limits to U.S. government personnel unless specifically authorized. If you receive medical or dental care, make sure the equipment is disinfected or sanitized. Pack as light as possible, and leave at home any item you could not replace. Stay and sleep in air-conditioned or screened rooms.