Call 123.
Call 123 or go to the hospital.
Call 112 or go to the local police station.
Always get a police report when you report a crime. You can report any crime online or by calling +57 018 0009 197 48 or 122.
Exercise a high degree of caution in Colombia overall.
Exercise a high degree of caution in Colombia overall due to the threat of violent crime and terrorism.
Do not travel to areas within 20km of the Venezuela border, within 20km of the Ecuador border (except the Pan American Highway border crossing of Ipiales and the Santuario de las Lajas), the Catatumbo region in Norte de Santander and Cesar, the department of Cauca (except Popayán and the Pan American Highway), the cities of Buenaventura and Tumaco and the Darién Gap (except the town of Capurganá).
Do not travel to:
due to the high risk of terrorism, violent crime and criminal activity.
See 'Safety'
Reconsider your need to travel to Antioquia (except Medellin and its Valle de Aburrá metropolitan region; the south-eastern Oriente subregion; and the towns around Medellin of Santa Fé de Antioquia, Jericó and Jardín), Arauca, southern Bolivar, Caquetá (except Florencia), Casanare (except Yopal), the Sur subregion of Cesar, Chocó (except the towns of Bahía Solano, Capurganá, Nuquí and Quibdo), the Alto Sinú and San Jorge subregions of Córdoba, Guainía, Guaviare, Meta (except Villavicencio and the tourist site of La Macarena/Caño Cristales), Nariño (except Pasto, the border crossing of Ipiales and the Santuario de las Lajas), Norte de Santander, Putumayo, the San Jorge and La Mojana subregions of Sucre, Valle del Cauca (except Cali, Buga and Palmira) and Vichada.
Reconsider your need to travel to:
due to the high threat of terrorism and criminal activity.
See Safety
Full travel advice: Safety
Full travel advice: Health
Full travel advice: Local laws
Full travel advice: Travel
Full travel advice: Local contacts
The Colombian government has declared a state of emergency due to increased violence in the Catatumbo region, adjacent to the Venezuelan border in the departments of Norte de Santander and Cesar. There may be increased military presence and movement restrictions in the area.
Violent crime and gang activity is common.
'Express kidnapping' also occurs. Criminals abduct people and force them to withdraw funds from ATMs before releasing them. The victim may be held overnight so that a second withdrawal can be made the next day. There have been incidents where those who have resisted have been killed or injured. Hailing taxis on the street can make you vulnerable to this threat. Use a phone dispatch service or ride-share service app to book a licensed taxi. Ask for help from staff at hotels, restaurants or entertainment venues.
Hikers are sometimes robbed at gunpoint, including when hiking on trails in and around Bogotá. Reduce your risk by hiring a reputable, experienced tour guide.
Always be alert to your own safety and security. If you suspect criminals have drugged you or your fellow travellers, get urgent medical help.
Criminals target foreigners and tourists using popular dating applications and websites, particularly in larger cities such as Bogotá, Cali, Medellín and Cartagena.
If you travel to remote areas, travel with recognised tour operators and arrange for security throughout your visit. Look for up-to-date advice from the local authorities before each stage of your journey. Be aware that mobile and internet connections in rural areas are often limited.
The towns of Bahía Solano, Nuquí and Capurganá in Chocó are popular eco-tourism destinations. However, most of Chocó department is remote. Illegal armed groups are active and involved in the drug trade throughout the department, particularly near the border with Panama. If you travel to these towns, only do so by air and don't travel inland or along the coast out of town.
If you travel to Ciudad Perdida (The Lost City) in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, arrange an organised tour. If you travel to Parque Nacional Tayrona, don't venture inland. Stick to designated paths, beach areas and resorts.
The tourist site of Caño Cristales is in the department of Meta, in the Parque Nacional Natural de la Macarena. If you're travelling to Caño Cristales, only do so with a reputable tour company, and travel by air to and from the town of La Macarena.
If travelling in La Guajira, avoid the area close to the border with Venezuela. Be aware that medical services are limited. Hire the services of a reputable tour company. Be ready for high temperatures, scarce drinking water and food. Ensure you bring enough water and food.
When travelling to the archaeological park at San Agustin in the department of Huila, only enter and leave the park on the main road through Popayán or Neiva.
Drug-related criminal activity creates danger in places where cultivation, processing and transport occur. There's evidence of high levels of coca cultivation and related criminal activity in the following departments in Colombia:
It also creates increased danger in:
There's a risk to your safety in any area where coca, marijuana or opium poppies are cultivated and near cocaine processing labs. In these areas, criminal groups attack, extort, kidnap, detonate car bombs and damage infrastructure.
Don't take risks or make yourself a target for criminals. To protect yourself from violent crime:
Criminals in Colombia use drugs to subdue their victims, including foreign citizens. This includes using scopolamine or similar drugs to temporarily incapacitate the victim. Robberies and assaults occur after victims accept spiked food, drinks, cigarettes or chewing gum. Some victims have been killed. Criminals may also administer these drugs by aerosol spray or paper handouts. Many of these incidents have involved the use of online dating apps to lure victims.
These drugs can cause serious medical problems, including loss of consciousness and memory loss. Unsuspecting victims become disoriented quickly and are vulnerable to robbery, sexual assault and other crimes. Hotspots include nightclubs, bars, restaurants, public buses and city streets, where criminals usually target people who are alone. Exercise caution when being approached by a stranger and avoid meetings in isolated locations.
Drink spiking can happen anywhere. Be alert to the potential risks, and don't leave food or drinks unattended. Pay attention when your drinks are being mixed. Stick to reputable venues and avoid homemade alcoholic drinks due to the risk of methanol poisoning. Get urgent medical help if you suspect you’ve been a victim.
More information:
Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and bag snatching, is common, particularly in larger cities such as Bogotá , Cali, Medellín and Cartagena. This includes in major tourist areas, near hotels and at the airport in Bogotá. Don't carry large amounts of money or wear valuable watches or jewellery. Avoid using your mobile phone, cameras and other electronic equipment in the street. Avoid disadvantaged areas of the cities. Tourists have been robbed at gunpoint.
Organised criminals operate in urban areas, including Bogotá and Medellín.
Criminals pose as police officers in Bogotá and popular tourist towns to conduct scams (asking to verify documents or foreign currency). People have reported harassment, theft and extortion. If approached, ask to be escorted to the nearest CAI ('Centro de Atención Inmediata') – the local police station.
Ensure your personal belongings, including your passport and other travel documents, are always secure. Keep photocopies with you, as local authorities often conduct identity checks.
Be alert on public transport. Don't leave your luggage unattended, in overhead bins or under the seat on buses, as they could be stolen while you're not watching or asleep.
Card overcharging is common. Be careful in popular tourist areas, scammers target tourists by charging them elevated prices for services, food and drink. Ask for a printed price list before ordering and check for any unauthorised transactions on your account statements. Pay careful attention when your cards are being handled by others and cover the keypad with one hand when entering your PIN.
Smash-and-grab attacks are common. Thieves snatch items from cars stopped at traffic lights. Keep vehicle doors locked, windows up and valuables out of sight, even when moving. Be alert to threats, including when stopped in traffic.
Take only the cash you need for the day and don't carry unnecessary valuables.
Ayahuasca or yage tourism is a growing industry, especially in the jungle regions of Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru. Shamans perform psychedelic rituals of spiritual cleansing with this traditional plant. The individuals offering these rituals are not formally licensed or regulated.
Yage is not illegal in Colombia, but its consumption is not regulated, and its interaction with existing medical conditions is not well understood.
Most facilities lack basic first aid or emergency plans for people who suffer physical or mental health effects after ceremonies. Participants report symptoms from being more alert but lacking control to amnesia. Effects could also include severe vomiting and diarrhoea.
Ceremonies often occur in remote areas with no access to medical or mental health resources and limited communication with local authorities.
Some participants have also been assaulted and robbed.
If you decide to take part in ayahuasca tourism:
You may be at risk of cyber-based threats during overseas travel to any country. Digital identity theft is a growing concern. Your devices and personal data can be compromised, especially if you're connecting to Wi-Fi, using or connecting to shared or public computers, or to Bluetooth.
Social media can be risky in destinations where there are social or political tensions, or laws that may seem unreasonable by Australian standards. Travellers have been arrested for things they have said on social media. Don't comment on local or political events on your social media.
More information:
There have been multiple terrorist incidents in the departments of Cauca and Valle de Cauca, including the city of Cali. If there's an attack, leave the area as soon as it's safe. Avoid the affected area in case of further attacks.
Local authorities may impose additional security measures such as curfews. Follow the advice of local authorities and monitor the media for updates.
Terrorist attacks remain a significant threat, even though security has improved.
Attacks could occur anywhere and at any time in Colombia.
Possible targets include:
The most well-known terrorist groups, the dissident groups of the former Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) and the Ejército de Liberación Nacional (ELN) guerrillas:
The FARC handed in their weapons in June 2017 as part of a peace agreement with the government. However, dissident groups continue to operate.
The Colombian Government has announced an attempt to reach peace agreements and cease-fires with various armed groups. There has been an increase in terrorist attacks by the ELN and the Clan del Golfo. The ELN has organised attacks against government and economic targets and announced a number of national 'armed strikes'.
Cartels also operate, the most well-known being the Clan del Golfo.
These groups can cause the security situation to deteriorate rapidly in some regions.
Some recent attacks include:
Terrorists, criminals and armed gangs operate in small towns and rural areas, which can be dangerous for travellers. Armed gangs are called 'BACRIM' in Spanish.
There's a risk of antipersonnel landmines left by terrorist and criminal groups in rural areas. These may be found in unmarked areas, including near main roads in rural areas and villages. Avoid remote rural areas and use designated roads.
Violence due to the BACRIM has spilled over into major cities. These groups are involved in drugs, extortion, kidnapping and robbery.
To protect yourself from terrorism:
If there's an attack, leave the area as soon as it's safe. Avoid the affected area in case of secondary attacks.
More information:
Kidnapping occurs across the world with political, ideological, and criminal motives. Foreigners, including Australians, have been kidnapped overseas whilst travelling. Kidnaps can happen anywhere, anytime, including in destinations that are typically at lower risk.
Kidnapping occurs in Colombia. Criminals sometimes kidnap and murder foreigners. Most kidnappings are for ransom. Groups such as the FARC dissident groups and the ELN in rural areas are involved in kidnapping. Express kidnapping is also a problem in major urban areas, and virtual kidnappings have been reported.
Foreigners have been kidnapped and/or assaulted in Colombia by people they have met through online dating apps, with victims and their families extorted for large sums of money to secure their release. There have been instances where victims have been temporarily incapacitated by scopolamine or similar drugs. Use caution when meeting strangers, and meet only in public places, not isolated locations.
If, despite our advice, you travel to an area with a high risk of kidnapping, our ability to provide consular assistance will be limited.
You are responsible for your own safety. To reduce the risk of kidnapping:
You can find more information on how to reduce your risk of kidnapping here: Kidnapping.
The Australian Government's longstanding policy is that it doesn't make payments or concessions to kidnappers. Ransom payments to kidnappers have funded further terrorist attacks and criminal activity. Ransom payments to terrorist groups are likely to contravene Australian counter-terrorism financing laws.
More information:
Demonstrations and protests take place regularly throughout Colombia, especially in large cities. Protests and rallies may occur around elections or on commemorative days.
Public protests and events that draw large groups of people can turn violent. Strikes are common and can affect local transport and traffic. Protesters or criminal groups may set up roadblocks, especially in rural areas.
If you visit areas affected by strikes and roadblocks, you may be unable to leave for days or weeks.
Get advice on current road closures from the Colombian Highway Police information line. Call #767.
It's illegal to participate in local political activities, rallies or public demonstrations if you've entered Colombia for tourist purposes or on a visa. Political involvement may result in you being deported.
To protect yourself during periods of unrest:
More information:
Don't attempt to cross the Venezuela-Colombia border by land, even if it's open. Avoid travelling within 20 km of the Venezuelan border and the city of Cucuta.
Colombia experiences natural disasters and severe weather, including:
High temperatures may cause bushfires across Colombia. Bushfires can move rapidly and be unpredictable. They can also cause air pollution to reach levels that can pose a risk to your health, affect air traffic and road travel.
Volcanoes may be active. Get advice on recent volcanic activity from local authorities if you plan to go hiking. Check the updated bulletins on volcanic activity (Spanish).
There's a risk of earthquakes, especially in the Andean region. Updated information on earthquake activity can be found on the Colombia’s Geological Services website.
Colombia can experience tsunamis. Large and destructive tsunamis happen more often in the Pacific Ocean due to large earthquakes along major tectonic plates and ocean trenches.
Many parts of Colombia experience heavy rainfall. Landslides, mudslides and flooding are common and can affect travel to some parts of the country.
Monitor the news and ask for local advice before entering affected areas.
Coastal areas of Colombia can experience hurricanes. Hurricanes usually occur from mid-May to the end of November.
If a hurricane is approaching:
If there's a hurricane:
To stay safe:
Register with the Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System to receive alerts on major disasters.
Get comprehensive travel insurance before you leave.
Your policy needs to cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation. The Australian Government won't pay for these costs.
If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. This applies to everyone, no matter how healthy and fit you are.
If you're not insured, you may have to pay many thousands of dollars up-front for medical care.
Confirm:
Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition.
See your doctor or travel clinic to:
Do this at least 8 weeks before you leave.
If you have immediate concerns for your welfare, or the welfare of another Australian, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 or contact your nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate to discuss counselling hotlines and services available in your location.
More information:
Not all medication available over the counter or by prescription in Australia is available in other countries. Some may even be considered illegal or a controlled substance, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor.
If you plan to bring medication, check if it's legal in Colombia. Take enough legal medication for your trip.
Carry a copy of your prescription and a letter from your doctor stating:
You may find most medication in pharmacies in large cities, but medicine for complex treatments may be unavailable in rural areas and small towns. Pharmacies (called droguerías) require a prescription from a local doctor to acquire some medications. In larger cities most pharmacies have delivery services.
More information:
Yellow fever is widespread in Colombia. Yellow fever is a potentially fatal virus spread by mosquitoes. It can be prevented by vaccination. Get vaccinated before you travel. You'll need a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate to enter Colombia, if arriving from, or transiting through Angola, Brazil, Democratic Republic of Congo or Uganda. Some countries may require you to present a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you’ve travelled through Colombia. Some airlines may want to see one on departure.
Some National Parks require proof of yellow fever vaccination to enter. More information is available at Parques Naturales de Colombia.
If you are in Colombia, vaccination is available free of charge at El Dorado/Bogota Airport. You can also get a yellow fever vaccine at Red Cross offices, some of which are located in major shopping centres.
Find out about returning to Australia after exposure to yellow fever.
Zika virus is widespread. If you're pregnant, the Australian Department of Health and Aged Care advises you to discuss travel plans with your doctor. Consider deferring non-essential travel to affected areas.
Malaria is a risk in all areas below 800m, which excludes Bogotá.
Other insect-borne diseases that are a risk include:
To protect yourself from disease:
Get medical advice if you have a fever, muscle pain, rash or severe headache.
More information:
Many areas are above 2500m, including Bogotá (2640m).
You may suffer altitude sickness above 2500m, especially if you ascend quickly.
Altitude sickness can be life-threatening. It can affect anyone, even if you're physically fit.
You're at more risk of altitude sickness if you:
If you plan to travel to high-altitude areas, see your doctor before you go.
HIV/AIDS is a risk for travellers. Take precautions if you engage in activities that expose you to the risk of infection.
Foreign citizens have died or have been seriously injured when undergoing cosmetic or other elective surgeries using non-reputable providers. Use only reputable healthcare providers.
Waterborne, foodborne and other infectious diseases are common, including:
Severe outbreaks sometimes occur.
To protect yourself from illness:
If you're bitten or scratched by an animal, get medical help immediately.
Get medical help if you have a fever or diarrhoea.
The standard of medical facilities in private hospitals in Bogotá and other major cities is reasonable.
Services outside major cities can be limited.
Public medical facilities are generally poorly funded and equipped. They often lack adequate medical supplies. Ambulance services in remote areas are unreliable.
Treatment at private clinics and hospitals is expensive.
Doctors and hospitals expect cash payment or confirmation of travel insurance before treating you. This includes emergency care.
If you become seriously ill or injured, you may need to be evacuated to a place with better facilities. People are usually evacuated to the USA. Medical evacuation can be very expensive.
You're subject to all local laws and penalties, including those that may appear harsh by Australian standards. Research local laws before travelling.
If you're arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you under our Consular Services Charter. But we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.
You must carry photo ID in Colombia. If you don't want to carry your passport, a notarised copy of the photo and visa pages is acceptable. You can get this done at the Australian Embassy in Bogota.
Colombia has strong laws against child sex crimes. Authorities have arrested and prosecuted a number of foreigners for these offences. Offenders face long prison sentences and may face prosecution in Australia.
Colombia has severe penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs. This includes long sentences in local jails.
Colombian drug trafficking detection methods are sophisticated and anyone attempting to traffic drugs should expect to be arrested. Convicted offenders can expect long pre-trial detention and lengthy prison sentences under harsh conditions. Colombian law may require that released offenders serve a long parole period in Colombia.
Don’t get involved with illegal drugs.
Pack your own luggage, lock it and always keep it with you. Don’t carry items for other people.
More information:
It's illegal to take photos of military bases and strategic sites.
If you plan to take part in commercial surrogacy arrangements, be aware of all legal and other risks involved.
Although it is not illegal, surrogacy is not regulated by Colombian law. Get independent legal advice.
Research prospective clinics to ensure that you're dealing with a reputable organisation.
The Australian Embassy can't provide:
You may need to spend a significant amount of time in Colombia before and after the birth. The processes required to obtain Australian citizenship and an Australian passport may take up to 9 months. You need to be prepared to stay in Colombia during this time.
More information:
Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you're overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.
More information:
The Colombian Government requires Colombian citizens to enter and exit on a Colombian passport or other valid Colombian travel document. This includes dual nationals.
You could face delays at immigration, or not be allowed to leave the country, if you're a dual national but you don't have a Colombian travel document.
If you're a male dual national aged over 18 years, you may be required to complete national service if you visit Colombia.
More information:
Every country or territory decides who can enter or leave through its borders. For specific information about the evidence you'll need to enter a foreign destination, check with the nearest embassy, consulate or immigration department of the destination you're entering.
If you're visiting for tourism and plan to stay for 90 days or less, you generally won't need a visa to enter Colombia. You may need to show an onward or return ticket, or proof of sufficient funds.
Immigration officers can refuse your entry even if you meet the criteria for visa-free entry. You must present an onward or return ticket with a departure date that's within the 90-day period allowed for visitor entry into Colombia.
For other situations, you'll need to get a visa before you travel.
If you're issued with a Colombian visa with more than 90 days validity, you must register the visa at a Migración Colombia office or online within 15 days of arrival in Colombia. You'll face fines if you don't register the visa on time.
Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. Contact the closest embassy or consulate of Colombia for details about visas, currency, customs and quarantine rules.
You may be able to extend your stay once you are in Colombia by up to 120 days. As a visitor, you can't remain in Colombia for more than 180 days in a calendar year. Contact Migración Colombia (Spanish) for further information.
Don't overstay your visa, or you'll be fined or risk deportation at your own cost.
If you're travelling through the USA, you must meet USA entry or transit requirements.
Check your visa requirements with your nearest embassy or consulate of the United States before you travel.
More information:
If you’re travelling via Chile, ensure you meet all current entry or transit requirements.
More information:
All land, sea and river borders are open. Entry and exit restrictions at borders may change at short notice. If crossing borders, check with local migration authorities for current restrictions.
From 12 January 2024, when entering Ecuador via land borders you're required to present an apostilled police check covering the previous five years. The police check from Australia is obtained through the Australian Federal Police and can be apostilled in Australia or at an Australian Embassy when overseas.
We recommend you do not travel to border areas or cross some borders due to a high risk of terrorism and violent crime.
You must get an entry stamp in your passport if you enter by land. Failure to do so may result in a fine on departure. If the immigration office on the border is closed, seek help at the nearest office of Migración Colombia (Spanish).
Check your entry stamp carefully. Officials will fine you if you stay in the country longer than your entry stamp allows.
You need to pay an airport tax when you leave. This is usually included in your ticket price. Confirm with your airline or travel agent at the time of purchase.
If you’re travelling to the Archipelago of San Andres, Providencia or Santa Catalina you must purchase a tourist card from the airport you're travelling from. You can usually buy this at the boarding gate on the day of your flight. Tourists staying less than 24 hours on the islands, and children under 7 years, are exempt. Check with your airline to confirm the details prior to your travel.
A child under the age of 18 years who is a Colombian citizen, or resident travelling alone or with one parent must carry:
Both documents must be translated into Spanish and notarised by a local notary or by the Colombian Embassy or Consulate in Australia.
Contact the nearest embassy or consulate of Colombia well before you travel.
More information:
Some countries won't let you enter unless your passport is valid for 6 months after you plan to leave that country. This can apply even if you're just transiting or stopping over.
Some foreign governments and airlines apply the rule inconsistently. Travellers can receive conflicting advice from different sources.
You can end up stranded if your passport is not valid for more than six months after your departure date from Colombia.
The Australian Government does not set these rules. Check your passport's expiry date before you travel. If you're not sure it'll be valid for long enough, consider getting a new passport.
Your passport is a valuable document. It's attractive to people who may try to use your identity to commit crimes.
Some people may try to trick you into giving them your passport. Always keep it in a safe place.
If your passport is lost or stolen, tell the Australian Government as soon as possible:
You can use emergency passports to enter, transit and exit Colombia. They must be valid for at least six months from when you plan to leave. You must get an entry stamp in your passport if you enter by land. Failure to do so may result in a fine on departure. If the immigration office on the border is closed, seek help at the nearest office of Migración Colombia (Spanish).
Although Australian passports comply with international standards for sex and gender, we can’t guarantee that a passport showing 'X' in the sex field will be accepted for entry or transit by another country. Contact the nearest embassy, high commission or consulate of your destination before you arrive at the border to confirm if authorities will accept passports with 'X' gender markers.
More information:
The local currency is the Colombian Peso (COP).
You can enter or exit Colombia with up to US$10,000 in cash, or its equivalent in any currency. Anything in excess of this amount must be declared on arrival and may be confiscated.
You can change US dollars and euros in exchange bureaus and commercial banks.
Major hotels and tourist places accept international credit cards.
ATM and credit card facilities are more limited in rural areas. Contact your bank to make sure your cards will work in Colombia.
Credit card fraud and robbery at ATMs is common.
Transport and tour operators don't always follow safety and maintenance standards. This includes adventure activities, such as diving.
If you plan to do an adventure activity:
If proper safety equipment isn't available, use another provider.
To drive in Colombia, you need both:
You must get your IDP before leaving Australia.
Road conditions, including on major highways, can vary significantly in Colombia. You're more likely to be killed in a vehicle accident in Colombia than in Australia.
Hazards include:
Other risks when you travel by road, particularly in rural areas, include:
Major highways between large cities are of relatively good quality and suitable for land travel. This includes Ruta 25 (Barranquilla-Ipiales), Ruta del Sol (Bogotá -Santa Marta), and Ruta 45 (Bogotá-Medellín). Always exercise a high degree of caution when travelling by road.
Where major highways pass through a 'Reconsider your need to travel' or 'Do not travel' area, avoid detours off the major highway, never travel at night, and closely monitor local news and authorities for information on the highway conditions and incidents that may affect the route.
Get advice on current road closures from the Colombian Highway Information line. Call #767.
Do not cross between Panama and Colombia by land. It's impossible to drive between Colombia and Panama, as the Pan-American Highway has a break caused by a dense, mountainous jungle known as the Darién Gap. This area is dangerous, with a high risk of terrorism and violent crime. If you wish to take your vehicle to Panama, you must ship it from Cartagena to Colón, Panama.
When hiring a vehicle, do not hand over your passport as a form of security. Provide a photocopy instead. If you must have your original passport photocopied, keep it in your sight at all times.
Check that your insurance has proper coverage. Read the rental contract, including liabilities or waivers when vehicles are damaged.
Always park vehicles in guarded parking lots, and do not leave valuables or bags visible inside the car.
If you're involved in an accident, call #767 to get urgent assistance.
To reduce your risks while travelling by road:
More information:
Check if your travel insurance policy covers you when using a motorbike, quad bike or similar vehicle.
Always wear a helmet.
Criminals frequently rob taxi passengers. You're more at risk when travelling alone and hailing taxis from the street.
Use a phone or ride-share service app to book a licensed taxi. Ask for help from staff at hotels, hostels, restaurants or entertainment venues. Be careful and pay attention to suspicious behaviour, even when taking transport booked via apps. If possible, avoid taking taxis or ride-shares by yourself.
El Dorado International Airport in Bogotá only allows authorised taxis to pick up passengers at their terminals. Authorised taxi booths can be found at El Dorado and most airports in Colombia. Consult the airport's website for more information.
Pedestrians don't have the right of way, including at stop signs.
Public transport isn't always safe. Criminals frequently target buses.
Criminals acting as bus company staff tell people to put their personal belongings in the overhead bins. As soon as they're distracted, criminals steal their belongings. Many Australian travellers have been robbed like this.
To reduce your risks on public transport:
More information:
International cruise liners visit Cartagena, Santa Marta, San Andres Island and Buenaventura.
Be cautious when taking tourist boats directly from the northern Caribbean coast, particularly from Cartagena, San Andres or Santa Marta, and the nearby islands and beaches. Travel only in licensed boats and check for lifejackets and safety equipment.
Travelling by river is dangerous. Boats are often overloaded and lack lifesaving equipment.
Always wear a life jacket, even if others don't.
More information:
DFAT doesn't provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.
Check Colombia's air safety profile with the Aviation Safety Network.
More information:
Depending on what you need, contact your:
Call 123
Call 123 or go to the hospital.
Call 112 or go to the local police station.
Always get a police report when you report a crime. You can report any crime online or by calling +57 018 0009 197 48 or 122.
Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.
Read the Consular Services Charter for what the Australian Government can and can't do to help you overseas.
For consular assistance, contact the Australian Embassy in Bogotá. You can only visit the Embassy by appointment.
Edificio Tierra Firme
Avenida Carrera 9 No. 115-06
Oficina 2003
Bogotá, Colombia
Email: consular.bogota@dfat.gov.au
Phone: +57 601 657 8030
Website: colombia.embassy.gov.au
Facebook: Embajada de Australia en Colombia y Venezuela
X: @AusEmbCO
Instagram: @AusEmbCO
Check the Embassy website for details about opening hours and any temporary closures.
In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:
Be the first to know official government advice when travelling.