23 March 2021
There's a ban on overseas travel from Australia. You can’t leave Australia unless you have an exemption from the Department of Home Affairs, or are travelling to a destination that is exempt from the ban.
Our global travel advice remains at 'Do not travel' due to the health risks from the COVID-19 pandemic and the significant disruptions to global travel. Some destinations were already set at Do Not Travel prior to COVID-19 due to the extreme risk to your safety.
If you’re overseas and wish to return to Australia, be prepared for delays and read our advice on trying to get home.
When you arrive in Australia you must quarantine for 14 days at designated facilities in your port of arrival, unless you have an exemption or are travelling on a quarantine-free flight from a green zone destination. At this time, vaccination against COVID-19 does not change this quarantine requirement. You may be required to pay for the costs of your quarantine. View State and Territory Government COVID-19 information for information about quarantine and domestic borders.
If you're staying overseas, make plans to stay for an extended period. Follow the advice of local authorities and minimise your risk of exposure to COVID-19. Stay in touch with family and friends so they know you're safe.
Our network of embassies and consular posts around the world will provide you with up-to-date local advice and support throughout this difficult period. Be aware consular services may be limited due to local measures.
For the latest information, read and subscribe to our news and travel advice. Also see our COVID-19 information pages.
Call 123.
Call 123 or go to the hospital.
Call 112 or go to the local police station.
Do not travel to Colombia.
Do not travel to Colombia due to the health risks from the COVID-19 pandemic and the significant disruptions to global travel.
Do not travel to areas within 20km of Venezuela and Ecuador, except the Pan American Highway crossing at Ipiales and the cities of Buenaventura and Tumaco.
Do not travel to:
due to terrorism and civil unrest.
See Safety
Full travel advice: Safety
Full travel advice: Health
Full travel advice: Local laws
Full travel advice: Travel
Full travel advice: Local contacts
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. People in taxis are a common target. Don't resist or you may be killed or injured.
Robberies and assaults take place after victims accept spiked food, drinks, cigarettes or chewing gum.
Thieves use drugs, such as scopolamine, either by aerosol spray or paper handouts. These drugs can cause serious medical problems, including loss of consciousness and memory loss. Hotspots include nightclubs, bars, restaurants, public buses and city streets.
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.
The most dangerous departments (provinces) include:
Risks are lower in these departments:
Drug-related criminal activity creates danger in:
In these areas, criminal groups attack, extort, kidnap, detonate car bombs and damage infrastructure.
To protect yourself from violent crime:
Always be alert to your own safety and security.
If you suspect criminals have drugged you or your fellow travellers, get urgent medical help.
Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and bag snatching, is also common. This occurs in major tourist areas, including at the airport in Bogotá and near hotels.
Organised criminals operate in urban areas, including Bogotá and Medellín.
Criminals pose as police officers, both in Bogotá and in popular tourist towns. People have reported harassment, theft and extortion.
Be alert on public transport. Don't leave your luggage unattended, in overhead bins or under the seat on buses.
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 Ejercito de Liberacion Nacional (ELN):
A temporary ceasefire between the Government of Colombia and the ELN ended on 9 January 2018. After this, the ELN resumed attacks against government and economic targets.
Explosions have occurred in Colombia, including in Bogotá.
Some recent attacks include:
Terrorists, criminals and armed gangs operate from small towns and rural areas. This creates danger for travellers. Armed gangs are called 'BACRIM' in Spanish.
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:
Colombia has one of the highest rates of kidnappings in the world.
Criminals sometimes kidnap and murder foreigners, including children. In recent years, criminals have kidnapped several Westerners.
Most kidnappings are for ransom. Groups such as the FARC dissident groups and the ELN in rural areas are involved in kidnapping.
If, despite the risks, you travel to an area where there's a threat of kidnapping:
The Australian Government's longstanding policy is that it doesn't make payments or concessions to kidnappers.
More information:
Demonstrations and protests take place regularly throughout Colombia, especially in large cities. Public protests and events that draw large groups of people can turn violent. Strikes are also common.
Protests and rallies may also occur during elections.
This 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.
To protect yourself during periods of unrest:
More information:
The government and the FARC struck a peace agreement in late 2016 after decades of armed conflict.
The peace agreement is Colombia-wide but some FARC elements haven't signed on.
Peace negotiations between the government and other rebel groups continue.
Some small factions may still attempt to disrupt the peace process. They target attacks on government buildings and security forces.
In some regions, the security situation could deteriorate rapidly.
The Venezuelan Government has closed its land border with Colombia until further notice.
Don't attempt to cross the Venezuela-Colombia border by land, even if it's open.
Colombia experiences natural disasters and severe weather, including:
Some volcanoes are active. Get advice on recent volcanic activity from local authorities if you plan to go hiking.
Colombia can experience tsunamis.
In the Indian and Pacific Oceans, large, destructive tsunamis happen more often. This is due to large earthquakes occurring along major tectonic plates and ocean trenches.
Many parts of Colombia experience heavy rainfall. Landslides, mudslides and flooding are common. This 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.
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. A ban on overseas travel from Australia remains in place. You can’t leave Australia unless you get an exemption from the Department of Home Affairs.
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 1000s 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. Consider whether you may be in a vulnerable category for COVID-19.
See your doctor or travel clinic to:
Do this at least 8 weeks before you leave.
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:
More information:
COVID-19 remains a risk in Colombia.
You can find updated information on the COVID-19 situation from the Colombian Ministry of Health (in Spanish), or contact your closest Colombian embassy or consulate.
The Australian Embassy in Bogota remains open. Consular services may be limited.
For information on Colombia's COVID−19 vaccination program, refer to the Ministry of Health and Social Protection website (Spanish). You should consult your local health professional for advice on vaccine options, including assistance that may be available locally. The Australian Government cannot provide advice on the safety, quality and efficacy of vaccines that have been approved for use outside of Australia's regulatory process.
More information:
Yellow fever is widespread in Colombia. Yellow fever is a potentially fatal virus spread by mosquitoes. It's prevented by vaccination. Get vaccinated before you travel.
You'll need a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate to enter Colombia. Some airlines may want to see one when you leave.
Find out about returning to Australia after exposure to yellow fever.
Zika virus is widespread. If you're pregnant, the Australian Department of Health 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 risk of infection.
Waterborne, foodborne and other infectious diseases are common, including:
Serious outbreaks sometimes occur.
To protect yourself from illness:
If you're bitten or scratched by an animal, get medical help straight away.
Get medical help if you have a fever or diarrhea.
The standard of medical facilities in private hospitals in Bogotá and other major cities is reasonable.
Services outside major cities can be limited.
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.
There are 3 hyperbaric chambers:
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 US. 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.
Colombia has severe penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs. This includes long sentences in local jails.
More information:
It's illegal to take photos of military bases and strategic sites.
Surrogacy
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 time in Colombia before and after the birth.
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 expects 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 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:
Visa-free travel for short stays
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.
Immigration officers can refuse your entry, even if you meet the criteria for visa-free entry. They may ask you to show proof of return or onward travel.
For other situations, you'll need to get a visa before you travel.
Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. Contact an embassy or consulate of Colombia for details about visas, currency, customs and quarantine rules.
If you're travelling through the US, you must meet US 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 in Colombia and want to return to Australia, register your details with the Australian Embassy in Bogota.
The new variant of COVID-19 in the UK have led the Colombian Government to suspend all direct flights between Colombia and the UK until further notice.
Country-wide lockdown measures have been lifted. However city and district-specific measures may remain in place. Check carefully with local authorities to confirm.
International flight operations have restarted in Colombia. The flight frequency will increase gradually and the destinations will depend on airlines and receiving countries. If you have booked flights, contact your airline to confirm the status of your flight or to make alternative arrangements. If travelling back to Australia, please check for any restrictions in place in transit countries.
Foreign citizens are now allowed to enter the country. Before entering or exiting Colombia, all travellers must complete an online form (Check-mig) on the border authorities website (Spanish). This form must be completed between 24 hours and 1 hour prior to the flight’s departure.
Domestic travel by ground transport is permitted. Domestic flights are permitted and are being reintroduced in phases.
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.
Staying in Colombia
The Colombian Government has relaxed some domestic COVID-19 measures, however some measures remain. Some cities and regions have introduced restrictions on movements. In some areas, there are restrictions to enter or open certain businesses. This may depend on certain digits of identification documents or weekday. Restrictions may be introduced at short notice. Please check with local authorities for specific measures.
Some cities have implemented ‘pico y cédula’, in which access to businesses is limited by the final digit of identification documents (passport or Colombian-issued ID). Those with identification documents ending in an even number can't access shops and certain other businesses on even-numbered days of the month. Access for people whose identification ends in an odd number can't access shops and certain other businesses on odd-numbered days of the month.
There are limits on the minimum physical distance allowed between people in public spaces. The use of face masks in public spaces is mandatory in most areas.
Check for local information about movement restrictions and follow the advice of local authorities.
The suspension of visa and entry permits during the lockdown measures has been lifted. If your visa or entry permit has expired and you plan to stay in Colombia, go to the Migracion Colombia website (Spanish) to ask for an extension or book an appointment.
Emergency services, hospitals and health clinics are operating.
You'll need a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate to enter Colombia. Some airlines may want to see one when you leave.
Find out about returning to Australia after exposure to yellow fever.
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.
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.
A child who is a Colombian citizen or resident travelling alone or with 1 parent must carry:
Both documents must be translated into Spanish and notarised 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 6 months.
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 must get an entry stamp in your passport if you enter by land. If you don't, Colombian officials could force you to go back to the border to get the stamp.
You can use emergency passports to enter, transit and exit Colombia. They must be valid for at least 6 months from when you enter.
The local currency is the Colombian Peso (COP).
Declare amounts over $US10,000 in local or foreign currency when you arrive. This covers all forms of currency, not only cash.
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. See Safety
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.
You're 3 times 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:
Not all areas with landmines are marked.
Illegal armed groups set up roadblocks. This happens in places including:
Many parts of Colombia experience heavy rainfall. Landslides and flooding are common and may affect travel.
Get advice on current road closures from the Colombian Highway Information line. Call 767.
To reduce your risks while travelling by road:
If you travel to Parque Nacional Tayrona, don't venture inland. Stick to beach areas and resorts.
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 dispatch service or taxi service app to book a licensed taxi. Ask for help from staff at hotels, hostels, restaurants or entertainment venues.
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.
Travel on river craft 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.
Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.
Contact your provider with any complaints about tourist services or products.
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 1) 657 8030
Website: colombia.embassy.gov.au (Spanish)
Facebook: Embajada de Australia en Colombia y Venezuela
Twitter: @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.