Travelers with an incomplete scheme or who've just had their second dose in less than 14 days prior to the arrival to the country, must also show a negative PCR Test. HIV/AIDS: Travelers should bring medication sufficient for their entire stay. Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas. Traveling pets should be supervised closely and not allowed to come in contact with local animals. Hospitals and doctors often require payment upfront prior to service or admission. Driving and road standards are variable. Most airport inspectors do not speak English. Arauca, Cauca, and Norte de Santander Departments Level 4: Do Not Travel. Before you travel, check the 'Entry requirements' section for Colombia's current entry restrictions and requirements. SeeourLGBTQI+ Travel Informationpage and section 6 of ourHuman Rights reportfor further details. Visit the Ministry for Health and Public Safety website for a list of required childhood vaccinations. COVID-19 Health Update and Quarantine Restrictions: According to the Colombian Ministry of Health, there are 3,977 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Colombia as of April 20. Entry and exit requirements are subject to change. Try to avoid contact with people who are sick. You are about to leave travel.state.gov for an external website that is not maintained by the U.S. Department of State. In many parts of Colombia, violence against trans people exceeds levels of violence against any other members of the LGBTQI+ community. You can contact the emergency services in Colombia by dialling 123. You must pay for your own test. If you stop taking your medicine too soon, you could still get sick. International travelers must possess a valid passport to enter Colombia. If you are planning to drive in Colombia, you should be extremely careful. You should not use any of the Colombia-Venezuela land crossings. You should check any exclusions and, in particular, that your policy covers you for the activities you want to undertake. You can review and change the way we collect information below. Do not drive after drinking alcohol or ride with someone who has been drinking. Avoid scratching bug bites, and apply hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion to reduce the itching. Findcountry-specific informationabout malaria. If approached, you should avoid handing over money or documents, unless threatened, and try to stay in busy areas. Please seeYour COVID-19 Vaccinationfor more information. Further information is provided in the Natural Disasters and Climate tab. Avoid leaving food or drinks unattended at a bar or restaurant, and refuse offers of something to eat or drink from a stranger. U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, Campers, adventure travelers, or cave explorers (spelunkers), Veterinarians, animal handlers, field biologists, or laboratory workers handling animal specimens, Touching urine or other body fluids from an animal infected with leptospirosis, Swimming or wading in urine-contaminated fresh water, or contact with urine-contaminated mud, Drinking water or eating food contaminated with animal urine, Accidentally rub feces (poop) of the triatomine bug into the bug bite, other breaks in the skin, your eyes, or mouth. Check local media for updates and traffic advisories. Generally not recommended for travelers to the cities of Barranquilla, Cali, Cartagena, and Medelln (see Map 2-09). Check your entire body for ticks after outdoor activity. U.S. government employees must adhere to the noted restrictions: Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Colombia. Sign language interpreters or personal assistants are available for hire. 57-141, Suite 511 Untreated water can carry germs that make you sick. 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. Public Transportation: Do not hail taxis on the street. Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes. Colombia. Foreign residents registered under Colombias health care system can receive a vaccine when eligible. ATMs: Use ATMs inside shopping malls or other protected locations, which are safer from robbery than ATMs on the street. You will face a fine if you remain in Colombia longer than allowed, and you may not be able to leave Colombia until the fine is paid. U.S. citizens are at risk of detention when crossing into Venezuela from Colombia. Artifacts: Colombian law forbids the export of pre-Columbian objects and other artifacts protected by cultural patrimony statutes. U.S. citizens attempting to enter Venezuela without a visa have been charged with terrorism and other serious crimes and detained for long periods. Travelers are occasionally questioned, searched, fingerprinted, and/or asked to submit to an abdominal X-ray upon arrival or departure. Most animals avoid people, but they may attack if they feel threatened, are protecting their young or territory, or if they are injured or ill. Mailing address: Carrera 45 No. If you plan to undergo surgery in Colombia, make sure that emergency medical facilities are available, and that professionals are accredited and qualified. Entry Open for vaccinated visitors COVID-19 testing Not required Quarantine Not required for vaccinated visitors Restaurants Open Bars Masks Recommended in enclosed environments and public transportation. Talk to your doctor about which items are most important for you. A high level of caution should be exercised against street crime in major cities such as Bogot, Medelln and Cali. 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. 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. Leptospirosis, a bacterial infection that can be spread in fresh water, is found in Colombia. Tourist Vessels: Small tourist boats sometimes sink off the northern coast between Cartagena and the nearby islands, particularly in the months of December and January when seas are rough. Unvaccinated travelers who are over 40 years old, immunocompromised, or have chronic medical conditions planning to depart to a risk area in less than 2 weeks should get the initial dose of vaccine and at the same appointment receive immune globulin. Bugs (like mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas) can spread a number of diseases in Colombia. Pharmaceuticals, both over the counter and requiring prescription in the United States, are often readily available for purchase with little controls. Most countries worldwide present a risk of exposure to COVID-19. The Colombia-Venezuela border is not clearly marked, and U.S. citizens should not go near the border due to the risk of crossing into Venezuela accidentally. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance. To receive email updates about this page, enter your email address: We take your privacy seriously. Swim only in designated swimming areas. For more information, see Requirement for Proof of COVID-19 Vaccination for Air Passengers. Recommended for all travelers 9 months of age except as mentioned below. Event: New Vaccination/Testing Requirements to Enter Colombia. Petty theft, such as pick-pocketing and bag-snatching, is relatively common in Colombia, including at the airport in Bogot, on public transport, and near hotels. Are there COVID-related entry requirements for U.S. citizens? Large public demonstrations can take place for a variety of political and economic issues. Fully vaccinated visitors from the United States can enter Colombia without restrictions. Research your destination(s), including local laws, customs, and culture. Demonstrations can shutdown roads and major highways, often without prior notice or estimated reopening timelines. If you're traveling to Colombia, here are some Covid safety precautions to take. Starting November 30, it will also affect children over 12 years of age. Recommended Web Browsers: Microsoft Edge or Google Chrome. For examples, see our website oncrimes against minors abroadand theDepartment of Justicewebsite. Only limited exceptions apply. Colombia - Venezuela Border Level 4: Do Not Travel Medication purchased abroad must meet their requirements to be legally brought back into the United States. Use the Healthy Travel Packing List for Colombia for a list of health-related items to consider packing for your trip. Colombia - Venezuela Border Level 4: Do Not Travel Motor vehicle crashes are the #1 killer of healthy US citizens in foreign countries. Pack as light as possible, and leave at home any item you could not replace. The government recommends. Dont touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. Injured or seriously ill travelers may prefer to take a taxi or private vehicle to the nearest major hospital rather than wait for an ambulance. Learn about the U.S. relationship to countries around the world. PASSPORT VALIDITY: Six months' validity is strongly recommended. If you're not fully vaccinated, you must present a negative COVID-19 (PCR) test result taken no more than 72 hours before your departure, or a COVID-19 (RAT) test taken no more than 48 hours before your departure. Patients bear all costs for transfer to or between hospitals. U.S. government employees may not hail street taxis or use public transportation in Colombia because of security concerns. This rule is strictly enforced and moving a vehicle or leaving the scene of an accident may constitute an admission of guilt under Colombian law. Be aware of the symptoms of altitude sickness and take precautions before you travel. Depending on the medicine you take, you will need to start taking this medicine multiple days before your trip, as well as during and after your trip. Travelers to the Americas can protect themselves by preventing mosquito bites. We strongly recommendsupplemental insuranceto cover medical evacuation. Be aware that U.S. Medicare/Medicaid does not apply overseas. If you are outside for many hours in heat, eat salty snacks and drink water to stay hydrated and replace salt lost through sweating. Psychological and psychiatric services are limited, even in the larger cities, with hospital-based care only available through government institutions. They may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, local government facilities, police stations, military facilities, hotels, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, parks, major sporting and cultural events, educational institutions, airports, and other public areas. Colombias land border areas are off-limits to U.S. government personnel unless specifically authorized. International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act (, Arauca, Cauca (excluding Popayn), and Norte de Santander departments due to, The Colombia-Venezuela border region due to. As of December 14, 2021, proof of being fully vaccinated is required for entry. We receive occasional reports of U.S. citizens suffering these consequences. Learn about country-specific entry requirements such as the border status, COVID-19 testing requirements, and quarantine requirements. Travelers are considered fully vaccinated if all doses of a vaccine against SARS-Cov-2 have been administered at least two . Highways are often unmarked and unlit, and do not have signs indicating destinations. Accepted vaccines are those authorized by WHO. Students: See ourStudents Abroadpage andFBI travel tips. Travel Requirements for Non-U.S. Citizen, Non-U.S. As of this past weekend tourists are able to enter Colombia provided they bring proof of a negative test. If you are allowing your passport to be photocopied, keep it in your sight at all times. Demonstrations can shutdown roads and major highways, often without prior notice or estimated reopening timelines. Check your passport and travel documents before you travel. Colombian law prohibits tourists and business travelers from bringing firearms and ammunition into Colombia. As a result, surrogacy agreements between foreign or same sex intending parents and gestational mothers may not be enforced by Colombian courts. U.S. government employees may not use motorcycles. You will be subject to the destination website's privacy policy when you follow the link. Colombian law also restricts the importation of plants and animals (or products made from either). Use the map below to quickly check the entry requirements for places you want to visit. See theU.S. Department of Justice websitefor more information. From pregnant woman to her baby, contaminated blood products (transfusions), or contaminated food or drink. Get any driving permits and insurance you may need. Medical Insurance: Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas. Road closures may significantly reduce access to public transportation and may disrupt travel both within and between cities. Consider purchasing travel health and medical evacuation insurance. These cookies may also be used for advertising purposes by these third parties. Cookies used to make website functionality more relevant to you. If you already had COVID-19 within the past 90 days, see specific testing recommendations. leave your mobile phone number, or the phone number of the hotel/hostel where you are staying). All U.S. citizens who do not also hold Colombian citizenship must present a valid U.S. passport to enter and leave Colombia. Entry requirements: negative test taken within 96 hours. Animal bites and scratches can lead to serious diseases such as rabies. For emergency services in Colombia, dial 123 from any mobile phone or land line. Family members must often support the offender until the parole period expires. Before your 90-day stay expires, you may request an extension of up to 90 additional days from the Colombian immigration authority (Migracin Colombia). No quarantine is . Don't handle drugs in Colombia. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing. The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens as U.S. government-personnel travel to these areas is severely restricted due to security concerns. Vaccines cannot protect you from many diseases in Colombia, so your behaviors are important. Criminal gangs are active in all of the Departments where coca is cultivated, processed or transported, as well as in many cities. In larger cities, private clinics usually provide good quality care, whereas public health facilities and those in smaller cities may be of poorer quality. 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. If you're travelling to or living in Colombia, make sure you know what to do in the event of an earthquake. Required if arriving from Angola, Brazil, Democratic Republic of the Congo, or Uganda and 1 year of age and for travelers who have transited >12 hours in an airport located in any of these same countries. There have been outbreaks of Zika Virus (a dengue-like mosquito-borne disease) in Central and South America and the Caribbean. Follow all local laws and social customs. Travelers must still complete Migracion Colombias online Check-Mig form. Colombia requires physical proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 96 hours before departure. Travellers to many parts of Colombia, including Bogot, are at risk of developing altitude sickness. In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is typically available only in or near major cities. Telephone: +(57) (601) 275-2000 No, Are PCR and/or antigen tests available for U.S. citizens in Colombia? 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. Scammers almost always pose as U.S. citizens who have no one else to turn to for help. Colombia is in an active seismic zone, which can prove dangerous. Talk to your doctor about which malaria medication you should take. Violent crime, including armed robbery and homicide, is widespread. VACCINATIONS: Domestic Violence: U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence are encouraged to contact the Embassy for assistance. Be aware of current health issues in Colombia. Homosexuality is legal but not widely accepted, especially in rural areas. For more information, see the Colombian governments, National Strategic Plan for COVID-19 Vaccines, , for COVID-19 Vaccines, which includes a phased rollout plan. They help us to know which pages are the most and least popular and see how visitors move around the site. Many countries are reopening their borders for international travel. Avoid riding on motorcycles or motorbikes, especially motorbike taxis. Assist you in reporting a crime to the police. If you wish to remain on travel.state.gov, click the "cancel" message. Consider the impact smog and heavy particulate pollution may have on you and consult your doctor before traveling if necessary. 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. Criminals won't hesitate to use weapons on victims who refuse to co-operate. Colombian law may require that released offenders serve a lengthy period of parole in-country, during which the offender is given no housing and may lack permission to work. Taxis: U.S. government employees are prohibited from hailing taxis on the street due to the risk of assault or robbery. For a full summary of Covid-19 statistics and regulations by country, and to compare destinations around the world, visit our interactive Covid-19 travel planner. Test results will often be sent by email or text message. Stay alert to changing weather conditions and adjust your plans if conditions become unsafe. Maritime Travel: Mariners planning travel to Colombia should also check for U.S. maritimeadvisoriesandalerts. Carry the IDP and a US-issued driver's license at all times. Posing as U.S. government officials soliciting payment for services. All eligible travelers should be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines. Such certificates are also mandatory to enter certain high-risk regions and national parks. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock ( Lock A locked padlock ) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. Results will be checked by the airline before boarding in the U.S. and by customs upon. Some areas have increased risk. Although Colombia has many elective/cosmetic surgery facilities that are on par with those found in the United States, the quality of care varies widely. We strongly advise against hailing taxis from the street. Fruits and vegetables you have washed in clean water or peeled yourself, Unwashed or unpeeled raw fruits and vegetables, Bushmeat (monkeys, bats, or other wild game), Ice made with bottled or disinfected water, Drinks made with tap or well water (such as reconstituted juice). Furthermore, some laws are also prosecutable in the United States, regardless of local law. Consider hiring a licensed, trained driver familiar with the area. Immigrants You must be fully vaccinated with the primary series of an accepted COVID-19 vaccine to travel to the United States by plane. If you want to drive: Drug trafficking is a serious crime in Colombia and drug smugglers face severe penalties, usually receiving long terms of imprisonment. U.S. citizens are at risk of detention when crossing into Venezuela from Colombia. Mountain roads may lack safety features such as crash barriers or guard rails, and conditions are frequently made more treacherous by heavy fog. Be sure to. If you are travelling in the affected areas: Monitor local media for the latest updates Remain vigilant and follow the advice of local security authorities and/or your tour operator Be prepared to modify your travel arrangements or even evacuate the area on short notice Wear a mask in areas that are affected by volcanic ash Notify family and friends of your whereabouts Register with the Department of Foreign Affairshere. Authorities have indicated that an eruption is likely in the coming days or weeks. Check passport expiration dates carefully for all travelers! Country Summary: Violent crime, such as homicide, assault, and armed robbery, is widespread. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. Hazardous areas/activities are not always identified with appropriate signage, and staff may not be trained or certified either by the host government or by recognized authorities in the field. Since children are more likely to be bitten or scratched by a dog or other animals, consider rabies vaccination for children traveling to Colombia. The use of drugs by criminals in Colombia to subdue their victims is relatively frequent. Visit theMinistry of Commerce, Industry, and Tourismwebsite for the most current visa information. It is against the law to talk on a cellular phone while driving. 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. If you are in need of such assistance, you should dial (1) 657 6060 (from a Colombian landline), 601 657 6060 (from a Colombian mobile number), or +57 1 657 6060 (from an Irish phone number) and leave a message on the system. Help you find accommodation and arrange flights home. Counterfeit and Pirated Goods: Although counterfeit and pirated goods are prevalent in many countries, they may still be illegal according to local laws. The risk is particularly significant in rural areas near the borders with Panama, Venezuela and Ecuador; in the Parque Nacional Natural de La Macarena in the Department of Meta; and the port towns of Buenaventura in the Department of Valle de Cauca, Turbo in the Department of Antioquia and Tumaco in the Department of Nario. Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Terrorist groups are active in some parts. The Colombia-Venezuela border is not clearly marked, and U.S. citizens should not go near the border due to the risk of crossing into Venezuela accidentally and being detained for illegal entry. They may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, local government facilities, police stations, military facilities, hotels, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, parks, major sporting and cultural events, educational institutions, airports, and other public areas. TOURIST VISA REQUIRED: Not required for stays 90 days or less. In the countryside, livestock is often herded along roads or left to graze on roadsides. Not recommended for travelers whose itineraries are limited to all areas >2,300 m (7,546 ft) in elevation, the department of San Andrs y Providencia, and the capital city of Bogot. Choose newer vehiclesthey may have more safety features, such as airbags, and be more reliable. Avoid swimming in fresh, unchlorinated water, such as lakes, ponds, or rivers. High-profile public events (sporting events, political rallies, demonstrations, holiday events, celebratory gatherings, etc.). COVID requirements Feb 6, 2023, 3:09 PM Save My understanding is that I need to provide proof of NEGATIVE Test or VACCINATION on the MIG form to enter Colombia before boarding overseas flight going to Colombia. To prevent infections, wear shoes on beaches where there may be animal waste. For our latest on COVID19, please click here. Emergency after-hours telephone: +(57) (601) 275-2000 and press 0 Only use pre-booked taxis. Are vaccines available in Colombia for U.S. citizens to receive? When exiting the country, a certified copy of the childs birth certificate, along with a written, signed, and notarized authorization from the absent parent(s) or legal guardian must be presented. Although bed bugs do not carry disease, they are an annoyance. Medical staff may speak little or no English. If you do not, you may be fined or jailed. Ceremonies involve consuming substances that are not regulated and can cause medical complications and severely impair cognitive and physical abilities. Spiritual cleansing and ayahuasca ceremonies, offered by shamans and other individuals, have led to serious illness, injury, assault and even death. If the normal forms website is down travelers can find a contingency website, Is a negative COVID-19 test (PCR and/or serology) required for entry? Guadeloupe, Martinique, Saint Martin, and Saint Barthlemy (French West Indies), North Korea (Democratic People's Republic of Korea). Vaccinations: Be up-to-date on allvaccinationsrecommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. First responders are generally unable to access areas outside of major cities or to provide urgent medical treatment. If you need help finding a travel medicine specialist, see Find a Clinic. While terrorists have not specifically targeted U.S. citizens, the attacks could result in unintended victims. Travel by road outside the major cities, including by public transport, is dangerous. If you wish to remain on travel.state.gov, click the "cancel" message. U.S. citizens are at risk of detention when crossing into Venezuela from Colombia.