Travel Advisory for Colombia
Danger Levels
Danger Level:
• Arauca, Western Cauca, Western Nariño, Northern Norte de Santander
Level 3: Do not travel (Travel ban in effect) (Ongoing)
• Northern Arauca (border areas), Eastern Cauca, Eastern Nariño, Northern Antioquia, Cesar, Southern Norte de Santander, Chocó, Southern Bolívar, Southern Córdoba, Meta (except Ariari and Caño Cristales), Northern Boyacá, Valle del Cauca (except parts of Cali), Guaviare, Caquetá, Putumayo, La Guajira, Vichada, and Guainía (near the border with Venezuela)
Level 2: Avoid all non-essential travel (Ongoing)
• Meta (Ariari region)
Level 2: Avoid all non-essential travel (Advisory downgraded)
• Around Caño Cristales in Meta
Level 1: Exercise caution (Advisory downgraded)
• All other areas (excluding San Andrés and Providencia Islands)
Level 1: Exercise caution (Ongoing)
Key Points
• The Petro administration is attempting to negotiate peace with all illegal armed groups, but the security situation remains volatile due to conflicts among these groups and internal power struggles. Stay updated with the latest information, as even Level 1 areas pose risks of terrorism, kidnapping, and murder.
• The further you move away from urban areas, the weaker the influence of security forces becomes, increasing the risk of becoming involved in crime. Additionally, demonstrations and strikes often lead to roadblocks, and landslides frequently cause road closures. Avoid traveling overland through areas rated Level 2 or higher.
• The Ariari region in Meta has been raised to Level 2 due to confirmed activities of illegal armed groups and a high crime rate, similar to other regions within Meta (except for Caño Cristales).
• The Caño Cristales area in Meta has been downgraded to Level 1 due to focused and ongoing monitoring by security forces, resulting in no significant incidents involving foreign tourists over a long period. However, the entire Meta department remains at Level 2 due to ongoing activities by illegal armed groups. When visiting the area, avoid overland travel and consider using air transport.
1. Overview
(1) Despite the peace agreement with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) in 2016, illegal armed groups, including factions that did not participate in the agreement and the National Liberation Army (ELN), continue to operate, particularly in border and mountainous regions. Attacks on security forces have occurred, along with significant levels of drug-related crime. While the number of terrorist incidents decreased significantly in 2023 compared to the previous year, there has been an increase in kidnappings and street crime, often involving firearms or knives.
(2) The outcome of negotiations between the Petro administration and illegal armed groups remains uncertain. The groups involved in drug trafficking are engaged in internal conflicts over leadership, posing ongoing risks to security. Their activities are concentrated in areas near the Ecuador and Venezuela borders, where government control is weakest.
(3) Illegal armed groups finance their activities through extortion, kidnappings for ransom, drug production and trafficking, and illegal mining operations. The risk of crime increases in rural areas, where security forces have less influence. Small-scale bombings targeting police and military patrols also occur on major roads, making overland travel through areas rated Level 2 or higher inadvisable.
(4) The Petro administration, which took office in August 2022, has initiated peace negotiations with all illegal armed groups. While dialogue is ongoing, the potential for achieving lasting peace remains to be seen.
(5) Although the number of bombings in Colombia has been declining, attacks targeting security forces and infrastructure such as oil pipelines, power generation facilities, and bridges continue. Bombing methods include homemade explosives and remotely detonated bombs. A secondary explosion may target first responders, so do not approach bomb sites.
(6) There have been past incidents involving Japanese nationals, including kidnapping and murder. Short-term kidnappings, known as “paseo millonario,” have also increased, where criminals pose as taxi drivers and demand ransom from passengers and their families.
2. Regional Security Situation
(1) Arauca, Western Cauca (excluding Popayán and Plazas), Western Nariño (including San Giang and Terrenbi areas), Norte de Santander (Catatumbo region)
Level 3: Do not travel (Travel ban in effect) (Ongoing)
In these regions, illegal armed groups are responsible for numerous serious crimes, including murder, kidnapping, and attacks on security forces, particularly related to drug trafficking. Attacks on infrastructure and government forces continue, with significant quantities of weapons and explosives seized. The mountainous areas are known for coca and opium poppy cultivation, contributing to ongoing conflict.
Additionally, Arauca and the Catatumbo region of Norte de Santander serve as major cocaine export routes to Venezuela, where ELN and other illegal groups operate. Bomb attacks on security forces and infrastructure, along with internal conflicts, are prevalent.
The Nariño border region with Ecuador has seen activity from FARC factions, including the kidnapping and murder of five Ecuadorians since March 2018. Large-scale military operations are underway to address these threats, while illegal armed groups engage in internal power struggles over drug trafficking.
Therefore, travel to these areas is strongly discouraged.
(2) Northern Arauca (border areas), Eastern Cauca (Oriente, Machis, Bota Caucan, Popayán, and Plaza), Eastern Nariño (Centro, Guambijaco, Juanambu, La Cordillera, La Sabana, Los Abades, Occidente, Rio Mayo), Antioquia (excluding Suroccidente, Valle de Aburrá, and Oriente), Cesar, Norte de Santander (excluding Catatumbo), Chocó, Bolívar (excluding northern Córdoba), Alto Sinú and San Jorge in Córdoba, Meta (excluding Ariari and Caño Cristales), Gutiérrez in Boyacá, Valle del Cauca (excluding parts of Cali), Guaviare, Caquetá, Putumayo, La Guajira, Vichada, and Guainía (border regions with Venezuela)
Level 2: Avoid all non-essential travel (Ongoing)
In these areas, crimes related to drug trafficking and illegal mining persist, with ongoing activity by armed groups. Many regions are rural, where security forces have limited influence, contributing to instability.
The western part of Colombia, bordering Panama (Chocó) to eastern regions near Venezuela, serves as a drug transportation route, increasing the likelihood of becoming involved in illegal activities. There are also sporadic incidents of terrorism and kidnappings by groups like the ELN.
The border areas of La Guajira, Vichada, and Guainía have limited law enforcement presence. There are routes that allow illegal crossings between Venezuela and Colombia, heightening the risk of crime and the potential for rapid changes in the situation.
Recommendations:
• Travelers should avoid all non-essential travel to Level 2 and 3 areas. Stay updated with the latest news and security advisories.
• In any region, maintain heightened vigilance, especially in rural areas where law enforcement may be less present.
• Consider alternative transportation methods, such as air travel, to avoid overland routes in high-risk areas.
Comment