Is it dangerous to travel to Colombia? This is one of the questions that keeps cropping up regularly in the messages we receive here or on our social networks.
Even if the image of Colombia is beginning to change, even if more and more of us are showing a different face of the country, the question often comes up among those who want to travel to Colombia.
Is it dangerous to travel to Colombia? To answer this question, we’re going to give you some information on how to travel safely in Colombia, and let you read some recent testimonials from our community of travelers. People who have already traveled to Colombia and who share their experiences of safety in the country.
Disclaimer: we apologize in advance for any grammatical or syntactic errors, as our native language is not English (we're a Colombian-French couple), so we hope you'll forgive us and still enjoy the information we share with you! Please note that all the information on our blog is based on our own experience, and is checked and updated regularly.
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When people around you think it’s crazy to go to Colombia
Is it safe to travel to Colombia
Ingrid Bétancoourt, the Farcs, Pablo Escobar, cocaine, Narcos… the clichés and stereotypes about Colombia are unfortunately numerous. And you sometimes tell us about the reactions of your family and friends when you tell them you’re going to Colombia. “What? You’re going to Colombia! But it’s super dangerous!”
These reactions often come from people who don’t know Colombia at all, who only have an image of it through the few pieces of news that circulate in the media, and are most often sordid information. It’s rare to hear anything good happening in Colombia on TV, even if things are beginning to change.
If you’re here, it’s because you’re trying to reassure your loved ones or yourself.
So, in this post, we’re going to get away from the gossip, turn the clichés on their head and try to put things straight.
Let’s be clear: Colombia is not a rosy country. As far as safety is concerned, the figures show that Colombia is not England, Canada or Australia. It’s a good idea to be aware of this, without getting too psychotic and preventing yourself from traveling.
The purpose of this post is not to deny the dangers that exist in Colombia, nor to set aside the undeniable fact that every year more and more tourists travel to the country and take home the best memories. To find out more, read our post on safety in Colombia.
Listo? Listo.
Tips for safe travel in Colombia
Is it safe to travel to Colombia
There are a few things we think are important to consider before traveling to Colombia. By following some basic advice, you can travel stress-free and with confidence.
Adopt responsible behavior
It seems obvious, but perhaps not to everyone: when traveling, it’s important to avoid putting yourself in danger. Adopting a responsible attitude means giving yourself every chance of traveling safely in Colombia.
Although certain specific regions of the country are rightly not recommended, it is possible to travel in the vast majority of the country. Our travel blog and our travels bear witness to this. In our post on safety, we refer to the maps issued by the French and English governments, which provide a basis for interpreting and putting into perspective the situation in Colombia.
By informing yourself, knowing what you’re getting into, avoiding putting yourself in bad situations – in other words, by behaving responsibly – you’ll already be making life easier in Colombia.
We’ve been traveling in Colombia for 10 years and we’ve never felt in danger, but neither have we had the impression that we’ve put ourselves in dangerous situations.
Ask the locals
Don’t hesitate to ask the locals, who are the best people to give you safety advice.
If you have the slightest doubt, ask whether it’s possible to visit a particular area on your own, whether it’s possible to walk from point A to point B or whether it’s better to take a cab, whether a particular place has a good reputation, and so on. This information will help you adopt the best behavior.
Crime: changes since the pandemic
Since the pandemic, the authorities have reported an increase in crime in Colombia’s major cities. Vigilance is recommended in major cities. Here again, it is advisable not to believe that nothing can happen, without depriving oneself of going out and visiting the city.
General advice (especially in large cities):
- Avoid showing signs of wealth (jewelry, accessories, high tech, etc.).
- Order a cab to get around as soon as it gets dark
- Avoid walking alone at night in big cities.
- Avoid sensitive neighborhoods unless accompanied by a local or a guide (locals will be able to advise you).
- Avoid using street cash dispensers in large cities (prefer cash dispensers inside supermarkets or banks).
- Do not accept, buy or use drugs.
- Keep an eye on your belongings in general.
Use an agency to feel safe
There’s nothing wrong with wanting someone to accompany you on your trip to make you feel safer. It brings a peace of mind that’s completely understandable. If you have the means and feel this need, we recommend you use a local travel agency expert in tailoir-made trip in Colombia.
Is it safe to travel to Colombia?
travellers testimonials
We now continue this post by compiling a series of testimonials from people who have experienced travel in Colombia.
These testimonials should be taken for what they are: simply individual testimonials from people who have lived their own experience. Each testimonial is an individual experience, not an example to be followed.
These testimonials, which are positive on the whole, are definitely not a “passport to do anything you want”, quite the contrary. If you read them carefully, you’ll see that most have followed our recommendations for safe travel.
Testimonial from Mye
“A few years ago, 2 girls and I left for an unknown length of time! Confident, we were a little scared before departure thanks to those wonderful magic formulas you mention above! Well, we mustn’t blame those close to us who are worried… but still! The country is still little-known and it would be a real shame to limit it to that. What’s more, when you’re a couple of girls, people will naturally want to protect you (most of them, anyway). A couple of tips worth noting: if you’re going out at night, and leaving the well-lit centers, prefer cabs.
In some cities, it’s even advisable to call a cab beforehand, as it’s safer (as in Cali), while in Cartagena you can take one in the center. Then, avoid risky behavior (too much drunkenness, asking the locals for drugs… etc., as this is synonymous in Colombia with “dar la papaya”, basically looking to be robbed, etc.) Otherwise there’s only one thing to wish you: ENJOY IT!!!
It’s a varied country, the people are friendly and it’s generally cheap [don’t hesitate to support the locals, who really need it at this time of year]. The Caribbean is deadly, and Cartagena magnificent!”
Jean Sebastien Testimonial (2019 trip to Colombia)
“I went there at Christmas 2019 for 21 days with my family (my spouse and my 2 children aged 6 and 4) on a 2.000 km road trip and we had a lot of fun, the people were welcoming and we felt safe all the way. More so than in some other Central American countries.”
Testimonial from Didier
“Apart from the big cities and around the borders it’s a country where I felt safe with the kindness of the Colombians.”
Pascalito testimonial (2021 trip to in Colombia)
“I’ve just returned from 23 days in Colombia. No worries. Just avoid hanging out late at night and in certain neighborhoods like in most Latin American countries.”
Loulou Testimonial (travel in 2019)
“I left in December 2019 with a friend, we spent over a month and a half, a positive experience. No worries. The locals are great and I only have one wish: to go back there!”
Testimonial from Nataly
“I stayed in Colombia 4 months and traveled 1 month alone (then confined 3 months) and never felt Insecure. By respecting basic rules, not going out late at night, there are no worries. Colombians are welcoming, you just have to follow your intuition and trust your instincts. I was transported by scooter without ever or without any worries…. Enjoy this change of scenery for sure…”
Testimonial from Éliane (2019 in Colombia)
“We went in 2019 and it’s absolutely true that Colombians are warm and helpful: always ready to give you information. We liked the Caribbean coast less, but that’s because it’s seaside and the social differences are more marked there. Most of the negative comments come from people who have never been to Colombia. We’ve been twice and are ready to go again. Have a good trip.”
Testimony of Maïmé (travel in 2019)
“We went there in 2019 with my partner for 3 and a half weeks and many people were telling us the same thing that it was dangerous, but at no time did we feel in danger… good trip to you”
François Testimonial (Resident)
“I’ve been living in the village of San Agustin for 27 years, which I highly recommend. The towns are quite chaotic, so don’t stay long. What’s more, the beauty of the country lies in its countryside, beaches and forests. Don’t hesitate to ask for information. Have a good trip”
Testimony of Jeremy (2021 in Colombia)
“I’ve been there for two weeks now, and I’m staying in a youth hostel. Lots of girls travel alone here without any problems. You just have to take a few precautions, as you would in any big city! Don’t listen to people, they often talk nonsense, without really knowing what they’re talking about. Go for it, you’ll love it!”
Testimonial from Anne (travel in 2020)
“Hello, I did 1 month of travel in Colombia with a friend and then on my own at the beginning of 2020 and didn’t feel any danger! Obviously by being careful and also listening to the locals’ advice of places to avoid. The people are adorable and want to change the country’s image. But that was before covid.”
Eva’s testimony
“We went with 5 girls, we partied in Bogota, we traveled by bus, we loved this trip… The Colombians were top notch and so welcoming.”
Testimonial from Jonathan (2020 in Colombia)
“3 of us went last year. I’ve rarely seen people so warm and ready to help travelers and discover what is for me the most beautiful country in the world. Go for it!!!”
Testimonial from Sylvie
“Colombia, the big favorite of my trip to Latin America… I loved it and I was traveling alone. I felt safer in Medellín than in some european places. You shouldn’t listen to other people’s opinions; it’s other people’s LIVES, with their fears and experiences.”
Maryse testimonial
“I’ve been there 15 times and I’m going back soon for my goddaughter’s baptism.”
Testimonial from Milene
“3 weeks on my own, never feeling insecure. I go back to Paris, I get my gold chain pulled. Don’t listen to people who have never set foot in Colombia. Listen to the locals when they tell you to avoid walking alone at night (like in Medellín) or when they tell you that even at night it’s safe (Cartagena)”
Testimonial from Agata (2018 in Colombia)
“In 2018, I went with a girlfriend for 15 days. The people around us were under stress, telling us everything and anything to dissuade us. But I was determined. I’d read the books, I was on travel groups… And the testimonies of other travelers more than reassured me.
I felt safe there. All you have to do is ask the locals where you can and can’t go, and they’ll tell you straight away. They’ll guide you. Frankly, Colombians are great at that. There were evenings when I went out alone because my friend didn’t want to come, and nothing happened to me.
I’d be more afraid of going out alone in Brussels than being alone in certain areas of Medellín or Cartagena, or Santa Marta. The locals there say “no dar Papaya”, so don’t flaunt your wealth, your wallet… Be as discreet as possible, blend in with the crowd, give off a positive attitude and you’ll be fine. I hope that puts your mind at rest. Have a good trip to Colombia.”
Lydia Testimonial (2020 in Colombia)
“This was our last trip before confinement and many were telling us the same thing… I loved Colombia and I didn’t feel insecure at least not more than in other Latin American countries…”
Testimonial from Lydie
“Don’t go out late at night in the big cities. Be careful as in xxx countries. Otherwise, Colombia is magnificent.”
Anne testimonial
“In all I spent 5 months there in 2 visits. No problems other than wanting to go back. Go for it! The people are lovely and helpful. Don’t listen to negative people. Go for it “
hello my daughter is going to Colombia next May for a language course and frankly I’m worried about her can you please give me some advice for her
Hello, there’s nothing to worry about, everything’s going to be fine. Every year, thousands of students come to Colombia for internships or to study. She’ll make friends and everything will be fine. 😊 Colombia is a welcoming country where she’ll feel right at home.
Hello,
Thank you for all the information and reminders of common sense rules that are never useless
Can you confirm that VTC applications are reliable and easy to use in Colombia?
I’m not particularly keen on taking my mobile out into the street, even if it’s worthless, but I’m also always a bit wary of cabs in general, whatever country I visit
Thank you in advance for your help.
Thanks for your comment.
Yes, the apps are reliable. We’ve never had a problem either using the apps or even taking cabs directly on the street…
However, we always prefer to ask the hotels where we are staying either to call the cabs for us, or to give us the contacts of their trusted cabs.
That way we don’t have to worry.
I’m French, I’m not going back to Colombia
Too dangerous at night
I was attacked with a knife in Cali when I was walking alone at night. I managed to get away because I practice MMA.
Cali is a horrible city, it’s ugly, drug addicts everywhere, guys rummaging through garbage cans, districts with no lights after dark
I didn’t find the Colombian people welcoming. Sometimes people made fun of my Spanish accent. I didn’t manage to make many friends
I find Spaniards more sociable than Colombians
I preferred Peru.
Sorry to hear you had a bad experience in Colombia. Cali is a dangerous city, as we say in our article dedicated to Cali, where we advise against walking alone at night, as in almost all the country’s major cities. It’s one of the realities of the country that we don’t deny, but once you know and adapt your behavior, you can still enjoy this city that we really liked! As for your feelings about the Colombian people, everyone can be more or less sensitive to a country and its people. Once again, it’s a pity that you left Colombia with this image, but that’s the way it is, Colombia can’t please everyone, and that’s just as well 😉
Hello,
I’m planning a 3-week trip to Colombia in January 2022. We are 2 girls.
And we plan to travel by bus quite often. Including 2 long night bus journeys: Neiva – Cali, and Medellin – Santa Marta.
Are bus journeys safe? Especially at night? Are there more remote areas? (foreign affairs websites differ greatly)
Thank you very much,
Hi, you have to be careful with your belongings on the bus, but we’ve never had any problems. We give a lot of information here: Travelling by bus in Colombia
As far as I’m concerned, and having visited other Latin American countries, Colombia is still a dangerous country. Yes, a number of things have changed the situation, notably Covid and migration from Venezuela… This is very much reflected on the Caribbean coast
When we left this summer, we were mugged twice. Once in the early evening (when we still felt bad about it) and the other time in the early afternoon… We always travel light without showing our “riches”, but it happened..
I loved Colombia but I’ll never set foot there again 😊
We’re sorry to hear about your bad experience… 🙁
Indeed, we don’t deny that there are risks, as in many other countries, but the positive testimonials are still in the majority.
We hope that, despite these bad times, you have some good memories too.