Colombia Travel Guide

🇺🇸 US State Department Advisory

Reconsider travel to Colombia due to crime, terrorism, civil unrest, and kidnapping . Some areas have an increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory. Violent crime is common in many areas in Colombia. This includes murder, assault, and robbery. In some places, organized crime is rampant. This includes extortion, robbery, and kidnapping. There is risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activity, in Colombia. Visit the U.S. Department of State's country reports on ter...

🏥 CDC Health Notices

✈️ Planning a Trip?

Despite advisories, many travelers visit Colombia safely every year. Check our guides for practical tips:

🚨 Emergency Numbers

🏥 Healthcare Summary

Access: easy Hours: Most pharmacies open 7am-10pm; some 24-hour pharmacies in major cities; chains include Cruz Verde, Droguerías Olimpica, and Farmatodo Prescription rules: A Colombian prescription is required for prescription medications. Foreign prescriptions are generally not accepted. Antibiotics and many other medications are available OTC without strict enforcement. Carry all medications in original packaging with a doctor's note. 💡 Tips Many medications available over-the-counter that require prescription in the US (antibiotics, steroids). Pharmacists are helpful and knowledgeable. Bring a list of medications with generic names. Some medications may not be available — bring a supply.

Insurance: ⚠️ Strongly recommended Average cost: $25-50/week 💡 Tip Travel insurance is strongly recommended. Private healthcare is affordable (doctor visit $20-50, hospital day $200-500), but serious medical emergencies can cost thousands. Medical evacuation coverage is important if traveling to remote areas (Amazon, Sierra Nevada). Comprehensive coverage including trip cancellation is advisable given occasional strikes and travel disruptions. 💡 Tip Travel insurance is strongly recommended. Private healthcare is affordable (doctor visit $20-50, hospital day $200-500), but serious medical emergencies can cost thousands. Medical evacuation coverage is important if traveling to remote areas (Amazon, Sierra Nevada). Comprehensive coverage including trip cancellation is advisable given occasional strikes and travel disruptions.

💊 Medication Restrictions

Colombia regulates controlled substance imports through INVIMA (National Institute for Drug and Food Surveillance). Carry all medications in original packaging with a doctor's letter — Spanish translation is recommended. Controlled substances (opioids, stimulants, psychotropics) should be declared at customs with supporting prescriptions. Bring only the quantity needed for your stay.

• Benzodiazepines (Xanax, Valium) — RESTRICTED: Prescription-only controlled substances regulated by INVIMA. Available locally with a Colombian medical prescription. Travelers should carry their foreign prescription and doctor's letter.
• Adderall / amphetamines — BANNED: Amphetamines are controlled narcotics. Adderall is not approved or available in Colombia. Importing requires exceptional documentation. Consult the Colombian embassy before traveling with any amphetamine medication.
• Cannabis / CBD — CAUTION: Medical cannabis was legalized in 2016 (Law 1787). Colombia is a major legal cannabis producer. CBD products are available. However, recreational use remains technically illegal though personal-dose possession (up to 20g) is decriminalized. Do not import cannabis.
• Methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta) — RESTRICTED: Controlled psychotropic substance available by prescription in Colombia. Travelers should carry prescription documentation and original packaging.
• Codeine / opioids — RESTRICTED: Codeine products require a prescription. Available in pharmacies with proper documentation. Stronger opioids are tightly regulated. Carry prescription and doctor's letter.

🙏 Cultural Tips

Tipping: 10% propina (tip) is customary at sit-down restaurants and often added to the bill as 'propina voluntaria' — check before adding more. Tip taxi drivers by rounding up the fare. Hotel porters $1-2 USD per bag.

Cultural taboos to avoid:

• Discussing drug trafficking or Pablo Escobar with locals — deeply sensitive and offensive
• Assuming Colombia is dangerous everywhere — locals are proud of the country's transformation
• Wearing expensive jewelry or displaying phones in crowded areas
• Declining food or drink offered by a host — very rude
• Calling people 'negro' or commenting on race — contextually complex, avoid

🎭 Tourist Scam Guides

Common scams to watch out for in Colombia: