This advice has been reviewed and reissued. It contains new information in the Summary and under Safety and Security: Terrorism (US Warden Message) and Local Travel (landmines). The overall level of the advice has not changed.

Summary

Safety and Security

Terrorism

Terrorism is a threat throughout the world. You can find more information about this threat in our General Advice to Australian Travellers.

We advise you to exercise a high degree of caution in Colombia at this time because of the high threat of terrorism and criminal activity. Terrorist, insurgent and paramilitary groups are active throughout Colombia and armed clashes involving security forces and drug traffickers occur frequently. There is a high risk of kidnapping, including of foreigners. Pay close attention to your personal security at all times and monitor the media for information about possible new safety or security risks.

On 5 September 2008, the United States Embassy issued a Warden Message advising that it had "received information that the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) may be targeting large-scale chain superstores and other commercial establishments in Bogota, as well as Colombian government buildings and places of worship in the downtown area, for possible attack by improvised explosive devices, including the possibility of a vehicle-borne device".

In January 2008, six tourists were kidnapped from a remote beach in Choco Department, reportedly by the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC). In September 2007, ten soldiers were killed and several injured by the FARC in an area bordering the departments of Quindio and Tolima. In October 2006, a car bombing in North Bogota near the World Trade Centre targeting the military injured 23 people.

Government buildings, public transport and commercial and entertainment centres are potential targets for terrorist attacks. Terrorist attacks can occur anywhere and at any time.

In planning your activities, consider the types of places that are known to be terrorist targets. These include nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, bars and shopping centres as well as infrastructure associated with the government such as public buildings, public transport, airports and sea ports. Commercial interests of multinational companies may also be targeted.

The provinces of Cesar and La Guajira, the cities of Cali and Popayan and most rural areas of Colombia: We advise you to reconsider your need to travel to the provinces of Cesar and La Guajira, the cities of Cali and Popayan and most rural areas of Colombia because of the uncertain security situation. On 1 September 2008, a car bomb exploded in front of the Palace of Justice in Cali killing at least four people and injuring more than 20 others. In March 2008, tensions between Colombia and its neighbours Venezuela and Ecuador led to troop movements to regions surrounding the Colombian border.

Do not travel areas: We advise you not to travel to the departments of Santander, Putumayo, Arauca, Cauca (excluding Popayan), Caqueta, Guaviare, Valle de Cauca (excluding Cali), Antioquia (excluding Medellin), Narino (excluding Pasto), Norte de Santander (excluding Cucuta), southern parts of Meta and the city of Buenaventura due to very high threat of terrorism from guerrilla organisations and presence of drug related criminal activity. There is a high risk to your personal safety in these areas. In July 2006, a number of people were killed and injured in car bomb attacks on the military in the outskirts of Bogota and in the rural areas of Narino and Norte de Santander departments.

Colombia has one of the highest rates of kidnappings in the world. Most kidnappings are for ransom, and are often perpetrated by groups such as the FARC and the National Liberation Army (ELN) in rural areas. There has been a reduction in the number of kidnappings in major cities but the risk remains. Foreigners, including children, have been kidnapped and murdered. In recent years, a number of Australians have been kidnapped.

Civil Unrest/Political Tension

You should avoid all demonstrations and large public gatherings because of their potential to turn violent.

Crime

Violent crime, including robbery, is common. You should take particular care when travelling alone, using automatic teller machines (ATMs), or travelling in or near tugurios (slum areas). Criminals posing as police officers have robbed foreigners.

The number of 'express kidnappings', where victims are abducted and forced to withdraw funds from ATMs before being released, has increased. Victims have been killed or injured while resisting perpetrators.

Foreigners have been robbed and assaulted after accepting 'spiked' food, drinks, cigarettes, or chewing gum.

Assaults and robberies have occurred after thieves have exposed travellers to incapacitating chemicals, either by aerosol spray or by paper handouts. Chemically treated paper can cause unconsciousness, especially if the chemicals contact your face (via your hand).

Colombia has one of the highest rates of kidnappings in the world. Most kidnappings are for ransom and foreigners are potential targets. You should maintain a high level of vigilance at all times when travelling in Colombia and avoid travel to areas listed in this travel advisory.

Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and bag snatching, occurs in Colombia, including at the airport in Bogota and near hotels.

Hikers, including on trails in and around Bogota, have been robbed at gunpoint recently. An experienced and reputable tour guide may reduce the risk of attack while hiking.

Local Travel

You should not travel by road between major cities due to the high risk of armed robbery and kidnapping.

You should avoid side trips when travelling between the city and the airport in Popayan, the capital of Cauca Department. Troops, protest groups and the FARC sometimes block side roads in the area.

There is a risk of violence, kidnapping and being caught in road blocks set up by illegal armed groups when travelling by road outside major capitals, including to rural tourist destinations such as Ciudad Perdida (The Lost City). Consider the advice of local authorities before travelling to such areas. When travelling to Parque Nacional Tayrona, you should only visit beach areas and resorts advised as safe and not venture inland because of the presence of illegal armed groups. You should avoid travelling at night.

There is a high risk from landmines and unexploded ordnance in rural areas of Colombia. Not all mined areas are marked. You should not stray from well-travelled roads.

We recommend against hailing taxis in the street. Booking taxis by telephone, through hotels or authorised taxi centres, is a way to reduce risks.

Driving in Colombia can be hazardous due to poorly maintained roads and vehicles, aggressive driving practices and inadequate road lighting.

Airline Safety

Passengers on international flights to and from Australia are only allowed to carry a small amount of liquids (including aerosols and gels) in their carry-on baggage. You can find out more information at the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government website. Similar restrictions apply to flights in an increasing number of countries. Contact your airline for further information.

If you have concerns about the safety standards of a particular airline or aircraft, we recommend you research the airline or aircraft through organisations such as Australia's Civil Aviation Safety Authority and the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO). The Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government has published fact sheets on security for air travellers. When staff at Australia's overseas missions are advised not to use particular airlines due to safety concerns this will be included in travel advice.

The European Union (EU) has published a list of airlines that are subject to operating bans or restrictions within the EU. The United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) through its foreign assessment program focuses on a country's ability, not the individual airline, to adhere to international standards and recommended practices for aircraft operations and maintenance established by ICAO.

Natural Disasters, Severe Weather and Climate

Colombia is subject to earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. In January 2008, the Galeras Volcano in Narino Department erupted. People living nearby were evacuated. You should stay away from affected areas, obey any exclusion zones, follow the advice of the local authorities and monitor the media for updates.

Hikers and trekkers should seek current advice on recent volcanic activity from local authorities.

Coastal areas of Colombia are subject to hurricanes. Flooding and mudslides may result. In the event of an approaching hurricane, you should identify your local shelter. We encourage Australians in affected areas to follow the instructions of local authorities and monitor the media for the latest developments. Flights in and out of affected areas could be delayed or suspended. Available flights may fill quickly. The hurricane could also affect access to sea ports in the region. In some areas, adequate shelter from a severe hurricane may not be available to all who may choose to stay. You should familiarise yourself with your hotel or cruise ship evacuation plans. You should carry your travel documents at all times (i.e. passport, photo identification) or secure them in a safe, waterproof location. We also suggest that you contact friends and family in Australia with updates about your welfare and whereabouts. For further information, see our Travel Bulletin: Severe Weather – Cyclones, Hurricanes and Typhoons.

All oceanic regions of the world can experience tsunamis, but in the Indian and Pacific Oceans, there is a more frequent occurrence of large, destructive tsunamis because of the many large earthquakes along major tectonic plate boundaries and ocean trenches. See the Tsunami Awareness brochure.

Information on natural disasters can be obtained from the Humanitarian Early Warning Service. If a natural disaster occurs, follow the advice of local authorities.

Wildlife Watching

Australians are advised to maintain a safe and legal distance when observing wildlife, including marine animals and birds. You should only use reputable and professional guides or tour operators and closely follow park regulations and wardens' advice.

Money and Valuables

Before you go, organise a variety of ways to access your money overseas, such as credit cards, travellers' cheques (USD only), cash, debit cards or cash cards. Check with your bank whether your ATM card will work overseas. Credit cards should be used with caution due to the potential for fraud.

Make two photocopies of valuables such as your passport, tickets, visas and travellers' cheques. Keep one copy with you in a separate place to the original and leave another copy with someone at home.

While travelling, don't carry too much cash and remember that expensive watches, jewellery and cameras may be tempting targets for thieves.

As a sensible precaution against luggage tampering, including theft, lock your luggage. Information on luggage safety is available from The Australian Civil Aviation Safety Authority.

Your passport is a valuable document that is attractive to criminals who may try to use your identity to commit crimes. It should always be kept in a safe place. You are required by Australian law to report a lost or stolen passport. If your passport is lost or stolen overseas, report it online or contact the nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate as soon as possible.

You are required to pay an additional fee to have a lost or stolen passport replaced. In some cases, the Government may also restrict the length of validity or type of replacement passports.

For Parents

If you are planning on placing your children in schools or childcare facilities overseas we encourage you to research the standards of security, care and staff training within those establishments. You should exercise the same precautions you would take before placing children into schools or childcare facilities in Australia.

Ideas on how to select childcare providers are available from the smartraveller Children's Issues page, Child Wise and the National Childcare Accreditation Council.

Local Laws

When you are in Colombia, be aware that local laws and penalties, including ones that appear harsh by Australian standards, do apply to you. If you are arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you but we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.

Information on what Australian consular officers can and cannot do to help Australians in trouble overseas is available from the Consular Services Charter.

Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Colombia are severe and include lengthy imprisonment in local jails.

Photography of military establishments and strategic sites is prohibited.

Some Australian criminal laws, such as those relating to money laundering, bribery of foreign public officials, terrorism and child sex tourism, apply to Australians overseas. Australians who commit these offences while overseas may be prosecuted in Australia.

Australian authorities are committed to combating sexual exploitation of children by Australians overseas. Australians may be prosecuted at home under Australian child sex tourism laws. These laws provide severe penalties of up to 17 years imprisonment for Australians who engage in sexual activity with children under 16 while outside of Australia.

Information for Dual Nationals

Australian/Colombian male dual nationals over 18 may be required to complete national service obligations if they visit Colombia.

Our Travel Information for Dual Nationals brochure provides further information.

Entry and Exit Requirements

Visa and other entry and exit conditions (such as currency, customs and quarantine regulations) change regularly. For up-to-date visa information, Australians should contact the nearest Embassy or Consulate of Colombia well in advance of travel.

Colombia is listed by the World Health Organization (WHO) as endemic for yellow fever. Airlines require passengers to present a valid Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate before being allowed to board flights out of the country. If in doubt, check with your airline.

If you have visited Colombia in the last six days prior to your date of return to Australia, Australian Customs officials will ask you to present a valid Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate on entry into Australia.

For children travelling alone or with one parent, Colombian law requires a letter of consent from the non-travelling parent(s) authorising travel and a copy of the child's birth certificate. Both documents must be translated into Spanish and notarised and certified by the Colombian Embassy or Consulate in Australia. These documents may be requested by airline staff or immigration officials.

If you are travelling to Colombia through the United States of America (USA), including if you are transiting in Honolulu or other USA cities, you will need to meet USA entry/transit requirements. Check your visa needs well in advance of travel with the nearest American Embassy or Consulate. Also check our travel advice for the United States.

Health Issues

We strongly recommend that you take out comprehensive travel insurance that will cover any overseas medical costs, before you depart. Confirm that your insurance covers you for the whole time you'll be away and check what circumstances and activities are not included in your policy. Remember, regardless of how healthy and fit you are, if you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel.

Your doctor or travel clinic is the best source of information about preventive measures, immunisations (including booster doses of childhood vaccinations) and disease outbreaks overseas. The World Health Organization (WHO) provides information for travellers and our 'Travelling Well' brochure also provides useful tips for staying travelling with medicines and staying healthy while overseas.

The standard of medical facilities provided by private hospitals in Bogota and other major cities is reasonable. Outside of major cities, however, facilities can be very limited. Treatment at private clinics and hospitals is expensive. Doctors and hospitals expect cash payment prior to providing medical services, including for emergency care.

In the event of a serious illness or accident, medical evacuation to a location with suitable facilities, usually the United States, would be necessary. Costs would be considerable (in the tens of thousands of dollars).

Colombia has three hyperbaric chambers, found in Cali (Camaras Hiperbaricas Leader Life), Palmira (Centro Medico San Agustin) and Bogota (Vide Plena – Instituto Medico De Terapia Ceular Suiza).

Malaria is a risk in all areas below 800 metres but is not a risk in Bogota. Other insect-borne diseases (including dengue fever, yellow fever, Chagas' disease and leishmaniasis) are also a risk to travellers. You should consult your doctor or travel clinic about prophylaxis against malaria and take measures to avoid insect bites, including using insect repellent at all times.

The altitude in Bogota (2640 metres) and other parts of Colombia can cause problems for travellers, particularly those who suffer from lung, heart or chest problems. Healthy travellers may also feel the effects of the lack of oxygen.

Water-borne, food-borne and other infections diseases (including HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, typhoid, hepatitis and rabies) are prevalent with more serious outbreaks occurring from time to time. In rural areas, we recommend that you boil all drinking water or that you drink bottled water and avoid ice cubes. You should also avoid raw and undercooked food. Seek medical advice if you have a fever or are suffering from diarrhoea.

The World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) has confirmed cases of avian influenza in birds in a number of countries throughout the world. For a list of these countries, visit the OIE website. For information on our advice to Australians on how to reduce the risk of infection and on Australian Government precautions see our travel bulletin on avian influenza.

Where to Get Help

Australia has a Consulate in Colombia headed by an Honorary Consul. The Consulate provides limited consular assistance which does not include the issue of Australian passports. You can obtain full consular assistance from the nearest Australian Embassy which is in Santiago, Chile. Contact details are:

Australian Embassy
Isidora Goyenechea 3621
13th Floor, Las Condes
Santiago de Chile, CHILE
Telephone (56 2) 550 3500
Facsimile (56 2) 331 5960
Email consular.santiago@dfat.gov.au

Contact details for the Consulate are:

Australian Honorary Consulate,
Carrera 16, No. 86A-05,
Santa fe de Bogota, COLOMBIA
Mobile +57 3105597711
Office hours: +571 2362828

If you are travelling to Colombia, whatever the reason and however long you'll be there, we strongly recommend you register with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. You can register online or in person at any Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate. The information you provide will help us to contact you in an emergency - whether it is a natural disaster, civil disturbance or a family issue.

In a consular emergency if you are unable to contact the Embassy you can contact the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 or 1300 555 135 within Australia.

In Australia, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in Canberra may be contacted on (02) 6261 3305.