Is It Safe to Travel to Colombia in 2025? What Travelers Need to Know

Colombia is one of the most vibrant and misunderstood countries in South America. Once known primarily for its turbulent past, Colombia has emerged as a must-visit destination with colonial charm, lush jungles, Caribbean beaches, and warm hospitality. But even as tourism surges, many travelers still ask the same question: is it safe to travel to Colombia in 2025?

The short answer: yes — with situational awareness. Colombia has come a long way, but travelers should still be informed and cautious in certain areas.

Here's what you need to know before you go.

Why Colombia's Reputation Is Changing

Just a few decades ago, Colombia was largely off-limits for international travelers. Drug cartels, guerrilla warfare, and high crime rates made it one of the most dangerous places in the world.

Fast forward to 2025: Colombia is now one of the most visited countries in Latin America. Cities like Medellín, Bogotá, and Cartagena have reinvented themselves, and regions once inaccessible are now tourism hubs.

Still, safety varies by city and region — and knowing the current risks is essential for a stress-free trip.

Current Travel Advisories (2025)

As of August 2025:

- U.S. State Department: Level 3 – “Reconsider Travel” to some regions due to crime and terrorism. Safe zones include Bogotá, Medellín, Cartagena, and the Coffee Triangle.
- UK Foreign Office: Advises against all but essential travel in certain rural departments (e.g., Arauca, Cauca, Norte de Santander).
- Canada & Australia: Recommend exercising high caution, especially in border areas and remote regions.

Most advisories focus on border zones, jungle regions, and areas where criminal groups are active — not tourist destinations.

Safest Places to Visit in Colombia

If you’re sticking to the well-traveled path, Colombia is generally safe and welcoming. Top tourist areas in 2025 include:

- Cartagena: A Caribbean city with a well-preserved colonial old town, vibrant nightlife, and good police presence.
- Medellín: Once the most dangerous city in the world, now a case study in urban transformation. Stick to neighborhoods like El Poblado and Laureles.
- Bogotá: The capital has a growing art and food scene. Chapinero and Zona Rosa are safe zones with lots of cafes and nightlife.
- Coffee Region (Armenia, Salento, Manizales): Peaceful, green, and perfect for nature lovers and solo travelers.
- Barichara & Villa de Leyva: Historic towns with stunning architecture and low crime rates.

Areas to Avoid

- The Darién Gap: Dangerous jungle region near the Panama border — off-limits to tourists.
- Rural areas in departments like Cauca, Chocó, Arauca, and Putumayo: Known for guerrilla activity or poor infrastructure.
- Venezuela-Colombia border zones: Political instability and criminal presence are risks here.

Avoid traveling alone in remote areas unless with a trusted guide or organized tour.

Crime and Tourist Safety

Petty crime is the most common issue for tourists. Violent crime is rare in tourist zones but not unheard of.

Watch out for:
- Pickpocketing in busy areas (especially in Bogotá and Medellín)
- Credit card skimming at ATMs or shady restaurants
- Fake police asking to inspect your passport or money (politely decline and walk away)
- Taxi scams — use apps like InDriver or Cabify instead of hailing on the street

Tip: Always carry a digital copy of your passport and leave the original in your hotel safe.

Solo Travel in Colombia

Colombia is increasingly popular with solo travelers, including women. While it’s not as easygoing as Europe or Southeast Asia, it’s absolutely doable with some street smarts.

Tips:
- Choose accommodations in safe, well-reviewed neighborhoods
- Avoid walking alone at night, even in safe zones
- Join group tours — especially for nature excursions
- Use trusted transport apps or hotel-arranged taxis

Solo women travelers often report positive experiences, especially in places like Medellín and Cartagena.

Health and Medical Safety

- Tap water is safe in Bogotá and Medellín, but stick to bottled water elsewhere.
- Vaccinations: Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and Yellow Fever (for Amazon region) are recommended.
- Mosquitoes: Dengue and Zika are present in lowland tropical areas — wear repellent.
- Hospitals: Public hospitals are under-resourced, but private clinics in cities are high quality.

Travel insurance with emergency evacuation is a must, especially if heading into rural regions.

LGBTQ+ Travel in Colombia

Colombia has some of the most progressive LGBTQ+ rights in Latin America. Same-sex marriage is legal, and there are anti-discrimination laws.

That said, acceptance varies by region. Major cities like Bogotá and Medellín are welcoming, while rural areas may be more conservative.

What Real Travelers Are Saying in 2025

Reddit, YouTube, and TripAdvisor reviews from 2025 show a consistent pattern: people love Colombia — but they stay aware.

- “Medellín felt safer than parts of Europe.”
- “Cartagena was magical. No issues at all.”
- “Just use common sense — like in any big city.”
- “Bogotá was intense but rewarding.”

Most problems come from ignoring local advice, wandering off into unknown neighborhoods, or not understanding local norms.

Transportation and Mobility

- Uber is technically banned but still operates — drivers may ask you to sit up front.
- Cabify and InDriver are safer alternatives to hailing taxis.
- Long-distance buses are reliable and often luxurious (e.g., Bolivariano, Expreso Brasilia).
- Domestic flights are cheap and save time.

Do not take public buses in big cities late at night.

Emergency Numbers

- National Police: 123
- Tourist Police (Bogotá): +57 1 3374413
- Ambulance: 125

Final Verdict: Is It Safe to Travel to Colombia in 2025?

Yes — with proper planning. Colombia offers some of the most exciting, scenic, and enriching travel experiences in South America. While safety challenges remain, most travelers encounter nothing but beauty, culture, and hospitality.

If you stay in safe neighborhoods, avoid remote conflict areas, and take precautions with transport and valuables, Colombia is absolutely worth visiting.

Quick Safety Checklist

- Stay in known tourist districts (El Poblado, Chapinero, Old Town Cartagena)
- Use transport apps, not street taxis
- Watch for pickpockets and fake police
- Avoid border zones and jungle regions
- Book tours with reputable companies
- Don’t flash valuables or large amounts of cash

Bottom line:

Colombia isn’t dangerous — but it’s not careless either. Travel smart, and you'll come back raving about it.