The U.S. State Department is advising Americans to reconsider travel to Colombia due to a combination of violent crime and the ongoing aftermath of a significant earthquake. The country remains under a Level 3 "Reconsider Travel" advisory, with several regions designated Level 4, citing risks that include crime, terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, and natural disasters.
This advisory comes after a 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck western Colombia on August 10, killing at least 289 people and destroying more than 26,000 homes. The quake's epicenter was near San José del Palmar in the Chocó region, an area grappling with widespread damage and recovery efforts. While major tourist hubs like Cartagena, Medellín, and Bogotá were not directly impacted by the earthquake's epicenter, the U.S. government cautions that travelers may need to account for conditions in affected areas when planning itineraries and transportation.
U.S. officials have also warned that foreign visitors can be targets for criminals, noting schemes that involve incapacitating victims with drugs before robberies or assaults. Nearly 1.2 million Americans visited Colombia in 2024, according to the country's Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Tourism.
Travel experts recommend that Americans planning trips to Colombia take several precautions. These include checking airline status for itinerary impacts, purchasing comprehensive travel insurance, and enrolling in the State Department's Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). STEP allows U.S. citizens to register their travel plans with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate, providing a critical link in case of emergencies. Travel expert Angel Castellanos emphasized the importance of travel insurance, particularly when making significant bookings for airfare and accommodation, to ensure travelers are fully covered. He also described STEP as an essential, albeit mundane, step for ensuring loved ones are aware of travel plans and can be contacted if something goes wrong.