U.S. State Department Reissues Colombia Travel Warning

The U.S. State Department this week reissued its advisory for travel to Colombia, again telling Americans to “reconsider” travel to the South American country due to crime and terrorism.

The warning, a Level 3 warning that is one step under the highest warning level from the State Department, specifically calls out a few areas of Colombia that travelers should avoid—Arauca, Cauca (excluding Popayán), and Norte de Santander due to crime and terrorism, along with the Colombia-Venezuela border region due to crime, kidnapping, and risk of detention when crossing into Venezuela from Colombia.

“Violent crime, such as homicide, assault, and armed robbery, is widespread. Organized criminal activities, such as extortion, robbery, and kidnapping, are common in some areas,” the advisory reads.

The State Department is recommending that those who are traveling to Colombia do a few things to keep themselves safe, including avoiding protest areas and crowds, monitoring local media, keeping a low profile, and being aware of their surroundings. It also recommends that travelers enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) that alerts travelers while they are in destination.

Outside of Colombia, the only other update from the State Department in 2024 is in its advisory for Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza. It is still recommending travelers avoid travel to Gaza and reconsider travel to Israel and the West Bank.

Just like in Colombia, travelers should be aware of their surroundings, follow instructions of local officials, avoid demonstrations, and enroll in STEP if they are traveling to Israel or the West Bank.