Colombia travel guide

Travel Advice

Areas where FCDO advises against all but essential travel  

Colombia-Venezuela border and northern Colombia 

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to: 

• the Catatumbo region of Norte de Santander Department 
• all of Arauca Department, except for the department capital, Arauca  
• the municipality of Puerto Carreño in Vichada Department, except for the department capital, Puerto Carreño 
• within 5km of the rest of the border with Venezuela, except for the city of Cúcuta 

FCDO currently advises against all travel to Venezuela’s border regions with Colombia. You should not use any of the Colombia-Venezuela land crossings. 

Pacific coast and Colombia-Panama border

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to: 

• Chocó Department, except for the department capital Quibdó, the whale-watching towns of Nuquí and Bahía Solano and the tourist site of Capurganá 
• the western part of Valle del Cauca Department, including Buenaventura  
• the western part of Cauca Department
• the South Pacific, Sanquianga and Telembi regions of Nariño Department
• the southern part of Córdoba Department
• the Urabá and Bajo Cauca regions of Antioquia Department
• the southern part of Bolívar Department

Colombia-Ecuador border and southern Colombia 

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to within 5km of the border with Ecuador except for: 

• the border crossing on the Pan-American highway at the Puente Internacional de Rumichaca  
• the city of Ipiales in Nariño Department 

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to Orito, San Miguel, Valle del Guamuez, Puerto Caicedo, Puerto Guzmán, Puerto Asis and Puerto Leguizamo in Putumayo Department. 

Central Colombia 

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to: 

• all of Guaviare Department, except for the department capital San José del Guaviare 
• Cartagena del Chairá, San Vicente del Caguan, Puerto Rico, El Doncello, Paujil and La Montañita in Caquetá Department 
• the Ariari region of southern Meta, except for Caño Cristales 

If travelling to the tourist site of Caño Cristales, travel by air from the town of La Macarena with a reputable tour company. 

Find out more about why FCDO advises against travel.

Before you travel 

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to: 

• see general advice for women travellers
• read our guide on disability and travel abroad
• see general advice for LGBT+ travellers
• read about safety for solo and independent travel
• see advice on volunteering and adventure travel abroad

Travel insurance 

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency. 

About FCDO travel advice 

FCDO provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.  

Follow and contact FCDO travel on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. You can also sign up to get email notifications when this advice is updated.  

This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of Colombia’s current rules for the most common types of travel.  

The authorities in Colombia set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Colombian Embassy in the UK (in Spanish). 

COVID-19 rules 

There are no COVID-19 testing or vaccination requirements for travellers entering Colombia. 

Passport validity requirements 

To enter Colombia, your passport must be valid on entry. However, Colombian immigration authorities recommend your passport has an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the date you plan to leave.  

Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.  

You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen. 

Dual nationals  

If you’re a British-Colombian dual national, you must enter and leave Colombia using your Colombian passport and Colombian identification card (Cedula). 

Visa requirements 

You can visit Colombia for up to 90 days without a visa for business or tourism, at the discretion of the Colombian immigration officer on arrival.  

You must be able to show an onward or return ticket valid within the 90-day period. 

If you have a Colombian visa with more than 90 days of validity, you must register the visa at a Migración Colombia office (in Spanish) or register the visa online within 15 days of arrival in Colombia. If you do not register, you may get a fine. Check the latest entry requirements with the Colombian Consulate General in London before you travel. 

You may be able to extend your stay once you are in Colombia by up to 120 days by applying at the immigration office Migración Colombia (in Spanish). As a visitor, you cannot remain in Colombia for more than 180 days in any 12-month period.

If you overstay your visa, you could be fined, or be deported at your own cost. 

Checks at border control 

If you enter Colombia by land, sea or river, make sure the immigration authorities stamp your passport. If it is not stamped, you could get a fine when you leave. If the immigration office on the border is closed, go to the nearest office of Migración Colombia (in Spanish). 

You must fill in the ‘Check-Mig’ form between 72 hours and one hour before you travel to Colombia. You will receive a confirmation email that you will need to show to immigration officials when you arrive. 

Travelling through Colombia 

You can travel through Colombia on your way to another country as long as you meet Colombia’s entry requirements. You do not need to fill in the ‘Check-Mig’ form for internal flights in Colombia, including transit flights. 

Travelling with children 

Children aged 17 and under who have resident status in Colombia and who are travelling on a British passport need a notarised letter of permission from any non-accompanying parents or parent (in Spanish). The letter must be authenticated by a notary or by a Colombian consulate. You can get more information from Migración Colombia (in Spanish) or by contacting the Colombian Consulate in the UK (in Spanish). 

San Andres Archipelago 

If you’re travelling to the islands of San Andres, Providencia or Santa Catalina, you must buy a tourist card from the boarding gate, on the day of the flight. You do not need one if you’re staying less than 24 hours. 

Departure tax 

Departure tax is usually included in the price of the airline ticket, but check with your airline.  

Vaccine requirements  

To enter Colombia, you must have a certificate to prove you’ve had a yellow fever vaccination if you are arriving from certain countries with a transmission risk.

For full details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Colombia guide.

Customs rules 

There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Colombia (in Spanish). You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty. 

Taking money into Colombia 

You can bring up to 10,000 US dollars-worth of any currency into Colombia. You must declare anything above this amount with the National Tax and Customs Directorate (DIAN) (in Spanish).  

Terrorism  

There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times. 

UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe abroad and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad. 

Terrorism in Colombia 

Armed actors 

Despite the landmark peace agreement agreed between the government and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) in 2016, many armed groups remain active throughout the country. 

These groups may attack with little or no warning. The focus is predominantly in areas where there are active illicit economies and narco-trafficking and have historically targeted some tourist locations, including:  

• transportation hubs including airports 
• markets and shopping malls 
• local government facilities 
• hotels, clubs and restaurants 
• places of worship 
• parks and other public areas 
• major sporting and cultural events 
• educational institutions 

Police and military personnel and installations are frequently targeted.  

The principal intended target of these attacks is not usually foreign tourists. However, the pattern of these attacks means that incidents in public spaces and other areas visited by foreigners cannot be ruled out. Past methods of attack have included car bombs, grenade attacks and explosive devices left in buildings. You should always remain vigilant and follow the advice of the local security authorities should an incident occur. 

Kidnapping 

Kidnapping rates remain high and widespread in Colombia. Illegal armed groups kidnap hostages – both for ransom and for political purposes. While foreign nationals are not the primary target, there is an increasing trend in the number of foreigners being kidnapped in recent years, particularly those working for (or believed to be working for) oil, mining and related companies where armed groups operate. 

Express kidnappings – short-term opportunistic abductions, aimed at extracting cash from the victim – also happen (see section below on Crime – ATMs and Express Kidnappings).  

Regularly reassess your security arrangements and consider carefully any travel around the country.  

Political situation  

Colombia has suffered from internal armed conflict for over 50 years. In 2016, Colombia’s then-President Juan Manuel Santos signed a peace agreement with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) movement to end the civil war.  

The peace agreement is still in place today, but Colombia remains seriously afflicted by conflict. Delays in the implementation of the peace agreement has led to a resurgence in violence in various parts of the country. Much of this is now between armed groups fighting for control of territory, the cocaine trade, and other illicit economies. 

Protests 

Protests and demonstrations can happen regularly throughout the country and often start at short notice. These events can turn violent and may lead to an increase in police and military presence. Road closures and roadblocks can cause travel disruptions for visitors.  

Avoid protests, strikes and demonstrations and follow the advice of local authorities or tour operators if you are affected. Allow extra time to reach your destination and monitor local media, including social media channels. 

There is a heightened risk of violence across the country when elections are held due to the interference of armed groups and criminal gangs in the electoral process. During national and state elections, avoid large gatherings or political rallies and remain vigilant around polling stations.   

Crime 

Drugs, organised crime and terrorism are inextricably linked in Colombia. There’s evidence of high levels of coca cultivation in: 

• Nariño Department 
• Cauca Department 
• Putumayo Department 
• Caquetá Department 
• Meta Department 
• Guaviare Department 
• the Catatumbo region in Norte de Santander Department 
• northern Antioquia Department 
• southern Bolivar Department 

There’s a risk to your safety in any area where coca, marijuana or opium poppies are cultivated and near to cocaine processing labs. 

Illegal armed groups and criminal gangs are active in all of the departments where coca is cultivated, processed or transported, as well as in many cities. The risk is particularly significant in:  

• rural areas near to the borders with Panama, Venezuela and Ecuador 
• the Parque Nacional Natural de La Macarena in the Department of Meta 
• the port towns of Buenaventura in the Department of Valle de Cauca, Turbo in the Department of Antioquia and Tumaco in the Department of Nariño 

Money laundering, extortion and prostitution rackets are all part of organised crime activity. 

Street crime 

Pickpocketing, mugging and armed robbery are a problem, especially in major cities, including Bogotá, Medellín, Cali and the Caribbean coast. British nationals have been robbed at gunpoint in the Candelaria area of Bogotá and across many cities in Colombia.

Be vigilant, particularly if you are in public places used by foreigners, or near official buildings. Avoid deprived areas of cities. Take care on city streets, especially after dark or if you are on your own. Do not carry large amounts of money or wear expensive jewellery.  

ATMs and Express Kidnappings

Use an ATM during business hours inside a bank, supermarket or large commercial building. Be aware before and after using an ATM on the street – robberies are common, especially at night. 

Victims of express kidnappings can be targeted or selected at random. They are held while criminals empty their bank accounts using their cash cards. Most cases in major cities involve victims that have been picked up by taxis hailed from the street. There have been incidents where those who have resisted the kidnappers’ demands have been killed. Dating applications are also increasingly being used as a vehicle for robbery, kidnappings and extortion.

Drug-induced robberies and sexual assaults 

The British Embassy has received reports of criminals in Colombia using drugs to subdue their victims. This includes the use of scopolamine, which temporarily incapacitates victims. Criminals can administer drugs through food, drinks, cigarettes, aerosols and even paper flyers. Victims become disoriented quickly and are vulnerable to robbery, sexual assault, rape and other crimes. 

Dating applications and websites are often used by criminals to identify and lure foreign nationals who are travelling alone and looking to meet local people. Criminals work in teams, with women easing the victim into a false sense of security. Victims are incapacitated and robbed. Incidents have been reported in nightclubs, bars, restaurants, public transportation (including taxis) and on city streets. Do not accept invitations from strangers to their accommodations, and do not invite strangers to your accommodation.  

Do not leave food or drinks unattended and do not take anything offered by strangers. These drugs can cause serious medical problems, including loss of consciousness, memory loss and can be fatal if administered in large quantities. Get local medical attention as soon as possible. 

Where possible, plan how you will travel to and from your destination. Only use pre-booked taxis.  

Public offences 

The law against the sexual abuse of children (aged 13 and under) is strictly enforced, especially when it involves tourists. If convicted you could face a long prison sentence.  

The 141 national toll-free line and the Child and Adolescent Police are available for 24-hour protection, emergencies and orientation of children and young people. 

Bogus police scams 

Bogus police are known to operate in Bogotá and elsewhere. They may ask to inspect money to see if it is counterfeit. If approached, ask them to escort you to the nearest local police station (CAI or ‘Centro de Atención Inmediata’).  

Rural areas 

In many rural areas, the authority of the Colombian state is limited, and the British Embassy’s ability to help British nationals in trouble in these areas will also be limited. Mobile and internet connection in rural areas is often limited. 

Laws and cultural differences  

Personal ID 

Carry a colour printout of the photo page and Colombian visa from your passport at all times for identification. 

Alcohol  

It is illegal to consume alcohol in public spaces. 

Illegal drugs  

Do not get involved with illegal drugs of any kind. Colombian drug trafficking detection methods are sophisticated and anyone attempting to traffic drugs can expect to be arrested. British nationals have been arrested and detained for trying to smuggle cocaine out of the country. Prison conditions are harsh. Pack your own luggage and keep it with you at all times. Lock your cases to protect them from tampering. Never carry items for other people. Never exchange money for strangers, as this is a common practice among money launderers. 

Colombia has severe penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs. 

Spiritual cleansing 

Traditional hallucinogenic tea, known as Yagé or Ayahuasca, is brewed and marketed to tourists as spiritual cleansing. The various preparations typically contain dimethyltryptamine (DMT), a strong hallucinogen that’s illegal in the UK and many other countries. 

There are many risks involved. Consumption is not regulated. Intoxicated travellers have been assaulted and robbed. There have also been reports of sexual assaults during these ceremonies. 

Health risks are not well understood and on occasions people have suffered serious illnesses and in some cases death after taking these drugs. The jungle retreats are often a long way from medical facilities making the risks even greater. Some have basic medical services, but others do not. Some do not have an established plan for how you can access medical facilities in case of an emergency. 

Using cameras in secure areas 

Photographing of military or strategic government sites is illegal. 

LGBT+ travellers 

Same-sex sexual relationships are legal but not widely accepted, especially in rural areas. 

Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers. 

Money 

US dollars and euros are easy to exchange, but only use recognised banks and money exchanges. Do not change money on the street. 

Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, shops and restaurants. Keep the receipts in case you need to show customs what money you have spent when you leave. 

Transport risks  

Road travel 

If you are planning to drive a hire car or a UK vehicle, see information on driving abroad. 

You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in Colombia. If you still have a paper driving licence, you may need to update it to a photocard licence or get the correct version of the international driving permit (IDP) as well.  

Hire car companies often have stricter requirements for their customers, such as: 

• a year of driving experience 
• being aged 18 years and over   
• holding an IDP 
• a citizenship card or passport 
• a credit card to guarantee the vehicle hire 

Carry all vehicle documents in physical form, in case you are pulled over by local authorities. 

Driving standards 

Driving standards are poor and traffic accidents are common. Avoid driving at night, which can be particularly hazardous. Do not hitch-hike. The risk of violence and kidnapping is higher in some rural areas, and there is a risk of being caught in roadblocks set up by illegal armed groups. Main roads are generally safe during daylight hours. 

Public transport  

Be cautious when using public transport in Colombia.  

There have been several recent incidents of armed robbery on buses. Avoid displaying valuable items like laptops, cameras and mobile phones. Do not wear jewellery and only carry minimal amounts of cash. Avoid travelling on your own or at night, especially at border crossings or areas where there are few other people around. When travelling to remote areas, it may be safer to travel with others or take part in a tour with a reputable company. 

Taxis 

There have been reports of express kidnappings, assaults and robberies in unlicensed taxis. Use licensed telephone or internet-based taxi services whenever possible or book through your hotel. Many restaurants in Colombia will book a taxi for you. Do not hail taxis on the street. 

El Dorado International Airport in Bogotá only allows authorised taxis to pick up passengers at its terminals. Authorised taxis are yellow with white licence plates and plate numbers on doors and roof. The driver’s information will be shown inside the vehicle. Well-known taxi companies can be booked via Uber and Cabify. Authorised taxi booths are present in El Dorado and most airports in Colombia. 

Landmines 

There is a risk from landmines throughout Colombia, especially in rural and remote areas. Mined areas are often unmarked. Be vigilant when visiting remote areas or travelling off the main roads. 

Air travel 

The departmental capitals of Amazonas, Vaupes and Guainía are only accessible by air due to the lack of road infrastructure in these departments. 

Extreme weather and natural disasters 

Find out what you can do to prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards.

Hurricanes  

Although uncommon, hurricanes and tropical storms can affect the Caribbean coast and the Archipelago of San Andres, Providencia and Santa Catalina. 

Monitor local news and check World Meteorological Organization weather reports for Colombia, the US National Hurricane Center, the National Unit for Disaster Risk Management (UNGRD) and the Institute of Hydrology, Meteorology and Environmental Studies (IDEAM). 

Earthquakes 

There is a high risk of earthquakes across Colombia. Earthquakes occur regularly, particularly in Santander Department and the Andean Region.  

Familiarise yourself with safety procedures and any instructions in your hotel or accommodation. 

If an earthquake happens, monitor local media reports, follow instructions from the authorities and keep essential belongings, such as your passport and money, with you.  

Get real-time information (in Spanish) following an earthquake from the: 

• National Unit for Disaster Risk Management (UNGRD) 
• Colombia’s Geological Services 

You can find a real-time earthquake map and further information about earthquakes in Colombia on the Colombia’s Geological Services. 

The US Federal Emergency Management Agency website has advice about what to do before, during and after an earthquake.  

Flooding  

There is a risk of floods and landslides after heavy rains throughout Colombia, especially in the Colombian Andes. Get local advice before travelling on mountain roads after heavy rain. 

Volcanic eruptions 

There are 25 active and monitored volcanoes in Colombia. Check the latest daily bulletins about volcanic activity (in Spanish).

If you are in areas of volcanic activity, be prepared to make travel arrangements or even follow evacuation plans at short notice. If you are planning to visit affected areas, avoid the area and consider altering travel plans. 

Notify friends and family of your safety, remain vigilant and follow the advice of the local security authorities or your tour operator. 

Monitor local media and get information and advice from the local authorities before travelling on the Pan-American highway, which passes near a volcano. Call 767 for information (in Spanish) from the Colombian Highway Police about road closures. 

If you’re planning to visit areas of known volcanic activity, pay careful attention to all warnings and follow the advice of the local authorities. 

This section has safety advice for regions of Colombia. It only covers regions where the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has specific advice.  

You should also read FCDO’s overall travel advice and safety and security advice.  

Colombia-Venezuela border and northern Colombia 

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to: 

• the Catatumbo region of Norte de Santander Department 
• all of Arauca Department, except for the department capital, Arauca  
• the municipality of Puerto Carreño in Vichada Department, except for the department capital, Puerto Carreño  
• within 5km of the rest of the border with Venezuela, except for the city of Cúcuta 

FCDO currently advises against all travel to Venezuela’s border regions with Colombia. You should not use any of the Colombia-Venezuela land crossings. 

Pacific coast and Colombia-Panama border 

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to: 

• Chocó Department, except for the department capital Quibdó, the whale-watching towns of Nuquí and Bahía Solano and the tourist site of Capurganá 
• the western part of Valle del Cauca Department, including Buenaventura  
• the western part of Cauca Department 
• the South Pacific, Sanquianga and Telembi regions of Nariño Department 
• the southern part of Córdoba Department 
• the Urabá and Bajo Cauca regions of Antioquia Department 
• the southern part of Bolívar Department 

The Pacific coast of Chocó is a popular eco-tourist destination. However, much of Chocó is remote. Illegal armed groups are active and involved in the drugs trade throughout the department and particularly near the border with Panama. If you intend to travel to the whale-watching towns of Bahia Solano and Nuqui, only do so by air and do not travel inland or along the coast out of town. 

Darien Gap 

The ‘Darien Gap’ is a dangerous area renowned for the presence of several illegal armed groups, illegal migration and drugs trafficking. There’s no road crossing between Colombia and Panama. Avoid crossing between Panama and Colombia by land. 

Colombia-Ecuador border and southern Colombia 

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to within 5km of the border with Ecuador except for: 

• the border crossing on the Pan-American highway at the Puente Internacional de Rumichaca  
• the city of Ipiales in Nariño Department 

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to Orito, San Miguel, Valle del Guamuez, Puerto Caicedo, Puerto Guzmán, Puerto Asis and Puerto Leguizamo in Putumayo Department. 

Central Colombia 

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to: 

• all of Guaviare Department, except for the department capital San José de Guaviare 
• Cartagena del Chairá, San Vicente del Caguan, Puerto Rico, El Doncello, Paujil and La Montañita in Caquetá Department 
• the Ariari region of southern Meta, except for Caño Cristales 

If travelling to the tourist site of Caño Cristales, travel by air from the town of La Macarena with a reputable tour company.

Water rationing in Bogota

Bogota’s Mayor announced plans for water rationing across the city. The rationing plan may affect residential properties, businesses and access to water in different areas of Bogota every 10 days. More information can be found on the Bogota Mayor’s website (in Spanish). FCDO encourages British Nationals to review and follow the rationing pattern for neighbourhoods, towns, or any areas that you will visit. Fines may be imposed for irresponsible actions that lead to water waste. For example, washing cars, vehicles, motorcycles, bicycles.

Ciudad Perdida – ‘Lost City’ 

If you travel to the ‘Lost City’ in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, only do so as part of an organised tour.

San Agustín Archaeological Park  

The San Agustín Archaeological Park (‘Parque Arqueológico de San Agustín’) is in the department of Huila. Enter and leave the park on the main road through Neiva or Popayán. 

Before you travel check that: 

• your destination can provide the healthcare you may need 
• you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation 

This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant. 

Emergency medical number 

Call 123 and ask for an ambulance. 

Contact your insurance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment. 

Vaccine recommendations and health risks 

At least 8 weeks before your trip: 

• check the latest vaccine recommendations for Colombia 
• see where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the NHS travel vaccinations page 

See what health risks you’ll face in Colombia, including: 

• Zika 
• malaria and dengue 
• yellow fever 
• Chikungunya 

Altitude sickness is a risk in parts of Colombia, including Bogotá and areas in the Departments of Cundinamarca, Boyacá, Nariño and Antioquia. Read more about altitude sickness on TravelHealthPro. 

Drinking tap water 

Tap water is safe to drink only in Bogotá. You should drink only bottled water and avoid ice in drinks. 

Medication and prescriptions  

The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries. 

You can find most medication in pharmacies in large cities, but medicine for complex treatment may be unavailable in rural areas and small towns. You may need a prescription from a local doctor to get some controlled medicine. 

If you take prescription medication, you will be responsible for determining their legality in Colombia. Always keep your medication in the original container, bring sufficient quantities of your medication with you, pack your medication in your carry-on luggage and carry a copy of your prescriptions. 

Pharmacies in Colombia are known as “droguerías”. They can be identified with a cross on the logo and can be easily found in the main cities in Colombia, but are less common in rural areas. Most pharmacies in Colombia will have a delivery service. Prescriptions must be written in Spanish, in the metric system and using the medicine’s generic name. 

Read best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro. 

Healthcare in Colombia 

Medical facilities in Colombia vary widely in quality. In large cities and state capitals, private clinics provide good quality care for routine and complex treatment. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation. Not all travel health insurance policies provide cover for private or emergency medical care so check your policy before travelling. Public health facilities and those in smaller cities are generally ill equipped and poorly funded. Ambulance services in remote areas are unreliable and public hospitals often lack adequate medical supplies. 

FCDO has a list of medical providers in Colombia where some staff will speak English.

Travel and mental health 

Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro.

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) cannot provide tailored advice for individual trips. Read this travel advice and carry out your own research before deciding whether to travel. 

Emergency services in Colombia  

Ambulance: 123 

Fire: 119 

Police: 123 

Contact your travel provider and insurer 

Contact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do. 

Refunds and changes to travel 

For refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually require you to talk to your travel provider first. 

Find out more about changing or cancelling travel plans, including: 

• where to get advice if you are in a dispute with a provider 
• how to access previous versions of travel advice to support a claim 

Support from FCDO 

FCDO has guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including: 

• finding English-speaking lawyers, funeral directors and translators and interpreters in Colombia 
• dealing with a death in Colombia  
• being arrested or imprisoned in Colombia 
• getting help if you’re a victim of crime 
• what to do if you’re in hospital  
• if you’re affected by a crisis such as a terrorist attack 

Contacting FCDO 

Follow and contact FCDO travel on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. You can also sign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated. 

You can also contact FCDO online. 

Help abroad in an emergency 

If you’re in Colombia and you need emergency help from the UK government, contact the British Embassy in Bogotá.  

FCDO in London 

You can call FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad. 

Telephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours) 

Find out about call charges 

Risk information for British companies  

The Overseas Business Risk service offers information and advice for British companies operating in Colombia on how to manage political, economic, and business security-related risks.