South America
Is Colombia safe?
—No US advisory
Is Colombia safe?
Big cities have real street crime, but most visits go fine with care. Keep phones out of sight, use ride apps, and avoid remote areas with armed groups.
Key facts
- Homicide rate: 24.9 per 100,000 people (2023, UNODC via World Bank).
- Road deaths: 15.4 per 100,000 people a year (2019, WHO).
- Emergency numbers: Police 123 · Ambulance 123 · Fire 119 · All emergencies 123.
- Solo women: Solo women travel widely; catcalling is common. Meet dates in public, watch your drink, and use ride apps at night.
Risks, scams and laws
Main risks
- Robbery and phone theft, sometimes armed, in big cities
- Scopolamine drugging via dating apps and bars
- Armed groups in some rural and border regions
- Road travel at night in remote areas
Common scams
- Dating-app meetups that end in drugging and robbery
- Fake police asking to inspect your cash or cards
- Unmetered or rigged street taxis; use apps or official stands
Laws visitors break by accident
- Carry your passport or a copy; police checks are common.
- Buying drugs is illegal, and street deals are a common setup for robbery.
Safety by place in Colombia
| Place | Safety |
|---|---|
| Salento | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Guatapé | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| San Andrés | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Minca | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Palomino | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Villa de Leyva | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| San Gil | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Jardín | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Leticia | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Medellín | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Cartagena | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Bogotá | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Santa Marta | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Cali | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Barranquilla | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Pereira | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
Quick answers
Is Colombia safe for tourists?
Big cities have real street crime, but most visits go fine with care. Keep phones out of sight, use ride apps, and avoid remote areas with armed groups.
Is Colombia safe for solo female travelers?
Solo women travel widely; catcalling is common. Meet dates in public, watch your drink, and use ride apps at night.
What is the emergency number in Colombia?
Police 123 · Ambulance 123 · Fire 119 · All emergencies 123.
Safety by place
Sources
- World Bank: intentional homicides
- Migración Colombia
- Check-MIG pre-registration
- Cancillería de Colombia: Visa types
- Speedtest Global Index: Colombia
- World Bank open data
Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.