Island in San Andrés and Providencia, Colombia
Is San Andrés safe?
Tourist areas are lively and mostly safe, but petty theft and drug offers are common.
Is San Andrés safe?
Tourist areas are lively and mostly safe, but petty theft and drug offers are common. Normal beach-holiday care applies.
Key facts
- SoloSquare safety rating: 4/5, safe with normal care.
- Homicide rate in Colombia: 24.9 per 100,000 people (2023, UNODC via World Bank).
- Road deaths in Colombia: 15.4 per 100,000 people a year (2019, WHO).
- Emergency numbers: Police 123 · Ambulance 123 · Fire 119 · All emergencies 123.
Safety in San Andrés at a glance
| What to expect | |
|---|---|
| Overall | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Crime | Bag theft on beaches, opportunistic robbery of phones, and drug-related incidents at night in some areas. |
| At night | Main streets in Centro and San Luis have life until late. Take taxis at night and avoid walking unlit coastal roads alone. |
| Solo women | Solo women visit regularly. Expect attention and catcalling; avoid empty beaches at night and watch drinks. |
| Other risks | Strong sun and sunstroke; Reef cuts and sea urchins while snorkeling; Scooter crashes and wet-road accidents |
Scams, areas and local laws
Common scams
- Street sellers inflating tour or rental prices
- Unlicensed boat trips without life jackets
- Taxi drivers refusing the posted fare
Take care
- Beaches after dark and unlit roads
- Scooter or golf-cart rental without insurance
- Drinks offered by strangers in nightlife
Calmer areas to stay
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.
How San Andrés compares 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 San Andrés safe for solo female travelers?
Solo women visit regularly. Expect attention and catcalling; avoid empty beaches at night and watch drinks.
Is San Andrés safe at night?
Main streets in Centro and San Luis have life until late. Take taxis at night and avoid walking unlit coastal roads alone.
What is the crime rate in San Andrés?
Bag theft on beaches, opportunistic robbery of phones, and drug-related incidents at night in some areas. Nationally, Colombia records 24.9 homicides per 100,000 people a year (2023).
What number do I call in an emergency in San Andrés?
Police 123 · Ambulance 123 · Fire 119 · All emergencies 123.
More about San Andrés
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Sources
Safety ratings are SoloSquare's editorial judgment from official advisories, crime data and local reporting. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.