Colombia Vaccinations and Travel Advice
Often a victim of its reputation as a country with violence and drug cartels, many tourists have avoided Colombia. However, if you are a curious traveller, you will not find your stay uninteresting. From the beaches of the Caribbean coastline to the Andean valleys and Amazon rainforest, your stay in Colombia will provide both an element of adventure and a chance to relax. Whether you travel with family, coupled or friends, you will never find yourself bored. Colombia’s charming and authentic rural villages are also a wonderful way to challenge some of the preconceptions. In order to enjoy a comfortable and unforgettable stay in Colombia, please ensure to follow the safety advice.
Colombie/Colombie)
What vaccines do I need for Colombia in 2021?
The Government of Canada and CDC recommend the following vaccinations for travelling to Colombia in 2021: Measles, Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Hepatitis B, Malaria, Rabies, Yellow Fever, Flu, COVID-19.
Recommended travel vaccinations for Colombia
| Vaccine | Disease Transmission |
|---|---|
| Traveler’s diarrhea | Contaminated water/food |
| Typhoid | |
| Hepatitis A | |
| Hepatitis B | Contaminated body fluids (blood, sex, razors, needles, etc.) |
| Rabies | Infected Animals |
| Yellow Fever | Mosquito bites |
| Influenza | Airborne Droplets |
Recommended Medication for Travelling to Colombia
| Medication | Additional Information |
|---|---|
| Acetazolamide/Dexamethasone | Recommended for prevention of acute mountain sickness |
| Azithromycin/Suprax | Antibiotic in case of traveler’s diarrhea |
| Malarone, Doxycycline or Mefloquine | Recommended anti-malaria medication |
Medical Care in Colombia
Thanks to the expertise of its medical professionals, the large number of health institutions and the quality of care provided to patients, Colombia has one of the best healthcare systems in the world. Due to its development, it has become an internationally renowned health tourism destination. Most hospitals and clinics are concentrated in large cities and are well equipped with medical resources. Travelers tend to use the Fundación Santa Fe de Bogota hospital if they require treatment. The Clinica del Country also offers state-of-the-art equipment and diverse care. In addition, there is a cosmetic surgery center in Colombia, but before using these services, you should thoroughly research potential complications.
If you are looking for a pharmacy, the American Embassy recommends either Cafam, Colsubsidio, Olimpica or Sideral.
In case of an emergency, dial 123.
Is Colombia Safe for Travel?
| Safety and Security | Descriptive |
|---|---|
| Illegal armed groups | Risk of kidnapping and terrorism |
| Terrorism | Risk present |
| Crime | High risk present |
| Scopolamine | Drug blown in the face to incapacitate victims; be wary when interacting with strangers |
| Women’s safety | Risk of harassment and verbal abuse |
| Kidnapping | Risk present; Even in crowded touristic areas |
| Recreational activities | Plan your activities in advance; Safety checks are not conducted regularlyClick the link below for more details |
| Demonstrations and elections | Risk of violence; Avoid all political involvement to avoid deportation |
| Road safety | Poor and dangerous conditionsNever hitchhike in Colombia |
| Public transportation | UnsafeDo not hail taxis to avoid express kidnappings; book either through hotels or an authorized and controlled taxi center |
| Health | Zika virus and Dengue fever warning |
| Risk level | AVOID ALL TRAVEL |
Do I Need a Visa to Visit Colombia?
Prior to travel, make sure you check with your transportation company about any passport requirements. This is important as in some cases their regulations on passport validity may be more strict than those of the destination country.
Both, a visa and a passport are required to enter Colombia for business reasons. If you’re travelling for touristic purposes then only a passport is required. Your passport must be valid at the time of entry.
Please click here for more information.
Embassy of Canada to Colombia information
When travelling to another country, it is important to know where the Canadian embassy is located in the event of:
- A legal problem
- A lost passport
- The need to report a crime
It is advisable to make a copy of your original passport in case you lose it.
Canadian Embassy to Colombia (BOGOTA)
Street Address:
Cra. 7, No. 114-33, Piso 14,
Bogotá, Colombia
Tel.: 57 (1) 657-9800
Fax: 57 (1) 657-9912
Email: [email protected]
Canadian Embassy to Colombia (CARTAGENA)
Street Address:
Edificio Centro Ejecutivo Bocagrande, Carrera 3, No. 8-129,
Oficina No. 1103, Cartagena, Colombia
Tel.: 57 (5) 665-5838
Fax: 57 (5) 665-5837
Email: [email protected]