## Is it Safe to Travel to Colombia?
Colombia has long been a popular tourist destination, but concerns about safety have kept some travelers away. In recent years, the country has made significant progress in improving security, and it is now considered relatively safe to travel to.
Overall Safety
According to the latest Travel Risk Map from the International SOS, Colombia is classified as a “low risk” country, with a score of 5 out of 10. This means that there is a low level of crime and political instability.
The Colombian government has made significant efforts to improve security in the country. The police and military have been deployed to hotspots, and there has been a crackdown on organized crime. As a result, crime rates have fallen in recent years.
Specific Risks
While Colombia is generally safe to travel to, there are still some specific risks that you should be aware of.
Petty crime: As in any tourist destination, petty crime is a concern. This includes pickpocketing, muggings, and theft from cars. Be sure to take precautions to protect yourself from these crimes, such as keeping your valuables close to you and avoiding walking alone at night.
Drug trafficking: Colombia is a major producer of cocaine, and drug trafficking is still a problem in some areas of the country. However, tourists are unlikely to be affected by this unless they are involved in drug-related activities.
Political violence: There have been sporadic outbreaks of political violence in Colombia in recent years, but these have been largely confined to specific areas of the country. Tourists are unlikely to be affected by this violence unless they are traveling to these areas.
Safety Tips
Here are some general safety tips to follow when traveling to Colombia:
Be aware of your surroundings and trust your instincts. If something feels unsafe, it probably is.
Avoid walking alone at night, especially in poorly lit areas.
Keep your valuables close to you and don’t flash them around.
Be careful when using ATMs and other public areas.
Don’t get involved in drug-related activities.
If you are the victim of a crime, report it to the police immediately.
Conclusion
Colombia is a beautiful and diverse country with a lot to offer travelers. While there are still some specific risks that you should be aware of, the country is generally safe to travel to. By following the safety tips above, you can help to minimize your risk of being a victim of crime.
## Specific Safety Concerns
Bogota: Bogota is a large city with a high crime rate. Be especially careful in the downtown area and at night.
Medellin: Medellin has a reputation for being dangerous, but it has made significant progress in improving security in recent years. The city is now relatively safe to travel to, but you should still be aware of your surroundings and avoid walking alone at night.
Cali: Cali is another large city with a high crime rate. Be careful in the downtown area and at night.
Cartagena: Cartagena is a popular tourist destination, but it is also a target for crime. Be especially careful of pickpockets and muggings.
The Amazon: The Amazon rainforest is a vast and remote area. There are few roads and little infrastructure, and it is easy to get lost. Be sure to plan your trip carefully and hire a guide if you are going to be spending any time in the rainforest.
## Additional Resources
[Colombia Travel Advisory](https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Colombia.html)
[International SOS Travel Risk Map](https://www.internationalsos.com/travel-risk-map)
[Colombia Safety and Security](https://www.colombia.co/en/tourism/safety-and-security)