We continue to advise exercise a high degree of caution in Colombia due to the threat of violent crime and terrorism. The Colombian government has declared a state of emergency due to increased violence in the Catatumbo region, adjacent to the Venezuelan border in the department of Norte de Santander. There may be increased military presence and movement restrictions in the area.

There’s been an increase in foreigners, including Australians, who have been assaulted and robbed using incapacitating drugs (see ‘Safety’). If you plan to travel from Colombia to Ecuador through the land border crossings, you’re required to present an apostilled police check covering the previous five years (see ‘Travel’).

We advise:

Exercise a high degree of caution in Colombia overall due to the threat of violent crime and terrorism.

Higher levels apply in some areas.