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TRAVEL REPORT
Colombia

1. RECENT UPDATES

The level of Travel Warning in this report has not changed.

The information contained in this Travel Report has been thoroughly reviewed and updated.

See our Global Issues page for information on the H1N1 flu virus.

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2. WARNINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Colombia

Exercise normal security precautions

Exercise high degree of caution

Avoid non-essential travel

Avoid all travel

Canadians should exercise a high degree of caution due to the unpredictable security situation. Although there is no specific information about future terrorist activities or threats against Canadian citizens in Colombia, Canadians should be vigilant and avoid any unattended packages or parcels and bring them to the attention of security personnel. Possible terrorist targets include military and police vehicles and installations, restaurants, underground garages, nightclubs, hotels, banks, shopping centres, public transportation vehicles, government buildings, and airports located in major cities. Travel to most urban centres and major cities serviced by commercial air transportation, and to the islands of San Andrés and Providencia, can be undertaken if one exercises a high degree of caution.

Regional Warning

Exercise normal security precautions

Exercise high degree of caution

Avoid non-essential travel

Avoid all travel

OFFICIAL WARNING: Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada advises against non-essential travel to the city of Cali and most rural areas of Colombia, because of the constantly changing security situation and the difficulty for the Colombian authorities of securing all of the country’s territory. The exceptions are some parts of the coffee-growing area southwest of Bogotá (Risaralda, Quindio and Caldas) and resort areas with established tourist industries, such as the Rosario Islands off the Atlantic coast and the Amazon resorts near Leticia. In all cases, travel to rural areas should only be undertaken after making arrangements for your personal security and following the overland travel advice in the Safety and Security section of this report.

Regional Warning

Exercise normal security precautions

Exercise high degree of caution

Avoid non-essential travel

Avoid all travel

OFFICIAL WARNING: Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada advises against all travel to the departments of Putumayo and Nariño (excluding Pasto), located along the border with Ecuador, and to the departments of Arauca, Chocó, Santander (excluding Bucaramanga) and Norte de Santander (excluding Cúcut), located along the border with Venezuela. The presence of armed drug traffickers, guerrilla and paramilitary organizations, including the FARC (Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia) and the ELN (National Liberation Army), poses a major risk to travellers. These groups continue to perpetrate attacks, extortion, kidnappings, car bombings, and damage to infrastructure in these areas. Landmines are used by guerrilla groups, especially in rural areas.

You are also advised against all travel to the departments of Cauca, Caquetá, Guaviare, Valle del Cauca (excluding Calí) and Antioquia (excluding Medellín), to the southern parts of Meta department and to the city of Buenaventura, due to the presence of similar armed groups.

The diplomatic conflict between Colombia and Venezuela has also contributed to increasing tensions in the area, culminating in violent confrontations involving civilians, armed groups, Venezuelan armed forces and the Colombian immigration authority.

OFFICIAL REGISTRATION RECOMMENDATION: We offer a registration service for all Canadians travelling or living abroad. This service is provided so that we can contact and assist you in an emergency abroad, such as a natural disaster or civil unrest, or inform you of a family emergency at home. Registration can be done on-line or by contacting a Canadian government office abroad. For more information, see our FAQs on Registration of Canadians Abroad.

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3. SAFETY AND SECURITY

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. Travellers are responsible for their own personal safety. The Government of Canada takes the safety and security of Canadians abroad very seriously and provides credible and timely advice in its Travel Reports. In the event of a crisis situation that requires evacuation, the Government of Canada’s policy is to provide safe transportation to the closest safe location. Canada will assist Canadians in leaving a country or a region as a last resort, when all means of commercial or personal transportation have been exhausted. This service is provided on a cost-recovery basis. Onward travel is at the individual’s personal expense. Situations vary from one location to another, and there may be constraints on government resources, which can limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide assistance, particularly in countries or regions where the potential for violent conflict or political instability are high.

Civil Unrest

National parks, wildlife refuges, and city outskirts are often convenient hideouts for illegal groups and should be avoided, as armed clashes are frequent in such areas.

Demonstrations, major strikes, and acts of violence by terrorist groups may occur. Canadians should be careful and avoid large gatherings and demonstrations, especially in large cities. Roadblocks may disrupt local transportation and affect travel to and from airports.

In some rural areas, illegal armed groups may set up roadblocks, where they target the well-off for robbery or kidnapping for ransom. Visitors are advised to travel by air when covering long distances and not to enter or leave Colombia over land borders. Any road travel should be done using main roads only, and always during daylight hours. Road closures may occur between Bogotá and Villavicencio and in the Magdalena Medio region (Barrancabermeja), and are more frequent in the departments of Guajira, Bolívar, Antioquia, Santander, Norte de Santander, and Putumayo.

Canadians in Colombia should monitor local news reports closely and register with the Embassy of Canada in Bogotá.

Crime

For security reasons, it is preferable to arrive at Medellín's José Maria Córdova International Airport during the day to avoid the road from the airport to the city after dark.

In tourist resort areas of San Andrés Island, Providencia Island and Cartagena, criminal activity and violence directed at tourists is low, comparable to other destinations in the region. Travellers should, however, exercise common-sense precautions.

In spite of recent improvements, petty and violent crime (including pickpocketing, assault, robbery, car bombing, hijacking, and murder) is prevalent in other regions of Colombia, both urban and rural. Visitors should exercise extreme caution. They should dress down, avoid wearing jewellery, and keep cameras and electronic equipment out of sight. It is advisable to carry minimal sums of money and to leave your passport and other travel documents locked in your hotel safe.

Avoid going to bars alone. Never leave your drink or food unattended. There have been numerous incidents of drugs being used (including scopolamine) to incapacitate travellers in order to rob them. Scopolamine can be administered through aerosols, cigarettes, gum, or in powder form. Typically, travellers are approached by someone asking for directions; the drug is concealed in a piece of paper and is blown into the victim's face. Exercise extreme caution, as scopolamine can cause prolonged unconsciousness and serious medical problems.

Business travellers and Canadian companies establishing operations in Colombia should take enhanced security measures to protect both personnel and company assets. They should select living accommodations with significant security and modern, secure office facilities. Consult with the Commercial Section of the Embassy of Canada in Bogotá for more information and advice.

There have been reports of thieves posing as police officers and approaching foreigners to verify their documents or foreign currency. If approached, do not hand over money or documents unless you feel threatened and then request to do so at your hotel or other public place to maximize your safety.

Kidnapping

Colombia has one of the highest kidnapping rates in the world. While kidnapping is primarily aimed at Colombians, foreigners can be targeted by guerrilla groups in all parts of the country, especially persons working for (or perceived to be working for) oil and mining companies.

"Express kidnappings" are frequent. Victims are usually picked up from the street and forced to withdraw funds from automated banking machines (ABMs). Uncooperative victims have been injured.

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4. ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS

It is the sole prerogative of each country or region to determine who is allowed to enter. All countries or regions have special requirements for persons intending to reside for extended periods (usually more than 90 days) or who plan to work, study, or engage in non-tourist activities. To obtain information on specific entry requirements, contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the destination(s) to be visited. Violations of entry and exit requirements may result in serious penalties.

The following information on entry and exit requirements has been obtained from the Colombian authorities. However, these requirements are subject to change at any time. It is the traveller's responsibility to check with the Embassy of the Republic of Colombia or its consulates for up-to-date information.

A valid Canadian passport is required for Canadians intending to visit Colombia. The passport must be valid for the duration of the stay in Colombia. However, travellers should check passport validity requirements for countries through which they are transiting.

Dual nationals (Canadian/Colombian) must enter and exit Colombia using their Colombian passport and Colombian Identification Card.

Tourist Visa: Not required
Business Visa or Work Visa: Required
Student Visa: Required

Canadian citizens coming to Colombia for tourist purposes do not require a visa to enter the country. However, those travelling for other purposes must apply for the appropriate visa. Failure to have the proper type of visa could result in deportation.

Canadians wishing to participate in human rights activities and humanitarian assistance programs must have a Temporary Special Visa or Temporary Religious Visa.

Canadians entering on visas are prohibited from participating in local political activities, rallies, and public demonstrations. Political involvement can result in deportation.

Canadians entering Colombia by land need to obtain an entrance stamp in their passport. If they fail to do so, Colombian officials could oblige them to go back to the border to obtain the stamp.

The Puente Internacional de Rumichaca border crossing, located between Ipiales, Colombia, and Tulcán, Ecuador, is closed from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. Travellers should allow enough time for border-crossing formalities.

Travellers to Putumayo, Meta, and Caquetá must have a yellow fever inoculation certificate; the certificate will be required by airlines for flights to these provinces.

An airport tax is charged for international departures.

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A Certificate of Canadian Citizenship is not a travel document. A Canadian passport is the only reliable and universally accepted travel and identification document available to Canadians for the purpose of international travel. Canadian citizens returning to Canada who present other documents, such as a Certificate of Canadian Citizenship, birth certificate, provincial driver’s licence, or foreign passport, instead of a Canadian passport, may face delays or be denied boarding by transport companies.

Selling, altering, or allowing another person to use your passport is a criminal offence. It could lead to the laying of charges and imprisonment if convicted. It could also lead to the denial of future passport services.

Special and diplomatic passport holders should verify all visa requirements for this and other destinations, as they may differ from those that apply to regular passport holders.

Any adult travelling with children may be required to show evidence of parental/custodial and/or access rights. Foreign and Canadian authorities may also require evidence that the adult has the consent of the parents, legal guardian, and/or the court to travel with the children. Some countries or regions may not permit children to enter or, in some cases, leave the country or region without proper documentation such as a letter of consent or a court order.

Although same-sex marriages are legal in Canada, many countries or regions do not recognize them. Attempting to enter as a same-sex married couple may result in refusal by local officials. For more information, contact the foreign government office accredited to Canada.

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5. CANADIAN GOVERNMENT CONTACTS

You can obtain consular assistance and further consular information at the following addresses:

Colombia - BOGOTÁ, Embassy of Canada
Address: Cra. 7, No. 114-33, Piso 14, Bogotá, Colombia
Postal Address: P.O. Box 110067, Bogotá, Colombia,
Tel.: 57 (1) 657-9800
Emergency toll-free to Ottawa: 01-800-919-0057
Fax: 57 (1) 657-9912
E-Mail: bgota@international.gc.ca
Internet: http://www.colombia.gc.ca

Colombia - CARTAGENA, Consulate of Canada
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
E-Mail: honcartagena1@etb.net.co

For emergency assistance after hours, call the Embassy of Canada in Bogotá and follow the instructions. You may also call the Emergency Operations Centre in Ottawa toll-free at 01-800-919-0057.

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6. TRAVEL HEALTH

The Public Health Agency of Canada and the World Health Organization (WHO) report on disease outbreaks that occur throughout the world. For the latest travel health advisories and related information, visit the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Travel Health Web site.

The Public Health Agency of Canada strongly recommends that your travel plans include contacting a travel medicine clinic or physician six to eight weeks before departure. Based on your individual risk assessment, a health care professional can determine your need for immunizations and/or preventive medication and advise you on precautions to avoid disease. Travellers are reminded to ensure that their routine (childhood) immunizations (e.g., tetanus, diphtheria, polio, and measles) are up to date.

Standards of medical care may differ from those in Canada. Treatment may be expensive, and payment in advance may be required. Travellers are advised to arrange for medical insurance prior to departure. Prescription medications should be kept in the original container and packed in carry-on luggage.

The Public Health Agency of Canada also recommends that travellers who become sick or feel unwell on their return to Canada seek a medical assessment with their personal physician. Travellers should inform their physician that they have been travelling or living outside of Canada.

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7. ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION

As in many other areas of the Caribbean and Latin America, travellers in Colombia are advised to take appropriate precautions to protect themselves against water-borne and mosquito-borne diseases by using mosquito repellent (DEET) and avoiding swampy or low-lying areas where mosquitoes are more prevalent. Using physical barriers such as mosquito nets and long-sleeved shirts is also recommended.

Travellers to Bogotá may require some time to adjust to the altitude, which can adversely affect blood pressure, digestion, and energy levels. Persons with respiratory or heart problems should take precautions.

Canadians are advised to use bottled water and to avoid raw and undercooked food in rural and coastal areas.

Medical care is adequate in major cities but varies in quality elsewhere. Many clinics offer emergency services, but payment in advance is often expected. Clinics include the Clínica del Country (530-0470), Fundación Santa Fé (603-0303), and Clínica Marly (343-6600). Also, dial 258-6569 for Trasmédica ambulance services.

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8. LAWS AND CUSTOMS

You are subject to local laws. A serious violation may lead to a jail sentence. The sentence will be served in local prisons.

Canadians arrested or detained have the right to contact the responsible Canadian government office (embassy, high commission, etc.) listed in Section 5 above. Arresting officials have a responsibility to assist you in doing so. Canadian consular officials can provide a list of local lawyers upon request.

The procedures required in legal proceedings or police investigations may be different from the procedures in force in the Canadian legal system. Canadians wishing to undertake such proceedings can expect to face long delays and additional efforts in order to resolve their case. The Government of Canada cannot intervene in ongoing legal proceedings in other countries or regions, unless requested to do so by local authorities. Such requests are rare.

Sentences for drug-related offences are severe. You should monitor your luggage closely at all times. Never transport other people’s packages or change money for strangers.

It is a serious criminal offence to have sex with minors in Colombia. Conviction may result in a lengthy prison sentence.

Colombian law prohibits travellers from bringing firearms into Colombia. Penalties for illegal importation or possession include heavy jail sentences.

It is also prohibited to export certain cultural patrimony artifacts.

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9. TRAVEL AND CURRENCY

Road travel in Colombia, including Bogotá, is extremely dangerous and roads are usually congested. Most roadways are in poor condition. Traffic laws are not enforced by police, traffic signs and controls are ignored, and traffic is aggressive and dangerous. Pedestrians do not have right of way.

Highway closures due to landslides resulting from heavy rains and seismic activity can occur.

When travelling by car, lock all belongings in the trunk and keep your doors locked at all times. It is recommended that you carry a cellular telephone and park your car in a guarded parking lot.

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is required.

In the event of an accident, the drivers involved must remain at the scene and not move their vehicles until the authorities arrive. Failure to do so may result in problems with Colombian law enforcement.

Public transportation is not a safe alternative; buses and, to a lesser extent, taxis are frequent targets for criminals. Rural buses are often stopped by guerrillas. Taxis should not be hailed on the street but should be booked through hotels or through authorized and controlled taxi centres. If you have to hail a taxi on the street, avoid cabs without licence plates and do not enter a cab if it is already occupied by anyone but the driver. Many taxi drivers are armed.

See our FAQ on transportation in order to verify if national airlines meet safety standards.

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The currency is the Colombian peso (COP). Canadian traveller's cheques and cash are not accepted in Colombia; however, U.S. currency and traveller's cheques are widely accepted.

Canadian currency and traveller's cheques are not widely accepted worldwide. Check with your bank for information on automated banking machine (ABM) services outside Canada. You can also check the VISA ATM locator page or the MasterCard ATM locator page for the addresses of ABMs around the world. Verify with your financial institution whether your bank card can be used with ABMs abroad. Some countries use chip and/or personal identification number (PIN) technology for credit cards. Check with your bank to find out if your credit card will be accepted abroad. Credit cards and debit cards should be used with caution due to the potential for fraud and other criminal activity. ABMs should be used during business hours inside a bank, supermarket, or large commercial building. Leave copies of your card numbers with a family member in case of emergency.

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10. NATURAL DISASTERS AND CLIMATE

The hurricane season extends from June to the end of November. You are advised to visit the Web site of the National Hurricane Center for information on weather conditions.

Colombia is subject to various natural disasters such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, torrential rains, floods, and mudslides, which often result in the loss of lives and disruption of travel. Canadians should pay careful attention to weather forecasts and warnings issued, and modify their travel arrangements accordingly.

The Nevado del Huila volcano (Huila and Cauca departments) and the Galeras volcano (Nariño department) recently erupted. Canadians should seek up-to-date information on their levels of activity from local authorities and avoid affected areas.

The rainy season normally lasts from March to June. Incidents of flooding and mudslides occur, especially in rural areas.

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11. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Returning to Canada

Traveller's Checklist

Health and Travel Insurance: Do not rely on your provincial health plan to cover all expenses if you get sick or are injured while abroad. It may cover nothing or only a portion of the costs. Understand the terms of your supplementary insurance policy. Some credit cards offer their holders health and travel insurance. Do not assume the card alone provides adequate coverage. Carry details of your insurance with you. Also, tell your travel agent, a friend or relative, and/or travelling companion how to contact your insurer. Get a detailed invoice from the doctor or hospital before you return to Canada. Always submit original receipts for any medical services or prescriptions received abroad. Most insurance companies will not accept copies or faxes.

Cancelling a scheduled trip abroad could cost you money. Before cancelling a scheduled trip, you should discuss the matter with your travel agent, your travel insurer, or the airline. The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller.

Adoption: Provincial and territorial authorities in Canada are responsible for authorizing international adoptions. If you are thinking of adopting a child abroad, you must first obtain information about the adoption regulations of the province or territory in which the child will reside. While adoption is a provincial/territorial responsibility, Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) is responsible for allowing an adopted child entry into Canada. Entry can be refused if the child does not hold the appropriate immigrant visa. A visa may be denied, even if the adoption has already been completed. For more information contact CIC at 1 888 242-2100 (in Canada only), check the CIC Web site or contact your provincial or territorial government.

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12. ANNEX

N/A

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