Is Cali safe to visit right now? (September 2026)

Travel advisories for Colombia

What the advice says

• The US State Department places Colombia at Level 3, Reconsider Travel, an advisory that applies to the whole country rather than specifically to Cali.
• UK FCDO guidance notes that armed groups remain active in parts of Colombia and that attacks have historically targeted transportation hubs, markets, hotels, and other public places.
• Pickpocketing, mugging, and armed robbery are described as problems in major cities including Cali, so it is worth keeping valuables out of sight and avoiding displays of cash or jewelry.
• Express kidnappings, in which victims are forced to withdraw money from ATMs, are noted as common; using machines inside a bank, supermarket, or shopping center during business hours lowers this risk.
• Protests and demonstrations can start with little warning and sometimes turn violent, so avoiding large gatherings and checking local news before heading out is advisable.
• Solo travelers, particularly after dark, should stick to well-lit, populated areas and let someone else know their planned route and return time.