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

Travel advisories for Colombia

What the advice says

• The US State Department rates Colombia at Level 3 - Reconsider Travel, a country-level advisory dated April 17, 2025, and it is not specific to Cartagena.
• UK FCDO guidance describes a high threat of terrorism throughout Colombia, with past attacks noted at transportation hubs, markets, hotels, clubs, restaurants and public areas.
• Armed groups remain active in various parts of the country, with the most specific FCDO warnings concerning rural border areas and certain departments rather than Cartagena itself.
• Street crime such as pickpocketing, mugging and armed robbery is described as a problem in major Colombian cities, including areas along the Caribbean coast.
• Express kidnappings involving fake taxi drivers and forced ATM withdrawals are noted as common, so using ATMs during business hours inside a bank or shopping center is advised.
• Protests and demonstrations occur regularly and can turn violent with little warning, so avoiding large gatherings and checking local media is worthwhile.
• As with travel anywhere, solo travelers and anyone out after dark should stay aware of their surroundings and avoid carrying large amounts of cash or visible valuables.