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

Travel advisories for Colombia

What the advice says

• The US Department of State advisory for Colombia is Level 3 - Reconsider Travel, dated 2026-03-31. This advisory is country-level, not specific to Cartagena.
• UK FCDO guidance, last updated October 30, 2026, is also issued at the country level rather than for Cartagena specifically, and notes Colombia has suffered internal armed conflict for over 50 years with the 2016 peace agreement still in place but implementation delays causing a resurgence of violence in parts of the country.
• The FCDO states terrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks in Colombia, with past methods including car bombs, grenade and drone attacks, and explosive devices left in buildings and on main roads; tourist locations such as transportation hubs, markets, hotels, restaurants, and public areas have historically been targeted.
• Protests and demonstrations happen regularly throughout the country and can start at short notice, sometimes turning violent and prompting an increased police or military presence with possible road closures; the FCDO advises avoiding protests and allowing extra travel time.
• Street crime including pickpocketing, mugging, and armed robbery is described as a problem in major cities, including on the Caribbean coast, and the FCDO advises against carrying large amounts of money or wearing expensive-looking jewelry or watches.
• The FCDO describes short-term 'express kidnappings' as common, often involving criminals posing as taxi drivers who target victims near ATMs, frequently at night; it recommends using ATMs during business hours and inside a bank, supermarket, or shopping center.
• As general precautions, solo travelers should stay aware of their surroundings, avoid walking alone after dark in unfamiliar or deprived areas, and let someone trusted know their whereabouts, consistent with the FCDO's broader advice for Colombia.