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

Travel advisories for Colombia

What the advice says

• The US State Department advisory for Colombia is Level 3 - Reconsider Travel, dated 2026-03-31; this is a country-level advisory, not specific to Medellín.
• The UK FCDO notes a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, and states that 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.
• Armed groups remain active throughout Colombia despite the 2016 peace agreement with FARC, and attacks have historically targeted transportation hubs, markets, shopping malls, government facilities, hotels, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, parks, sporting and cultural events, and educational institutions.
• The FCDO reports that pickpocketing, mugging, and armed robbery are a problem in major cities including Medellín, and advises against carrying large amounts of money or wearing expensive-looking jewelry or watches, with extra caution urged on city streets after dark or when alone.
• Short-term opportunistic 'express kidnappings' are described as common in Colombia; criminals, sometimes posing as taxi drivers, may target victims around ATMs, often at night, so the FCDO recommends using ATMs during business hours inside a bank, supermarket, or shopping center.
• Protests and demonstrations occur regularly across the country, can start at short notice and turn violent, and may cause road closures; travelers are advised to avoid them, allow extra travel time, and monitor local media.
• The FCDO advises staying aware of surroundings at all times, letting a trusted person know your whereabouts, and taking particular care in deprived areas of cities or when traveling alone, especially after dark.