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Colombia Traveler View

Travel health notices, vaccines and medicines, non-vaccine-preventable diseases, stay healthy and safe.

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After Your Trip

Be aware of current health issues in Colombia. Learn how to protect yourself.

Level 1 Practice Usual Precautions

• Dengue in the Americas February 28, 2024 Dengue is a risk in many parts of Central and South America, Mexico, and the Caribbean. Some countries are reporting increased numbers of cases of the disease. Travelers to the Americas can protect themselves by preventing mosquito bites. Destination List: Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, French Guiana (France), Guadeloupe, Guatemala, Haiti, Jamaica, Martinique (France), Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Saint Barthelemy, Saint Martin, Turks and Caicos Islands (U.K.)

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Check the vaccines and medicines list and visit your doctor at least a month before your trip to get vaccines or medicines you may need. If you or your doctor need help finding a location that provides certain vaccines or medicines, visit the Find a Clinic page.

Routine vaccines

Recommendations.

Make sure you are up-to-date on all routine vaccines before every trip. Some of these vaccines include

• Chickenpox (Varicella)
• Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis
• Flu (influenza)
• Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)

Immunization schedules

All eligible travelers should be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines. Please see  Your COVID-19 Vaccination  for more information. 

COVID-19 vaccine

Hepatitis A

Recommended for unvaccinated travelers one year old or older going to Colombia.

Infants 6 to 11 months old should also be vaccinated against Hepatitis A. The dose does not count toward the routine 2-dose series.

Travelers allergic to a vaccine component or who are younger than 6 months should receive a single dose of immune globulin, which provides effective protection for up to 2 months depending on dosage given.

Unvaccinated travelers who are over 40 years old, immunocompromised, or have chronic medical conditions planning to depart to a risk area in less than 2 weeks should get the initial dose of vaccine and at the same appointment receive immune globulin.

Hepatitis A - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Hep A

Hepatitis B

Recommended for unvaccinated travelers younger than 60 years old traveling to Colombia. Unvaccinated travelers 60 years and older may get vaccinated before traveling to Colombia.

Hepatitis B - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Hep B

CDC recommends that travelers going to certain areas of Colombia take prescription medicine to prevent malaria. Depending on the medicine you take, you will need to start taking this medicine multiple days before your trip, as well as during and after your trip. Talk to your doctor about which malaria medication you should take.

Find  country-specific information  about malaria.

Malaria - CDC Yellow Book

Considerations when choosing a drug for malaria prophylaxis (CDC Yellow Book)

Malaria information for Colombia.

Cases of measles are on the rise worldwide. Travelers are at risk of measles if they have not been fully vaccinated at least two weeks prior to departure, or have not had measles in the past, and travel internationally to areas where measles is spreading.

All international travelers should be fully vaccinated against measles with the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, including an early dose for infants 6–11 months, according to  CDC’s measles vaccination recommendations for international travel .

Measles (Rubeola) - CDC Yellow Book

Rabid dogs are commonly found in Colombia. If you are bitten or scratched by a dog or other mammal while in Colombia, there may be limited or no rabies treatment available. 

Consider rabies vaccination before your trip if your activities mean you will be around dogs or wildlife.

Travelers more likely to encounter rabid animals include

• Campers, adventure travelers, or cave explorers (spelunkers)
• Veterinarians, animal handlers, field biologists, or laboratory workers handling animal specimens
• Visitors to rural areas

Since children are more likely to be bitten or scratched by a dog or other animals, consider rabies vaccination for children traveling to Colombia. 

Rabies - CDC Yellow Book

Recommended for most travelers, especially those staying with friends or relatives or visiting smaller cities or rural areas.

Typhoid - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Typhoid

Yellow Fever

Required for travelers ≥1 year old arriving from Angola, Brazil, Democratic Republic of the Congo, or Uganda; this includes >12-hour airport transits or layovers in any of these countries.

Recommended for all travelers ≥9 months old except as follows. Generally not recommended for travel limited to the cities of Barranquilla, Cali, Cartagena, or Medellín. Not recommended for travel limited to areas >2,300 m (≈7,550 ft) elevation, the archipelago department of San Andrés and Providencia, or the city of Bogotá (the capital).

Yellow Fever - CDC Yellow Book

Avoid contaminated water

Leptospirosis

How most people get sick (most common modes of transmission)

• Touching urine or other body fluids from an animal infected with leptospirosis
• Swimming or wading in urine-contaminated fresh water, or contact with urine-contaminated mud
• Drinking water or eating food contaminated with animal urine
• Avoid contaminated water and soil

Clinical Guidance

Avoid bug bites, chagas disease (american trypanosomiasis).

• Accidentally rub feces (poop) of the triatomine bug into the bug bite, other breaks in the skin, your eyes, or mouth
• From pregnant woman to her baby, contaminated blood products (transfusions), or contaminated food or drink.
• Avoid Bug Bites

Chagas disease

• Mosquito bite

Leishmaniasis

• Sand fly bite
• An infected pregnant woman can spread it to her unborn baby

Airborne & droplet

• Breathing in air or accidentally eating food contaminated with the urine, droppings, or saliva of infected rodents
• Bite from an infected rodent
• Less commonly, being around someone sick with hantavirus (only occurs with Andes virus)
• Avoid rodents and areas where they live
• Avoid sick people

Tuberculosis (TB)

• Breathe in TB bacteria that is in the air from an infected and contagious person coughing, speaking, or singing.

Learn actions you can take to stay healthy and safe on your trip. Vaccines cannot protect you from many diseases in Colombia, so your behaviors are important.

Eat and drink safely

Food and water standards around the world vary based on the destination. Standards may also differ within a country and risk may change depending on activity type (e.g., hiking versus business trip). You can learn more about safe food and drink choices when traveling by accessing the resources below.

• Choose Safe Food and Drinks When Traveling
• Water Treatment Options When Hiking, Camping or Traveling
• Global Water, Sanitation and Hygiene | Healthy Water
• Avoid Contaminated Water During Travel

You can also visit the Department of State Country Information Pages for additional information about food and water safety.

Prevent bug bites

Bugs (like mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas) can spread a number of diseases in Colombia. Many of these diseases cannot be prevented with a vaccine or medicine. You can reduce your risk by taking steps to prevent bug bites.

What can I do to prevent bug bites?

• Cover exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats.
• Use an appropriate insect repellent (see below).
• Use permethrin-treated clothing and gear (such as boots, pants, socks, and tents). Do not use permethrin directly on skin.
• Stay and sleep in air-conditioned or screened rooms.
• Use a bed net if the area where you are sleeping is exposed to the outdoors.

What type of insect repellent should I use?

• FOR PROTECTION AGAINST TICKS AND MOSQUITOES: Use a repellent that contains 20% or more DEET for protection that lasts up to several hours.
• Picaridin (also known as KBR 3023, Bayrepel, and icaridin)
• Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or para-menthane-diol (PMD)
• 2-undecanone
• Always use insect repellent as directed.

What should I do if I am bitten by bugs?

• Avoid scratching bug bites, and apply hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion to reduce the itching.
• Check your entire body for ticks after outdoor activity. Be sure to remove ticks properly.

What can I do to avoid bed bugs?

Although bed bugs do not carry disease, they are an annoyance. See our information page about avoiding bug bites for some easy tips to avoid them. For more information on bed bugs, see Bed Bugs .

For more detailed information on avoiding bug bites, see Avoid Bug Bites .

Stay safe outdoors

If your travel plans in Colombia include outdoor activities, take these steps to stay safe and healthy during your trip.

• Stay alert to changing weather conditions and adjust your plans if conditions become unsafe.
• Prepare for activities by wearing the right clothes and packing protective items, such as bug spray, sunscreen, and a basic first aid kit.
• Consider learning basic first aid and CPR before travel. Bring a travel health kit with items appropriate for your activities.
• If you are outside for many hours in heat, eat salty snacks and drink water to stay hydrated and replace salt lost through sweating.
• Protect yourself from UV radiation : use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, wear protective clothing, and seek shade during the hottest time of day (10 a.m.–4 p.m.).
• Be especially careful during summer months and at high elevation. Because sunlight reflects off snow, sand, and water, sun exposure may be increased during activities like skiing, swimming, and sailing.
• Very cold temperatures can be dangerous. Dress in layers and cover heads, hands, and feet properly if you are visiting a cold location.

Stay safe around water

• Swim only in designated swimming areas. Obey lifeguards and warning flags on beaches.
• Practice safe boating—follow all boating safety laws, do not drink alcohol if driving a boat, and always wear a life jacket.
• Do not dive into shallow water.
• Do not swim in freshwater in developing areas or where sanitation is poor.
• Avoid swallowing water when swimming. Untreated water can carry germs that make you sick.
• To prevent infections, wear shoes on beaches where there may be animal waste.

Leptospirosis, a bacterial infection that can be spread in fresh water, is found in Colombia. Avoid swimming in fresh, unchlorinated water, such as lakes, ponds, or rivers.

Keep away from animals

Most animals avoid people, but they may attack if they feel threatened, are protecting their young or territory, or if they are injured or ill. Animal bites and scratches can lead to serious diseases such as rabies.

Follow these tips to protect yourself:

• Do not touch or feed any animals you do not know.
• Do not allow animals to lick open wounds, and do not get animal saliva in your eyes or mouth.
• Avoid rodents and their urine and feces.
• Traveling pets should be supervised closely and not allowed to come in contact with local animals.
• If you wake in a room with a bat, seek medical care immediately. Bat bites may be hard to see.

All animals can pose a threat, but be extra careful around dogs, bats, monkeys, sea animals such as jellyfish, and snakes. If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, immediately:

• Wash the wound with soap and clean water.
• Go to a doctor right away.
• Tell your doctor about your injury when you get back to the United States.

Consider buying medical evacuation insurance. Rabies is a deadly disease that must be treated quickly, and treatment may not be available in some countries.

Reduce your exposure to germs

Follow these tips to avoid getting sick or spreading illness to others while traveling:

• Wash your hands often, especially before eating.
• If soap and water aren’t available, clean hands with hand sanitizer (containing at least 60% alcohol).
• Don’t touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. If you need to touch your face, make sure your hands are clean.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
• Try to avoid contact with people who are sick.
• If you are sick, stay home or in your hotel room, unless you need medical care.

Avoid sharing body fluids

Diseases can be spread through body fluids, such as saliva, blood, vomit, and semen.

Protect yourself:

• Use latex condoms correctly.
• Do not inject drugs.
• Limit alcohol consumption. People take more risks when intoxicated.
• Do not share needles or any devices that can break the skin. That includes needles for tattoos, piercings, and acupuncture.
• If you receive medical or dental care, make sure the equipment is disinfected or sanitized.

Know how to get medical care while traveling

Plan for how you will get health care during your trip, should the need arise:

• Carry a list of local doctors and hospitals at your destination.
• Review your health insurance plan to determine what medical services it would cover during your trip. Consider purchasing travel health and medical evacuation insurance.
• Carry a card that identifies, in the local language, your blood type, chronic conditions or serious allergies, and the generic names of any medications you take.
• Some prescription drugs may be illegal in other countries. Call Colombia’s embassy to verify that all of your prescription(s) are legal to bring with you.
• Bring all the medicines (including over-the-counter medicines) you think you might need during your trip, including extra in case of travel delays. Ask your doctor to help you get prescriptions filled early if you need to.

Many foreign hospitals and clinics are accredited by the Joint Commission International. A list of accredited facilities is available at their website ( www.jointcommissioninternational.org ).

In some countries, medicine (prescription and over-the-counter) may be substandard or counterfeit. Bring the medicines you will need from the United States to avoid having to buy them at your destination.

Malaria is a risk in some parts of Colombia. If you are going to a risk area, fill your malaria prescription before you leave, and take enough with you for the entire length of your trip. Follow your doctor’s instructions for taking the pills; some need to be started before you leave.

Select safe transportation

Motor vehicle crashes are the #1 killer of healthy US citizens in foreign countries.

In many places cars, buses, large trucks, rickshaws, bikes, people on foot, and even animals share the same lanes of traffic, increasing the risk for crashes.

Be smart when you are traveling on foot.

• Use sidewalks and marked crosswalks.
• Pay attention to the traffic around you, especially in crowded areas.
• Remember, people on foot do not always have the right of way in other countries.

Riding/Driving

Choose a safe vehicle.

• Choose official taxis or public transportation, such as trains and buses.
• Ride only in cars that have seatbelts.
• Avoid overcrowded, overloaded, top-heavy buses and minivans.
• Avoid riding on motorcycles or motorbikes, especially motorbike taxis. (Many crashes are caused by inexperienced motorbike drivers.)
• Choose newer vehicles—they may have more safety features, such as airbags, and be more reliable.
• Choose larger vehicles, which may provide more protection in crashes.

Think about the driver.

• Do not drive after drinking alcohol or ride with someone who has been drinking.
• Consider hiring a licensed, trained driver familiar with the area.
• Arrange payment before departing.

Follow basic safety tips.

• Wear a seatbelt at all times.
• Sit in the back seat of cars and taxis.
• When on motorbikes or bicycles, always wear a helmet. (Bring a helmet from home, if needed.)
• Avoid driving at night; street lighting in certain parts of Colombia may be poor.
• Do not use a cell phone or text while driving (illegal in many countries).
• Travel during daylight hours only, especially in rural areas.
• If you choose to drive a vehicle in Colombia, learn the local traffic laws and have the proper paperwork.
• Get any driving permits and insurance you may need. Get an International Driving Permit (IDP). Carry the IDP and a US-issued driver's license at all times.
• Check with your auto insurance policy's international coverage, and get more coverage if needed. Make sure you have liability insurance.
• Avoid using local, unscheduled aircraft.
• If possible, fly on larger planes (more than 30 seats); larger airplanes are more likely to have regular safety inspections.
• Try to schedule flights during daylight hours and in good weather.

Medical Evacuation Insurance

If you are seriously injured, emergency care may not be available or may not meet US standards. Trauma care centers are uncommon outside urban areas. Having medical evacuation insurance can be helpful for these reasons.

Helpful Resources

Road Safety Overseas (Information from the US Department of State): Includes tips on driving in other countries, International Driving Permits, auto insurance, and other resources.

The Association for International Road Travel has country-specific Road Travel Reports available for most countries for a minimal fee.

Maintain personal security

Use the same common sense traveling overseas that you would at home, and always stay alert and aware of your surroundings.

Before you leave

• Research your destination(s), including local laws, customs, and culture.
• Monitor travel advisories and alerts and read travel tips from the US Department of State.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) .
• Leave a copy of your itinerary, contact information, credit cards, and passport with someone at home.
• Pack as light as possible, and leave at home any item you could not replace.

While at your destination(s)

• Carry contact information for the nearest US embassy or consulate .
• Carry a photocopy of your passport and entry stamp; leave the actual passport securely in your hotel.
• Follow all local laws and social customs.
• Do not wear expensive clothing or jewelry.
• Always keep hotel doors locked, and store valuables in secure areas.
• If possible, choose hotel rooms between the 2nd and 6th floors.

Healthy Travel Packing List

Use the Healthy Travel Packing List for Colombia for a list of health-related items to consider packing for your trip. Talk to your doctor about which items are most important for you.

Why does CDC recommend packing these health-related items?

It’s best to be prepared to prevent and treat common illnesses and injuries. Some supplies and medicines may be difficult to find at your destination, may have different names, or may have different ingredients than what you normally use.

If you are not feeling well after your trip, you may need to see a doctor. If you need help finding a travel medicine specialist, see Find a Clinic . Be sure to tell your doctor about your travel, including where you went and what you did on your trip. Also tell your doctor if you were bitten or scratched by an animal while traveling.

If your doctor prescribed antimalarial medicine for your trip, keep taking the rest of your pills after you return home. If you stop taking your medicine too soon, you could still get sick.

Malaria is always a serious disease and may be a deadly illness. If you become ill with a fever either while traveling in a malaria-risk area or after you return home (for up to 1 year), you should seek immediate medical attention and should tell the doctor about your travel history.

For more information on what to do if you are sick after your trip, see Getting Sick after Travel .

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State Department urges travelers to ‘reconsider’ visiting Jamaica, Colombia

The State Department is urging Americans to “reconsider travel” to Jamaica and Colombia due to crime and, in Colombia’s case, terrorism.

The department regularly assesses risks for Americans abroad and had previously issued travel advisories for both Colombia and Jamaica but reissued them with fresh updates. 

“Violent crimes, such as home invasions, armed robberies, sexual assaults, and homicides, are common. Sexual assaults occur frequently, including at all-inclusive resorts,” the State Department says in its level 3 travel advisory for Jamaica.

The State Department similarly warns of “widespread” violent crimes in Colombia, including homicide, assault and armed robbery and in some places, kidnapping and extortion. Additionally, terrorist and criminal organizations may attack public areas like airports, hotels and restaurants without warning, and due to civil unrest, “demonstrations occur regularly throughout the country” and “protests can become violent and can result in fatalities and injuries.” 

"The U.S. Department of State has no higher priority than the safety and security of U.S. citizens overseas," a State Department spokesperson said. "We take seriously our commitment to provide U.S. citizens with clear, timely, and reliable information about every country in the world so they can make informed travel decisions."

Learn more: Best travel insurance

Here’s what travelers should know about visiting Colombia and Jamaica:

Not everyone wants to come to the US: Gun violence, safety concerns keeping international travelers away

Why is there a travel warning to Jamaica?

The biggest risk factor is crime, but the response to crime is also important to note. 

“Local police do not respond effectively to serious criminal incidents,” according to the State Department. “When arrests are made, cases are infrequently prosecuted to a conclusive sentence. Families of U.S. citizens killed in accidents or homicides frequently wait a year or more for final death certificates to be issued by Jamaican authorities.”

The State Department adds that emergency services and hospital care vary widely across Jamaica and U.S. government personnel are not allowed to travel to many areas due to increased risk, meaning travelers have limited resources if something goes awry.

Is Mexico travel safe? What to know about visiting Cabo, Cancun, Playa del Carmen and more

Is it safe to travel to Colombia?

For now, the State Department is encouraging Americans to reconsider visiting Colombia in general due to crime, terrorism and civil unrest.

There are, however, specific parts of the country Americans are urged to avoid. The State Department says “do not travel” to Arauca, Cauca and Norte de Santander Departments, where violent crime is widespread, terrorist groups can be active and “the U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens as U.S. government-personnel travel to these areas is severely restricted due to security concerns.” Popular tourist spots are located in Bogotá and Medellín, which are several hours away from the highlighted states by car.

Americans are also urged to avoid the border area between Colombia and Venezuela, which in many places is not clearly marked and where U.S. citizens risk being detained and charged with terrorism and other crimes. 

How to travel like a spy: CIA tips to stay safe on vacation

What should you do before traveling to Jamaica or Colombia? 

Travelers who decide to visit Jamaica, Colombia, or any country with safety risks are urged to enroll in the State Department’s free Smart Travel Enrollment Program , read the destination’s Country Security Report , prepare contingency plans for emergencies, be aware of their surroundings, keep a low profile, and follow the State Department on Facebook and Twitter for updates.

Additional destination-specific tips are available online through the State Department’s Bureau of Consular Affairs .

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U.S. State Department Issues Warning Against Traveling to These Popular Caribbean and South American Countries

The U.S. Department of State is warning Americans to reconsider traveling to Jamaica and Colombia.

The U.S. Department of State is warning Americans to reconsider traveling to a pair of popular Caribbean and South American countries amid a recent uptick in crime.

The State Department last week re-classified both Colombia and Jamaica as “Level 3,” urging Americans to “reconsider travel” to the countries. The State Department regularly assesses the security and health situations in each country and adjusts the classification accordingly on a scale of one (which indicates travelers should exercise normal precautions) to four (which warns Americans not to travel there).

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In Jamaica, the department warned “violent crimes, such as home invasions, armed robberies, sexual assaults, and homicides, are common” and said “sexual assaults occur frequently, including at all-inclusive resorts .” The Department added “local police often do not respond effectively to serious criminal incidents.”

A do not travel advisory was issued for several areas on the island, including downtown Kingston.

In Colombia , the State Department warned travelers should reconsider their trip “due to crime and terrorism” and should “exercise increased caution due to civil unrest and kidnapping.” Additionally, the department warned terrorist organizations may carry out attacks on transportation hubs, shopping malls, hotels, restaurants, airports, or other public areas.

The department said travelers especially should not visit the Arauca, Cauca (excluding Popayán), and Norte de Santander departments, and should not go to the Colombia-Venezuela border region “due to crime, kidnapping, and risk of detention when crossing into Venezuela from Colombia.”

“Violent crime, such as homicide, assault, and armed robbery, is widespread,” the State Department wrote in its updated advisory. “Organized criminal activities, such as extortion, robbery, and kidnapping, are common in some areas.”

If travelers do go to Colombia , the Department said they should avoid protests and large crowds and keep a low profile.

Travelers who do visit these countries can enroll in the State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program to receive alerts “and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.”

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State Department’s travel advisory categorizes Colombia as Level Two nation

The U.S State Department has released its global travel advisory list and as of January 12, Colombia has been up-graded as a Level Two country, where U.S nationals must still “exercise increased caution,” but are free to visit large areas of the country, formally ranked as “no-go-to” zones. Colombia joins Brazil, Belgium, Mexico and Dominican Republic in this tourism-friendly category.

While some many regions of Colombia remain off-limits due to “crime and terrorism” others are considered safe enough for U.S. government personnel. The U.S travel advisory states that Arauca, Cauca (except Popayán), Chocó (except Nuquí), and Norte de Santander (except Cucuta) are not safe to visit.

According to Level Two categorization, travelers should “reconsider” visiting the departments of Antioquia (north of Medellín), Caquetá, Casanare, César, Meta, Cordoba, Guainía, Guaviare, Valle del Cauca, Putumayo, Vaupés and Vichada. Travelers are advised to exercise increased caution in Pasto, capital of Nariño.

Four departments along Colombia’s Caribbean coast are considered safe to visit, such as Bolívar, La Guajira, Magdalena and Atlántico.

The advisory states that Highway 90 that unites Cartagena with Barranquilla and Santa Marta is also safe to travel. So, too, most of the interior departments of Cundinamarca, Boyacá, Tolima and Santander. The coffee region’s main highway – Autopista del Café – that connects Armenia in Quindío with Pereira in Risaralda and Manizales in Caldas is also considered a safe transportation corridor.

For Colombia’s Minister of Commerce, Industry and Tourism, María Lorena Gutiérrez, a Level Two classification “is good news” as Colombia officially leaves a “blacklist of nations the United States recommends not to visit.” For decades Colombia was considered by the State Department as a Level Three nation where travelers were urged to “reconsider” their trip.

Cuba, Venezuela, Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador remain Level Three nations.

As recently as last year, Colombia was a country in which all the territory fell under a travel warning as high risk. “The State Department no longer generalizes all of Colombia as a destination with security risks, but now specifies regions where foreigners are recommended not to visit,” said Gutiérrez.

According to the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Tourism (MinCIT), from 2010 to 2016, the influx of U.S citizens grew 40% from 357,460 visitors in 2010 to 498,960 in 2016. As of November 2017, this number grew additional 5.1% with 469,425 U.S citizens entering Colombia for tourism. “We know that there are many security challenges, but the government has not lowered its guard to resolve them and we continue to consolidate the end of the conflict to provide more guarantees to domestic and foreign tourists,” remarked the senior government official.

Colombia was highlighted in a January 10 feature in The New York Times as one of “52 Places to Go in 2018” and second of all possible world-wide destinations. The New York Times’ interactive feature ranked New Orleans and their top global destination. “The New York Times report, as well as many others in the international media, shows how the world is rediscovering Colombia after more than half century of conflict,” reaffirmed Gutierréz.

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Foreign Consular Office Contact Information

Washington, DC

Email the Colombian Embassy

Telephone (202) 885-9279

Atlanta, GA

Email the Colombian Consulate in Atlanta

Telephone (404) 254-3206

Email the Colombian Consulate in Boston

Telephone (617) 536-6222

Chicago, IL

Email the Colombian Consulate in Chicago

Telephone (312) 923-1196/9034/9035; Fax (312) 923-1197

Houston, TX

Email the Colombian Consulate in Houston

Telephone (346) 204-4664; Fax (346) 229-1797

Los Angeles, CA

Email the Colombian Consulate in Los Angeles

Telephone 1-888-764-3326

Email the Colombian Consulate in Miami

Telephone (305) 358-0290; Fax (305) 441-9537

Email the Colombian Consulate in Newark

Telephone (855) 739-3137

New York, NY

Email the Colombian Consulate in New York City

Telephone (212) 798-9000; Fax (212) 972-1725

Orlando, FL

Email the Colombian Consulate in Orlando

Telephone (407) 650-4274; Fax (407) 650-4281

San Francisco, CA

Email the Colombian Consulate in San Francisco

Telephone (415) 495-7195 / 96

San Juan, PR

Email the Colombian Consulate in San Juan

Telephone (787) 754-6885 / 754-1675

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511 Travel Info

News releases

April 2, 2024

Latest news releases

MnDOT announces 2024 state construction projects

Online travel planning tools can help motorists safely navigate work zones.

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Travelers should prepare to slow down for construction work zones as road projects begin to ramp up across the state, the Minnesota Department of Transportation announced today. The agency has nearly 200 road construction projects this season that will help maintain and improve Minnesota's roads, bridges and transportation infrastructure; improve safety and mobility; and support jobs that will be worked on statewide.

The 2024 construction season includes 193 planned road and bridge projects, plus 54 projects that will improve airports, water ports, railroad crossings and transit infrastructure.

"Drivers throughout Minnesota can expect to see more work zones, more orange cones, more closed lanes, and more people working along the road wearing their high-visibility gear," said Commissioner Nancy Daubenberger. "We need everyone on the road to work together to keep our crews, and yourselves, safe in work zones. When we all slow down and obey work zone speed limits, set aside our cell phones and other distractions, plan ahead and remain patient, we become safer together as we share the limited space inside work zones."

• Find more information about safe driving around construction work zones .

Significant projects this year

• Replacing and repairing bridges on Interstate 494 between Edina and Richfield continues for the second year of a four-year project that also includes reconfiguring the I-35W/I-494 interchange, building a pedestrian bridge, adding E-ZPass lanes, and constructing noise walls. Other major projects in the Twin Cities Metro area include pavement improvements on I-94 between Oakdale and Lakeland and Highway 36 between Roseville and Little Canada , and the start of a three-year project to repair the Stone Arch Bridge in Minneapolis .
• Completing bridge work on I-35 between the Twin Cities and Duluth and resurface pavement near Hinckley , and the Atkinson bridge over Carlton County Road 61 will be repaired. Roadwork will also continue on I-35 in Duluth .
• Completing the I-35 Faribault project will include ramp, bridge and pavement improvements.
• Crews will begin a three-year project to improve the I-90/Highway 52 interchange southeast of Rochester which involves replacing the I-90 bridges, constructing a new ramp/bridge over Highway 52 and other improvements.
• Reconstructing Highway 220 north of East Grand Forks with pavement and culvert replacements to improve drainage and the driving surface.
• Resurfacing the Hwy 25 bridge over the Mississippi River in Monticello , including drainage and sidewalk updates.
• A three-year project to improve the 11th Street underpass in Moorhead will involve constructing two underpasses under BNSF rail lines, sidewalk and other improvements.
• Two new roundabouts will be constructed during a two-year complete streets project on Highways 59 and 108 in Pelican Rapids , which will also improve a shared-use path, sidewalk and city utilities.

Safety in work zones

Motorists should always be prepared to encounter traffic changes when approaching work zones including lane closures, lane shifts, uneven road surfaces, slow-moving heavy equipment and slow or stopped traffic. To keep everyone safe, drivers must:

• Obey posted speed limits . The fine for speeding in a work zone is $300.
• Drive undistracted. Avoid using cell phones, mobile devices, adjusting the radio – even eating – while in work zones.
• Move over. Give workers room to safely complete their work.
• Know before you go. Get real-time information about traffic and road conditions at www.511mn.org or get the free 511mn smartphone app at Google Play or the App Store.
• Be patient. Expect delays, especially during peak travel times.
• Do the zipper merge .
• Avoid making unnecessary lane changes.
• Never enter a road blocked with barriers or cones.

2024 Minnesota road construction planning and travel tools

Travelers can use several online tools to plan ahead for construction impacts like detours and lane closures.

• Visit mndot.gov/construction for the statewide view of the 2024 construction season’s projects. The site includes interactive maps linking to more detailed construction project websites, full project lists and other information.
• Individual project pages include information about construction schedules, detours and traffic impacts, maps, benefits and project costs.
• Know before you go – visit 511mn.org or use the 511 app to get near-real-time travel information.
• Sign up for project email updates, or other specific topics .
• Follow MnDOT on social media . 

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States issue travel warnings about eclipse-related traffic and tips for visitors

Here’s what you should know before traveling into the path of totality.

By Alyssa Bradford

On Monday, a total solar eclipse will occur, and multiple states in the United States with be in the path of totality.

According to Forbes , up to 3.7 million people are expected to travel for the event.

If you’re considering a trip to the path of totality, consider these travel warnings from leaders of the affected states.

Airport travel warnings

In a press release , the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said it’s expecting 40,000 to 50,000 flights per day over the next few days, due to a surge in travel related to spring break and the eclipse.

“Travelers flying along the eclipse path may encounter limited parking and potential delays at airports due to the high volume of aircraft and drones attempting to witness the total solar eclipse,” the press release said.

According to the United States Department of Transportation (DOT), states that can see some of their airports affected by eclipse travel include:

• New Hampshire.
• Pennsylvania.

This is incredible. From @Jamie_Lane where AirBnBs are fully booked next week. pic.twitter.com/ITKZJaGfY8 — Mike Simonsen 🐉 (@mikesimonsen) April 4, 2024

States with travel warnings

Traffic is expected to be heavy and “potentially deadly” in and near the path of totality, according to USA Today .

The situation will be especially hazardous right when the eclipse ends, since most eclipse travelers plan to head home right away, the article said.

Take care if you’re visiting one of these states:

The Arkansas Department of Public Safety hosted training exercises earlier this year to prepare public safety officers for the potential chaos of the eclipse event.

“Several scenarios, such as severe weather, transportation and traffic management issues, and potential fuel shortages, may impact Arkansans during the solar eclipse,” a Feb. 15 press release said.

Arkansas’ DOT has issued warnings about wearing proper eye protection.

For a map of expected high traffic areas, visit the state’s 2024 Solar Eclipse Traffic Management Plan .

Illinois’ DOT has offered these travel tips:

• Anticipate significant traffic congestion on all routes leading in and out of the region immediately following the eclipse.
• Have your car headlights on during the eclipse.
• Don’t take photos, videos or wear eclipse glasses while driving.
• Exit the roadway and park in a safe area before viewing the eclipse.

Travel conditions the day of the event can be found on Getting Around Illinois .

Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb declared a statewide disaster emergency as part of his effort to prepare the state of an influx of hundreds of thousands of visitors.

Visit Indiana offers these tips for residents of and visitors to the state:

• Have a full tank of gas.
• Bring a couple of gallons of water.
• Bring shelf-stable snacks.
• Use correct eclipse glasses.
• Bring backup auto fluids.
• Bring a phone and car charger.
• Bring a physical or paper map.
• Bring cash.
• Bring extra medication.
• Pack a first-aid kit.
• Keep a basic toolkit on hand.
• Have jumper cables in the car.
• Have a headlamp or flashlight with extra batteries.
• Keep a spare tire or flat tire kit.
• Pack emergency flares ore reflectors.

Per WCLU Radio , the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet has advised travelers to:

• Stay informed about congested roadways.
• Be patient while driving.
• Carry essentials such as water, snacks, first-aid kits and sunscreen.
• Carpool or use public transportation.
• Respect local communities.

According to Maine.gov , Maine Gov. Janet Mills and other state leaders have worked together to make a plan for the eclipse. Their recommendations for residents and visitors include:

• Wearing eclipse glasses during the eclipse but not while you’re driving.
• Planning out travel routes in advance.
• Bringing safety-related supplies: Paper maps, emergency car kit and water.
• Having a full tank of gas.
• Avoiding dirt roads.

Missouri’s Department of Transportation offers that following highway safety tips:

• Do not stop on any major road or shoulder.
• Exit the highway before taking a picture of the eclipse. Make sure to stop before taking a photo.
• Turn on headlights when the sky goes dark.
• Watch out for pedestrians on roads.
• Prepare for congestion on roads.
• Avoid travel during the eclipse if possible.

Traffic conditions for Missouri can be found on the Department of Transportation’s website .

New Hampshire

New Hampshire leaders are expecting heavy and potentially dangerous traffic in Coos County on April 8.

The state is encouraging visitors to stay on state highways since “some secondary highways and local roads were not designed to handle large volumes of traffic, and springtime in the north country can bring frost heaves and very soft shoulders,” according to a travel advisory .

In a YouTube video the commissioner of the New York State Department of Health, James McDonald, shared these tips for eclipse travelers:

• Use certified eclipse glasses.
• Be prepared for the outdoors: New York weather may include snow, rain or sun, sometimes all in the same day.
• Allow for extra time if traveling because many other individuals will be traveling, too.

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine signed an executive order as part of his effort to prepare the state for the solar eclipse.

Among other things, the order instructs law enforcement agencies across the state to be ready to assist local law enforcement and respond to emergencies.

In a video published by the Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management and Homeland Security , Gov. Kevin Stitt and state authorities discussed the state’s plan for eclipse traffic.

Oklahoma will be:

• Suspending oversized load traffic Sunday and Monday for specific roadways to guard against traffic congestion.
• Having the Oklahoma National Guard prepared to deploy to southeast Oklahoma.
• Reminding travelers to not stop on the roadway during the eclipse and to watch out for pedestrians.

Pennsylvania

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation has a safety page on its website with warnings for visitors.

Among other things, it encourages travelers to plan ahead and put down their phone while driving.

According to Fox 4 , Dallas officials have taken the following steps to promote safety:

• Dallas fire rescue is working on staff and staging plans for potential increases in emergencies.
• The Dallas police chief says all time off for the police force is canceled to make sure they have people on duty.
• There will be no trash pickup on Monday.
• The office of emergency management is ready if severe weather is an issue.

Texas’ Department of Transportation shared these safety tips for the solar eclipse:

• Expect heavy traffic.
• Watch out for pedestrians.
• Keep headlights on, even in the daylight.
• Keep your eyes on the road if you’re in the car during the eclipse.
• Park away from traffic to view the eclipse.

The Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles has issued a commercial vehicle traffic advisory for April 8. The state urges drivers to consider alternative routes to avoid traffic.

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Northeast earthquake

Rare 4.8 magnitude quake rattles Northeast

By Elise Hammond , Leinz Vales and Matt Meyer , CNN

Why mild East Coast earthquakes are felt over such long distances

From CNN's David Goldman

Did you feel that?

It wasn't just folks in Western New Jersey who were texting "what was that?" messages in the mid-morning Friday. People as far away as Maryland and Upstate New York reported feeling an earthquake, according to the US Geological Survey . A former CNN editor in Vermont said glasses fell off her shelf.

How is that possible, considering it was just a mild 4.8 magnitude earthquake, not enough to cause any significant damage?

The rock formations that make up America's East Coast are considerably older than those on the West Coast — hundreds of millions of years older, according to the USGS . That makes them much denser.

Imagine putting your left hand down on a piece of slate and knocking on it with your right hand. You'd feel that. That's like how the East Coast is formed.

But now imagine putting your hand down on a pebble driveway and knocking — not so much. That's the West Coast. So even though earthquakes tend to be much stronger in the western part of the country, they're not felt nearly as far away as weaker quakes in the East.

Rail service is being slowed in the Northeast due to the earthquake

From CNN's Greg Wallace and Pete Muntea

Train service is being slowed after the 4.8 magnitude earthquake that rattled the Northeast this morning.

Amtrak said started inspecting its tracks shortly after 11 a.m. ET, and put speed restrictions in place throughout the region until those inspections were complete.

New Jersey Transit said there would be up to 20-minute delays in both directions due to bridge inspections after the quake.

Newark Light Rail service was suspended system-wide, according to NJ Transit. The River Line Light Rail service, meanwhile, was suspended in both directions between the Waterfront Entertainment Center and Trenton due to track inspections.

NOW: New York governor holds news briefing on earthquake

From CNN's Samantha Beech

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul is holding a news briefing at the State Capitol following this morning’s earthquake.

New York City Mayor Eric Adams and other city administration officials will hold a separate news briefing to discuss the impacts of the earthquake at 12 p.m. ET, according to his spokesperson.

New York governor says her team is assessing any impacts from quake

From CNN staff

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul said her team will be assessing any impact and any damage that may have resulted from the earthquake that struck New Jersey on Friday.

On X , Hochul said, “A 4.8 magnitude earthquake hit west of Manhattan and has been felt throughout New York. My team is assessing impacts and any damage that may have occurred, and we will update the public throughout the day.” and any damage that may have occurred, and we will update the public throughout the day.”

Hochul will hold a press briefing soon on the earthquake at the State Capitol, according to a notification from her office.

Philadelphia police aware of reports of seismic activity and urge people not to call 911 unless of emergency

From CNN’s Danny Freeman in Philadelphia

Philadelphia Police have asked people to only call 911 if they are reporting an emergency, following Friday's 4.8 magnitude earthquake in New Jersey.

Philadelphia Gov. Josh Shapiro added in a tweet that the earthquake was felt in parts of Pennsylvania.

"My team and @PEMAHQ are actively monitoring the situation and in contact with counties on any damage. We will keep Pennsylvanians updated," he said.

Biden has been briefed on earthquake, White House says

From CNN's Samantha Waldenberg

President Joe Biden has been briefed on Friday’s earthquake , according to White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre. 

Jean-Pierre  posted on social media  that the president is “in touch with his team who are monitoring potential impacts.” She added that the White House is in “touch with federal, state, and local officials as we learn more."

NYPD transit chief says no reports of structural damage to transit system following earthquake

There are no reports of damage to New York City's transit system following this morning's earthquake, New York City Police Department Chief of Transit Michael M. Kemper said.

Kemper said he has been briefed by his team regarding the earthquake felt across parts of the Northeast.

“There are no current reports of any structural damage and/or service disruptions to the NYC Transit system as a result,”  he said . “That said, our team is continuing to survey all lines & stations and we will keep you updated.”

No major incidents following earthquake, New York City Fire Department says

From CNN’s Nic F. Anderson in New York

The New York City Fire Department said there are no major incidents it is responding to at this time, in the aftermath of the New Jersey earthquake.

An FDNY spokesperson told CNN that around 10:30 a.m. ET, FDNY received reports of shaking buildings.

“We are responding to calls and evaluating structural stability. There are no major incidents at this time. We will continue to monitor," the spokesperson added.

Northeast earthquake is disrupting air travel

From CNN's Greg Wallace

A 4.8 magnitude earthquake in the Northeast is impacting air travel.  

The Federal Aviation Administration said flights to the New York Kennedy, Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Newark airports were being held.  

The air traffic control tower at Newark Liberty airport is being evacuated, a controller said in a radio transmission after the earthquake. That meant the flights were being held while controllers moved to an alternate location.  

"Nobody's going to go anywhere for the time being," a controller said over the radio frequency.  

The runways were in the process of being inspected for damage. Shortly after the earthquake, controllers at LaGuardia were still clearing flights for departure there.  

Federal Aviation Administration spokesperson Jeannie Shiffer calls the earthquake’s impact on air travel a “rapidly evolving situation.”

FAA will have to inspect runways at New York’s JFK and Newark airports before operations can resume.

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