US Updates Travel Warning for Colombia Amid Kidnap Threats
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Americans have been urged to reconsider traveling to Colombia after the U.S. State Department updated its guidance on the region in recent days.
The travel advisory was updated on Thursday, with further information added to the existing warnings that the area may be unsafe "due to crime, terrorism, civil unrest, and kidnapping."
Newsweek has reached out by email to Colombia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs seeking comment.
A police officer stands guard at a cordoned-off area after a police station was attacked with explosives in Mondomo, Santander de Quilichao municipality, Cauca department, Colombia, on April 17, 2025.
A police officer stands guard at a cordoned-off area after a police station was attacked with explosives in Mondomo, Santander de Quilichao municipality, Cauca department, Colombia, on April 17, 2025.
JOAQUIN SARMIENTO/AFP via Getty Images
Why It Matters
The State Department regularly assesses countries around the world in order to offer advice to citizens before they travel abroad. A variety of risk factors are taken into consideration when issuing advisories, such as crime, terror attacks, political unrest, healthcare shortcomings, and the likelihood of a natural disaster.
What To Know
Colombia is rated a level 3 travel risk overall, out of 4 possible categories, with level 3 meaning simply that would-be visitors should "reconsider" their travel plans. While the overall risk level remains unchanged, further updates about the country's civil unrest and kidnapping threats have been now added to the information provided.
Some specific areas of Colombia are rated level 4 risks by the State Department, with travelers urged to keep away from them entirely.
U.S. citizens have been told "do not travel" to Arauca, Cauca (excluding Popayán), and Norte de Santander "due to crime and terrorism," while they should also avoid the Colombia-Venezuela border region completely, "due to crime, kidnapping, conflict between armed groups, and the risk of detention," the State Department says.
Colombia, which has recently been embroiled in a dispute with the U.S. over President Donald Trump's policies on immigration and tariffs, has been beset by drug cartels and violence. Abductions are another area of concern, and foreigners have been known to be kidnapped and forced to hand over money for their release. Colombians themselves are also at risk; just last month, 29 members of the security forces were abducted.
Other parts of Latin America are also covered by travel warnings.
Advisories are frequently updated by the State Department to ensure they remain relevant. There are four levels of risk warnings associated with the travel advisories:
Level 1: Exercise normal precautions
Level 1 is the lowest advisory level for safety and security risk. Travelers are encouraged to exercise normal precautions in these nations and regions. The State Department notes that there is some risk in any international travel and conditions can change at any time.
Nations currently under a level 1 travel advisory include Australia, Japan, Greece, Iceland, South Korea and Canada.
Level 2: Exercise increased caution
Level 2 advisories urge travelers to exercise increased caution and be aware of heightened risks to safety and security. The risk of terror attacks often plays a part in Level 2 warnings. Current level 2 countries include the U.K., France, Germany, the Turks and Caicos Islands, Albania, and Brazil.
Level 3: Reconsider travel
Level 3 advisories urge travelers to reconsider travel due to serious risks to safety and security. Besides Colombia, other level 3 countries include Guatemala, Jamaica, Nigeria and Egypt.
Level 4: Do not travel
A level 4 travel advisory urges U.S. citizens not to visit a nation or region. It is the highest advisory level issued by the State Department and indicates a greater likelihood of life-threatening risks. Parts of Pakistan fall into this category, while other current countries on the level 4 list include Afghanistan, Haiti, Iran, Iraq, Russia and North Korea.
What People Are Saying
The U.S. State Department says: "Violent crime, like murder, assault, and robbery, is common in many areas in Colombia. In some places, organized crime is rampant. This includes extortion, robbery, and kidnapping."
The agency goes on to add that travellers should avoid Arauca, Cauca (excluding Popayán), Norte de Santander, and the Colombia-Venezuela border regions completely, saying: "Do not travel to these areas for any reason. Violent crime, like armed robbery and murder, is common in these locations. Terrorist groups are active in some areas here."
What Happens Next
Would-be travelers should monitor the State Department's website for the most up-to-date information and advice.
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