Guides · Colombia
Key Facts
- — The U.S. State Department rates Colombia Level 3: Reconsider Travel as of 31 March 2026.
- — Medellín recorded 309 homicides in 2024, down from 359 in 2023, per Ministry of Defense data.
- — Bogotá’s TransMilenio system recorded 12,223 thefts in 2025, about thirty-three a day.
- — Bogotá reported 1,409 scopolamine poisoning incidents in 2023, the highest in a decade.
- — The U.S. Embassy issued a security alert in January 2024 after eight U.S. citizen deaths in Medellín.
- — Colombia’s national homicide rate was 25.3 per 100,000 in 2024 and 25.8 in 2025.
Official Travel Advisories: What Governments Say
As of 31 March 2026, the U.S. Department of State rates Colombia at Level 3: ‘Reconsider travel’ due to crime, terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping and natural disasters.
The same advisory designates Arauca, Cauca (excluding Popayán), Valle del Cauca (excluding Cali) and Norte de Santander, plus areas within about 10 km of the Colombia–Venezuela border, as ‘Do Not Travel’ zones.
The UK FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the whole of Cauca department except Popayán, to all of Arauca department, and to the municipality of Puerto Carreño in Vichada.
Canada’s official travel advice maintains an overall recommendation to ‘exercise a high degree of caution’ in Colombia, with regional warnings including ‘avoid all travel’ or ‘avoid non-essential travel’ in parts of Arauca, Caquetá, Cauca, Cesar, Chocó and some border areas.
A June 2026 summary of Canada’s advisory confirms the level remains ‘exercise a high degree of caution’, stressing regional advisories tied to armed conflict, terrorism and organized crime.
An overview of government advisories comparing the U.S., UK and others confirms that the U.S. classifies Colombia as Level 3, with Level 4 ‘Do Not Travel’ for the listed departments and border zone, as of 18 July 2026.
Homicide Rates by City: The Official Numbers
Medellín recorded 309 homicides in 2024, following 359 in 2023 and 358 in 2022, according to Colombia’s Ministry of Defense data compiled by Latam Crime Map on 27 July 2026.
Medellín’s municipal security secretary reported that homicides fell from 378 cases in 2023 to 319 in 2024, a reduction of 15%, yielding a homicide rate of roughly 11 per 100,000 inhabitants, described as the lowest in about 80 years.
Multiple city guides for expats note that Medellín’s 2024 homicide rate around 11 per 100,000 is the lowest in more than 80 years and ‘the lowest among Colombia’s main cities’, marking a dramatic decline from early-1990s levels.
Historical data in Medellín safety reports indicate that the city’s homicide rate was about 380 homicides per 100,000 residents in 1991, when it was considered one of the most dangerous cities in the world, and has fallen to the low-teens per 100,000 in recent years.
A Medellín safety guide for expats contrasts Medellín’s current homicide rate (low-teens per 100,000) with its early-1990s peak (~418 per 100,000), describing a 96% drop in the murder rate over three decades.
A comparative homicide-rate summary states that Medellín’s 2025 homicide rate of 13.13 per 100,000 is lower than that of several major U.S. cities (New Orleans, Detroit, Baltimore, Chicago) and labels Medellín ‘the safest major city in Colombia’ among large urban centers.
Cartagena recorded 379 homicides in 2024, against 368 in 2023, 368 in 2023 and 366 in 2022, based on official MinDefensa / Policía Nacional figures for the district, according to Latam Crime Map on 27 July 2026.
A police-statistics summary for Cartagena shows that homicides increased from 180 in 2019 to 353 in 2022, a 96% rise, while extortion complaints rose 157% over the same period, indicating worsening violent crime despite tourist popularity.
Nationally, Colombia’s intentional homicide rate was around 24.9 per 100,000 in 2022 and 2023, and 25.6 in 2021, according to UNODC and World Bank data compiled by Latam Crime Map on 27 July 2026.
In 2024, Colombia’s national homicide rate was 25.3 per 100,000 in 2024 and 25.8 in 2025, with 13,393 murders recorded, the lowest number of homicides in the past four years, according to InSight Crime via The World News Today on 13 August 2026.
Between August 2024 and August 2025, Colombia registered 13,817 homicides, equivalent to roughly one homicide every 39 minutes, measured across three presidential terms, according to NoticiasBQ on 10 December 2025.
Robbery and Theft: What the Data Shows
No official figure has been published for most recent city-level robbery rates per 100,000 inhabitants for Bogotá, Medellín, Cali, Cartagena and Eje Cafetero cities from Colombian national statistics accessible in the gathered material.
A Colombia safety advisory aimed at travelers notes that crime is present throughout the country, and urban centers such as Bogotá, Medellín, Cali, Barranquilla and Cartagena are specifically highlighted as cities where robbery and other street crime are significant risks.
In Bogotá’s bus rapid transit system TransMilenio, the city’s Security Secretariat recorded 12,223 theft incidents inside the system (buses and stations) through 31 December, and identified Fridays as the most dangerous day, with about 42 robberies on Fridays—roughly one robbery every 26 minutes.
Another Bogotá report citing official data states that the system recorded 12,223 thefts in 2025, about thirty-three a day, underscoring that robbery on the public transport system is a structural problem rather than isolated incidents.
National police statistics (SIEDCO) for Bogotá’s TransMilenio show 3,372 theft reports inside the system from January to March 2026, averaging 37 theft complaints per day, a 38.6% increase compared with 2,433 cases in the same period of 2025.
Detailed breakdowns of TransMilenio thefts indicate 1,222 thefts in stations and 2,150 thefts on trunk and feeder buses between January and March 2026, confirming that both platforms and vehicles are frequent robbery locations.
Data obtained by a Bogotá councillor from the Security Secretariat show 3,600 robberies of persons at TransMilenio stations in 2025, up 90.4% from 1,891 cases in 2024, and 8,623 robberies inside buses in 2025, while reported crimes against women inside the system rose 106%, from 800 in 2024 to 1,671 in 2025.
A Bogotá mobility bulletin reports that the share of citizens who consider TransMilenio unsafe dropped from 70.6% in 2024 to 62.7% in 2025, an 8-point improvement, even though theft incidents remain high.
In Bogotá, the Security Secretariat disclosed that 99,397 formal complaints for theft from persons were registered in 2024, highlighting the scale of non-fatal urban crime in the capital.
Bogotá’s city council reported that in 2025 the capital recorded 1,173 homicides, 123,393 thefts from persons, 48,816 cases of domestic violence, 21,132 cases of personal injury, and 20,618 cyber-crimes, making Bogotá the Colombian city with the highest absolute number of serious crimes that year.
Scopolamine and Dating-App Robberies: A Real Threat
In Bogotá alone, 1,409 scopolamine (burundanga) poisoning incidents were reported in 2023, the highest figures of the past decade, with the upscale Chapinero/Zona T area identified as a hotspot for such cases.
The U.S. Embassy in Bogotá issued a specific security alert in January 2024 after eight suspicious deaths of U.S.
Citizens in Medellín between 1 November and 31 December 2023, several linked to dating apps (Tinder, Bumble, Grindr) and suspected drugging/robbery, according to International Kiwi on 14 July 2026.
In Medellín, that U.S. alert stated that numerous U.S.
Citizens have been drugged, robbed and even killed after meeting dates through apps, and urged Americans to avoid app-based dates or to meet only in public places and not in private residences or hotel rooms, according to International Kiwi on 14 July 2026.
Colombian prosecutors (Fiscalía General de la Nación) reported judicial action in April 2026 against a dating-app robbery gang in Bogotá, documenting that between 2024 and 2025 the group contacted both Colombian and foreign men using fake profiles, drugged them via adulterated food and drinks, then emptied bank accounts and seized valuables.
Transport Safety: Taxis, Ride-Hailing, and Public Transit
Long-term foreign residents in Medellín commonly avoid street taxis, instead using ride-hailing apps (Uber, DiDi, Cabify) or hotel-booked taxis, especially at night.
They also follow routines such as not accepting drinks from strangers, meeting dates only in public venues, and sharing live location during rides.
In Medellín’s metro system, a police operation arrested eight Venezuelan nationals accused of forming the ‘Las Pirañas’ pickpocketing gang, dedicated to stealing phones and valuables on the metro between 2023 and 2025.
In Bogotá, the TransMilenio system is a hotspot for theft, with thousands of incidents reported each year, as detailed in the previous section.
For intercity travel, official advisories warn against road travel in certain regions due to armed groups and crime, but major tourist routes are generally considered safe with precautions.
Always use registered taxis or ride-hailing apps, and avoid hailing taxis on the street, especially at night, in all major cities.
Regional Breakdown: Bogotá, Medellín, Cartagena, Cali, and the Coffee Region
Bogotá has the highest absolute number of serious crimes in Colombia, with 1,173 homicides and 123,393 thefts from persons in 2025, presented to the Concejo de Bogotá in late January 2026.
Homicides in Bogotá increased by 14% when comparing 2022–2023 with 2024–2025, rising from 2,101 to 2,387 cases, with 1,446 homicides committed using firearms, indicating a 26% increase in gun-related killings.
Medellín, despite its low homicide rate, saw increases in specific homicide sub-categories in 2025, including an 18% rise in homicides linked to robbery (33 cases vs. 28) and a 19% rise in killings attributed to criminal ‘combos’ (93 vs.
78), with 296 total homicides reported by late November 2025 (a 7% year-on-year increase), according to Q’hubo Medellín on 25 November 2025.
Medellín reduced street robberies (‘atracos’) by 31%, theft from persons by 24%, and theft from businesses by 23% between 2023 and 2024, while homicides continued their downward trend with a fall of roughly 15 percent.
Cartagena, despite its tourist popularity, has seen worsening violent crime, with homicides rising 96% from 2019 to 2022, according to Policía Nacional data.
Cali is not specifically singled out in the U.S. advisory (which excludes Cali from the Valle del Cauca warning), but it remains a city with significant crime, and travelers should exercise caution.
The Coffee Region (Quindío, Risaralda, Caldas and towns such as Salento, Filandia, Manizales, Pereira and Armenia) is among the safest areas in the country, with low homicide rates (roughly 8–12 per 100,000 in the main cities) and minimal violent crime in rural tourist zones.
None of the coffee-region departments are singled out by major governments for elevated risk, in contrast with several border and Pacific-coast departments.
High-Risk Zones: Where to Avoid or Exercise Extreme Caution
The U.S. Department of State designates Arauca, Cauca (excluding Popayán), Valle del Cauca (excluding Cali) and Norte de Santander as ‘Do Not Travel’ zones, along with areas within about 10 km of the Colombia–Venezuela border, as of 31 March 2026.
A U.S. Embassy security alert reports 26 separate attacks in southwestern Colombia over the weekend of 25 April 2026, including attacks on transport corridors and police/military facilities, and reiterates that Cauca and Valle del Cauca (excluding Popayán and Cali) are unsafe, with violent crime and terrorist groups active.
The UK FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the whole of Cauca department except Popayán, to all of Arauca department, and to the municipality of Puerto Carreño in Vichada.
The UK FCDO also advises against all but essential travel to all of Norte de Santander including Cúcuta, all of Arauca, Chocó apart from Quibdó, Nuquí, Bahía Solano and Capurganá, western Valle del Cauca including Buenaventura, and Guaviare apart from San José del Guaviare, parts of Putumayo, and 5 km strips along borders with Venezuela and Ecuador, while explicitly allowing travel to principal tourist cities.
Canada’s advisory includes ‘avoid all travel’ or ‘avoid non-essential travel’ warnings for parts of Arauca, Caquetá (excluding Florencia), Cauca, Cesar, Chocó and some border areas, due to violent incidents and organized crime.
Safety Routines of Long-Term Foreign Residents
Long-term residents in Medellín and other cities follow specific routines to reduce risk, according to Latam Travellers on 9 May 2026.
They avoid street taxis, use ride-hailing apps, and never accept drinks from strangers.
They meet dates only in public places and share their live location with friends during rides.
They also avoid displaying expensive items like jewelry or phones in public, and stay in well-lit, busy areas, especially at night.
In Medellín, safer neighbourhoods for foreigners are El Poblado and Laureles, while hillside comunas (e.g. Comunas 1–3) are best avoided without a guide due to higher rates of gang activity and street crime.
Residents also stay informed about local security alerts and register with their embassy if staying for an extended period.
Separating the 1990s Reputation from Today's Record
Colombia’s violent reputation dates back to the early 1990s, when Medellín had a homicide rate of about 418 per 100,000 residents.
Today, Medellín’s rate is around 11 per 100,000, a 96% drop, according to MyMedellinTrip on 23 August 2026.
However, the national homicide rate was 25.3 per 100,000 in 2024 and rose to 25.8 in 2025, the worst year of the decade.
Violent crime is concentrated in specific regions and criminal activities, while tourist centers have improved significantly.
Travel advisories reflect this nuance: they allow travel to major cities but warn against border and conflict zones.
The reality is that Colombia is not uniformly dangerous, but it is not uniformly safe either; travelers must research their specific destinations and take precautions.
Comparison with Neighboring Countries
Colombia’s national homicide rate in 2024 was 25.3 per 100,000 in 2024 and 25.8 in 2025.
In contrast, Ecuador recorded 6,986 homicides in 2024 and about 50.6 violent deaths per 100,000 inhabitants in 2025, making Ecuador one of Latin America’s most violent countries as of 2025.
This comparison shows that while Colombia has significant crime, it is not the most violent country in the region.
Travelers should consider these regional dynamics when assessing risk.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Colombia safe for tourists? Colombia is not uniformly safe. The U.S. State Department rates it Level 3: ‘Reconsider travel’ due to crime, terrorism, and kidnapping. Major cities like Medellín and Bogotá have improved, but violent crime remains a concern. Always check current advisories and take precautions.
What is the US travel advisory for Colombia? As of 31 March 2026, the U.S. State Department rates Colombia at Level 3: ‘Reconsider travel’. It designates Arauca, Cauca (excluding Popayán), Valle del Cauca (excluding Cali), Norte de Santander, and areas within 10 km of the Venezuela border as ‘Do Not Travel’ zones.
Is Medellín safe for foreigners? Medellín’s homicide rate in 2024 was about 11 per 100,000, the lowest in 80 years. However, street crime and robberies still occur. Avoid street taxis, use ride-hailing apps, and stay in safer neighborhoods like El Poblado and Laureles.
What is the homicide rate in Colombia? Colombia’s national homicide rate was 25.3 per 100,000 in 2024 and 25.8 in 2025, with 13,393 murders in 2024. This is higher than many countries, but rates vary greatly by region.
Is it safe to use public transport in Bogotá? TransMilenio in Bogotá has high theft rates: 12,223 thefts in 2025, about 33 per day. In early 2026, thefts increased 38.6% compared to the same period in 2025. Be vigilant, especially on Fridays.
What areas should I avoid in Colombia? Avoid Arauca, Cauca (except Popayán), Valle del Cauca (except Cali), Norte de Santander, and areas within 10 km of the Venezuela border, per U.S. advisory. The UK also warns against travel to parts of Chocó, Guaviare, and border zones.
| City | 2024 homicides | 2023 homicides | 2022 homicides | 2024 rate per 100,000 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Medellín | 309 (or 319 per municipal source) | 359 (or 378 per municipal source) | 358 | ~11 |
| Cartagena | 379 | 368 | 366 | Not published |
| Bogotá | 1,173 (2025) | Not specified | Not specified | Not published |
Sources: U.S. Department of State, U.S. Embassy in Colombia, UK FCDO, Global Affairs Canada, Latam Crime Map, Concejo de Medellín, Concejo de Bogotá, Policía Nacional, InSight Crime, The Bogotá Post, Infobae, Noticias Caracol, Telemedellín, Q'hubo Medellín, MyMedellinTrip, Colombia Trip Insider, SettleMetric, Mike Zapata Real Estate, Colombia Uncharted, Warnely, Latam Travellers, TravelandTourWorld, The Traveler, TripScam, Travelfab, Yupwego, Pulzo, Bogotá Mayor's Office, Medellín Rainbow, International Kiwi, The World News Today, NoticiasBQ, Latinoamérica 21.
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