The advisory update covers Cundinamarca, Antioquia and Valle del Cauca departments effective July 2. Protests over economic policies have led to temporary roadblocks and flight delays at El Dorado Airport. US citizens are urged to enroll in the STEP program for alerts.
Local authorities report over 50 demonstrations in the past week with some turning violent. Tourist sites like Cartagena remain at Level 2 but access routes may be impacted. Embassy staff have limited movements outside the capital.
Background traces the unrest to inflation concerns and labor reforms debated in Congress. Similar advisories were issued in 2023 during comparable events. Colombia's tourism board continues promoting coastal areas as safe alternatives.
What this means for you
Monitor the State Department website daily for updates before departure. Avoid public gatherings and use ride apps instead of rental cars in protest zones. Keep digital copies of passports and itinerary accessible offline.
Rebook flexible tickets allowing changes without fees if protests escalate. Stick to major hotels with private security in Bogota. Carry cash in small denominations as ATMs may face temporary outages.
Improved dialogue between government and unions could lower the advisory by September. Review travel insurance policies for trip interruption coverage now.