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5,276 mi away
£1 COP 4,528
Today
9:58 pm
-5h from you
Travel warning
There's a high threat from armed groups and criminal violence in many parts of the country, including border regions and rural areas, which are unsafe to visit.
Weather & climate
Weather in Colombia
Colombia
21°
Light drizzle
Wed
11°
21°
Thu
11°
20°
Fri
12°
18°
Sat
11°
19°
Sun
11°
19°
Mon
9°
19°
Tue
11°
20°
SPF level in Colombia
Recommended: SPF 50+ (extreme)
Spring
SPF 50+
Summer
SPF 50+ (extreme)
Autumn
SPF 50+
Winter
SPF 50+
Suncream is often more expensive in tourist zones. Pack your preferred SPF from the UK, especially for beach holidays. Always carry travel-size (100ml max) for hand luggage.
Before you go
Entry requirements for Colombia
What British travellers need to know
You can visit Colombia for up to 90 days without a visa for tourism, at the discretion of the immigration officer on arrival.
Your passport must be valid on entry, but Colombian authorities recommend it has an expiry date at least 6 months after the date you plan to leave.
You must be able to show an onward or return ticket valid within the 90-day period.
You can speed up your entry by completing the 'Check-Mig' form online between 72 hours and one hour before you travel, although this is not mandatory.
As a visitor, you cannot remain in Colombia for more than 180 days in any 12-month period.
Good to know:
If you're travelling to the islands of San Andres, Providencia or Santa Catalina, you must buy a tourist card from the boarding gate on the day of the flight.
You can bring up to 10,000 US dollars-worth of any currency into Colombia and must declare anything above this amount.
Safety in Colombia
Tips when travelling
Colombia is tourist-friendly but has some key cultural and legal rules:
Pickpocketing, mugging and armed robbery are common in major cities, including Bogotá, Medellín, Cali and the Caribbean coast.
Do not accept drinks, food, cigarettes or invitations from strangers as criminals use drugs to incapacitate victims for robbery or assault.
It is illegal to consume alcohol in public spaces.
Only use pre-booked or authorised taxis from phone apps, your hotel, or official airport booths to avoid express kidnappings and robberies.
Carry a colour printout of your passport's photo page and visa for identification, but keep the original passport somewhere safe.
Bonus tips:
Avoid travelling on your own or at night on buses, as there have been incidents of armed robbery.
Do not wear expensive jewellery or carry large amounts of cash in public to reduce the risk of street crime.
Stay connected on your trip
More information
Driving in Colombia
British drivers can drive in Colombia for a limited time using their UK driving license. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended.
Side of road
right
Motorway speed limit
80 km/h
Urban speed limit
50 km/h
Alcohol limit
0.0%
Remember: Colombia drives on the right. Take extra care at junctions if you normally drive on the left.
Health in Colombia
Make sure you have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical expenses, including repatriation, as medical facilities may require upfront payment. Check that your insurance covers all activities you plan to do.
No vaccinations required
It is recommended to consult your doctor or a travel clinic well in advance of your trip to discuss necessary vaccinations and health precautions. Drink bottled or purified water and be cautious about food hygiene. Altitude sickness can be a concern in mountainous areas like Bogota. Consider bringing medication for diarrhoea.
Cards & payments
Card payments are widely accepted in major cities, hotels, restaurants, and larger shops. However, smaller establishments and rural areas may prefer or only accept cash. Always check beforehand.
Visa
High
Mastercard
High
American Express
Medium
Lost card? Call Visa: +1 303 967 1096
Tipping in Colombia
Tipping is not always expected in Colombia, but it's appreciated for good service. It's becoming more common, especially in tourist areas.
Restaurant
10% is customary if service is not included. Check the bill, as some restaurants already add a 'propina' (tip).
Bar/Café
Rounding up or leaving a small amount is appreciated for table service.
Taxi
Rounding up the fare is appreciated, but not required.
Hotel Porter
1,000 - 2,000 COP per bag is a common tip.
Hotel Housekeeper
2,000 - 5,000 COP per night is a common tip, left at the end of your stay.
Tour Guide
10-15% of the tour cost is a general guideline, especially for good service.
Mobile & roaming
Since Brexit, the EU's 'Roam Like At Home' regulation no longer applies to UK mobile plans. Check with your mobile provider about roaming charges in Colombia. Consider purchasing a local SIM card for potentially cheaper rates.
Local SIM
10 GB for 30,000 COP (~£6)
Network coverage
4G, 5G
Electrical in Colombia
Voltage
110V / 60Hz
Plug types
Type A, Type B
UK adapter needed
WiFi & internet
WiFi is available in many hotels, restaurants, cafes, and public areas, especially in cities. Quality can vary.
Average speed
25 Mbps
WiFi is readily available in urban centers, allowing you to stay connected. However, it may be less reliable in rural areas. Consider purchasing a local SIM card with a data plan for consistent access.
Emergency numbers
Universal emergency
123
Save 123 in your phone before travelling.
Calling Colombia
Country code
+57
To call a number in Bogota, you would dial 00 57 1 xxx xxxx.
The country code for Colombia is 57. When calling Colombia from abroad, you must first dial your country's exit code, then 57, then the area code (if applicable), then the local number. Mobile numbers in Colombia are 10 digits long.
Language in Colombia
Spanish(primary)
UK Embassy
British Embassy Bogota
Carrera 9 No. 76-49, Piso 8, Bogota, Colombia
Phone
Website
Recent updates
Warnings and insurance
1 day ago
Regional risks
- The specific warning about Colombia's presidential elections on 21 June and border closures from 20-22 June has been removed.
Warnings and insurance
3 days ago
Travel disruption
- The border closure period during the presidential elections now starts earlier, at 6am on Saturday 20 June.
- River borders are now also closed, alongside land borders, with Brazil, Ecuador, Panama, Peru and Venezuela.
Warnings and insurance
8 days ago
Travel disruption
- A new section warns of the second round of presidential elections on Sunday 21 June.
- All land borders with Brazil, Ecuador, Panama, Peru, and Venezuela will be closed from Saturday 20 June at 6pm until Monday 22 June at 6am.
Warnings and insurance
20 days ago
Travel disruption
- The entire section titled 'Colombian Presidential Elections', which warned of disruption from 30 May to 1 June 2026, has been removed.
Warnings and insurance
28 days ago
Regional risks
- New election advisory: Colombia's first round of presidential elections is on Sunday 31 May.
- All land and river borders with Brazil, Ecuador, Panama, Peru, and Venezuela will close from Saturday 30 May, 6am until Monday 1 June, 6am.
Airports in Colombia
Beaches in Colombia
Frequently asked questions
While Colombia has become significantly safer in recent years, some areas are still considered high-risk due to criminal activity and the presence of armed groups. Check the latest travel advisories from the UK government before your trip, and avoid travelling to known high-risk regions. Exercise caution in major cities, particularly at night.
British citizens typically do not need a visa for tourist stays of up to 90 days. Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay. You may be asked to provide proof of onward travel when entering the country.
The best time to visit Colombia is generally during the dry seasons: December to February and July to August. These periods offer more predictable weather for exploring the country's diverse landscapes. However, Colombia's climate varies by region, so research the specific areas you plan to visit.
It is generally not recommended to drink tap water in Colombia. Stick to bottled or purified water, especially in rural areas. Be cautious of ice in drinks and ensure food is properly cooked.
The local currency is the Colombian Peso (COP). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in major cities and tourist areas, but it's a good idea to carry cash for smaller establishments and rural areas. ATMs are readily available in cities and towns.
Be aware of common scams such as express kidnappings (especially when using taxis hailed on the street), fake police officers asking for your documents, and overcharging in tourist areas. Always use reputable taxi services or ride-sharing apps and be wary of strangers offering unsolicited help.
Colombians are generally warm and welcoming. Politeness and respect are highly valued. Dress modestly when visiting religious sites. Greetings often involve a handshake and sometimes a kiss on the cheek (among women). Learning a few basic Spanish phrases will be greatly appreciated.
The dress code in Colombia varies depending on the region and occasion. In cities like Bogota, the dress code is generally smart casual. In warmer coastal areas, lighter clothing is suitable. When visiting religious sites, dress modestly. For upscale restaurants and nightlife, dress more formally.
While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, AtoBeach cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies. We recommend verifying details with official sources before travelling.