Skip to content

Is Colombia safe?

EHE spanish student - learn Spanish in Colombia, colombia is safe, Learn Spanish in colombia, study spanish in EHE spanish school

My experience in Colombia has been amazing. I have been lucky to meet so many friendly and helpful people in all the places I have travelled to. Especially in Socorro, I have had a great experience. It is welcoming, safe and very community orientated. In fact, I have seen people leave the keys in the car in this town – a good indication of how secure people feel!

My teachers at the EHE School have helped me to adapt to Socorro life by hosting events and keeping me informed of local activities. The teachers are also a great source of information about traveling in Santander. Sometimes it is logistically difficult traveling in this region, for example knowing travel times and where you need to change buses, but it is unlikely you will have any other problems.

Of course, when you travel anywhere in the world, it is important to use your common sense. Be mindful of your surroundings and belongings. Particularly in Colombia’s bigger cities, there are problems with theft or pickpocketing.

A common question that people have:​

Is Colombia safe? From my experience, yes, absolutely!

Colombia’s past

A conflict between the Government, drug cartels and paramilitary groups commenced in the 1960s. While this conflict remains active, the extent and scale are dramatically different today following the signing of a peace agreement in 2016 with the largest paramilitary group.

The situation today

Colombia has an unfair reputation related to drugs and violence. The reality is very different. It is largely a safe, friendly country. While it is important to remain vigilant, you are more likely to find yourself surrounded with kind and welcoming people than in any sort of danger. Today most of the country is safe and tourists are very welcome. However, there are still some remote and rural regions which experience problems with paramilitary groups. In addition, some border areas are not recommended for tourists – for example the the humanitarian situation in Venezuela is putting pressure on resources in regional border towns. Stay up to date by following the advice of your embassy and monitoring the media.

Final thoughts

I recently came across one of the old slogans for tourism in Colombia – ‘the only risk is wanting to stay”. I think this is very clever, but also very true. In fact, I plan on extending my visa in Colombia to travel further. My recommendation is to leave the stereotypes and misconceptions behind and come enjoy all this amazing country has to offer.

Top tips

To avoid issues, use your common sense when traveling:

  • Particularly on public transport keep your belongings inside your bag and insight (keep your bag in front of you or on your lap).
  • If you’re ever in need of help, ask someone in a uniform!
  • Use Uber where possible, or order taxis directly from the taxi company
  • At night stay to well-lit and populated areas, leave bars or clubs with friends where possible. Don’t accept drinks from strangers and never leave your drink unattended.
  • Let people know of your plans and whereabouts.

To Learn Spanish in Colombia is a great experience.

Jonathan Bugg
Tasmania, Australia
EHE Spanish School studen

Tags:
Would you like to learn Spanish?