The United States maintained Level 3 regarding travel to Colombia, in which it asks its citizens to reconsider visiting the other country due to conditions such as crime, protests, terrorism, and kidnappings.
The alert has been at that level since October 2020 and prior to that date it was at Level 4, which means “do not travel to that country.”
However, the notice included a special warning concerning “do not travel” to certain areas of Colombian territory.
These are according to the statement issued by the United States Department of State:
- Departments of Arauca, Cauca (except Popayan) and Norte de Santander for crime and terrorism.
- Border region between Colombia and Venezuela Because of the risk of crime, kidnapping and arrest when entering Venezuela from Colombia.
Level 3 which indicates the United States should reconsider travel to Colombia, asking US citizens to be mindful of conditions such as “crime and terrorism”. Be more alert due to protest and kidnapping.
In the recommendations that the United States government has made since 2020, it is specified that “violent crimes such as homicide, assault and armed robbery are widespread” in Colombia.
“Organised criminal activities such as extortion, robbery and kidnapping are common in some areas,” he says.
It also recounts the presence of illegal groups such as the ELN, FARC dissidents, Clan del Golfo and other criminal organizations.
“They can strike with little or no warning, targeting transport hubs, markets/shopping malls, local government facilities, police stations, military installations, hotels, clubs, restaurants, airports and other public areas. Although terrorists have not specifically targeted US citizens, the attacks may result in unintended victims.
For this reason, it asks its citizens to avoid protest areas and crowds, watch the media to inform them of last-minute events, keep a low profile and have a call for emergency situations, among other recommendations. Creates contingency plans.
It reminds United States government employees that they are not allowed to travel by road between most major cities, not to use motorcycles, take taxis or public transit, among other points.
