We use cookies to collect information about how you use GOV. We use this information to make the website work as well as possible and improve government services. You can change your cookie settings at any time. Despite improvements in security, crime rates remain high in Colombia.
Illegal armed groups and other criminal groups are heavily involved in the drugs trade and serious crime including kidnapping for ransom and political purposes , money laundering and running extortion and prostitution rackets. Street crime is a problem in major cities, including Bogota, Medellin, Cali and the Caribbean coast. Mugging and pickpocketing can be accompanied by violence. Be vigilant, particularly if you are in public places used by foreigners, or near official buildings.
Avoid deprived areas of cities. Take care on city streets, especially after dark or if you are on your own. Avoid using your mobile phone in the street. The British Embassy has received reports of criminals in Colombia using drugs to subdue their victims. This includes the use of scopolamine, which temporarily incapacitates unsuspecting victims. Drugs can be administered through food, drinks, cigarettes, aerosols and even paper flyers.
Victims become disoriented quickly and are vulnerable to robbery, sexual assault, rape and other crimes. Where possible, plan how you will travel to and from your destination.
Only use pre-booked taxis. Be wary if you are approached by a stranger. Fake police are known to operate in Bogota and elsewhere to conduct scams, eg, asking to inspect money to see if it is counterfeit. Express kidnappings - short-term opportunistic abductions, aimed at extracting cash from the victim - also occur. Victims can be targeted or selected at random and held while criminals empty their bank accounts with stolen cash cards.
