British holidaymakers told to avoid South American destination as ‘state of emergency’ is declared

“The FCDO advises against all but essential travel to Norte de Santander Department following the declaration of a state of emergency on January 24 and attacks by illegal armed groups in Cúcuta on February 19,” Britons were told.

Commenting on the current situation in Colombia, the United Nations stated: “Around 80,000 people in northeastern Colombia are suffering the devastating consequences of an armed conflict that escalated on January 15 of this year.

‘The FCDO advises against all but essential travel to Norte de Santander Department’

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“Caught in the crossfire between armed groups, thousands have been forced to flee with nothing but the clothes on their backs while others remain trapped in their homes.”

Colombia is a popular tourist destination and very popular among backpackers.

It is known for its breathtaking national parks, Amazon rainforest, paradisical Caribbean coastline, lively culture and world-renowned coffee.

However, before visiting the vibrant South American country, it’s important to consult the FCDO’s latest travel advice.

This will include the most up-to-date information on warnings and insurance, entry requirements, safety and security, regional risks, health and getting help.

For essential information about specific areas in Colombia and why the FCDO advises against travel there, Britons can consult its ‘regional risks’ page.

Areas where FCDO advises against all but essential travel

Colombia-Venezuela border and northern Colombia

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to:

• All of Norte de Santander Department, including Cúcuta.
• All of Arauca Department, except for the department capital, Arauca
• The municipality of Puerto Carreño in Vichada Department, except for the department capital, Puerto Carreño
• Within 5km of the rest of the border with Venezuela.

FCDO currently advises against all travel to Venezuela’s border regions with Colombia. You should not use any of the Colombia-Venezuela land crossings.

Pacific coast and Colombia-Panama border

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to:

• Chocó Department, except for the department capital Quibdó, the whale-watching towns of Nuquí and Bahía Solano and the tourist site of Capurganá
• The western part of Valle del Cauca Department, including Buenaventura
• The western part of Cauca Department
• The South Pacific, Sanquianga and Telembi regions of Nariño Department
• The southern part of Córdoba Department
• The Urabá and Bajo Cauca regions of Antioquia Department
• The southern part of Bolívar Department

Central Colombia

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to:

• All of Guaviare Department, except for the department capital San José del Guaviare
• Cartagena del Chairá, San Vicente del Caguan, Puerto Rico, El Doncello, Paujil and La Montañita in Caquetá Department
• The Ariari region of southern Meta, except for Caño Cristales

If travelling to the tourist site of Caño Cristales, travel by air from the town of La Macarena with a reputable tour company.

Colombia-Ecuador border and southern Colombia

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to within 5km of the border with Ecuador except for:

• The border crossing on the Pan-American highway at the Puente Internacional de Rumichaca
• The city of Ipiales in Nariño Department

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to Orito, San Miguel, Valle del Guamuez, Puerto Caicedo, Puerto Guzmán, Puerto Asis and Puerto Leguizamo in Putumayo Department.

Attacks by illegal armed groups were carried out in Cúcuta on February 19

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The FCDO’s Colombia travel warning comes as a second South American country declares a separate “state of emergency” due to heavy rainfall.

For a safe, well-informed trip, it’s always best to consult the FCDO’s latest travel guidance on your chosen country.

Tourists in Mauritius were recently urged to “stay in a safe place” following extreme weather.