Is Colombia Safe for Foreign Travelers?
A Guide to the Risks of Foreign Travel in Colombia
Aug 7, 2008
Colombia is better known for the cocaine traffic, guerrillas, and kidnappings than its beaches, its well preserved colonial arquitecture, or its vibrant music scene. Colombia´s reputation for violence has suceeded in making it one of Latin America´s least touristed countries. Americans, in particular, have avoided the country like the plague unless called upon by their government or employer to make the trip.
People have reason to worry. Colombia is one of the most violent countries in the hemisphere. After a period of warfare between liberal and conservative factions beginning in 1948 and spanning the 1950s, known in Colombian history as La Violencia, a number of self-defense units sprouted up in order to protect their communities. These organizations served as the basis for South America´s most recalcitrant guerrilla movement, the Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia, commonly known as the FARC. The FARC, along with other guerrilla groups of the left, has waged war against the Colombian government since the 1960s. In response, paramilitary groups known collectively as the Autodefensas Unidas de Colombia (AUC) scurried to the government´s defense. All three actors are responsible for gross human rights violations on a grand scale.
What Are the Risks?
The war is ploughing through its fifth decade, but, as in Israel or Chiapas, life continues as well. Although the level of violence has reduced in recent years, three major risks remain.
Colombia leads the world in kidnapping with over 23,000 recorded incidences since 1996, according to Fundación País Libre, a Colombian NGO. The social divide that has driven Colombia´s political travails also influences the practice of kidnapping - an article by adnmundo.com reported that half of Colombia´s secuestros in 2007 were committed by common criminals. Unless you are a high-powered executive, the child of a European government official, or some other ransomable entity, however, don´t expect any nefarious characters to know or care that you have entered the country.
A second risk is that of rebel or bandit assaults on the highways. Most roads these days, however, have been cleared of this risk by increased military presence. Always check with locals, however, before taking a long bus or car ride.
Although the state has made progress in containing them, guerrillas and paramilitaries remain a Colombian reality. Consequently, many of the rural areas, particularly in the jungles south of the Andes, should be entirely avoided.
Colombia Can Be One of the Safest Countries South America
Provided you stick to urban areas, stay out of the poorer and more run down areas of town, and maintain your distance from known conflict areas, Colombia provides an uncanny degree of safety to person and property. This situation, ironically, has resulted from the war itself. Colombia easily has the most visible police presence in Latin America. Both private and public security forces patrol parking lots, residences, and public areas. Men in green uniforms with giant guns are as much a part of the urban scenery in Colombia as traffic and street vendors. While these security measures are designed principally to prevent kidnappings, bombings, and other urban terrorist tactics, they also act as a disincentive toward common crime. Consequently, foreign tourists benefit.
Be Aware
A parting word of advice: this information should serve as a guidepost rather than a definitive statement. The security situation can change at any time in Colombia, just like any other place in a state of war. Before visiting, check the State Department's travel warning website and, if possible, talk to locals - the most reliable source of information on the subject.
