Northern South America Travel Advisories Reissued

The recent travel advisory issued by the U.S. Department of State indicates several countries in northern South America are confronting various levels of civil unrest.

On May 11, 2023, the State Department reissued a Do Not Travel advisory for specific areas with the Republic of Columbia regarding civil unrest.

The highlighted areas in Columbia are as follows:

Arauca, Cauca (excluding Popayán), Norte de Santander departments, and the Colombia-Venezuela border region.

Furthermore, the U.S. Embassy in Bogota reminded U.S. citizens on May 12, 2023, to be alert to the possibility that disruptions may occur at any place and any time with little or no warning. 

Additionally, U.S. government employees are prohibited from traveling by road between most major Columbia cities, and most land border areas are off-limits to U.S. government personnel unless authorized.

U.S. Citizens with emergencies can call: +57 (601) 275-2000; when outside of office hours, contact: +57 (601) 275-2000.

Columbia's geographic neighbors Ecuador, Peru, and Venezuela were also issued travel advisories in 2023.

Suppose you decide to visit these countries in May 2023.

In that case, the State Department suggests avoiding protest areas, monitoring local media for breaking events and adjusting your plans based on new information, and enrolling in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program to receive alerts during an emergency.

From a health perspective, the U.S. CDC has issued various notices for Columbia regarding dengue, malaria, measles, and yellow fever vaccination requirements and disease outbreaks.

Moreover, rabid dogs are commonly found in Colombia.

If you are bitten or scratched by a dog or other mammal while visiting Colombia, there may be limited or no rabies vaccine available. 

These travel vaccines and others are available in the U.S. at certified clinics and pharmacies.