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Colombia Travel Health Guide

Moderate risk

Colombia carries a CDC Level 2 travel health notice. Malaria risk exists in areas below 1,700m elevation. Key travel vaccines: COVID-19, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B. Required for entry (applies below 2300m)

Overall risk

Moderate risk

Malaria

Present

Best time to visit

Year-round

Recommended vaccines

Routine Vaccines

Make sure you are up-to-date on all routine vaccines including chickenpox, DTP, flu, MMR, polio, and shingles before traveling.

Recommended

COVID-19

All eligible travelers should be up to date with COVID-19 vaccines.

Recommended

Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A vaccination is recommended for all unvaccinated travelers 1 year and older. Infants 6-11 months should also be vaccinated.

Recommended

Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B vaccination is recommended for unvaccinated travelers under 60. Those 60 and older may also get vaccinated.

Recommended

Measles

Measles cases are rising worldwide. All international travelers should be fully vaccinated with MMR vaccine at least two weeks before departure.

Recommended

Typhoid

Typhoid vaccination is recommended for most travelers, especially if staying with friends/relatives or visiting smaller cities or rural areas.

Recommended

Yellow Fever

Yellow fever vaccination is recommended for most areas of Colombia but not for high elevations above 2,300m, certain cities, or San Andrés islands. Required for entry for all travelers 1 year and older.

Recommended

Chikungunya

There is elevated chikungunya risk in Colombia. Vaccination may be considered for extended stays of 6 months or more.

Situational

Rabies

Rabies is present in dogs and bats in Colombia. Consider pre-exposure vaccination if you'll have increased animal exposure or limited access to medical care.

Situational

Disease risks

Malaria

Malaria risk exists in areas below 1,700m elevation. No risk in Bogotá, Cartagena, or Medellín. Prophylaxis recommended for risk areas with chloroquine resistance present.

Moderate risk

Altitude Sickness

Bogotá (2,640m), Ipiales (2,900m); urban risk; rest on arrival.

Moderate risk

Traveler's Diarrhea

Amazon and Pacific coast; low risk in Bogotá, Cartagena.

Moderate risk

Malaria risk

Malaria is present in this destination. Prophylaxis medication is recommended.

Malaria risk exists in areas below 1,700m elevation. No risk in Bogotá, Cartagena, or Medellín. Prophylaxis recommended for risk areas with chloroquine resistance present.

Emergency numbers

Police

123

Medical / Ambulance

125

Fire

119

U.S. Embassy

+57-1-275-2000

Colombia travel health FAQ

Do I need vaccines to travel to Colombia?▼

For travel to Colombia, Routine Vaccines, COVID-19, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Measles, Typhoid and Yellow Fever are recommended; Chikungunya and Rabies may be advised depending on your itinerary. Make sure your routine vaccinations (such as MMR, Tdap, polio and seasonal flu) are up to date, and see a travel-health provider about 4–6 weeks before you leave.

Is there malaria in Colombia?▼

Yes — malaria is present in Colombia. Antimalarial prophylaxis is recommended for most travelers, alongside insect-bite precautions such as repellent and treated bed nets.

Is it safe to travel to Colombia?▼

From a travel-health standpoint, Colombia is currently rated moderate risk. Colombia carries a CDC Level 2 travel health notice. Malaria risk exists in areas below 1,700m elevation. Key travel vaccines: COVID-19, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B. Required for entry (applies below 2300m)

What are the emergency phone numbers in Colombia?▼

Key emergency numbers in Colombia are Police 123, Medical / Ambulance 125, Fire 119 and U.S. Embassy +57-1-275-2000. Save them before you travel and confirm the current numbers with your accommodation on arrival.

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Sources: CDC Travelers' Health · WHO International Travel and Health. Last updated 2026-07-31. Health conditions and entry rules change — verify with the CDC, WHO and your destination’s authorities before travel. This page is informational and not a substitute for advice from a travel-medicine provider.