Do I need to be vaccinated to travel to Colombia?

No vaccination is required to travel to Colombia. Before your departure, simply ensure that your vaccinations are up to date.

If you're planning to stay in Bogotá, Cali, Medellín, Cartagena, Santa Marta, or Barranquilla, you won't need antimalarial medication either. The risk of contracting malaria in these cities is virtually nonexistent. That said, do bring insect repellent and wear long-sleeved clothing, as dengue fever, chikungunya, and Zika virus are endemic to Colombia. Consult your doctor about traveler's diarrhea. They can prescribe some medications you can pack in your travel medicine kit.

Where should I go if I fall ill in Colombia?

Colombia's major cities are equipped with quality healthcare infrastructure capable of treating you. Several private clinics throughout the country also employ English-speaking doctors, allowing you to consult without an interpreter. This is notably the case at a few health centers in Bogotá, such as Clinica del Country, Clinica Marly, and Fundacion Santa Fe. For other cities, simply contact the relevant consular service to find the name and address of the hospital to reach.

Consultation fees typically amount to €50 with a general practitioner, €45 to €100 with a specialist, and €50 to €90 for a home visit.

It is therefore recommended that travelers purchase travel insurance that covers consultation fees and medical evacuation. Chapka Assurances are among the best in this field.

Some useful contacts

• Clinica del Country: +57 1 530 04 70 and +57 1 530 12 70
• Clinica Marly: +57 1 343 66 00
• Fundacion Santa Fe: +57 1 215 23 00
• Private ambulance service in Bogotá: +57 1 614 68 38
• Consular office in Barranquilla: +57 318 386 43 30
• Consular office in Bucaramanga: +57(7) 618 70 34
• Consular office in Cali: +57(2) 883 59 04
• Consular office in Cartagena: +57 322 666 0386
• Consular office in Medellín: +57(4) 371 98 99
• Consular office in Pereira: +57 310 836 61 44
• Consular office in Santa Marta: +57(5) 423 59 71