How Colombia is handling people traveling to the country

Detailed information on how Colombia is handling people traveling to the country.

On arrival to Colombia, if you have been to a high-risk* or extreme-risk country**, you will be separated and undergo a compulsory medical evaluation to clear of suspicion may be carrying or fallen ill to coronavirus.

According to Migración Colombia (Colombia Immigration), the compulsory medical evaluation would impact about 24,000 incoming travelers to Colombia daily.

Quarantine for Travelers to Colombia from High Risk* Countries

Travelers from or who have been in countries deemed extreme risk must agree to a two-week quarantine at home or hotel in Colombia.

Migraóion officials will verify compliance of the self-imposed quarantine with daily check-ins through a mobile app and migration has the authority to impose penalties in cases of non-compliance. If extreme risk visitors are cleared after their two-week isolation, they are free to travel.

According to Migración Colombia, the compulsory quarantine of people traveling from China, France, Italy and Spain would impact approximately 60,000 people per month.

But the number of people traveling from these countries is likely to decrease substantially due to the global pandemic and once people realize they will be quarantined when they arrive in Colombia.

Other Measures Being Taken in Colombia

The following measures were put in place starting on March 12 in Colombia to minimize the public health threats posed by coronavirus covid-19. Reportedly these measures will continue until May 31.

All events with more than 500 people must be cancelled in Colombia. This impacts many planned events in Colombia. So, concerts, conventions and other large events are canceled.

In addition, Colombia has suspended the transit of cruise ships through Colombia. There is one exception, cruise ships that have Cartagena as its point of departure and arrival. And disembarkation will not be allowed until being absolutely clear that there are no infected people on the ship. All other ships are not permitted to anchor in Colombian maritime territories.

Is it Safe to Travel?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the U.S. has provided a reasonable list of things to consider before traveling in the U.S. that can also apply in Colombia:

If COVID-19 is spreading at your destination, but not where you live, you may be at higher risk of exposure if you travel there.

Colombia currently has a low count of coronavirus cases and Colombia has put in place measures to minimize the public health threats posed by coronavirus. So, the risk is currently relatively low in Colombia compared to many other countries but this could change over time.

If you are in Colombia and planning trips to the U.S., Europe or Asia where coronavirus is spreading, you may choose to delay or cancel your travel plans.

People at higher risk for severe disease are older adults and people of any age with serious chronic medical conditions (such as heart disease, lung disease, or diabetes).

So, if you are an older adult or have a serious chronic medical condition, you may choose to delay or cancel your travel plans.

If you have close contact with someone with COVID-19 during travel, you may be asked to stay home to self-monitor and avoid contact with others for up to 14 days after travel.

If you are infected with coronavirus, you may be asked to self-quarantine and if you arrive in Colombia after traveling to extreme risk countries**, you will be self-quarantined in Colombia.

So, if planning to travel to Colombia after visiting an extreme risk country, you should delay or cancel your travel plans, unless you want to be self-quarantined.