Colombia keeps five areas at Level 4

The U.S. State Department’s latest Colombia advisory, updated March 30, 2026, keeps five areas at Level 4, don't Travel: Arauca, Cauca except Popayán, Valle del Cauca except Cali, Norte de Santander and land within 10 km of the Colombia-Venezuela border. The department says those zones face violent crime, kidnapping, terrorism and clashes among armed groups.

The overall advisory for Colombia stays at Level 3, Reconsider Travel. This update also adds natural-disaster risks, including volcanoes, earthquakes and landslides. The embassy says Level 4 areas are off-limits even for U.S. government employees without special approval.

Who is most exposed

Tourists, expats and digital nomads are the clearest targets in the restricted zones. The advisory warns of armed robbery, murder, express kidnapping, IEDs, landmines, truck bombs and drone attacks tied to narcotraffickers and terrorists.

U.S. citizens are also flagged as targets on dating apps, where attackers may drug, rob or kill victims, the State Department says. Canada’s advisory is similar, telling travelers to avoid Arauca, Cauca except Popayán and Norte de Santander except Cúcuta, plus nearby border areas.

What travelers should do now

Nomads planning Colombia trips should keep their routes outside the Level 4 zones and check local conditions before crossing borders or heading into rural areas. Check-Mig is still required for entry 1 to 72 hours before arrival and Colombia keeps its annual entry fee in place for eligible visitors.

Travelers should also watch passport and family-document rules, declare more than $10,000 in cash and avoid carrying undeclared historical artifacts. Ignoring the advisory can limit consular help and may affect travel insurance coverage.

Read our full Colombia guide for the complete picture.