What Colombia’s latest security alert covers

The US Department of State keeps Cauca and Valle del Cauca at Level 4: don't Travel, excluding Popayán and Cali, because of crime and terrorism. The advisory was last updated March 30, 2026 and now also flags natural-disaster risks, while a US Embassy Bogotá alert on April 27 followed attacks that killed at least 20 civilians and injured dozens.

Violence in the two departments has included roadside bombs, grenades, drone attacks and assaults on police and military sites. The State Department says FARC dissident groups and other armed actors operate in rural areas, including a faction tied to alias "Iván Mordisco."

Who faces the biggest risk

The warning hits tourists, expats and digital nomads hardest in rural parts of southwest Colombia. US government employees are barred from traveling to these areas and the advisory tells Americans to avoid them for any reason.

Popayán and Cali are excluded from the Level 4 order, but the broader Colombia advisory still sits at Level 3: Reconsider Travel. That leaves overland routes, highway travel and isolated stays exposed to the same security concerns that drove the alert. visa updates

What travelers should do now

US citizens should avoid Cauca and Valle del Cauca, enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, watch local media and build contingency plans before moving through southwest Colombia. The State Department also reminds travelers to complete Colombia’s Check-Mig form 72 hours before flying.

Dual US-Colombian citizens must use Colombian passports when entering and leaving the country. Read our full Colombia guide for the complete picture.