Neither the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) nor the US State Department names Cartagena as a place to avoid. The UK FCDO does advise against all but essential travel to the southern part of Bolívar Department. The US State Department says to reconsider travel to Colombia because of crime, terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, and natural disasters.
At Safe to Go, we monitor country and regional advisories daily to show which warnings cover Cartagena and which cover the rest of Colombia. Canada says to exercise a high degree of caution, and the live panel above shows each government’s level today.
What Official Advisories Say About Cartagena and Bolívar
The UK FCDO travel advice for Colombia advises against all but essential travel to the southern part of Bolívar Department. The UK FCDO lists southern Bolívar among the areas with high levels of coca cultivation and says the risk from illegal armed groups and criminal gangs is particularly high there. The advisory does not instruct travelers to avoid Cartagena.
The US State Department Colombia advisory issues a national warning to reconsider travel due to crime, terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, and natural disasters, noting that some areas have an increased risk. While the advisory outlines countrywide concerns regarding violent crime and armed groups, it does not name Cartagena.
The Government of Canada travel advice for Colombia advises travelers to exercise a high degree of caution nationally, while maintaining specific regional advisories. In its security updates, Canada removed information on the security situation in Santa Marta.
How Cartagena Compares with Wider Regional Travel Warnings
Cartagena is outside the areas the UK FCDO advises against, which include Colombia’s border zones. The UK FCDO advises against all but essential travel to all of Arauca Department, all of Norte de Santander including Cúcuta, and land within 5km of the borders with Venezuela and Ecuador, with some exceptions. Cartagena is not listed among these border areas.
The UK FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the southern part of Bolívar Department.
To understand how other urban destinations handle these same national notices, compare this guidance with Is Bogotá safe? or check our guide on Is Medellín safe? to evaluate urban security before you book.
Street Crime and Safety Hazards Along the Caribbean Coast
The UK FCDO names the Caribbean coast, along with Bogotá, Medellín, and Cali, as places where pickpocketing, mugging, and armed robbery are a problem. The US Department of State notes that street crime can quickly turn violent, instructing travelers that if targeted by criminals, you must not resist.
The US State Department says violent crime, including murder, assault, and robbery, is common in many areas of Colombia, and drugging and armed break-ins, including at hotels, occur frequently in some regions. Police procedures in Colombia differ from those in the United States, and crimes against tourists are not always prosecuted.
Terrorist organizations and illegal armed groups also remain active in Colombia, with historical attacks targeting some tourist locations. Government guidance warns that attacks can occur with little warning, potentially targeting transportation hubs, tourist areas, markets, shopping malls, restaurants, clubs, and hotels.
Protests and Road Closures Around Cartagena
Public demonstrations can create sudden transport bottlenecks across Colombian municipalities. The US State Department says political demonstrations are common throughout Colombia and can shut down roads and highways without notice, reduce access to public transportation, and turn violent. If protests break out in the city, monitor local media, allow extra travel time, and avoid large gatherings or political rallies.
Checking Travel Conditions and Verifying Your Safety Right Now
The live advisory panel above shows today’s level for Colombia across the three monitoring governments.
US citizens can enroll in the STEP before departure. British travelers can sign up for email updates on the UK FCDO travel advice for Colombia page.
The UK FCDO warns that your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against its advice, for example to southern Bolívar, so check your policy covers your itinerary, planned activities, and expenses in an emergency. Review our free travel safety checklist and read how we rate safety to keep your trip preparations organized.
Who Cartagena Does Not Suit
The UK FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the southern part of Bolívar Department. You can explore our broader city safety guides or compare destinations side by side to evaluate alternatives.
Our verdict on Cartagena would change if any of the three governments advised against travel to the city itself. A formal advisory against non-essential travel to the city could also invalidate standard travel insurance.
If you decide to proceed with your visit, read our national guide on is Colombia safe? and monitor our latest advisory changes page for sudden policy updates before packing your bags.