Emergency Help Abroad – Colombia

Crime & Legal Awareness

A concise overview of the key laws, legal expectations and enforcement practices travellers should understand before visiting Colombia — including behaviours that may be acceptable in the UK but carry stricter penalties or different interpretations abroad.

1. STRICT DRUG, WEAPON & ALCOHOL LAWS

• Possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs is a serious offence with long prison sentences.

• Carrying weapons, including knives or sprays, without lawful reason is prohibited.

• Drink-driving laws are heavily enforced, with severe penalties.

• Bringing illegal substances into the country leads to immediate arrest.

• Police may conduct checks around nightlife areas and transport hubs.

2. RESPECT FOR CULTURE, PUBLIC MORALS & ENVIRONMENT

• Respectful behaviour is expected in churches, Indigenous territories and cultural sites.

• Littering in public areas, beaches and natural parks can result in fines.

• Public displays of affection are generally accepted in major cities but may cause offence in conservative communities.

• Graffiti and vandalism of public property are criminal offences.

• Always respect local customs in rural and Afro-Colombian communities.

3. PUBLIC BEHAVIOUR & CIVIL ORDER

• Police can request identification — carry your passport or a copy.

• Petty crime such as phone theft, bag-snatching and pickpocketing occurs in busy areas.

• Avoid walking alone at night in non-touristy neighbourhoods.

• Demonstrations can occur and may turn confrontational — foreigners should avoid them.

• Attempting to bribe officials is illegal.

4. TRAVEL, TRANSPORT & ADMINISTRATIVE OFFENCES

• Use licensed taxis or authorised apps — avoid hailing taxis on the street.

• Road conditions vary; obey speed limits and local driving laws.

• Public transport requires valid payment (e.g., SITP or TransMilenio cards).

• Overstaying your visa or tourist permit can lead to fines or deportation.

• Some regions, including jungle and border zones, may have restricted access for safety reasons.

5. PHOTOGRAPHY, DRONE & SECURITY RESTRICTIONS

• Avoid photographing police stations, military sites or strategic infrastructure.

• Drone use is regulated and requires permission in many areas; airports and cities have strict restrictions.

• Always ask permission before photographing people, especially in rural and Indigenous communities.

• Some museums and churches have photography restrictions — check signage.

6. ENVIRONMENTAL & SAFETY LAWS

• Removing plants, rocks or cultural items from national parks is prohibited.

• Hiking outside marked trails without a guide can be dangerous.

• Swimming in rivers with strong currents or unknown conditions is risky.

• Lighting fires or camping in protected areas requires authorisation.

• Damaging coral reefs or marine environments is illegal.

7. RESPECT FOR NATURE, CULTURE & HERITAGE SITES

• Damaging archaeological sites, Indigenous sacred areas or historic buildings is a criminal offence.

• Removing fossils or artefacts is prohibited.

• Entering Indigenous territories without permission is forbidden.

• Buying wildlife products or endangered-species souvenirs is illegal.

What You Shouldn’t Do - Behaviours Travellers Should Avoid.

These are important behaviours and actions to avoid to stay respectful, safe and aligned with local expectations. Remember that what feels everyday or familiar in the UK may follow different norms and expectations in Colombia.

• Don’t flaunt expensive phones, jewellery or cameras, particularly in Bogotá, Medellín, Cartagena and other big cities.

• Don’t walk alone late at night in quiet streets, and stick to busy, well-lit areas or take trusted taxis.

• Don’t accept drinks from strangers in bars or clubs, and always keep your glass within sight.

• Don’t buy or use illegal drugs, as this fuels criminal activity and carries severe legal penalties.

• Don’t carry large sums of cash, and avoid counting money in public places.

• Don’t use unlicensed taxis flagged from the street, and prefer official ranks or app-based services.

• Don’t leave bags hanging on chair backs or under tables, where they can be taken easily.

• Don’t swim in rivers or seas without checking local advice, as currents and hidden hazards vary.

• Don’t underestimate altitude in Bogotá and other high cities, and allow time to adjust.

• Don’t join protests or large political gatherings, which can change mood quickly.

• Don’t take photos of police, military or security installations, especially near borders.

• Don’t ignore advice about certain rural or border regions, where security may be more fragile.

• Don’t walk alone on undeveloped beaches at night, particularly outside main tourist areas.

• Don’t buy jewellery or emeralds from street sellers, where authenticity is doubtful.

• Don’t drink tap water in many regions, and opt for bottled or purified water instead.

• Don’t assume all ATMs are safe locations, and choose machines in banks or malls when possible.

• Don’t haggle aggressively, as calm and polite negotiation works best.

• Don’t underestimate heat and humidity on the Caribbean coast, especially in Cartagena and Santa Marta.

• Don’t ignore insect precautions, especially when visiting jungle or wetland areas.

• Don’t share detailed accommodation or travel plans publicly on social media, particularly if travelling solo.