Situation Report
Short, dated updates that affect daily life and travel in Colombia - visa and money changes, World Cup logistics, and active safety alerts for conflict zones, public-order events, and natural disasters.
Active Alerts
WarningCauca / Valle del Cauca / Arauca / Norte de SantanderDo Not Travel Zones: Cauca, Valle del Cauca, Arauca, and Norte de SantanderWarningNorte de Santander (Catatumbo)Ongoing ELN and FARC-Dissident Fighting in CatatumboPetro Calls July 20 Farewell Rally as Presidential Transition Is Suspended
President-elect Abelardo de la Espriella has suspended the government transition, accusing Petro's outgoing administration of corruption. Petro rejects the June 21 result and has called a public mobilization for July 20. Expect demonstrations and transit disruption in major cities ahead of the August 7 handover.
WarningDisasterVenezuela (felt in eastern Colombia)Devastating Earthquakes Hit Venezuela: What It Means for Travelers in Colombia
Two major earthquakes (magnitude 7.2 and 7.5) struck northern Venezuela on June 24, killing more than 1,400 people in the country's worst quake in over a century. Colombia was not damaged and faces no tsunami threat, but flights to and from Venezuela are disrupted, and Colombia and the United States are sending aid.
UpdateWorld CupGuadalajara, MexicoTonight: Colombia vs DR Congo at the World Cup
Colombia plays DR Congo tonight, Tuesday June 23, kickoff 9pm Colombia time at Estadio Akron in Guadalajara. Free over the air on Caracol and RCN in Colombia; FOX and Telemundo in the US.
WatchPoliticsColombia (national)De la Espriella Leads Preliminary Runoff Count (Result Contested)
In Colombia's June 21 runoff, Abelardo de la Espriella leads the preliminary count 49.66% to Iván Cepeda's 48.70%. The result is not certified; Cepeda is challenging and a manual count is pending.
WatchPublic OrderColombia (national)Election Weekend Security Measures: Border Closures and Ley Seca
Colombia closed land and river borders and banned alcohol sales for the June 21 presidential runoff. Restrictions ran from 6pm June 20 to 6am June 22 and have now lifted.
WarningConflictCauca / Valle del Cauca / Arauca / Norte de SantanderDo Not Travel Zones: Cauca, Valle del Cauca, Arauca, and Norte de Santander
US advisories keep Cauca, Valle del Cauca, Arauca, and Norte de Santander at the highest Do Not Travel level due to armed-group activity. Major cities like Cali and Popayan are excluded; Narino sits at the lower Reconsider Travel level.
WarningConflictNorte de Santander (Catatumbo)Ongoing ELN and FARC-Dissident Fighting in Catatumbo
Fighting between the ELN and FARC dissidents in the Catatumbo region (Norte de Santander) has displaced tens of thousands of people since early 2025. Avoid the Catatumbo region and the Venezuela border zone.
UpdateWorld CupBogotaBogota's Free World Cup Fan Zones
For Colombia's opening match, Bogota set up free public fan zones in city parks with big screens. The city promotes them as family friendly spots to watch upcoming Selección games at no cost.
WatchDisasterColombia (national)Rainy Season: Flood and Landslide Risk Across Andean and Caribbean Colombia
Colombia's two rainy seasons (roughly April-May and Sept-Nov) bring flood, landslide, and river-overflow risk to Andean and Caribbean regions. Heed IDEAM and local alerts and avoid flood-prone roads.
WatchDisasterCaldas / TolimaNevado del Ruiz: Ongoing Volcanic Activity Under Watch
Colombia's geological service (SGC) continues to report eruptive activity at Nevado del Ruiz, with fluid movement and rock fracturing through early June. No evacuation ordered; check the SGC for the current alert level.
WatchTravelBogota (El Dorado)Repeated Flight Suspensions at Bogota El Dorado After Drone Sightings
Drone sightings forced flights at Bogota's El Dorado airport to be suspended several times in late April and early May 2026, with knock-on delays and a few cancellations. Check your flight status before heading to the airport.