Colombia Travel Health Guide
Moderate risk
Colombia carries a CDC Level 2 travel health notice. Malaria risk exists in areas below 1,700m elevation. Key travel vaccines: COVID-19, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B. Required for entry (applies below 2300m)
Overall risk
Moderate risk
Malaria
Present
Best time to visit
Year-round
Recommended vaccines
Routine Vaccines
Make sure you are up-to-date on all routine vaccines including chickenpox, DTP, flu, MMR, polio, and shingles before traveling.
COVID-19
All eligible travelers should be up to date with COVID-19 vaccines.
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A vaccination is recommended for all unvaccinated travelers 1 year and older. Infants 6-11 months should also be vaccinated.
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B vaccination is recommended for unvaccinated travelers under 60. Those 60 and older may also get vaccinated.
Measles
Measles cases are rising worldwide. All international travelers should be fully vaccinated with MMR vaccine at least two weeks before departure.
Typhoid
Typhoid vaccination is recommended for most travelers, especially if staying with friends/relatives or visiting smaller cities or rural areas.
Yellow Fever
Yellow fever vaccination is recommended for most areas of Colombia but not for high elevations above 2,300m, certain cities, or San Andrés islands. Required for entry for all travelers 1 year and older.
Chikungunya
There is elevated chikungunya risk in Colombia. Vaccination may be considered for extended stays of 6 months or more.
Rabies
Rabies is present in dogs and bats in Colombia. Consider pre-exposure vaccination if you'll have increased animal exposure or limited access to medical care.
Disease risks
Malaria
Malaria risk exists in areas below 1,700m elevation. No risk in Bogotá, Cartagena, or Medellín. Prophylaxis recommended for risk areas with chloroquine resistance present.
Altitude Sickness
Bogotá (2,640m), Ipiales (2,900m); urban risk; rest on arrival.
Traveler's Diarrhea
Amazon and Pacific coast; low risk in Bogotá, Cartagena.
Malaria risk
Malaria is present in this destination. Prophylaxis medication is recommended.
Malaria risk exists in areas below 1,700m elevation. No risk in Bogotá, Cartagena, or Medellín. Prophylaxis recommended for risk areas with chloroquine resistance present.
Emergency numbers
Police
123
Medical / Ambulance
125
Fire
119
U.S. Embassy
+57-1-275-2000
Colombia travel health FAQ
Do I need vaccines to travel to Colombia?▼
For travel to Colombia, Routine Vaccines, COVID-19, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Measles, Typhoid and Yellow Fever are recommended; Chikungunya and Rabies may be advised depending on your itinerary. Make sure your routine vaccinations (such as MMR, Tdap, polio and seasonal flu) are up to date, and see a travel-health provider about 4–6 weeks before you leave.
Is there malaria in Colombia?▼
Yes — malaria is present in Colombia. Antimalarial prophylaxis is recommended for most travelers, alongside insect-bite precautions such as repellent and treated bed nets.
Is it safe to travel to Colombia?▼
From a travel-health standpoint, Colombia is currently rated moderate risk. Colombia carries a CDC Level 2 travel health notice. Malaria risk exists in areas below 1,700m elevation. Key travel vaccines: COVID-19, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B. Required for entry (applies below 2300m)
What are the emergency phone numbers in Colombia?▼
Key emergency numbers in Colombia are Police 123, Medical / Ambulance 125, Fire 119 and U.S. Embassy +57-1-275-2000. Save them before you travel and confirm the current numbers with your accommodation on arrival.
More country guides
Argentina carries a CDC Level 1 travel health notice. No malaria risk. Key travel vaccines: COVID-19, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B.
Bolivia carries a CDC Level 2 travel health notice. Malaria risk exists in areas below 2,500m elevation. Key travel vaccines: COVID-19, Chikungunya, Hepatitis A. Required for entry (applies below 2300m)
Brazil carries a CDC Level 1 travel health notice. Malaria risk exists in certain areas of Brazil. Key travel vaccines: COVID-19, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B.
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Build my Trip KitSources: CDC Travelers' Health · WHO International Travel and Health. Last updated 2026-07-31. Health conditions and entry rules change — verify with the CDC, WHO and your destination’s authorities before travel. This page is informational and not a substitute for advice from a travel-medicine provider.