Country Code for Colombia: +57 

Official Travel advice visit:  

Colombia Travel Advice & Safety | Smartraveller (Australia) Safe Travel NZ | Colombia (New Zealand) 

Emergency Services: 123 Ambulance: 123 Fire: 123 Police: 112.  

For consular assistance, contact the Australian Embassy in Bogotá. You can only visit the Embassy by appointment. 

Australian Embassy, Bogotá 

Edificio Tierra Firme, Avenida Carrera 9 No. 115-06 Oficina 2003, Bogotá, Colombia 

Email: consular.bogota@dfat.gov.au  
Phone: +57 601 657 8030 

New Zealand Embassy Bogotá, Colombia 

Embajada de Nueva Zelandia, Calle 81 #11-08, Office 802, Edificio 8111, Bogotá, Colombia 

Telephone: +57 601 439 1666 

Email: nzembajadacolombia@gmail.com  

Colombians are warm and courteous. English is not widely spoken outside tourist areas, so learning some basic Spanish phrases like buenos días, por favor and gracias will be very helpful.  

People may stand closer than you're used to in Colombia —this is normal. Be respectful when discussing Colombia’s past (drug cartels and conflicts) as Colombians are rightfully very proud of the progress their country has made.  

Social events tend to start later than scheduled. “Colombian time" is real, so be patient and go with the flow. Colombians tend to dress smartly, especially in cities like Bogotá and Medellín. Swimming costumes should be kept for the beach only when on the coast.  

Electrical Socket type: Type A and Type B

Voltage: 110 volts, 60Hz 

The following information is intended as a guide only and in no way should it be used as a substitute for professional medical advice relative to a traveller's individual needs and vaccination history. No guarantee is made as to its accuracy or thoroughness. For further information, please contact The Travel Doctor website.  
 
Yellow fever is widespread in Colombia. Some countries may require you to present a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you’ve travelled through Colombia. Some national parks require a vaccination certificate to enter. Zika virus is also widespread, and malaria is a risk in areas below 800m. This doesn't include Bogotá. Consider taking anti-malarial medication if travelling to these areas. 

Altitude sickness is a risk to anyone above 2,500m (this includes Bogotá). The risk is greater if your ascent is rapid. Altitude sickness can be life-threatening and can affect anyone, even if you're very fit and healthy. High altitude impacts the body by reducing oxygen levels, leading to symptoms such as shortness of breath, headaches, dizziness, fatigue and nausea – altitude sickness. 

How can you avoid developing altitude sickness? 

• Acclimatise gradually where possible.  

• Avoid strenuous activities and gradually increase your activity level as your body adjusts. 

• Stay hydrated and drink plenty of water.  

• Avoid alcohol, smoking and caffeine.  

• Eat foods rich in carbohydrates to maintain energy levels. Avoid heavy or greasy food. 

• Take long, slow, deep breaths to increase your oxygen intake and help your body adjust to the lower oxygen levels. 

• Consult your doctor about medications which may reduce the symptoms of altitude sickness. Also consider using local Andean remedies. 

Official Travel advice visit:  

Colombia Travel Advice & Safety | Smartraveller (Australia) 
Safe Travel NZ | Colombia (New Zealand) 

• Carnaval de Barranquilla, 1-4 March: Colombia’s most famous carnival is a UNESCO-recognised cultural treasure. Expect vibrant parades, traditional cumbia and mapalé dances, elaborate costumes, and street parties. 
• Feria de las Flores (Flower Festival), 2-11 August: A celebration of Antioquian culture featuring the iconic Silleteros Parade, where flower farmers carry elaborate floral arrangements on their backs. 
• Independence Day, 20 July: Commemorates Colombia’s declaration of independence from Spain in 1810. 
• Battle of Boyacá Day, 7 August: Marks the 1819 battle that secured Colombia’s independence. 
• Semana Santa (Holy Week), April: A deeply religious week with processions and church services.

The official language of Colombia is Spanish. 

The Travel Corporation has partnered with the company Sherpa to provide travellers with the latest government and health restrictions. Simply enter the country you want to travel to for information on safety regulations, border closures, quarantine requirements, your travel visa and more using the Sherpa travel tool: Visa Advice 

For Australian and New Zealand passport holders, if you're visiting Colombia for tourism and plan to stay for 90 days or less, you generally won't need a visa. You may need to show an onward/return ticket, or proof of sufficient funds.  

All travellers must fill out a pre-registration form before departure to Colombia: Check-mig - Migración Colombia 

 
Official Travel advice visit:  

Colombia Travel Advice & Safety | Smartraveller (Australia) 
Safe Travel NZ | Colombia (New Zealand)