Health requirement to visit Colombia

Mandatory & Recommended Vaccinations

Important Disclaimer: The following information is for guidance purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. It is essential that you consult with your doctor or a dedicated travel medicine clinic, ideally 4-6 weeks before your departure, to receive personalized recommendations based on your health history and travel itinerary.

Yellow Fever

• Requirement vs. Recommendation: While a Yellow Fever vaccination is not required for most travelers to enter Colombia, proof of vaccination may be demanded for entry into certain high-risk areas, including popular destinations like Amazonas region. It may also be a requirement for onward travel to other countries after your visit to Colombia.
• Vaccination Certificate: Proof is provided via the International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP), commonly known as the “yellow card.” You must carry this with you if you plan to visit designated zones.
• Timing: To be considered effective and valid, the vaccine must be administered at least 10 days before you travel to a risk area.

Routine Vaccinations

Before any international travel, it is wise to ensure all your routine vaccinations are up-to-date. Please check your medical records or consult your physician to confirm your status for the following:

• Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)
• Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis (DTaP)
• Varicella (Chickenpox)
• Polio
• Your annual flu shot

Other Recommended Vaccinations for Colombia

Depending on your specific itinerary, length of stay, and planned activities, your doctor may recommend additional vaccinations. For the most current and detailed information, we recommend visiting the official travel health pages for Colombia from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) or the World Health Organization (WHO).

• Hepatitis A: Recommended for most travelers, as it can be contracted through contaminated food or water, regardless of where you are staying.
• Typhoid: Also transmitted through contaminated food and water, this is particularly recommended for those visiting smaller cities, rural areas, or for travelers who consider themselves adventurous eaters.
• – Hepatitis B: This is recommended for travelers who might be exposed to blood or body fluids, for example, through medical procedures or tattoos.
• Rabies: If your itinerary involves significant outdoor activities like caving, hiking in remote areas, or if you anticipate being in close contact with animals, you should discuss the rabies vaccine with your doctor.

Travel Health Insurance

Why It Is Essential

Please be aware that possessing comprehensive travel health insurance is a mandatory condition for traveling with our company. Local medical care, particularly in private facilities, can be very expensive. Your insurance is your financial protection against unforeseen circumstances, covering everything from minor doctor visits to significant medical emergencies, hospitalizations, and, if necessary, medical evacuation.

What Your Policy Must Cover

Your chosen policy must meet our minimum standards to ensure you are adequately protected. Please review your documents carefully to confirm the following:

• Minimum Medical Coverage: Your policy must provide for at least $200,000 USD in medical expense coverage.
• Emergency Medical Evacuation & Repatriation: This is a non-negotiable component. It covers the significant cost of transporting you to a suitable medical facility or back to your home country if medically required.
• Activities Coverage: Ensure your policy explicitly covers all activities included in your itinerary. Standard policies may exclude activities like hiking at altitude, scuba diving, or canyoning, so you may need to add a rider or choose a specialized policy.

Staying Healthy During Your Trip

Mosquito-Borne Illnesses

In certain regions of Colombia, particularly coastal and jungle areas below 2,200 meters (7,200 feet), there is a risk of mosquito-borne diseases such as Dengue, Zika, and Chikungunya. Malaria risk is low in most tourist areas but can be present in remote regions. Prevention is your most effective tool.

• Use an EPA-registered insect repellent containing an effective ingredient like DEET or Picaridin on exposed skin.
• Wear light-colored, loose-fitting, long-sleeved shirts and long pants, especially during peak mosquito hours at dawn and dusk.
• Choose accommodations that have air conditioning or well-maintained window and door screens to keep mosquitoes out.

Food and Water Safety

Following simple precautions can help you avoid most stomach ailments and enjoy Colombia’s culinary delights without issue.

• Drinking Water: Only drink water that is bottled, boiled, or filtered. Politely decline tap water and avoid ice cubes in drinks, as they are often made from tap water. Use bottled water for brushing your teeth.
• Food Precautions:
  • Prioritize food that is cooked thoroughly and served piping hot.
  • Be cautious with raw or undercooked foods. While street food can be a highlight, choose vendors that are busy, look clean, and cook the food in front of you.
  • Only eat fruits and raw vegetables that you have washed and peeled yourself.

Altitude Sickness

Travelers visiting high-altitude destinations, most notably Bogotá (2,640m / 8,660ft), may experience symptoms of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) as their bodies adjust.

• Symptoms: Common, mild symptoms include headache, nausea, fatigue, and shortness of breath. These usually appear within 6-12 hours of arrival.
• Prevention & Management:
  • Give your body time to acclimatize. Plan to take it easy for the first 24-48 hours after arriving at altitude.
  • Stay well-hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
  • Avoid heavy meals and excessive alcohol for the first day or two.
  • If you are concerned, consult your doctor before your trip about preventative medication, such as Acetazolamide (Diamox).

Pre-Travel Health Checklist

Use this timeline to ensure you are fully prepared for a healthy and safe journey.

• [ ] 4-6 Weeks Before Departure: Schedule an appointment with your doctor or a travel medicine clinic to discuss your itinerary and personal health needs.
• [ ] 4-6 Weeks Before Departure: Receive any necessary vaccinations, allowing enough time for them to become fully effective.
• [ ] 2-3 Weeks Before Departure: Purchase your comprehensive travel health insurance policy and verify that it meets all our stated requirements.
• [ ] 1 Week Before Departure: Pack a personal first-aid kit. Be sure to include:
  • Any personal prescription medications, kept in their original containers, along with a copy of the prescription.
  • Over-the-counter remedies for common issues, such as a pain reliever, anti-diarrhea medication, antihistamines for allergies, and motion sickness tablets.
  • A good supply of your preferred EPA-registered insect repellent and a broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30+).