Moderate riskAmericas · South AmericaColombia 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)
Compiled by Voyax Health from CDC Travelers' Health: Colombia. Editorial sections reviewed by Voyax Health pharmacists ·
Overall risk
Moderate risk
Malaria
Present
Best time to visit
December to March and July to August are drier in most regions. The Caribbean coast is hot year-round; Bogotá is cool and often wet.
Travel health in Colombia
Colombia's health risks track its geography. Bogotá sits at 8,660 ft, high enough for a day of headaches and breathlessness, but with no malaria, dengue or yellow fever. Descend to Cartagena, the Caribbean coast, the coffee region or the Amazon and the picture flips: dengue is common, yellow fever vaccination is recommended for most areas below about 7,500 ft outside the big cities, and malaria is present in the Pacific coast lowlands and the Amazon. Travelers' diarrhea is common and typhoid and hepatitis A are recommended.
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 risk is limited to certain areas. Whether you need antimalarial medication depends on your itinerary — see details.
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.
Seasonal timing
When health risks peak through the year — plan around them.
Peak
Year-round, peaks April to June and October to December
Dengue
Caribbean coast, Cali, the coffee region and the Amazon. Not present in Bogotá.
Peak
Year-round
Yellow fever
Recommended for most areas below 7,500 ft except Bogotá, Medellín, Cali, Cartagena and Barranquilla city proper. Essential for the Amazon, Tayrona and the Llanos.
Peak
Year-round
Altitude sickness
Bogotá (8,660 ft) causes mild symptoms in many arrivals. Take the first day slowly.
Water & food safety
Water
Tap water in Bogotá and Medellín is treated and generally safe to drink, and many travellers do. Use bottled water in Cartagena, on the coasts, in small towns and in the Amazon.
Food
Cooked food in restaurants and busy street stalls is generally safe. Be careful with ceviche and raw seafood on the coast, unpasteurized cheese, and fruit juices made with untreated water outside the big cities.
Medications
Pharmacies (droguerías) are widespread and well stocked; many medications are sold without prescription. Bring controlled medications in original packaging with prescriptions.
On the ground
Medical facilities
Bogotá, Medellín and Cali have excellent private hospitals, and Colombia is a medical-tourism destination. Care is limited in the Amazon, on the Pacific coast and in rural areas; plan for evacuation to a major city.
Travel insurance
Travel medical insurance with evacuation cover is strongly advised, and should cover trekking (Ciudad Perdida, Cocuy) if planned.
Emergency numbers
Police
123
Medical / Ambulance
125
Fire
119
U.S. Embassy
+57-1-275-2000
Colombia travel health FAQ
Do I need the yellow fever vaccine for Colombia?▼
For most trips, yes. The CDC recommends it for all areas below about 7,500 ft except the cities of Bogotá, Medellín, Cali, Cartagena and Barranquilla. Tayrona National Park, the Amazon, the Llanos and the coffee region are all in the recommended zone. Colombia does not require the certificate for entry from the US.
Is there malaria in Cartagena or Medellín?▼
No. Malaria in Colombia is concentrated in the Pacific coast lowlands (Chocó), the Amazon, and parts of the Orinoco basin. Cartagena, Medellín, Bogotá and the coffee region towns have no malaria risk, though Cartagena and the coffee region do have dengue.
Can I drink the tap water in Bogotá?▼
Bogotá's tap water is treated and generally safe; Medellín's is too. Elsewhere in Colombia, use bottled water. Sensitive stomachs may still prefer bottled everywhere for the first few days.
More country guides
ArgentinaLow riskArgentina carries a CDC Level 1 travel health notice. No malaria risk. Key travel vaccines: COVID-19, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B.
BoliviaModerate riskBolivia 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)
BrazilHigh riskBrazil 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.
Plan your Colombia trip
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Build my Trip KitSources: CDC Travelers' Health: Colombia · 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.