The difficult security situation that Bogotá has had to face in recent days already has repercussions on the United States Department of State, from where they sent an alert this Thursday for travelers who want to visit Colombia.
In this warning, the concern that stands out the most is the constant armed robberies that have been unleashed in restaurants, bars, cafes and bakeries in the capital.
(We recommend you read: Due to robberies in restaurants in Bogotá, the US alerts citizens traveling to Colombia).
The United States Embassy in Colombia assured that in this country there is a “continuing threat of crime” and that American citizens must be attentive and incorporate security measures when passing through some cities.
On the page of the Department of State, Colombia appears at risk level three, which means that travelers should reconsider their time in this country.
And while it is true that the name of Colombia has been threatened for several years for crimes such as terrorism and kidnapping; The list of warnings sent by the US Government has increased in recent months.
Alerts for Americans in Colombia
Armed robberies and cases of common crime have been recurring concerns for foreign citizens, who They are warned of the presence of criminals in restaurants, bars, nightclubs, parks and shopping centers.
Neverthelessthe use of ATMs was also added to the activities for which caution should be taken when transiting through Colombia, since, according to the Department of State, there have been cases in which unauthorized transactions or fraudulent withdrawals are made.
“Travelers should limit the amount of cash they carry in publicexercise caution when withdrawing cash from ATMs and avoid ATMs located on the street,” the warning reads.
(You might be interested in: Bogotá: Petro talks about insecurity; insists on self-destruct software on cell phones).
On the other hand, the US Government recommends limiting the use of taxis that are taken on the street, since they claim that some foreign citizens have died while using this transportation service. So, they recommend only using vehicles that can be ordered from an application.
Batteries with 'spiritual cleansing'
Regarding the consumption of substances such as yagé or immersion in “spiritual cleansing”, The United States recommends its citizens refrain from these practices, since these experiences occur through the consumption of substances, some of which are prohibited in that country.
They state that, many times, The so-called shamans or spiritual guides do not have the preparation for these experiences. and that could bring consequences such as theft, assault, illness or death.
No to appointments arranged by applications
Another concern has been the recurring cases in which foreign citizens meet men or women through dating applications and end up scammed or robbed.
In this regard, the State Department assures that romances obtained online or through dating applications are one of the main causes of scams or other crimes.
Alert for cosmetic surgeries
Aesthetic treatments and surgeries are other alerts issued for those who come to Colombia, since the United States Government website says that “several US citizens have suffered serious complications or died during or after undergoing such procedures.”
(You might be interested in: 'Insecurity is silenced in Bogotá': this is the panorama of the crime crisis).
“If you plan to have surgery in Colombia, carefully research the doctor and recovery center you plan to use. Ensure emergency medical facilities are available and that professionals are accredited and qualified. Share all health information (e.g., medical conditions, medications, allergies) with your doctor before surgery,” the State Department recommends.
Traffic accident warning
Among other recommendations, the United States Government warns that traffic laws are often ignored in Colombia and that “they are rarely enforced,” creating dangerous conditions for drivers and pedestrians.
“Traveling by road in Colombia can be dangerous, especially at night. Some roads are poorly maintained or vulnerable to heavy rain and landslides. Mountain roads may lack safety features such as protective barriers or guardrails, and conditions often become more dangerous due to dense fog,” the recommendations read.
JUAN PABLO CONTRERAS RÍOS
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