Security Overview for Colombia

The security situation in Colombia has improved dramatically in recent years, but significant security concerns remain. The government has managed to wrest control of most areas of the country from rebel groups, but many regions, especially rural areas in the southeast and north of the country are still unsafe. Confrontations between illegal armed groups and government forces continue, and foreigners still face the possibility of collateral injuries and the threat of kidnapping.

The country's homicide rate has steadily decreased over the past decade, down to 22.7 per 100,000 people in 2010. Other security concerns facing Colombia have also improved under the administrations of former President Alvaro Uribe (2002-2010) and the current President Juan Manuel Santos. The threat of kidnapping in Colombia was one of the highest in the world for years, peaking in 2000 with 3,572 reported cases. That number has declined to 282 cases in 2010. While foreigners constitute a relatively small number of kidnapping victims, foreign corporate personnel face a significant risk of being abducted, particularly in rural northeastern or southwestern departments.

The principal threat for most visitors is street crime, particularly in urban areas and those frequented by tourists. Petty thieves, including pickpockets and purse-snatchers, are active day and night. Armed assailants make venturing out after dark on foot or by car very risky in most locations. Robbers, carjackers, and other criminals do not hesitate to use violence, especially if resisted. Pickpocketing, especially on the Transmilenio public transportation system, is common.

A rental car is a popular option, but driving alone is unwise, as carjacking is rampant. The most secure method of transportation in Colombia is a private car service with an experienced driver. If such transportation is unavailable, registered, radio-dispatched taxis may be used with a reasonable degree of confidence; negotiate and confirm fares in advance to avoid possible disputes. Do not hail street cabs due to the high risk of robbery and assault. Due to the threat of rebel activity, avoid overland travel by road between cities; hire a security service if you are traveling outside a major metropolitan area.

Rebels and Criminal Groups
Colombia has two primary rebel groups: the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) and National Liberation Army (ELN). Despite several years of government success in cracking down on these groups, diminishing rebel territory, and fighting capacity, they remain a direct threat to multinational businesses. Companies operating in rural areas and/or the oil-producing north should remain vigilant and closely track developments surrounding this threat.

Rebels continue to detonate low- to medium-strength bombs, primarily in southeastern and northwestern departments. Insurgents have also abducted missionaries, engineers, and business executives, as well as other foreign visitors and residents.

As the FARC declines in power, the country's principle security threat has become criminal gangs known as bandas criminals or BACRIM. These gangs are composed of former paramilitary members who ostensibly demobilized from the United Self Defense Forces of Colombia (AUC) from 2003-2006, promising to return to civilian life in exchange for immunity from prosecution. BACRIMs continue to gain power in Colombia through violent oppression of civilians, particularly in Caribbean departments, which are vital territories for gangs in terms of cocaine export and arms imports.

Large-scale civil unrest is not common in Colombia, but public service strikes do occur. Violence related to elections is typical in Colombia; travel during election campaigning and near election-related activity is risky.

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How we determine a country's overall security rating

Each country's current overall risk rating is determined by considering categorical assessments in kidnapping, crime, security services, civil unrest, terrorism and geopolitical stability.

Minimal Threat

Most countries in this category have a stable political infrastructure and economic system with a low rate of unemployment. These countries have overall low rates of crime. Violent crime is almost non-existent. Petty crimes do occur, but are usually limited to petty theft and pick pocketing. Police and military services are trained and trustworthy, but may lack investigative and crime fighting equipment and skills. Strikes and demonstrations are rare and if they occur are usually well planned and managed and rarely spurn violent incidents. There are no known insurgent or terrorist groups.

Low Threat

Most countries in this category will have a stable political infrastructure and economic system with some unemployment. These countries have low crime rates. Violent crimes are rare and usually involve associated persons. Petty crimes such as theft and pick pocketing are a concern and travelers may be directly targeted. Risks can usually be mitigated with simple security measures. Police and military services are well trained and trustworthy but may lack adequate investigative equipment. Incidents of civil unrest such as strikes and demonstrations may disrupt daily life, but are usually non-violent and well coordinated. These countries may experience rare instances of domestic terrorist activity but are not threatened by international terrorism. Anti-government groups may be present but have little or no impact.

Moderate Threat

Most countries in this category will have a somewhat stable political infrastructure and economic system but unemployment and rising inflation cause some instability. These countries have moderate levels of crime. Violent crimes such as sexual assault and murder occur, but few are random incidents. Petty crimes, especially theft or destruction of unattended property, are common. Incidents of armed assault also occur. More threatening crimes are usually limited to urban areas or certain parts of the country. Police and military services may suffer from corruption and lack of training, but are generally adequate for investigations. Strikes and demonstrations can disrupt daily life and may easily spur violence. This country may have a variety of anti-government and domestic terrorist groups that are organized and outspoken against the government and may conduct incidents of violence. Small cells of international terrorist organizations exist but incidents of terrorism are not common.

High Threat

Most countries in the category have unstable political infrastructure and economic system with high rates of unemployment and inflation. Violent and petty crimes are common in most areas and random acts of violence do occur. Some areas may have a general state of lawlessness. Traveling alone, especially at night, should be avoided. There will be a large infiltration of arms in the population. Police and military services lack training and equipment. Both institutions are prone to corruption. Strikes and demonstrations are common and usually violent. Domestic terrorist and insurgent groups are active and well organized. They conduct bombings and other violent acts against government, local and international interests. International terrorist groups exist and may conduct activities within the country and abroad. The country may be involved in cross border warfare.

Extreme Threat

Most countries in this category lack a political infrastructure with any democratic premise and have a high rate of corruption. The economy is unstable with a high rate of unemployment. There is a very high rate of violent and petty crime. A general state of lawlessness exists in most urban and remote areas. Overland travel through the country must be avoided. Many domestic terrorist or rebel groups exist and are frequently active; areas of the country may be controlled by rebel factions. International terrorist operations may be well organized and active. Anti- government actions and large demonstrations are common and violent. Cross border and internal warfare occur.