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Latest travel warning from us gov't.

I was actually surprised to see they didn't make it as scary as other past travel warnings. Nice to see them give credit to Colombian Gov't for the hostage rescue. Hope this doesn't increase gringo travel...i love colombia just the way it is now, not that many gringos. I'd stay in Philadelphia if I wanted to deal with idiots all the time.

Colombia Travel Warning
From: CA, Travel Info (Travelinfo at STATE.GOV)
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Sent:Fri 8/08/08 11:19 AM
Reply-to:CA, Travel Info (Travelinfo at STATE.GOV)

To: ACS_COLOMBIA at CALIST.STATE.GOV

August 07, 2008

This Travel Warning updates and reminds American citizens of ongoing security concerns in Colombia. The Department of State continues to warn U.S. citizens of the dangers of travel to Colombia. While security in Colombia has improved significantly in recent years, violence by narco-terrorist groups continues to affect some rural areas and cities. The potential for violence by terrorists and other criminal elements exists in all parts of the country. This Travel Warning supersedes the Travel Warning for Colombia issued February 05, 2008.

Violence has decreased markedly in many urban areas; however, the level of violence in Buenaventura remains high. Small towns and rural areas of Colombia can still be extremely dangerous due to the presence of narco-terrorists. Common crime remains a significant problem in many urban and rural areas. For additional details about the general criminal threat, please see the Department of State’s Country Specific Information for Colombia.

The incidence of kidnapping in Colombia has diminished significantly from its peak at the beginning of this decade. Nevertheless, terrorist groups such as the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), the National Liberation Army (ELN), and other criminal organizations continue to kidnap and hold civilians for ransom or as political bargaining chips. No one is immune from kidnapping on the basis of occupation, nationality, or other factors. Kidnapping in rural areas is of particular concern. On July 2, 2008, the Government of Colombia rescued 15 hostages, including three Americans, who had been held for more than 5 years. Although the U.S. government places the highest priority on the safe recovery of kidnapped Americans, it is U.S. policy not to make concessions to or strike deals with kidnappers. Consequently, the U.S. government’s ability to assist kidnapping victims is limited.

U.S. government officials and their families in Colombia are permitted to travel to major cities in the country, but normally only by air. They cannot use inter- or intra-city bus transportation, or travel by road outside urban areas at night. All Americans in Colombia are urged to follow these precautions.

As the Department develops information on potential security threats to U.S. citizens overseas, it shares credible threats through its Consular Information Program documents, available on the Internet at http://travel.state.gov. U.S. citizens should consult warden messages for Colombia at http://bogota.usembassy.gov/acs_wardenmessage.html and http://bogota.usembassy.gov/wwwsc093.shtml, as well as the Department of State’s Country Specific Information for Colombia and the Worldwide Caution at http://travel.state.gov. U.S. travelers can also get up-to-date information on security conditions by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the U.S. and Canada or for overseas callers, on a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444.

By brad216 on Aug 8, 2008, 21:14 in Friendly Talkzone.

RJQuilla says on Aug 8, 2008, 21:42:

That is the best report that I have seen since I have been traveling to Colombia.

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GregYohn says on Aug 9, 2008, 07:02:

Hola!

I got this portion of the report quoted to me by my GF as the reason we can not take any bus going to Bogota or Medellin from Cali. The report completely says no one should ever take a bus and thereby expects $250 to be spent on airfare. Too bad they can not specify the particular places unsafe and not over generalize!

Brad, need some Bemoka coffee? I live near PHL when not in Cali.

Although the U.S. government places the highest priority on the safe recovery of kidnapped Americans, it is U.S. policy not to make concessions to or strike deals with kidnappers. Consequently, the U.S. government’s ability to assist kidnapping victims is limited.

U.S. government officials and their families in Colombia are permitted to travel to major cities in the country, but normally only by air. They cannot use inter- or intra-city bus transportation, or travel by road outside urban areas at night. All Americans in Colombia are urged to follow these precautions.

12VOIP.com gives free calls to Colombia.Greg

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deathnova says on Aug 9, 2008, 09:37:

That's the exact same report from February, they just changed it to show that the hostages had been rescued. Previously it stated three Americans were still captive, etc.

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GregYohn says on Aug 9, 2008, 12:50:

Hola!

I get the story that any FARC will call ahead and stop the bus when they find a Gringo on it! It was believed by my GF that it is safe to travel from CTG to BQA or Santa Marta by bus. She tells me of stories and when she asks relatives about their bus trip, they say safe for Colombians but not Foreigners!

12VOIP.com gives free calls to Colombia.Greg

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getting better says on Aug 9, 2008, 13:31:

Let's have a competition for the most out of date and excessively cautious travel advisory:
I nominate Canada, as well as advising against travel to many areas that are fairly safe, it states:
"The hurricane season extends from June 1st to November 30th"
http://www.voyage.gc.ca/dest/report-en.asp?country=60000
Also as runner -up Australia:
http://www.smartraveller.gov.au/zw-cgi/view/Advice/Colombia
Again this advises against travel to some pretty safe areas, and states:
"A significant and growing number of kidnappings occur in major cities."

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bickerss says on Aug 9, 2008, 13:55:

I wonder what the Aus one has against Popayan - I thought that was a laid back, quiet and safe town.

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getting better says on Aug 9, 2008, 14:08:

Yes I thought so too, though there was a bad earthquake in 1983 and I presume they are worried about a recurrence.

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charlysito71 says on Aug 9, 2008, 18:10:

take the express or tour buses, most are non stop, plenty safe. you will have more trouble from "derrumbes" than other problems.

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GregYohn says on Aug 9, 2008, 19:04:

Hola!

Like to tell the US Govt and my GF? She thinks car travel is safe after I called her tonight!

12VOIP.com gives free calls to Colombia.Greg

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deathnova says on Aug 9, 2008, 20:39:

I've never had a problem.

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goin_south says on Aug 9, 2008, 23:18:

brad216 .... then... you should have CREATED YOUR OWN.... travel advisory to Colombia....

.... well, it's never too late.

“ I would rather be a conservative nut job rather than a liberal with no nuts and no job.”

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echyde says on Aug 10, 2008, 19:20:

It is safe to travel from CTG to BAQ or SMR. How "white" are you?

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Papi de Alejo says on Aug 10, 2008, 19:44:

I did this trip in May both ways, never a problem. It was cold on the bus. Sat next to the toilet to get more space for me and my novia and was surprised that so many people did not know haw to work the latching mechanism of the door. I lucked out with the movies and had American movies (dubbed) both ways. Correction on the way to Cartegena there was an almost constant covering of the capture of "Karina" (sp??).

PdA

PdA

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RJQuilla says on Aug 11, 2008, 10:46:

I am contemplating a bus to get me from Bogota to Ibague...........now I am concerned and dont know what to do? :(

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