Vaccination Information for Travelers to Colombia
Health information by destination zone for international travelers.
Last updated: March 17, 2026 | Última actualización: 17 de marzo de 2026
Disclaimer: This page provides general health information for travelers based on publicly available sources including the Colombian Ministry of Health (MinSalud), the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the UK National Travel Health Network (NaTHNaC). It does not constitute medical advice. Consult your healthcare provider or a travel medicine specialist at least 4-6 weeks before your trip for personalized recommendations.
Yellow Fever Alert (2025-2026): Colombia declared a national health emergency regarding yellow fever in April 2025 (Resolution 691 of 2025, Ministry of Health). A vaccination campaign is ongoing. As of April 2025, Colombian authorities require travelers moving by road or river within the country to carry proof of yellow fever vaccination. Vaccination records may also be checked at domestic airports and transport hubs. We strongly recommend that all travelers to Colombia get vaccinated against yellow fever at least 10 days before travel, regardless of their specific itinerary. The vaccine provides lifelong protection after a single dose. Colombia provides the yellow fever vaccine free of charge, including to foreign nationals, at health offices and some airports and bus stations.
1. Vaccination by Destination Zone
The following table summarizes vaccination recommendations based on the destinations included in The Good Traveler Colombia's experiences. Yellow fever vaccination is recommended by the WHO for travel to areas below 2,300 meters elevation in Colombia.
| Destination | Yellow Fever | Malaria Prophylaxis | Other Recommendations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bogotá (2,640m) | Generally not required (above 2,300m). However, given the current outbreak, vaccination is recommended. | Not needed (too high for mosquito transmission) | Hepatitis A, Typhoid, routine vaccines (MMR, Tdap). Altitude acclimatization recommended. |
| Medellín (1,495m) | Generally not required for urban areas per WHO guidance, but recommended given the current outbreak. | Not needed in urban Medellín | Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Dengue prevention (mosquito repellent) |
| Cartagena (sea level) | Generally not required for urban Cartagena per WHO, but recommended given the current outbreak. | Not needed in urban Cartagena | Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Dengue prevention, sun protection |
| Eje Cafetero (1,000-2,000m) | Recommended. The coffee region includes areas below 2,300m. | Low risk. Not typically required. | Hepatitis A, Typhoid, insect repellent |
| Santa Marta & Tayrona (sea level - 900m) | Strongly recommended. Tayrona National Park is in a yellow fever risk zone. May be required for park entry. | Low risk in coastal areas. Recommended if trekking deep into the park. | Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Dengue prevention, Rabies (if extensive trekking) |
| Ciudad Perdida Trek (jungle, 300-1,200m) | Required. The trek passes through jungle at yellow fever risk elevations. | Recommended. Jungle environment with mosquito exposure. | Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Rabies (recommended), comprehensive insect protection |
| Chocó / Nuquí (sea level, rainforest) | Required. High-risk yellow fever zone. | Required. Chocó is a malaria-risk area. Consult your doctor for prophylaxis options. | Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Rabies (recommended), comprehensive insect protection, waterproof medication storage |
| Los Llanos / Casanare (low elevation plains) | Required. Low-elevation tropical plains in yellow fever risk zone. | Recommended. Seasonal risk, especially during wet season (May-October). | Hepatitis A, Typhoid, insect protection, sun protection |
| Cali (1,018m) | Generally not required for urban Cali per WHO, but recommended given current outbreak. | Not needed in urban Cali | Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Dengue prevention |
2. Yellow Fever: What You Need to Know
- The yellow fever vaccine must be administered at least 10 days before travel to be considered valid.
- A single dose provides lifelong protection (the WHO no longer recommends booster doses).
- The vaccine is available at certified yellow fever vaccination centers. In the US, find one at CDC's clinic finder. In the UK, check NaTHNaC's center locator.
- Colombia offers the vaccine free of charge at health offices and some transport hubs: though getting vaccinated before arrival is strongly preferred.
- The vaccine is not suitable for everyone. People with severe egg allergies, compromised immune systems, infants under 9 months, and certain other conditions should consult their doctor.
- Carry your International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP): the yellow card: at all times during your trip in Colombia.
3. General Health Recommendations
- Mosquito protection: Use DEET-based repellent (20-30%), wear long sleeves at dawn and dusk, and sleep under mosquito nets in jungle/rural areas. This protects against dengue, Zika, chikungunya, and malaria.
- Water: Drink bottled or treated water. Tap water is generally safe in Bogotá, Medellín, and Cartagena, but bottled water is recommended in rural and remote areas.
- Sun protection: Colombia's equatorial location means strong UV year-round, especially at altitude. Use SPF 50+, wear a hat, and stay hydrated.
- Altitude: Bogotá sits at 2,640 meters. Some travelers experience mild altitude sickness (headache, shortness of breath) for the first 1-2 days. Stay hydrated, avoid heavy meals and alcohol on arrival, and give yourself time to acclimatize.
- Travel insurance: Comprehensive travel and medical insurance is strongly recommended for all travelers and is mandatory for our experiences in Chocó, Los Llanos, and Ciudad Perdida. Insurance must cover emergency medical evacuation for remote area experiences.
4. Official Health Resources
- Colombian Ministry of Health: Recommendations for Travelers
- US CDC: Colombia Traveler Information
- UK NaTHNaC: Colombia Health Information
- WHO: Yellow Fever Information
5. How The Good Traveler Colombia Helps
When you book a trip with us, we provide destination-specific health and vaccination guidance as part of your pre-trip briefing. For experiences in yellow fever or malaria risk zones (Chocó, Los Llanos, Ciudad Perdida, Tayrona), we will remind you of vaccination requirements during the booking process and may request proof of vaccination before departure. Your safety is always our priority.
Questions? Contact us at raul.rodriguez@elbuenviajero.com or WhatsApp +57 315 945 3852.