Travel Vaccines and Advice for Colombia
Colombia is a famous destination for the admirers of nature and history. The country is very diverse and offers a wide variety of sights for every visitor. Apart from amazing Caribbean beaches, there are many ancient historical sites, voluminous mountains and rainforests.
The variety of climates makes every season in Colombia worthwhile.
Do I Need Vaccines for Colombia?
Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Colombia. The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Colombia: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, yellow fever, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia and influenza.
See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunizations:
- Hepatitis A –
Food & Water –
Recommended for most travelers - Hepatitis B –
Blood & Body Fluids –
Accelerated schedule available - Typhoid –
Food & Water –
Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. - Yellow Fever –
Mosquito –
Required if traveling from a region with yellow fever including Brazil. Not usually recommended for travelers to Barranquilla, Cali, Catagena, Medellin or areas over 7500ft. In elevation. - Rabies –
Saliva of Infected Animals –
High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-term travelers and those who may come in contact with animals. - Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) –
Various Vectors –
Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. - TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) –
Wounds & Airborne –
Only one adult booster of pertussis required. - Chickenpox –
Direct Contact & Airborne –
Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. - Shingles –
Direct Contact –
Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. - Pneumonia –
Airborne –
Two vaccines given seperately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. - Influenza –
Airborne –
Vaccine components change annually. - Meningitis –
Airborne & Direct Contact –
Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended.
See the tables below for more information:
Recommended Travel Vaccinations for Colombia |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Hepatitis A | Food & Water | Recommended for most travelers |
| Hepatitis B | Blood & Body Fluids | Accelerated schedule available |
| Typhoid | Food & Water | Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. |
| Yellow Fever | Mosquito | Required if traveling from a region with yellow fever including Brazil. Not usually recommended for travelers to Barranquilla, Cali, Catagena, Medellin or areas over 7500ft. In elevation. |
| Rabies | Saliva of Infected Animals | High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-term travelers and those who may come in contact with animals. |
Routine Vaccinations for Colombia |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) | Various Vectors | Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. |
| TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) | Wounds & Airborne | Only one adult booster of pertussis required. |
| Chickenpox | Direct Contact & Airborne | Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. |
| Shingles | Direct Contact | Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. |
| Pneumonia | Airborne | Two vaccines given seperately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. |
| Influenza | Airborne | Vaccine components change annually. |
| Meningitis | Airborne & Direct Contact | Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. |
| Polio | Food & Water | Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended. |
Mosquito-borne diseases are found throughout Colombia’s climates. Be sure to bring repellents to avoid dengue, Zika, malaria and yellow fever. The exact infections in each region vary. Consult with a travel health specialist to learn more.
See our vaccinations page to learn more about these infections and vaccines. Ready to protect yourself? Book your travel health appointment today by calling or schedule online now.
Customer Reviews
Passport Health Travel Vaccines for Colombia
“I have visited Passport Health several years ago, and just recently. The staff are friendly and professional. They give painless shots and are helpful in answering questions about foreign country conditions. They provide an informative custom-made briefing book about your destination (mine was Colombia), with specific information on diseases, risks, and advice on how to remain healthy. This is an excellent organization.”
“The Passport Health associate treated me well and was very informative about the precautions that I should take while traveling to Colombia.”
“I went in to see what shots I needed for a trip to Colombia, and ended up also getting excellent advice on the pneumonia and shingles vaccines. I have been a customer of Passport Health for ten years and have always received excellent service and information. Thank you!”
“The Tulsa office did a great job getting me prepared for a last minute trip to Colombia. I appreciated their insight and expertise to get me informed and prepared before my trip.”
“Very professional and I was provided with complete information about travel to Colombia. The nurse was very helpful.”
“Traveling to Colombia in July and visited the Louisville, KY location last week for vaccines. Staff was very professional, thorough, and detailed. The overview booklet that was provided when I arrived was especially impressive. Overall a very good experience and I would certainly recommend Passport to others needing vaccinations. Thanks!”
“From the very start we received terrific service from your nurse. She had everything prepared for us when we came and she carefully went through all the things we needed for our trip. She gave us excellent advice about important details we needed to know about our trip to Colombia.”
“Passport Health was extremely helpful in providing me with the necessary vaccinations and information prior to my travel to Colombia. I felt very comfortable going to a country that I am unfamiliar with. I was provided with a decent amount of paperwork to read through for more information, but the individual was also very informative. I would definitely recommend this location, very fast, and very effective service!”
“The nurse was extremely personable and helpful regarding my immunizations and travel questions regarding my trip to Colombia. I will definitely use Passport Health in the future.”
Do I Need a Visa for Colombia?
A passport is required to enter Colombia. Visas are not required for stays under 90 days.
Colombia Entry Requirements |
||
| Do I Need A… | For My Trip to Colombia? | |
|---|---|---|
| Passport |  |
|
| Tourist Visa | ||
| Business Visa | ||
| Vaccinations | |
|
Sources: Embassy of Colombia and U.S. State Department
For more information contact a Passport Health Passport and Visa specialist by calling 1-844-366-8472 or by filling out our online form.
What Is the Climate Like in Colombia?
Colombia is an equatorial country with a tropical climate. Due to the variance in altitude, the climate alternates a lot. It is a great destination all year long, as even in rainy periods, some of regions will be dry and sunny.
The daily average temperatures alternate between the high-60’s to mid-80’s throughout the year.
- The Coast – Colombia’s coastline and rainforests are tropical. The average temperature is in the 80’s all year long. The dry season is from November to April, when temperatures can exceed 85 degrees. The rainy season is from May to October.
- Mid-altitude – Cities at mid-altitude in the Andes have beautiful and temperate weather all year long. Popular destinations in the midlands are Medellín, Popayán and Pereira.
- The Highlands – The highlands are temperate in the daytime and drop significantly down to the 50’s. In the highlands, the weather is cool all year long. Bogota, the capital of Colombia, is situated in these altitudes.
Will I Be Safe in Colombia?
Colombia has a high crime rate. Even though security has improved in recent years, practice caution at all time during your visit. Various factions still operate in the jungles of Colombia working in anything from the drug trade to kidnapping.
Avoid wandering in unknown neighbourhoods and walking alone in the dark. Do not accept drinks or cigarettes from strangers and refuse drugs at all times. Keep valuables in a safe place and don’t carry large amounts of cash with you.
The coastlines are generally safe than the in-land. Be careful at beaches and other public places as pickpocketing and petty theft can occur. Events like Carnaval are prime targets for these opportunists.
Must-Sees in Colombia
Colombia’s many cities and rainforests offer much to explore.
In major cities like Bogota and Cartagena, nightlife thrives. Visit any of the many clubs, but be aware of your surroundings. These cities are also sites for large Carnaval celebrations in February. These huge, week long parties invite travelers to let loose and have fun.
Colombia is also home to some of South America’s amazing pre-Incan ruins. Consider a guided tour to visit these areas as venturing on your own can be dangerous.
What Should I Take to Colombia?
Colombia is known for its wide variety of climates and activities. Make sure you pack according to your itinerary.
- Swimsuit – Colombia’s beaches are a must-visit for any traveler. Be sure to bring a swimsuit and sunscreen.
- Rain Jacket – The climate in Colombia varies. Be sure to bring some waterproof gear to avoid any problems. Even during the dry seasons, nights in higher altitude get chilly and a light jacket will come handy.
- Hiking Boots – Visiting Amazon rain forest and the Andes requires good boots to protect your feet from the terrain. Make sure they are broken in before your trip to avoid blisters or sore feet.
- Mosquito Repellent – There is a range of serious mosquito-borne illnesses in Colombia. Besides vaccination, repellents are one of the best forms of protection.
Where Is the U.S. Embassy in Colombia?
If you find yourself in need of help while traveling in Colombia, there is a U.S. embassy in the capital city of Bogota.
U.S. Embassy Bogota
Calle 24 Bis No. 48-50
Bogotá, D.C. Colombia
Mailing address: Carrera 45 No. 24B-27 Bogotá, D.C. 110111 Colombia
Telephone: +(57) (1) 275-2000
Emergency after-hours telephone: +(57) (1) 275-4021
Stay safe abroad with Passport Health. Call or book online now and start traveling safely today!
On This Page:
Do I Need Vaccines for Colombia?
Do I Need a Visa for Colombia?
What Is the Climate Like in Colombia?
Will I Be Safe in Colombia?
Must-Sees in Colombia
What Should I Take to Colombia?
Where Is the U.S. Embassy in Colombia?
