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Before you travel check that:Ìý

• your destination can provide the healthcare you may needÌý
• you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuationÌý

This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.Ìý

Emergency medical numberÌý

Call 123 and ask for an ambulance.Ìý

Contact your insurance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.Ìý

Vaccine recommendations and health risksÌý

At least 8 weeks before your trip:Ìý

• check the latest Ìý
• see where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the Ìý

See , including:Ìý

• ZikaÌý
• malaria and dengueÌý
• yellow feverÌý
• ChikungunyaÌý

There are increasing cases of yellow fever in Colombia, especially in the Departments of Tolima and Cundinamarca. Yellow fever vaccination certificates are required for travellers who have recently visited or transited higher-risk countries or those visiting areas of higher risk within Colombia. Consult the for more information, including on vaccination.

Altitude sickness is a risk in parts of Colombia, including Bogotá and areas in the Departments of Cundinamarca, Boyacá, Nariño and Antioquia. Read more about .Ìý

Drinking tap waterÌý

Tap water is safe to drink only in Bogotá. You should drink only bottled water and avoid ice in drinks.Ìý

Medication and prescriptionsÌýÌý

The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.Ìý

You can find most medication in pharmacies in large cities, but medicine for complex treatment may be unavailable in rural areas and small towns. You may need a prescription from a local doctor to get some controlled medicine.

If you take prescription medication, you will be responsible for determining its legality in Colombia. Always keep your medication in the original container, bring sufficient quantities of your medication with you, pack your medication in your carry-on luggage and carry a copy of your prescriptions.

Pharmacies in Colombia (‘droguerías’) have a cross on their signage and are easy to find in the main cities in Colombia. They are less common in rural areas. Most pharmacies in Colombia will have a delivery service. Prescriptions must be written in Spanish, in the metric system and using the medicine’s generic name.

Read .Ìý

Healthcare in ColombiaÌý

Medical facilities in Colombia vary widely in quality. In large cities and state capitals, private clinics provide good quality care for routine and complex treatment.

Public health facilities and those in smaller cities are generally ill equipped and poorly funded. Ambulance services in remote areas are unreliable and public hospitals often lack adequate medical supplies.

Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.

FCDO has a list of medical providers in Colombia where some staff will speak English.

Travel and mental healthÌý

Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also .