South America

Colombia

Location

Northern South America, bordering the Caribbean Sea, between Panama and Venezuela, and bordering the North Pacific Ocean, between Ecuador and Panama.

There is a high threat of terrorism in Colombia. Crime is politically-driven and criminal violence is a serious problem. Kidnapping is common and all foreign nationals are potential targets. Be wary of unsolicited approaches by strangers - several cases of assailants using drugs to subdue their victim have been reported. Reports of bogus police approaching foreigners to check documents or currency. Local militia groups, weapons (various), vehicle security, personal security, ambushes, kidnappings, bandits / corruption, gunfire, legal/illegal checkpoints, searches by police/military, armed robberies, general travel, navigation, off road driving, building / office security, hot weather injuries, personal hygiene, sanitation / sterilisation, clothing & equipment, emergency first aid, helicopter safety, cultures / customs, communications, emergency shelters. Never carry packages for other people.

Use bottled water.

Flat coastal lowlands, central highlands, high Andes Mountains, eastern lowland plains.

Tropical along coast and eastern plains; cooler in highlands.

Highlands subject to volcanic eruptions; floods, landslides, earthquakes.

Cholera, hepatitis A, malaria, polio, rabies, typhoid, yellow fever.
Hospital: San Juan de dios, carrera 10, Calle de la Sur, Santa Fe de Bogota. Tel: 1-2334044

Deforestation; soil and water quality damage from overuse of pesticides; air pollution, especially in Bogota, from vehicle emissions.

Road surfaces, even in large cities, are variable. Driving standards are low and traffic accidents common. The risk of violence and kidnapping is high in rural areas, as is being caught in roadblocks set up by illegal armed groups. Travel by road outside major cities, including public transport, is dangerous.

Hostile Environments and Emergency First Aid Training (HEFAT®) (5 days)
Centurion's flagship Hostile Environments and Emergency First Aid Training (HEFAT®) course is for people who operate world wide, particularly in areas where there may be personal health or safety concerns. It is extremely effective for "frontline" organisations.

For more in-depth general information please download our Preparation and Training document.