October 1, 2026 — The US Embassy in Bogotá issued a security alert on September 29. It warns of a higher risk of attacks by illegal armed groups in Norte de Santander, the department along the Venezuelan border.
The details
- Who is behind the threat: the alert names illegal armed groups, including the ELN. It urges Americans to stay away from the border region.
- Areas to avoid:
- the Catatumbo subregion (in Norte de Santander and Cesar)
- areas within a few kilometers of the Venezuelan border
- rural routes out of Cúcuta
- Recent attacks cited:
- an August 31 car bomb near the police station in Los Patios
- a drone attack on the El Carmen police station around September 20
- Advisory level: unchanged. The State Department’s overall advisory for Colombia stays at Level 3 (Reconsider Travel). Norte de Santander is already in the Level 4 “Do Not Travel” category.
What it means for airline travelers
- Don’t travel overland to Cúcuta’s rural surroundings or to border crossings into Venezuela.
- The rest of Colombia is under separate guidance. Bogotá, Medellín, Cartagena and other popular destinations fall under the overall Level 3 advisory, not this alert. Read the regional details before you go.
- Register your trip. Use STEP (US) or Registration of Canadians Abroad to get embassy alerts.
- Check your insurance. Many travel insurance policies exclude areas under a “Do Not Travel” advisory.
Sources
- The Traveler — US issues heightened security alert for Norte de Santander
- US Embassy Bogotá (official) — Security Alert: Elevated Risk of Attacks in Norte de Santander Department
- US State Department (official) — Colombia travel advisory
