Colombia: Local authorities likely to continue enforcing stricter movement restrictions amid nationwide COVID-19 measures through February /update 27

Event

As of Feb. 5, local officials continue to enforce enhanced movement restrictions across several regions in addition to the government's overarching nationwide measures to combat the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Officials in cities, municipalities, and departments are empowered to enforce stricter business and movement restrictions, depending on local disease activity. These could take the form of curfews, hard lockdowns, restrictions on business operating hours, and movement restrictions based on ID numbers.

Under the nationwide pandemic-related measures in place until Feb. 28, mass gatherings remain prohibited, nightclubs must remain closed, and the consumption of alcohol outside of private households remains banned. Gatherings of more than 50 people are banned. Some businesses are allowed to open with capacity limits imposed by regional or local authorities. Employees must work from home as long as their physical presence is not fundamental for the operation of a business. Individuals must continue to wear facemasks in public spaces and adhere to physical-distancing and sanitization protocols.

In Bogota, officials significantly relaxed movement restrictions Feb. 3 with the lifting of the city's curfew orders and strict quarantine measures in localized high-risk zones. However, all nonessential establishments must close by 2300 and ID-based movement restrictions will remain in force. Individuals may only attend to the acquisition and payment of goods and services according to the last number of the individual's document. Persons with ID numbers ending in 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9 are permitted on odd-numbered days, while ID numbers ending in 0, 2, 4, 6, and 8 are permitted on even-numbered days. Localized curfew measures are likely to sporadically be enforced in other major cities and departments through at least early March. Officials have commonly tightened movement restrictions over weekend periods in several areas recently.

International Travel
All travelers must present proof of a negative COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test taken no more than 96 hours before departure. Persons without a test may be permitted entry but will be subject to testing upon arrival and quarantine until they obtain the results. All travelers need to complete the "Check-Mig" online form between 24 hours and one hour before departure and must comply with regulations associated with contact-tracing upon arrival. Travelers with COVID-19 symptoms will not be allowed to enter the country.

Approved international commercial passenger flights are continuing at Colombia's main airports, including from Bolivia, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Guatemala, Mexico, Curacao, Panama, and the US. All international flights with Brazil have been suspended until at least Feb. 28 due to the discovery of a variant strain of COVID-19 in that country; cargo and humanitarian flights are permitted. Persons who entered Colombia from Brazil between Jan. 18-27 are required to complete a 14-day quarantine. International flights with the UK have been restricted since Dec. 21 due to the spread of a variant strain of COVID-19 in that country. It is unclear when the restrictions will be lifted. Only Colombian citizens, residents, and other authorized travelers who have been in or traveled to the UK within 14 days before arrival are permitted entry subject to a 14-day mandatory quarantine. Colombia's land and river borders remain closed, except for cargo and humanitarian aid, until at least March 1.

Authorities could further tighten, reimpose, extend, ease, or otherwise amend any restrictions with little-to-no notice depending on disease activity over the coming weeks.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm all travel arrangements. Consider delaying traveling if experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19, as they may prompt increased scrutiny and delays. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions. Reconsider and reconfirm nonemergency health appointments.