Colombia: COVID-19 restrictions remain largely unchanged as of July 23 by comparison with those in effect in early June /update 36

COVID-19-related restrictions in Colombia remain mostly unchanged as of July 23 by comparison with early June.

Event

As of July 23, COVID-19-related restrictions in force in Colombia have remained largely unchanged by comparison with the measures that were in place during early June. Under current national directives, all businesses may operate provided they comply with social distancing guidelines and enforce the use of protective facemasks. Moreover, public and private events are allowed and discotheques and clubs may open. However, stricter measures are in effect in municipalities that are most affected by the virus, particularly those where more than 85 percent of hospital intensive care unit beds are full. In these areas, local authorities may implement tighter business and gathering restrictions as long as they do not affect the operations of hotels, food establishments, or parks.

Still, the majority of local governments had lifted their most stringent COVID-19 restrictions by early June. In Bogota, most businesses can operate without restrictions, only imposing social distancing measures; however, concerts remain canceled, sporting events must take place behind closed doors, and dance clubs remain closed. In the Santander Department, a nightly 01:00-05:00 curfew is in place. In the city of Cartagena, a nightly 00:01-05:00 is in place through at least Aug. 1; access to public beaches is allowed between 08:00-18:00.

International Travel Restrictions
With the exception of Colombian citizens, legal residents, and a limited number of other authorized persons, travelers who have been in India in the previous 14 days are prohibited from entering Colombia. Individuals who are allowed to enter the country after travel in India must present a negative result from a COVID-19 PCR test taken no more than 96 hours before departure for Colombia and self-isolate for 14 days.

Otherwise, all travelers wishing to enter Colombia 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 are also required to complete the online form before leaving Colombia. Individuals exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms will not be allowed to enter the country. All travelers must wear protective facemasks during their flight and at the airports.

Approved international commercial passenger flights are operating at the nations's main airports, with air service being available between Colombia and Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Guatemala, Mexico, Curacao, Panama, Peru, and the US. Colombia's land, river, and sea borders with Panama, Ecuador, Peru, and Brazil have reopened.

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.