Colombia: COVID-19 restrictions remain largely unchanged as of Aug. 23 by comparison with those in effect in mid-July /update 37

Colombia leaves COVID-19-related restrictions mostly unchanged as of Aug. 23 relative to those in place in mid-July.

Event

As of Aug. 23, COVID-19-related restrictions in force in Colombia have remained largely unchanged compared to the measures that were in place in mid-July. All businesses may operate provided they comply with social distancing guidelines and enforce the use of protective facemasks. Public and private events are allowed if social distancing measures are enforced, and discotheques and clubs have reopened. 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 occupied. 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.

Most local governments have lifted their most stringent COVID-19 restrictions. In Bogota, most businesses can operate without restrictions, only imposing social distancing measures. In the Santander Department, a long-standing nightly curfew was lifted in early August. In the city of Cartagena, a nightly 02:00-05:00 remains in place through at least Sept. 1; access to public beaches is allowed between 08:00-18:00, and events are allowed at 50 percent capacity.

International Travel Restrictions
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 over the age of two must wear protective facemasks during their flight and at the airport.

Approved international commercial passenger flights are operating at the nation'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.