A recent diplomatic clash between President Donald Trump and Colombian President Gustavo Petro has led to new travel restrictions affecting Colombia.

On Sunday, Colombian President Gustavo Petro declined two U.S. repatriation flights after deportees returned with their hands bound. In retaliation, Trump threatened to impose tariffs, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced a halt to visa processing and travel bans for Colombian officials and their families, alongside stricter customs and border checks for all Colombian nationals.

According to a memo from the State Department, “Measures will continue until Colombia fulfills its responsibilities to accept the return of its own citizens.” The memo emphasized that “America will not waver in defending its national security interests.”

Eventually, Petro and Trump came to an agreement, with Colombia agreeing to “all of President Trump’s terms,” as stated by White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt. The travel restrictions will persist until deportees are returned to Colombia, which resulted in the cancellation of hundreds of anticipated visa appointments for Colombians seeking to enter the U.S. on Monday.

This political strife has complicated travel between the two nations, raising safety concerns for both Americans and Colombians. Colombia’s appeal as a travel and retirement destination has been growing, with a reported 24.3% increase in international visitors from 2022 to 2023, particularly among Americans, according to BBVA Research.

Mike Ballard, the director of intelligence at travel security firm Global Guardian, commented, “I believe we are likely to face more situations like this in the future, which may become the new normal.”

Here are the key points regarding travel to and from Colombia.

Can Americans Travel to Colombia?

Yes, Americans are still permitted to travel to Colombia, and the existing restrictions do not impact them, according to the State Department’s information.

Is Travel to Colombia Safe?

According to Ballard, popular cities like Bogota and Medellin remain “as safe as they have been” for tourists. However, significant safety issues are present in rural or jungle areas due to the presence of insurgent militia groups. “I wouldn’t have any more concerns than before,” he stated.

On January 2, the State Department issued a Level 3 travel advisory, advising Americans to “reconsider travel” to Colombia, raising it from the previous Level 2 designation (“exercise increased caution”). The advisory highlights risks associated with crime and terrorism, including violent crimes like homicide and assault, as well as threats from terrorist and criminal groups, particularly in areas near the Venezuela border.

Ballard remarked that such advisories might be “somewhat used as political tools.”

Travelers may worry about facing targeting or harassment due to anti-American sentiments stemming from this diplomatic conflict. However, Ballard noted that “This issue is unlikely to lead to any significant focus or targeting of Americans.” He added, “Anecdotally, reports from those on the ground suggest that locals are more frustrated with their own president and the broader political situation than with Americans.”