All destinations

Colombia

South America · Updated April 2026

See a travel doctor 4–6 weeks before you leave.

Current alert — Yellow Fever cases increased in Colombia

CDC has a Level 2 notice for increased yellow fever cases. Make sure you have a current yellow fever vaccination at least 10 days before arrival.

Current alert — Global Dengue

CDC has a Level 1 notice for global dengue. Use mosquito-bite prevention day and night while in Colombia.

Current alert — Global Measles

CDC has a Level 1 notice for global measles. Make sure you are fully vaccinated against measles before international travel.

Planning a trip to Colombia? Yellow fever vaccine is required for all travellers aged 1 year and older. CDC also recommends Hepatitis A and typhoid for most travellers. Your doctor may also discuss Hepatitis B and chikungunya depending on your route and length of stay. Book a travel health appointment 4–6 weeks before departure — yellow fever needs at least 10 days to take effect.

Malaria risk is in lowland areas below 1,700 m. Bogotá, Cartagena, and Medellín are not malaria zones.

Required for entry

Mosquito

Yellow Fever

A serious mosquito-borne virus found in parts of Africa and South America. Proof of vaccination is required for entry to many countries if arriving from a risk area.

One dose at least 10 days before travel. A single dose provides lifelong protection and the International Certificate of Vaccination is valid for life.

Recommended for most travellers

CDC advises these for all visitors to Colombia.

Food & Water

Hepatitis A

A contagious liver infection spread through contaminated food and water. Most travellers to regions with less reliable sanitation should get this vaccine.

Two doses at 0 and 6–12 months. Over 90% of people develop protective antibodies within a month of the first dose, so one dose is usually enough for the trip itself. No booster needed after the full series.

Food & Water

Typhoid

A bacterial infection spread through food and water contaminated with the faeces of an infected person. Risk is higher in rural areas and when eating with locals.

The injected vaccine is a single dose at least 2 weeks before travel and lasts 2 years. The oral version is four capsules taken every other day, completed at least a week before travel, and lasts 5 years. Neither is 100% effective — safe food and water habits still matter.

Recommended for some travellers

Depends on your itinerary, activities, duration, or health.

Mosquito

Yellow Fever

A serious mosquito-borne virus found in parts of Africa and South America. Proof of vaccination is required for entry to many countries if arriving from a risk area.

Blood & Body Fluids

Hepatitis B

A liver infection spread through blood, sexual contact, and contaminated medical or cosmetic equipment. Recommended for most travellers, especially those with longer stays or possible medical exposure.

Mosquito

Chikungunya

A mosquito-borne virus causing sudden fever and severe joint pain. Symptoms usually resolve in 7–10 days but can linger for months.

Malaria

Not a vaccine

Risk in areas below 1,700 m. No transmission in Bogotá, Cartagena, or Medellín.

Discuss prescription chemoprophylaxis with a travel doctor if your itinerary includes risk areas.

Routine vaccines to be up to date on

CDC advises every international traveller to have these current.

Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)
Two doses at least 28 days apart, ideally completed at least 2 weeks before travel. Adults born before 1957 or with documented immunity are already considered protected.
Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis
A single Tdap or Td booster, effective within days. Adults should have a booster every 10 years — or after 5 years if you've had a dirty wound or burn. Pregnant travellers should receive Tdap during every pregnancy.
Polio
A single lifetime adult IPV booster for travellers to at-risk countries. For some destinations, the booster must be received 4 weeks to 12 months before departure and documented on an International Certificate of Vaccination.
Flu (Influenza)
An annual dose at least 2 weeks before travel to areas with active flu circulation. A single current-season vaccine covers travel to either hemisphere.
Chickenpox (Varicella)
Two doses at least 28 days apart for adolescents and adults without immunity. Children get doses at 12–15 months and 4–6 years. Two documented doses protect most people for life.
Shingles
Two doses of Shingrix 2–6 months apart. Protection stays high for at least 7 years. Adults 19+ with weakened immune systems can use a faster schedule (2nd dose 1–2 months after).
COVID-19
Follow the current CDC schedule for your age and risk group. If you had COVID-19 recently, you may delay vaccination for up to 3 months from the onset of infection.

Entry requirements

For US citizens. Non-US travellers should check their government's guidance.

Yellow fever certificateRequired

Yellow fever vaccine is required for all arriving travellers aged 1 year and older, and CDC also recommends it for travellers aged 9 months and older going to most areas. Rabies is present in dogs and bats. Dengue, Zika, and chikungunya circulate year-round.

Source: CDC Travelers' Health — Colombia.

Disclaimer:This information is for general guidance only, based on CDC Travelers' Health. It does not replace advice from a qualified travel health professional. Consult a doctor 4–6 weeks before your trip.