Is Cartagena safe to visit? Cartagena is generally safe to visit if you follow some basic safety tips, as you will reduce your risk of being a victim of crime. However, security in Cartagena is still a major concern for tourists visiting and expats living in Cartagena.
Cartagena and Colombia still have a reputation of violence and drugs to overcome that hasn’t been helped by the popular Narcos series. What many people don’t realize is the timeframe depicted in Narcos was well over 25 years ago and that Pablo Escobar is long dead and buried.
I have seen many inaccurate posts on the Internet about safety in Cartagena. For example, I have seen posts claiming that “Cartagena is the safest metropolis in Colombia” (but that isn’t statistically true).
I have lived in Medellín for many years and I have traveled to Cartagena over 15 times and spent several months in Cartagena. And probably the most common questions I get from friends and relatives in the U.S. are still related to the security and safety in Colombia.
I frequently hear questions like “Is Medellín safe?”, “Is Cartagena safe?”, “Aren’t you scared living there?”, “What is the chance I will be kidnapped when I visit?”
In this article, we look at some up-to-date Cartagena crime statistics and 20 recommended expat safety tips. Crime and safety is a major concern of expats and was included in our list of 11 downsides to living in Cartagena.
Everyone’s experiences and perceptions about security and safety differ. Obviously if you or a family member or close friend have been victim of a crime your perceptions about security and safety will be different than someone that hasn’t experienced a problem.
We previously looked at security in Medellín and also looked at the safest neighborhoods in Medellín. Also, we looked at safety in Bogotá and safety in Cali. And several Medellin Guru readers asked about safety in Cartagena so we now look at the crime rates and safety in Cartagena. in addition, we previously compared Medellín vs Cartagena as a place to live.
Cartagena Homicide Statistics
According to Medicina Legal reports that homicides in Colombia increased about 5.19% in 2023 compared to 2022. In 2023, 14.033 homicides occurred, 692 cases more than in 2022, when 13.341 were registered.
Homicides in Cartagena
425 homicides in 2023
I have seen several posts on the Internet that have claimed that Cartagena is the safest city in Colombia. However, based on homicide statistics this isn’t accurate.
For example, the following graphic shows the homicide rates in several Colombian cities in 2023. Cúcuta, Medellin and Barranquilla, are three cities in Colombia that had lower homicide rates than in Cartagena.
Colombia's capitals with the most homicides
Period of January to December 2023
Also, according to the statistics of Medicina Legal (the National Institute of Legal Medicine and Forensic Sciences), in 2023, there were 680 violent deaths in Cartagena including 425 people killed in homicides, 138 died in traffic accidents, 63 were accidental and 54 committed suicide.
Also, in the first semester of 2023 (180 days), Cartagena had the third highest homicide rate out of Colombia’s 30+ capital cities of departments (states) with 212 homicides.
Homicide Statistics by Neighborhoods in Cartagena
Cartagena has over 200 barrios that are located in 30 comunas. 15 of the comunas in Cartagena are urban and are labeled UCG1 to UCG15. Cartagena uses numbers for comunas instead of names used in other cities in Colombia. UCG1 is the comuna in Cartagena of most interest to foreigners, as it includes the historical El Centro (walled city), the beach barrios of Castillogrande, Bocagrande and El Laguito plus Manga, Crespo and Getsemaní.
The UCG1 comuna has one of the lowest homicide rates out of the comunas in Cartagena. UCG1 is where almost all tourists visiting Cartagena stay or where foreigners living in the city live.
On the other hand, and according with El Universal Newspaper, the Olaya neighborhood leads the list with the highest homicide rate. This neighborhood is followed by El Pozón, El Líbano, San José de los Campanos, Boston, La María, San Francisco and the town of La Boquilla. It is best that foreigners stay away from these places for their safety.
Is Cartagena Safe? Robberies in Cartagena
During 2024 and just in the first 2 months, 387 robberies were reported in Bolivar Department, where Cartagena is located. In contrast, in the first semester of the previous year 2023, in the city of Cartagena alone, 93 cases of extortion and 5,094 cases of theft in different modalities were registered. According to the report of “Cartagena Cómo Vamos”, extortion decreased 21% compared to 2023, but robbery figures increased 31% compared to the previous year.
Note that Colombia reports hurtos, which means robberies and thefts. So, the robberies statistics in Colombia actually include both robberies and thefts. Robbery in English involves force or the threat of force. While theft is a broad term that can cover a wide variety of criminal offenses including pickpocketing.
The UCG1 comuna had the highest robbery rate of people in Cartagena in 2018. UCG1 is the wealthiest area of Cartagena with many estrato 5 and 6 homes. UCG1 includes the historical El Centro (walled city), the beach barrios of Castillogrande, Bocagrande and El Laguito plus Manga, Crespo and Getsemaní.
This was similar to our finding about safety in Medellín where the wealthy comunas of El Poblado and Laureles-Estadio were two of the top three comunas in terms of robberies. And this matches our finding about safety in Bogotá where the wealthy Chapinero localidad had the highest rate of robberies.
My Safety Experiences in Medellín, Cartagena and Colombia
I have lived in the Medellín metro area for over eight years in five different neighborhoods. And I have been traveling to Colombia since late 2006, when I first discovered Colombia. The first city I visited in Colombia was Cartagena in 2006.
During all this time living in Medellín and traveling in Colombia including many trips to Cartagena, I have generally felt safe. But I am security conscious and use common sense plus take some safety precautions outlined in our 20 safety tips below.
In all this time traveling to Colombia and living in Medellín for over eight years, I only experienced three problems. One problem was in January 2020 in Laureles in Medellín when I was robbed at knifepoint.
And two of my problems were on the Medellín metro. One time on the metro was a few years ago when I was traveling on the metro with a backpack during rush hour. And a small camera was in the small pocket in the backpack. When I arrived at my destination, I later discovered the camera was gone.
Also, I was a victim of a pickpocket on the Medellín metro in August 2018. I normally try to avoid rush hour on the metro when people are packed like sardines.
I had my cell phone in one front pocket and my wallet in the other. I had one hand on my pocket with my wallet and my other hand was holding on. When I arrived at my destination, I realized someone had taken the cell phone from my pocket. And I didn’t notice or feel anything. Note that cell phones are the most commonly stolen items in Colombia.
I have not encountered any other security problems while living in Medellín and traveling throughout Colombia. But I am safety cautious and normally take taxis at night and don’t go to certain parts of cities in Colombia.
In Medellin Guru we have prepared a Security Guide for U.S. Citizens in English with information from the U.S. Embassy and all the contact information you need to be safe in Colombia.
Medellin Guru Guides
Download Safety Guide for US Citizens in Colombia we have created with helpful information about Medellín and Colombia.
20 Cartagena Safety Tips for Expats for 2024
Cartagena is generally considered safe to visit if you use common sense and take some precautions. There are a number of basic precautions you can take to be vigilant about your personal safety and improve your security while in Cartagena and Colombia.
Here are 20 safety tips in no particular order that should improve your security and greatly reduce your risk of being a crime victim in Cartagena:
Medellin Guru Insurance Service
The visa agency we partnered with has helped 1.189 Medellin Guru reader
Is Cartagena Safe? Reporting Crimes in Cartagena
If you are a victim of crime in Cartagena you can report this. A police report, known as a denuncia, may be filed at the nearest Unidad de Reacción Inmediata (URI) of the Colombian judicial authorities.
You may also file a report at a police station but it will not have the same validity for legal process. So, it is recommended that victims of a crime go to the nearest URI to file a formal report. And be sure to get a copy of the report.
In addition, you can get our Emergency Directory Guide in the green button below.
In Medellin Guru we have prepared a Colombia Emergency Directory in English with all the contact information of authorities, hospitals and police stations.
Colombia Travel Warning or Advisories
Several countries provide a Colombia travel warning or Colombia travel advisory.
For example, the U.S. Department of State has a Colombia Travel Advisory that is currently at Level 2 – exercise increased caution. In this travel advisory, it is advised to reconsider travel to several departments in Colombia including Arauca, Cauca, Chocó, Nariño and Norte de Santander Departments, with the exceptions of the cities of Popayan (capital of Cauca) and Nuqui by air.
Also, Canada has travel advice and advisories for Colombia that says to “exercise a high degree of caution”. It also recommends avoiding all travel within 20 km of the border with Venezuela, within 20 km of the border with Panama and the ports of Buenaventura and Tumaco.
In addition, the UK has UK foreign travel advice for Colombia that advises avoiding all travel to the ports of Buenaventura and Tumaco. And Australia also has its Australian travel advice for Colombia that recommends avoiding all travel within 20 km of the borders with Venezuela and Ecuador except the Pan American Highway crossing at Ipiales and avoiding all travel to the ports of Buenaventura and Tumaco.
This year, U.S. Embassy created an alert for US Citizens on security measures, due to the high numbers of violence against Americans in Colombia. American Embassy granted an interview to the Medellin Guru team in which, highlights useful tips for its citizens.
The Medellin Guru Interview with the U.S. Embassy in Colombia
Is Medellin Safe? U.S. Embassy Colombia Talks About Security for U.S. Citizens
Medellin is a popular and affordable tourist destination. However, recent events have raised concerns about US citizens' safety in the city. We spoke to Cristin Heinbeck, Chief of American Citizen...
Read MoreMedellin Guru's Safety and Security Series
Safety is the biggest concern of foreigners visiting Colombia or planning to move to Colombia. So, we have a series of 18 popular articles about safety and security in Colombia:
- Is Medellin Safe? U.S. Embassy Colombia Talks About Security for U.S. Citizens
- Emergency Directory Guides to Ensure Your Safety in Colombia
- Is Colombia Safe? Colombia Security and Safety Tips
- Is Medellín Safe? Medellín Security and Safety Tips
- How to Travel and Live in Colombia Safe as a Foreigner
- What are the Safest Neighborhoods in Medellín and the Aburrá Valley
- Medellín Robbery: Expat Experience Being Robbed at Knifepoint
- Colombia Gun Laws: Is it Legal to Have a Gun in Colombia?
- Scopolamine: The Realities of Devil’s Breath in Colombia
- Colombia Protests: Tips for Foreigners to Stay Safe During Protests
- Is Bogotá Safe? Bogotá Security and Safety Tips
- Is Cartagena Safe? Cartagena Security and Safety Tips
- Is Cali Safe? Cali, Colombia Security and Safety Tips
- Is Santa Marta Safe? Santa Marta Security and Safety Tips
- Is Pereira Safe? Pereira, Colombia Security and Safety Tips
- Is Manizales Safe? Manizales Security and Safety Tips
- Is Bucaramanga Safe? Bucaramanga Security and Safety Tips
- Is Barranquilla Safe? Barranquilla Security and Safety Tips
The Bottom Line: Is Cartagena Safe? Security in Cartagena and Safety Tips
The biggest question I have received since living in Colombia has been “Is Colombia Safe ?” And my answer has been “yes”, as long as you follow some common-sense guidelines.
Colombia unfortunately still has a bad security reputation to overcome that is for the most part undeserved. The reality in Colombia is that the security situation has improved dramatically over the past couple of decades. But many foreigners still ask “Is Colombia safe?” or “Is Cartagena safe?”
This biggest concern of expats visiting or planning to move to Cartagena is typically security and safety. But once they start living in the city, security becomes less of a concern once they realize that the reality doesn’t match the perception many foreigners have.
In addition, I have seen several posts on the Internet claim that El Centro (the historical walled area) and Bocagrande are two of the safest barrios in Cartagena. But in reality, these barrios are part of UCG1, which is the comuna with the highest robbery rate in Cartagena. So, take care while in the tourist areas of Cartagena.
The bottom line is if you take the precautions we recommend above with our safety tips, your risk of being a victim of crime should be greatly reduced.
Medellin Guru Social media
Be part of our community. Find out about news, participate in events and enjoy the best of the city.
12 thoughts on “Is Cartagena Safe? Cartagena Security and Safety Tips – 2024 Update”
Jeff, you mention UCG areas but no where can I find which areas of Cartagena is which… I cannot find a map showing UCG1 vs UCG4 for example… Any insight there? Would be useful to add here…
Here is a map – http://cartagenacomovamos.org/archivo/images/cartagena_mapa_ucgu.jpg
This may seem like a dumb question but one of your safety recommendations is to not wear shorts. Isn’t it hot in Cartagena most of the time? Do none of the locals wear shorts?
No, there is not a safety recommendation not to wear shorts in the article, everyone wears shorts in Cartagena including Colombians due to the heat.
The recommendation is “Be especially careful with your cell phone. Try not to be such an obvious foreigner tourist that can make you a target. An expat in shorts and flip-flops in Cartagena speaking English loudly on an iPhone is likely to attract some unwanted attention.” Talking loudly in English on an iPhone while in shorts would mark you as an obvious tourist.
Nice post and I agree about your safety tips and also to be careful about taxis in Cartagena overcharging gringos. A taxi at night tried to charge me 30,000 pesos to go from the walled center to bocagrande but the doorman at the hotel I was staying at chewed the taxi driver out when I complained.
I lived in San Diego, Cartagena for over three years and never had any issues. Was only robbed (picked pocketed) once in Barranquilla during the carnival. Travelled extensively throughout Colombia during my time living there and never had any issues.
Very interesting article. The wealthiest areas of Cartagena has the highest robbery rate in the city and the same in Bogota and similar in Medellin. Thieves are clearly going where the money is. So, need to be careful anywhere.
Jeff, it is interesting but like you in 12 years of living in Medellin, travelling the entire city and Colombia, I have only been robbed once and it was in front of the El Poblado metro station, during the crowded Flower Festival where a robber stole my digital camera out of my jacket. I felt nothing but thankfully that was the year of the cell phone and its picture taking abilities, so it was not a big loss. Being aware of your surroundings, dressing down, using street smarts, goes a long way to being save in Colombia.
Jeff, perhaps a better title for all these articles would ask how safe is Cartegena for example, instead of Is Cartegena etc etc safe? Also I realise that you need to show some statistics. But to what extent do homicide rates apply to the general public and tourists, ex pats on particular. Years ago I remember being concerned regarding East European Drug Gangs in London. Then a friend pointed out that i would be unlikely to be in contact with these people anyway. There can therefore be a lot of crime in Colombia that I’m not hopefully going to be exposed to. Hope I’m not sounding ungrateful. The time and effort you put into this is amazing. I owe you a beer some time. John aka Jo Elgas on Facebook
Hi John, thanks. Yes foreigners are unlikely be a victim of homicides in Cartagena or other cities in Colombia — unless they do things like resist robberies or are involved in activities like drugs or prostitution that are more risky behaviors. We previously looked at foreigner homicides in Medellín over a period of a decade and the majority were related resisting robberies, drugs or prostitution – https://medellinguru.com/medellin-security-safety-tips/
The bottom line, if you follow the safety tips in the article your risk of being a victim of crime should be greatly reduced.
The robbery statistics for UCG1 cut to the heart of the matter and provide irrefutable distinctions. They shed light on the fact that robbery can come looking for you and that in that upscale area of town you are not as likely to be murdered but you are much more likely to be mugged. Surprise, surprise. All tourists are regarded as wealthy so please do follow the safety tips so’s you can relax and enjoy.
Jeff yes all tourists are regarded as being rich! I was robbed once in club in Parque lleras, in 2017 when I lost my iPhone to a cute girl, in one of those stupid situations. It was a good lesson however. In 2018 I decided not to take my phone out at night and got lost, without GPS Again incredibly stupid since I didn’t know the address of where I was staying – had just arrived – and could not even get a taxi back. Lots of lessons and will be better prepared in 2020 when I come back (after my back op).
Years ago was followed everywhere in Jakarta Indonesia but was not robbed. I could not understand why people found me so interesting. I was told it was because I was rich and had so much money in my pocket. I said ridiculous I have only $200 on me – spending money for a few days. Then I was told that was equivalent to walking around with 2 months of normal salary! Bit like being in Brisbane with $5,000 in my pocket!
Then I understood how rich I was in local terms!
Keep up the great work…