In recent years, a global initiative has reached a milestone: protecting the most vulnerable. Colombia has embraced this vision, prioritizing the development of strategies to create a safe environment for its citizens and those wishing to settle in the country. With the implementation of the new measure, the preservation of children and teenagers has become a top priority, marked by robust actions to reduce child exploitation crimes in the nation.
International security organizations, which are equipped with advanced crime classification systems, have made this effort stronger. One of the most significant contributors is the U.S.-based “Angel Watch” program. In partnership with Migración Colombia, this initiative prevented the entry of dozens of foreigners into the country 2024 alone. The program’s database includes individuals with records of sexual exploitation crimes against minors, enabling migratory authorities to take preventive actions and alert security forces in their countries of origin.
In this blog, we want to give our readers an overview of the protection measures the government and other Colombian organizations promoted. Additionally, we encourage the expat community to actively participate in these initiatives while taking steps to ensure their own safety.
What is the Angel Watch program?
The Angel Watch Program was designed to prevent child exploitation and trafficking by generating alerts when individuals with offenses or suspicious behaviors attempt to travel internationally. These alerts are communicated to immigration authorities, including Migración Colombia, allowing for preventive measures to protect vulnerable groups.
The Angel Watch Center targets individuals who have been previously convicted of sexual crimes against children and who may pose a potential threat by traveling to other countries. Once Migración Colombia receives an Angel Watch alert, officials verify the nature of the alert, evaluate associated risks, and, if necessary, deny entry or initiate an investigation. These measures help to balance the protection of Colombia’s borders with safeguarding the rights of nationals and residents.
Recent cases of inadmission and expulsion
The Angel Watch Center assists Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in combating global crime and protecting what matters most. To identify and alert foreign law enforcement about sex offenders’ travel plans, the Angel Watch Center utilizes flight data, the National Sex Offender Registry, and publicly available websites. This coordinated effort includes collaboration with the U.S. Marshals Service and the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
Additional actions taken by organizations and the Colombian government
UNICEF, Avianca, El Dorado Airport in Bogotá, and Migración Colombia launched the campaign “Not Welcome if You Exploit Children Sexually” to combat these crimes in Colombia
Messages against child sexual exploitation are displayed throughout El Dorado Airport, targeting potential offenders and encouraging travelers to report suspicious activities.
Avianca collaborates with authorities to educate their users on identifying and reporting suspicious behaviors and preventing criminals from using its services to perpetrate such crimes.
In this case, you will have 10 consecutive calendar days to provide the requested information. If you don’t submit the required healthcare documents, the application will be considered a withdrawal, and you will need to start the process from scratch.
In 2023, nearly 5,600 foreigners were denied entry into Colombia, with some cases linked to sexual offenses. Between 2023 and 2024, over 50 individuals flagged by Angel Watch were deemed inadmissible at entry points like Medellín, Cartagena, and Bogotá.
UNICEF underscores the severe physical and emotional harm caused by child sexual exploitation and calls for collective action to prevent and address this violation of children’s rights.
This collaborative effort between the public and private sectors aims to raise awareness, strengthen preventive measures, and protect vulnerable children from exploitation in Colombia.
How do these alerts affect visa holders or visa applicants?
Such alerts can impact immigration decisions for visa holders or new applicants. If an alert is generated, immigration authorities may request additional documentation and could potentially deny entry or revoke visas if the traveler has crime reports.
Visa approvals are not solely influenced by Angel Watch alerts. At the time of this publication, our partner, expatgroup.co, informs us that while criminal background checks were previously mandatory only for applicants of retirement and rentista visas, there has been an increase in their requirement for foreigners applying for digital nomad visas, investor visas, and marriage visas. The most affected nationalities include those from the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. However, expatgroup.co expects this requirement to expand to other nationalities during 2025.
If you are considering applying for a visa in Colombia, regardless of the category, we recommend providing your criminal record from your country of origin or a certificate from the country where you have resided over the past year in advance. U.S. citizens, residents, or people who have recently stayed in the United States can apply for the FBI Background Check from Colombia.
Also, if you’re from another country, use the Digital Fingerprinting Service to submit the identification fingerprint card (FD-258 Card) and obtain this certificate from the authorities before applying for your visa.
Fingerprinting Service
- Traditional fingerprinting with the ink and paper method (if you are in Bogotá, Cartagena, Barranquilla, Santa Marta or Cali)
- Digital fingerprinting with an FBI-certified scanner (The fingerprints are printed on letter-size paper in Medellín using the FD-258 Format Fingerprint Card, which includes an automatic fingerprint verification process to ensure accuracy.)
What can you do to collaborate with this initiative?
If you witness suspicious behavior, it’s important to report it by calling the 122 Line. The most common profiles of victims of sexual exploitation are young individuals, often female adolescents, who live in poverty or are migrants in vulnerable situations. Here are some situations that should raise concern:
If you are in a hotel, bar, restaurant, nightclub, park, or any other public place and see young women accompanied by significantly older men, this may indicate a case of sexual exploitation, and you should report it to the authorities. Additionally, if you observe a child showing signs of discomfort, fear, or excessive submission to their companions, they may be a victim of trafficking, potentially for sexual exploitation purposes.
The Mayor’s Office of Medellin announced the launch of a secure WhatsApp line for quickly and confidentially reporting any evidence of this crime through photos, videos, messages, or calls.
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Hotline
Colombian Institute of Family Welfare
Secure WhatsApp Line
324 574 3645
Mayor's Office of Medellin
Victims Support Line
324 574 3647
Mayor's Office of Medellin
Service Centers
Colombian Institute of Family Welfare ICBF
Safety in Colombia is a crucial concern for foreigners and locals. The country has made great strides in recent years to improve its security and prevent crimes against children. The Emergency Directory Guides by Medellin Guru are an excellent resource for any foreigner visiting Colombia, offering peace of mind and ensuring that visitors are well-informed and prepared in an emergency.
Emergency Numbers Colombia Guide
This comprehensive guide contains a list of significant emergency contact numbers, including those for police stations and hospitals in major cities nationwide.
Safety Guide for U.S. Citizens in Colombia
This is a curated guide for U.S. citizens living in or visiting Colombia. It includes information and many services available through the American Embassy in Bogotá.
Medellin 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 Botton Line: Migración Colombia alert: No entry for foreigners with Angel Watch reports
The fight against child exploitation and abuse is a shared responsibility that requires commitment from individuals, governments, and organizations. Colombia is taking significant steps to safeguard lives through initiatives like Angel Watch.
Expats must understand these measures and comply with immigration policies. In this way, foreigners can help build a safer society. Everyone has a role to play, whether by staying informed, reporting suspicious activities, or taking security measures.
Medellin Guru is dedicated to creating a community of responsible and respectful foreigners who contribute positively to Colombia’s development. Together, we can ensure this beautiful country remains a safe and welcoming home for all.
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