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 Services at the U.S. Embassy Colombia in Bogota, to address these concerns. We'll share insights from the Embassy, the actions taken by the Medellin Mayor’s office, and safety tips for visitors and residents.

Is Medellin Safe? U.S. Embassy Colombia Talks About Security for U.S. Citizens

Medellin has become a popular destination for tourists looking for affordable living. However, recent events, especially those affecting American tourists, have raised concerns about U.S. citizens’ safety in or visiting the city. To address these concerns, we reached out to Cristin Heinbeck, Chief of American Citizen Services at the U.S. Embassy Colombia in Bogota.

In this article, we will share insights from the U.S. Embassy Colombia, the initiative from the Mayor’s Office in Medellin, and some safety tips to help ensure the security of visitors and residents alike.

Exclusive Insights: Interview with the U.S. Embassy Colombia on Medellin Safety

During this interview, Cristin Heinbeck (CH) shares information about the measures being taken by the U.S. Embassy in Bogotá to ensure the safety of American citizens in Medellin. She also provides security tips, advises on how to stay informed, and discusses the services provided by the Embassy.

Cristin Heinbeck:

We take seriously our commitment to providing U.S. citizens with clear, timely, and reliable information about every country in the world so they can make informed travel decisions. We share information across a range of platforms and in many formats, so that U.S. citizens have access to the safety and security information they need when living or traveling abroad.

In Colombia, citizens’ security and any reports of crime are handled by the Colombian police and legal system.  In response to recent events, the Embassy issued a security Alert to warn U.S. citizens and offer safety tips. 

We continue to support U.S. citizens in distress and work with Colombian authorities to pursue those who have committed crimes against U.S. citizens.

Cristin Heinbeck:

Our Travel Advisory does not specify neighborhoods to avoid in Medellin, but we encourage U.S. citizens to avoid certain situations. 

Cristin Heinbeck:

Generally, the Embassy recommends that U.S. citizens keep a low profile and maintain awareness of their surroundings. We recommend that U.S. citizens do not display signs of wealth, limit the use of cellphones while out in public, and carry only the cash and credit cards required for the day or night’s activities. Rather than hailing taxis from the street, U.S. citizens should use a dispatch service or cell phone app whenever possible.

Be cautious if using dating apps in Colombia. If meeting with a stranger, U.S. citizens should strongly consider meeting only in public places and avoiding isolated locations, such as residences or hotel rooms, where crimes are most likely to occur.

We recommend that U.S. citizens tell a friend or family member of your plans, including where they are going, details of the person they are meeting, and the app they used to meet their date.

If a U.S. citizen invites someone to their residence or hotel room, we recommend the U.S citizen speak to their door attendant/concierge beforehand and establish a policy as to what information the visitor should provide before being authorized entry (photo of identification, etc.) and what process should be followed when the visitor departs.

Scopolamine and other incapacitating drugs are often surreptitiously applied to food, drinks, and hand sanitizer vials by criminals to rob or assault their victims. Avoid leaving food or drinks unattended at a bar or restaurant, and refuse offers of something to eat or drink from a stranger.

Traditional hallucinogens, often referred to as ayahuasca and marketed to tourists as “spiritual cleansing,” typically contains dimethyltryptamine (DMT), a strong psychedelic that is illegal in the United States and many other countries. Risks to hallucinogen users while intoxicated include robbery, assault, illness, and/or death. People claiming to be shamans or spiritual practitioners are neither licensed nor regulated.

In the unfortunate event of a robbery, U.S. citizens should prioritize personal safety by refraining from resistance and promptly surrendering all valuables without hesitation.  Resistance can result in an abrupt escalation of violence, while prioritizing compliance enhances the likelihood of a safer outcome in such situations.

We encourage visitors to Colombia to read the full Travel Advisory and the country specific information.

Cristin Heinbeck:

In response to recent events, the U.S. Embassy formed a working group to review the situation holistically and meet with our Colombian counterparts to pursue ways we can work together to promote safe and sustainable tourism.

Cristin Heinbeck:

Please enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security Alerts and other messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.

Cristin Heinbeck:

The U.S. Embassy in Bogota (and the U.S. Consular Agency in Barranquilla) can help:

Medellin Guru Guides

Download Safety Guide for US Citizens in Colombia we have created with helpful information about Medellín and Colombia.

Medellin Mayor's Initiatives for Ensuring City Safety

Medellin’s Mayor, Federico Gutiérrez, has taken proactive measures to address security concerns due to the city’s booming Airbnb market and the security of foreigners.

Airbnb

The mayor’s strategy focuses on tightening controls over Airbnb rentals, especially in residential areas that were not initially designed for tourist accommodation. The goal is to prevent disturbances and potential risks to local communities, such as noise complaints and concerns over exploiting young individuals.

Mayor’s Office and the US Embassy Colombia in Bogota.

The Mayor’s office and the US Embassy met to discuss recent events in Medellin and develop an action plan to promote tourism while ensuring safety for tourists, residents, and locals.

To ensure tourists’ safety, one of the measures taken was to enable the 911 line for tourist matters. Regarding dating apps, the Mayor’s office and the US Embassy agreed to create messages between the applications and the district institutions to raise awareness of possible risks and the importance of using the emergency line in case of vulnerability.

Tourism and Entertainment Secretary

The creation of the tourism and entertainment secretary has been approved. This secretary will focus on guaranteeing the well-being and enjoyment of tourists and locals.

Stay Safe: Tips and Comprehensive Security Guides

Security tips from Medellin Guru Team

Ensuring our readers’ safety and security is our team’s top priority. For this reason, we have created the following list of security tips.

1.⁠ ⁠Stay informed about...
any advisories issued by the U.S. Embassy, local authorities, and Medellin Guru’s newsletter. We aim to promote the safety of all US citizens and foreigners visiting Colombia.
2.⁠ ⁠Avoid displaying expensive belongings...
or flashing large amounts of cash publicly.
3.⁠ ⁠Be cautious when...
accepting drinks or food from strangers, and be mindful of your surroundings.
4.⁠ ⁠Use reputable transportation services...
and avoid walking alone in unfamiliar or poorly lit areas, especially at night.
5.⁠ ⁠Keep essential documents and...
valuables secure in a hotel safe or locked luggage.
6.⁠ ⁠Be aware of...
common scams targeting tourists and exercise caution when interacting with strangers.
7.⁠ ⁠Consider purchasing travel insurance
that covers medical emergencies and evacuation services.

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Emergency Numbers Colombia Guide

This comprehensive guide contains a list of important emergency contact numbers, including those for police stations and hospitals located in major cities throughout the country. Whether you’re a permanent resident or a traveler, this guide will help you quickly and easily access the support you need in case of an emergency.

Safety Guide for U.S. Citizens in Colombia

The Medellin Guru Team has thoughtfully curated a comprehensive guide for U.S. citizens living or visiting Colombia. The guide includes a wealth of information and a wide range of services available through the American Embassy in Bogota.

Medellin Guru Guides

Download Safety Guide for US Citizens in Colombia we have created with helpful information about Medellín and Colombia.

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:

The Botton Line: Is Medellin Safe? U.S. Embassy Colombia Talks About Security for U.S. Citizens

Visiting or living in a vibrant city like Medellin can be a wonderful experience, but it’s important to stay vigilant about safety concerns, especially for U.S. citizens. The U.S. Embassy in Colombia provides valuable insights to help travelers navigate the city while minimizing risks. Additionally, the Medellin Mayor’s office has implemented different strategies to ensure the safety of American citizens and locals.

By following basic precautions, being aware of your surroundings, and heeding official advisories, you can enjoy the sights and culture of Medellin while prioritizing your well-being. We would love to hear your thoughts and opinions on the current situation in Medellin regarding security for American tourists or residents.