U.S. Government Warns Against Travel to Colombia

February 25, 2003

U.S. Government Warns Against Travel to Colombia
The U.S. State Department issued a travel warning Monday advising Americans against travel to Colombia.

According to the State Department, citizens of the United States have repeatedly been the victims of criminal violence in Colombia, including kidnappings, threats and domestic airline hijackings. Colombian groups are also operating in the border areas of the region, creating similar threats for travelers there. Threats toward Americans are expected to increase in response to U.S. support for Colombian drug eradication programs.

Approximately 3,000 kidnapping incidents were reported in Colombia last year, and 26 American citizens have been kidnapped in over the past three years.

To learn more, visit U.S. State Department.