Malaria risk throughout the year. Risk is present in most municipalities including along the Pacific coast and inland areas. There is no risk at high altitude and in the cities of Bogota and Cartagena.

Malaria precautions are essential. Avoid mosquito bites by covering up with clothing such as long sleeves and long trousers especially after sunset, using insect repellents on exposed skin and, when necessary, sleeping under a mosquito net.

Atovaquone/proguanil OR doxycycline OR mefloquine is usually recommended for those visiting high risk areas.

If you have been travelling in a malarious area and develop a fever seek medical attention promptly. Remember malaria can develop even up to one year after exposure.

If travelling to high risk malarious areas, remote from medical facilities, carrying emergency malaria standby treatment may be considered.

Precautions: This country has either areas with high altitude (2400m or more) or/and areas with very high altitude (3658m or more). Travellers who may go into areas of high altitude should take care to avoid ill effects of being at altitude including Acute Mountain Sickness, a potentially life-threatening condition.

Recommended Vaccines when travelling to Colombia:

• Combined Diphtheria, Tetanus and polio Vaccination: To be administered two weeks before travel. Offers upto 10 years protection.
• Hepatitis A (Adult) Vaccination: To be administered two weeks before travel. Protection for 1-3 years after 1st dose - upto 25 years after 2nd dose.

Other Vaccines to be considered when travelling to Colombia:

• Hepatitis B (Adult): To be administered two months before travel. Length of protection unknown.
• Malaria Tablets: Dose and price varies.
• Typhoid Vaccination: To be administered two weeks before travel. Protection for upto 3 years.
• Rabies Vaccination: To be administered one month before travel. Protection for upto 2 years.