With spring travel in full swing, the U.S. State Department has reissued a Level 3: Reconsider Travel advisory for a popular destination featured on several cruise itineraries.
On April 17, a Level 3 warning was issued for Colombia due to civil unrest and the risk of kidnapping — factors cruise travelers should take into consideration.
The State Department routinely updates its travel advisories to help keep U.S. citizens informed and safe. These advisories are categorized from Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions, the lowest level, to Level 4: Do Not Travel, the highest.
A Level 3 advisory urges travelers to carefully reconsider visiting the country due to significant safety and security risks.
The State Department specifically advises against travel to Arauca, Cauca (excluding Popayán) and the Colombia-Venezuela border region due to high levels of crime, kidnapping, armed conflict, and the risk of arbitrary detention.
Travelers are also warned about violent crimes such as murder, assault and robbery, as well as organized criminal activities, including extortion and kidnapping.
In fact, as Norwegian Cruise Line shifts its focus to Caribbean sailings — including expanded visits to Great Stirrup Cay — its presence in South America is coming to a halt.
The Norwegian Star, part of the Norwegian Cruise Line fleet, has wrapped up its final season in the region, where it previously visited ports in Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, Chile, and even ventured to Antarctica.
With the cancellation of its South American itineraries for the 2025–2026 season, Norwegian currently has no ships scheduled to return to that part of the world for at least the next two years.
If you must travel to Colombia, the State Dept. advises:
- Visit the website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.
- Avoid demonstrations and crowds.
- Check local media for breaking news. Be prepared to adjust your plans.
- Keep a low profile.
- Do not display signs of wealth, such as expensive watches or jewelry.
- Stay aware of your surroundings.
- Travel only during daylight hours.
- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive messages and Alerts from the U.S. Embassy and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
- Review the Country Security Report for Colombia.
- Prepare a plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist.
- Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel and return to the United States.
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