Colombia · Safety report last updated
As of July 2026, Barranquilla scores 53/100 on the IsMyTripSafe composite safety index — verdict: mostly — take normal precautions. Exercise a high degree of caution when visiting Barranquilla due to elevated crime rates and specific security concerns. The main risks for visitors are pickpocketing (moderate risk) and robbery (high risk).
Safety Report
IsMyTripSafe.com
Colombia · Assessed 29 July 2026
53
/ 100
Safer than ~45% of countries
What drives this score
01 · Official Guidance
Advises against all-but-essential travel to parts
“Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). Areas where FCDO advises against all but essential travel Colombia-Venezuela border and northern Colombia FCDO advises against all but essential travel to: all of Norte de Santander Department, including Cúcuta.”
Updated 2026-06-22T15:51:45Z
Full advisory →Exercise a high degree of caution (with regional advisories)
“Canada's official risk level for Colombia: exercise a high degree of caution (with regional advisories).”
Updated 2026-07-29T14:31:46.2003107-04:00
Full advisory →02 · Evidence Signals
Mugging & robbery risk
City SignalCity Web Research
Pickpocketing & theft risk
City SignalCity Web Research
Visitor safety sentiment
City SignalCity Web Research
Urban scale factor
City SignalCity Geocoding
Homicide rate
Robbery / mugging
HighBarranquilla has a high homicide rate, and while direct targeting of tourists may be less common, the risk of mugging and armed robbery, particularly in certain neighborhoods or at night, is significant.
Pickpocketing
ModeratePickpocketing and bag-snatching are risks in crowded tourist areas, markets, and on public transportation.
03 · Environment
04 · Institutions
05 · Field Research
Traveller sentiment score
Cautiously Optimistic
50/100
While official advisories highlight risks, some recent travel reports suggest that with precautions, Barranquilla is visitable, with new flight routes and positive mentions of its cultural appeal. However, general sentiment indicates a need for constant vigilance.
Exercise a high degree of caution when visiting Barranquilla due to elevated crime rates and specific security concerns.
Barranquilla presents a mixed safety profile, with a high homicide rate compared to global averages and specific advisories for surrounding areas. While official advisories urge caution, there are indications of efforts to reduce local violence, and general travel sentiment suggests it's manageable with awareness. Visitors should be particularly vigilant against street crime and aware of health advisories.
Recent developments
Common scams
Full briefing
Barranquilla, Colombia, requires travelers to exercise a high degree of caution. While the city is a vibrant cultural hub, it faces significant safety challenges, primarily related to crime. The homicide rate remains a concern, placing it considerably higher than the global average, and official advisories from Canada and the UK recommend a high level of caution for Colombia overall, with specific regional advisories.
Recent security alerts have specifically targeted towns within the Department of Atlantico, where Barranquilla is located, indicating that localized security issues can arise. However, there have also been reports of gang truces in the region aimed at reducing violence, suggesting ongoing efforts to improve the security situation. Despite these challenges, some travel sources highlight new flight routes and the city's appeal, indicating that with proper precautions, it can be visited.
For visitors, the primary risks are street crime, including mugging and pickpocketing, particularly in crowded areas, markets, and at night. Scams targeting tourists are also a possibility, so it is crucial to be aware of your surroundings and avoid displaying wealth. Health advisories, including alerts for Yellow Fever and Dengue, necessitate ensuring vaccinations are up-to-date and taking preventative measures against mosquito bites.
To stay safe in Barranquilla, it is recommended to avoid displaying valuables, use reputable transportation services, and be vigilant, especially after dark. Staying informed about local conditions and heeding official travel advice are paramount. Ensure you have adequate travel insurance and are aware of any health requirements before your trip.
06 · Neighbourhoods
Our field research rated 6 Barranquilla districts for visitors: 3 safer, 3 needing caution. See them plotted on the Barranquilla safety map.
Centro HistóricocautionHistoric area can be busy but has risks of pickpocketing and petty theft, especially after dark.
Caribe VerdecautionWhile developing, some areas may have higher crime rates; exercise increased vigilance.
La 72cautionA commercial and residential area that can experience petty crime; be aware of surroundings.
El PradosaferGenerally considered a safe and affluent residential and commercial area.
RiomarsaferA modern and upscale district, typically safe for visitors.
Alto PradosaferSimilar to El Prado, this is a well-regarded and secure neighborhood.
07 · After Dark
53% of people in Colombia say they feel safe walking alone at night in their area (UN SDG survey, 2024).
Barranquilla has a high homicide rate, and while direct targeting of tourists may be less common, the risk of mugging and armed robbery, particularly in certain neighborhoods or at night, is significant.
After dark, be most careful around Centro Histórico, Caribe Verde, La 72. Stick to busy, well-lit streets and licensed taxis or ride-hail late at night.
08 · Trip Profiles
Who's travelling changes which risks matter. These re-weight Barranquilla's category data for common trip types — same data, different emphasis. Run your own profile from the interactive checker.
09 · Questions
Exercise a high degree of caution when visiting Barranquilla due to elevated crime rates and specific security concerns. Barranquilla presents a mixed safety profile, with a high homicide rate compared to global averages and specific advisories for surrounding areas. While official advisories urge caution, there are indications of efforts to reduce local violence, and general travel sentiment suggests it's manageable with awareness. Visitors should be particularly vigilant against street crime and aware of health advisories. (Assessed 29 July 2026.)
Areas bordering Malambo and Baranoa (as per U.S. Embassy alert); Peripheral neighborhoods with less development and visibility. See the district-by-district safety map.
Barranquilla ranks #8 of 9 Colombia destinations we've assessed, scoring 53/100. See the Colombia safety overview for the full list.
The score blends 12+ public data sources — government advisories, UNODC/World Bank crime statistics, WHO health data, live air quality and disaster alerts — with AI field research over current local reporting. The databases carry 82% of the weight; the traveller-sentiment score from field research carries 18%. Full methodology.
Browse the Colombia safety overview or all destinations. Raw data: barranquilla.json (CC BY 4.0).
