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Colombia · Safety report last updated
As of October 2026, Barranquilla scores 44/100 on the IsMyTripSafe composite safety index — verdict: caution advised. Barranquilla requires a high degree of caution due to significant risks of violent crime and petty theft. The main risks for visitors are pickpocketing (moderate risk) and robbery (high risk).
Safety Report
IsMyTripSafe.com
Colombia · Assessed 13 October 2026
44
/ 100
What drives this score
01 · Official Guidance
Advises against all travel to parts of the country
“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 2026-10-07T10:45:33Z
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 2026-10-09T15:13:11.0763047-04:00
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
HighHigh risk of mugging and armed robbery, particularly in less populated areas and at night.
Pickpocketing
ModerateModerate risk of pickpocketing and bag-snatching in crowded tourist spots, markets, and on public transport.
03 · Environment
04 · Institutions
05 · Field Research
Traveller sentiment score
Very Negative
40/100
Locals and visitors report feeling unsafe, with a strong worry about mugging and robbery, and a low sense of security when walking alone, especially after dark.
Barranquilla requires a high degree of caution due to significant risks of violent crime and petty theft.
While Barranquilla has a vibrant culture, its safety profile is marked by high crime rates, particularly violent crime and robbery, and a low public perception of safety, especially at night. Travelers should remain vigilant and aware of their surroundings.
Recent developments
Common scams
Full briefing
Barranquilla presents a complex safety landscape, with official advisories urging a high degree of caution. The city's crime index is high, and residents and visitors alike report feeling a significant lack of safety, particularly when walking alone after dark. Violent crime is a major concern, with a high reported incidence of muggings and robberies.
Recent security alerts, such as the U.S. Embassy's warning against travel to nearby towns in the Atlantico Department in June 2026, underscore the volatile security situation in the region. Reports from June 2024 also highlighted escalating violence linked to mafia wars in Caribbean port cities, which can impact areas like Barranquilla. Petty crime, including pickpocketing and bag-snatching, is also a risk, especially in busy areas.
To mitigate these risks, travelers should prioritize personal security. This includes avoiding walking alone at night, keeping valuables discreet, and using trusted transportation services. Staying informed about local conditions and heeding official advisories are crucial for a safer visit.
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06 · Neighbourhoods
Our field research rated 8 Barranquilla districts for visitors: 3 safer, 3 needing caution and 2 best avoided. See them plotted on the Barranquilla safety map.
MalamboavoidOfficial advisories warn against travel to this municipality.
SoledadavoidWhile a municipality within the metro area, it has higher crime concerns.
Centro HistóricocautionHigher risk of petty crime and scams, be aware of surroundings.
Caribe VerdecautionMixed area, exercise caution, especially after dark.
Las NievescautionCan experience higher crime rates, be vigilant.
El PradosaferGenerally considered a safe and upscale residential area.
RiomarsaferA modern and affluent district, typically safe for visitors.
Alto PradosaferSimilar to El Prado, known for being safe and well-maintained.
07 · After Dark
53% of people in Colombia say they feel safe walking alone at night in their area (UN SDG survey, 2024).
High risk of mugging and armed robbery, particularly in less populated areas and at night.
After dark, be most careful around Malambo, Soledad, Centro Histórico, Caribe Verde. Stick to busy, well-lit streets and licensed taxis or ride-hail late at night.
08 · Questions
Barranquilla requires a high degree of caution due to significant risks of violent crime and petty theft. While Barranquilla has a vibrant culture, its safety profile is marked by high crime rates, particularly violent crime and robbery, and a low public perception of safety, especially at night. Travelers should remain vigilant and aware of their surroundings. (Assessed 13 October 2026.)
Safety is not one number, and this Barranquilla report does not pretend it is: the score is re-weighted for who is travelling. A woman travelling alone, a family with children and a solo backpacker face different street-level risks, so the headline score shifts and the report leads with the findings that matter for that group. Personalize this report in one click to see the 2026 score and safety briefing for your specific travellers.
Field research flags Malambo, Soledad as best avoided. See the district-by-district safety map.
Barranquilla ranks #9 of 9 Colombia destinations we've assessed, scoring 44/100. See the Colombia safety overview for the full list.
The score blends 14+ public data sources — government advisories, UNODC/World Bank crime statistics, FBI crime data for U.S. cities, WHO health data, live air quality and disaster alerts — with AI field research over current local reporting. The databases carry the bulk of the weight; the traveller-sentiment score from field research carries the rest. Full methodology.
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Raw data: barranquilla.json (CC BY 4.0).
