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To travel to Colombia, the Colombian Immigration authorities will require certain vaccines depending on the destination you are going to in the country.
Places that require the yellow fever vaccine
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Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta National Park
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Tayrona Park
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The different reserves of the Colombian Amazon
However, there are other places in Colombia with a higher probability of contagion, remember that yellow fever is transmitted by infected mosquitoes and can be preventable by vaccine.
High-risk departments for yellow fever
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Amazonas.
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Arauca.
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Caquetá.
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Casanare.
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Cesar.
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Guainía.
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Guaviare.
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La Guajira.
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Meta.
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Putumayo.
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Vichada.
Specific high-risk municipalities in other departments
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Magdalena: the district of Santa Marta and the municipalities of Ciénaga and Aracataca.
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North of Santander: the municipalities of Convencion, El Carmen, El Tarra, Teorama, Cucutilla, Sardinata, Tibú, El Zulia, Cúcuta, Abrego, Arboledas, Bochalema, Hacarí, Ocaña, Pamplonita, San Calixto, San Cayetano and Santiago.
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Santander: the municipalities of Encino, Puerto Wilches, Bucaramanga, Barrancabermeja, Charalá, Coromoro, Playón, Floridablanca, Girón, Piedecuesta, Rionegro, Sabana de Torres, Socorro and Suratá.
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Bolívar: the municipalities of Cantagallo, Morales, San Pablo and Simití.
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Boyacá: the municipalities of Páez and Paya.
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Huila: the municipalities of Acevedo, Algeciras, Garzón, Guadalupe and Suaza.
Keep in mind that this vaccine must be applied at least 10 days before traveling to destinations where prior application is required; you can access it in the main cities of Colombia.
Recommended vaccines
These recommended vaccines are not mandatory, hepatitis A and typhoid fevers. The same goes for anti-malaria pills, which are only useful if you are going to visit jungle areas.
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Welcome to Colombia, folks! Or as I like to call it, the land of coffee, cocaine, and… yellow fever! Yeah, that’s right, if you’re planning a trip to this lovely country, you’d better make sure you’re up to date on your vaccinations. And I mean, really up to date, like with a ‘Get out of the mosquito-infested jungle alive’ booster shot. (Rowan Atkinson voice)
Now, I know what you’re thinking, “Jimmy, what are the hotspots for yellow fever?” Well, apart from the obvious (the Amazon rainforest), there are a few areas that’ll require you to get the jab. Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta National Park, Tayrona Park, and the different reserves of the Colombian Amazon – basically, anywhere with too many bugs and not enough bug spray.
And don’t even get me started on the high-risk departments. It’s like a list of names your mum would tell you to avoid at all costs: Amazonas, Arauca, Caquetá… sounds like a interpersonal dispute waiting to happen. (Ricky Gervais chuckle)
But seriously, if you’re planning to venture into these areas, get vaccinated, folks. You don’t want to be stuck in a dingy Colombian hospital with a case of yellow fever, trust me. And while you’re at it, get the recommended vaccines too – hepatitis A, typhoid fever… all the classics. It’s like a fun little starter pack for your Colombian adventure. (Lee Evans laugh)
Now, specific high-risk municipalities, you ask? Magdalena, North of Santander, Santander… it’s like a geography lesson gone wrong. I mean, I’ve heard of Bucaramanga, but Encino? Puerto Wilches? (Jimmy Carr snark) Sounds like a puppet show featuring a bijou gang of slightly-painful toenail clippings in a southern ring.
And remember, the yellow fever vaccine needs to be applied at least 10 days before traveling to destinations where prior application is required. Yeah, because nothing says “relaxing holiday” like sticking a needle full of yellow fever vaccine in your arm. (Rowan Atkinson impressions)
So, if you’re thinking of hopping on a plane to Colombia, just make sure you’re… beware of the ticks, and all that. Get your shots, enjoy your trip, and try not to say “Ay, caramba!” too much when you’re running from those pesky mosquitoes.
Cheers!
