Yellow Fever Vaccination Requirements for Colombia Travel 2025
🔍 Quick Answer: Do I Need Yellow Fever Vaccine for Colombia?
Most travelers to Colombia do NOT need yellow fever vaccination. Colombia does not require yellow fever vaccination for entry at international airports. However, vaccination is recommended for specific regions including Amazon rainforest areas and certain national parks.
🏙️ Colombia Destinations That Don’t Require Yellow Fever Vaccine
Bogotá
Vaccine FreeColombia’s vibrant capital city and main international gateway. High altitude (2,640m) eliminates yellow fever risk.
Must-see: La Candelaria historic district, Gold Museum, Monserrate
Cartagena de Indias
Vaccine FreeUNESCO World Heritage Caribbean port with stunning colonial architecture and pristine beaches.
Must-see: Walled City, Bocagrande beaches, San Felipe Castle
Medellín
Vaccine Free«City of Eternal Spring» known for perfect climate, innovation, and cultural transformation.
Must-see: Comuna 13 graffiti tours, cable car system, Guatapé
Coffee Triangle
Vaccine FreeUNESCO World Heritage coffee landscape with farm tours and stunning mountain scenery.
Must-see: Salento, Cocora Valley palm trees, coffee farm tours
Cali
Vaccine FreeWorld salsa dancing capital with vibrant nightlife and excellent dance schools.
Must-see: Salsa clubs, Cristo Rey statue, historic center
Villa de Leyva
Vaccine FreeBest preserved colonial town with cobblestone streets and white colonial architecture.
Must-see: Main plaza, paleontological museums, weekend markets
⚠️ Colombia Destinations Requiring Yellow Fever Vaccination
Amazon Rainforest
Vaccine RequiredLeticia and jungle lodges offer incredible wildlife experiences but require vaccination.
Activities: River cruises, indigenous communities, wildlife watching
Tayrona National Park
Vaccine RecommendedPristine Caribbean beaches and ancient ruins near Santa Marta.
Activities: Beach camping, hiking, archaeological sites
Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta
Vaccine RecommendedLost City trekking and indigenous territories in Colombia’s highest mountain range.
Activities: Ciudad Perdida trek, coffee farms, indigenous culture
Eastern Plains (Llanos)
Vaccine RecommendedRemote wildlife safaris and cattle ranching experiences.
Activities: Bird watching, river activities, eco-tourism
- When to vaccinate: Minimum 10 days before travel to risk areas
- Vaccine validity: Single dose provides lifelong protection
- Age restrictions: 9 months to 59 years (consult doctor for exceptions)
- Where to get vaccinated: Travel clinics or health departments
- International certificate: Required if traveling from endemic countries
🛡️ Health Tips and Mosquito Prevention for Colombia
🦟 Insect Protection
Use DEET-based repellent (25-30% concentration) especially during dawn and dusk hours when mosquitoes are most active.
👕 Protective Clothing
Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants in tropical areas. Light-colored clothing reduces mosquito attraction.
🏨 Accommodation Choice
Choose air-conditioned hotels when possible. Use mosquito nets for outdoor camping or budget lodging.
💊 Additional Vaccines
Ensure routine vaccinations are up to date. Consider Hepatitis A/B vaccination for extended stays.
