Colombia is bracing for a contested presidential election amid a surge in politically motivated violence that has left dozens dead in the weeks leading up to polling day. Authorities have blamed dissident factions of the former FARC rebel group for a wave of attacks targeting infrastructure, civilian areas, and political figures along the Pan-American Highway and in rural departments of Cauca and Nariño.
At least twelve people were killed in a single attack on the Pan-American Highway near Cajibio, in what officials described as a calculated act designed to disrupt campaigning. The attack followed a series of smaller bombings in regional cities, prompting the government to deploy additional military and police units to high-risk areas.
The National Electoral Council has insisted that voting will proceed as scheduled, though it has acknowledged that certain rural polling stations may face logistical challenges. The violence presents a serious challenge for the frontrunner candidates, who have been forced to balance their campaigns with appeals for calm.
Both leading candidates have called for dialogue with armed groups but differ sharply on what conditions, if any, would justify renewed peace talks. Polls suggest the race remains too close to call, with security and economic opportunity consistently ranking as voters’ top concerns.
For foreign travellers already in Colombia or planning visits, the situation demands careful attention but does not necessarily mean you should cancel your trip. Understanding the current security landscape is essential for making informed decisions about where to go and how to stay safe while enjoying everything this incredible country has to offer.
The key thing to understand is that the violence is highly concentrated in specific rural corridors, particularly along the Pan-American Highway between Popayán and Pasto, and in parts of Cauca and Nariño departments. Major tourist hubs like Cartagena, Medellín, Bogotá, and the Coffee Region have not experienced direct spillover from these incidents and remain popular destinations for digital nomads and remote workers.
That said, politically motivated unrest can escalate quickly and unpredictably, so staying informed is your best defence. Download the U.S.
State Department’s Smart Traveller Enrollment Program or your country’s equivalent to receive real-time alerts about security developments. Local Colombian news outlets like El Tiempo and Blu Radio provide excellent English-language coverage that can help you track the situation day by day.
If you are a digital nomad currently based in Colombia, consider adjusting your travel plans to avoid the southern corridor entirely until after the election results are confirmed and any post-election tensions have subsided. The window of highest risk typically spans the week before and the week after polling day, so building in flexibility around those dates is a smart move.
Colombia’s major cities continue to offer world-class coworking spaces, reliable internet, and vibrant expat communities that make them ideal bases for remote work. Medellín’El Poblado and Laureles neighbourhoods, for example, host dozens of coworking hubs with fibre-optic connections and monthly memberships starting around $150 USD.
Bogotá’s Chapinero district has emerged as a tech-friendly enclave with a growing number of cafés and shared offices catering to location-independent professionals.
One practical tip for navigating this period is to register with your embassy or consulate upon arrival, even if you are only staying a few weeks. This simple step ensures you receive emergency notifications and can access consular assistance if conditions change suddenly.
It also helps authorities locate you in the unlikely event of a security incident near your area.
Travel insurance is another non-negotiable, especially during periods of political instability. Make sure your policy explicitly covers trip disruption due to civil unrest, as many standard plans exclude this scenario.
Companies like SafetyWing and World Nomads offer policies designed specifically for long-term travellers and remote workers, with coverage that includes emergency evacuation if needed.
Despite the headlines, millions of Colombians are going about their daily lives, and the country’s tourism infrastructure remains fully operational. Hotels, airlines, and tour operators in major destinations are reporting normal booking levels, and local businesses are eager to welcome visitors.
The Colombian peso has also remained relatively stable, which keeps costs favourable for foreign travellers earning in stronger currencies.
Colombia has weathered political turbulence before, and its democratic institutions have proven resilient through decades of conflict. The 2016 peace accord with FARC, despite ongoing challenges with dissident factions, marked a turning point that opened the country to a new era of tourism and international investment.
This election, while tense, is part of that continuing democratic process.
For remote workers and digital nomads, the best approach is to stay informed, avoid high-risk zones, and keep your plans flexible without letting fear dictate your itinerary. Colombia remains one of the most rewarding destinations in Latin America for location-independent professionals, offering rich culture, stunning landscapes, and a welcoming community that extends far beyond the current political cycle.
Keep monitoring trusted news sources, maintain open communication with your embassy, and trust your instincts if a situation feels unsafe. With sensible precautions in place, you can continue to enjoy Colombia’s incredible offerings while staying well clear of the areas most affected by election-related tensions.
