Arriving in Medellin, Colombia 2021
Covid, Lockdown, and Everything You Need to Know
So you’ve made the decision. After months of waiting at home, you’re finally ready to venture back out into the world. And you’ve chosen Colombia as your first destination (yay!) But how do you even begin to travel in a post-covid world?
Why is Colombia the best destination for 2021 Travel?
In my opinion, Colombia is PERFECT for post-COVID travel. Why?
It’s a tropical country where the main appeal is the outdoors
You won’t have any issue spending most of your day outside
They have the best hospitals and healthcare in Central America
Measures are in place to mitigate the spread of COVID but they won’t ruin your trip, and
it’s AFFORDABLE!
Traveling Responsibly during COVID
I know it’s not fun but I’ve got to say it. Even with countries opening up again, the pandemic is still a very real threat worldwide, and there are some things you need to consider before you travel to make sure you can do it safely because getting yourself or someone else sick is never fun!
Here are some questions to ask yourself before you travel:
Am I willing to assume the risk of catching COVID while I travel? Do I have the financial means to quarantine in a foreign country (for up to 14 days) if it is required?
Am I in a financial position to take time off work before AND after travel so I can safely quarantine for 7 days AND be tested, or do I work remotely and can quarantine that way?
Do I live with or have frequent contact with anyone who is a high COVID risk? How do I feel about putting them at risk? Can I take the necessary measures to protect them?
Am I willing to make small sacrifices and adapt my behaviors to keep myself, other travelers, and locals of the country I am visiting safe and healthy?
Pandemic Travel guidelines
My suggestions based on current research*
Quarantine for 7-10 days before you travel. This means no seeing friends indoors and no going out to eat! Stick to getting outside for the fresh air and short grocery store trips if home delivery isn’t an option for you.
GET. A. PCR. TEST. Firstly, Colombia now requires a PCR test for entry, and second, it’s just the right thing to do.
Wear Your Mask. Please. By choosing to travel you are putting yourself at risk, but there’s no reason to increase the risk for others. Wear your mask over your mouth AND nose whenever you’re indoors and around other people ESPECIALLY when near locals and customer service peoples. Current research suggests a new 3-ply surgical mask is best for protecting yourself and others.
Avoid events, bars, and restaurants. I know this can be a BIG part of travel for many people, but it’s an unnecessary risk. It really is. The data surrounding COVID suggests that spreading happens most often when people are close together, without masks on, in a poorly ventilated area. Restaurants tend to fit this description. But that doesn’t mean you have to miss out on the local cuisine! Colombia has a whole host of food delivery apps, like Rappi and Wabo, where you can order cheap and delicious food. And if you’re in the mood for a wander around, Empanada stands and street vendors are happy to prepare takeaway!
If possible, book a private room. If you’re traveling Colombia with a partner, backpacking buddy, or friend, this will often cost you just a few more dollars a night per person- or be cheaper than a dorm if you’re lucky.
But if you travel solo like me… sometimes the prices just start creeping up. And here’s my philosophy on dorms. You and everyone else in that dorm are willingly taking a risk by staying there. And since you’re taking steps not to put anyone else you come in contact with at risk, it’s reasonable. Again, this is just my personal opinion.
But if you’re going to stay in a dorm room, find one with curtains around the bunks, keep the windows open, and try to stay away from your dormmates as much as possible. I know, it’s hard. Another hint is to choose hostels that are only booking dorms to ½ capacity or to book the more expensive dorm rooms in a hostel that tend not to be full. You can also check Hostelworld a day or two before to see how full a place is going to be.
Embrace the great outdoors. If you’re like me, one of the main draws of travel is the chance to explore all of mother nature’s glory around the world. And guess what? Outdoor activities are generally considered LOW risk for COVID!
*note: these are BASED on information from the CDC and WHO but are NOT recommendations from any organization. Both organizations still suggest staying at home.
What’s it like getting into Colombia in 2021?
To be honest, it changes daily. I’ve been here just over a week, and we’ve had about half a dozen policy changes in this time. But for now…
1. A Negative PCR test taken less than 96 hours before arrival is now required to enter Colombia. This is GREAT news. Colombia is putting measures in place to protect its citizens and tourists. And because it’s usually possible to find a PCR test that comes back in 2-3 days (as opposed to the practically impossible 48 hours some countries are requiring), Colombia is safe AND accessible. In the USA, Most cities offer free PCR tests but if you end up paying, it’ll cost you around $100.
2. You MUST fill out the Migration form online 24 hours or less before your arrival. They won’t let you check in at the airport until you can show them the confirmation!
3. There’s a contact tracing app, Called CoronAPP, that all travelers are supposed to download. I downloaded it and recommend you do too, but as of now, the app won’t let you register without a Colombian phone number…
4. Pico y Cedula is in place until at least Jan 11th in all major cities. The way this works varies by city but in Medellin, this means that if your government ID ends in 1,3,5,7,9 you can enter public places like grocery stores and banks on ODD days of the month, and if your ID ends in 0,2,4,6,8 you can enter on EVEN days of the month. Note: this doesn’t apply to restaurants, but remember, we’re avoiding those.
5. Lockdowns and Curfews are happening. It happened over New Years and it’s happening again this holiday weekend. The intensity of lockdowns and curfews varies, in the Antioquia region, it’s based upon ICU bed occupancy. This coming weekend the lowest level is 10 pm to 5 am curfew and the highest is a 3-day total lockdown in Medellin. Luckily, food couriers are allowed to run during lockdown!
6. Some attractions, parks, and sights are closed. It depends on the region and it’s changing by the day. If something you wanted to do is closed, don’t fret for too long. Colombia is FULL of wonders! When activities are open, ask yourself if you can participate safely.
Travel in 2021 is a whole new ball game and you have to take some extra precautions, but that doesn’t mean it’s impossible. If you’ve got the right mindset and a commitment to keep others safe, travel in 2021 is going to be just as epic as before. I highly recommend making your first 2021 travel destination Colombia. It’s so beautiful and I can’t wait to explore more of it.
Hope to see you here soon!
Have any questions about COVID travel? Comment below!
*information was accurate and links active at the time of posting. Last updated: 9/1/21