Americans traveling in Colombia this weekend should build extra time into airport transfers, avoid political gatherings and be cautious with border or river travel as the country holds the second round of its presidential election on Sunday, June 21. The election itself does not mean that U.S. travelers must cancel Colombia trips, but fresh government guidance makes clear that the weekend brings a different operating environment than an ordinary summer visit.
The U.S. Embassy in Colombia issued a security alert for the June 21 presidential runoff, warning that Colombian authorities are implementing public-order restrictions around the vote. Canada also updated its Colombia travel advice on June 18 with election-specific details, saying the security environment can change quickly and unpredictably during elections.
For U.S. travelers, the most practical takeaway is simple: flights may continue, but movement on the ground can become less predictable. Demonstrations, police deployments, temporary road closures and changes near transportation facilities can affect how long it takes to reach hotels, airports, cruise connections or intercity transportation.
What Restrictions Travelers Should Expect
Canadian travel guidance says Colombian authorities are enforcing restrictions intended to preserve public order ahead of the vote. Those include a dry law in Bogota from 12:00 a.m. on June 19 until 12:00 p.m. on June 22, alcohol-sale restrictions elsewhere in Colombia from 6:00 p.m. on June 20 until 12:00 p.m. on June 22, and the closure of land and river border crossings from 6:00 p.m. on June 20 until 6:00 a.m. on June 22.
Those restrictions are especially important for travelers planning overland movement to or from Ecuador, Venezuela, Peru, Brazil or Panama, as well as travelers using river routes in border regions. They also matter for visitors whose itineraries rely on nightlife, restaurants, guided tours, events or late check-ins during the election weekend.
Local authorities can extend restrictions or add localized measures if conditions change. Travelers should monitor local media, hotel notices, tour-operator updates and airline messages before leaving for airports or long-distance transfers.
Why the Election Matters for Travel Planning
Colombia is a major Latin American destination for U.S. leisure, family, business and adventure travel, with Americans commonly routing through Bogota, Medellin and Cartagena. The June 21 runoff arrives after a polarized presidential campaign and amid a broader security backdrop that already has Colombia under a U.S. State Department Level 3 advisory, which tells Americans to reconsider travel because of crime, terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping and natural-disaster risks.
The State Department specifically warns that political demonstrations in Colombia can shut down roads and highways, reduce access to public transportation, interrupt travel within and between cities, and sometimes turn violent. It also lists airports, transportation centers, tourist areas, hotels, clubs, restaurants and shopping areas among potential targets for terrorist violence.
Associated Press reporting this week added another layer of context: Colombia's National Liberation Army, known as the ELN, announced a unilateral ceasefire from June 20 to June 23 ahead of the vote. That announcement may reduce one category of risk, but it does not remove the need for cautious travel planning in a country where security conditions vary sharply by region.
What This Means at Airports
Travelers flying through Bogota should check the El Dorado International Airport guide and the Bogota live flight board before leaving for the airport. In Medellin, use the Jose Maria Cordova International Airport guide and MDE live flight board. For Caribbean coast trips, check the Cartagena airport guide and CTG live flight board.
Airports may not be the center of election activity, but the roads around them can still be affected by security checks, traffic changes or demonstrations elsewhere in the city. Travelers should leave earlier than usual, use a known hotel-arranged or app-based transfer where available, and avoid changing airports or cities on a tight same-day schedule.
Colombia also requires travelers to complete the free Check-Mig form before travel. The State Department says the form should be completed within the required pre-travel window before flights to or from Colombia. U.S. citizens do not need a visa for tourism or business stays of 90 days or less, but they should travel with a valid passport and proof of onward or return travel.
Ground Transportation Needs More Caution
Election weekends are a poor time to improvise with transport. The State Department warns U.S. citizens to avoid demonstrations and crowds, monitor local media, keep a low profile and stay alert in tourist areas. It also notes that U.S. government employees in Colombia are prohibited from hailing taxis from the street or using public transportation because of security risks.
For visitors, that means airport pickups, hotel transfers and intercity movement should be arranged before arrival whenever possible. Travelers should avoid isolated roads after dark, confirm whether tours are still operating, and ask hotels about any neighborhood-specific security guidance. If a protest or road closure appears near a planned route, the safer move is to delay or reroute rather than attempt to pass through it.
Who Should Reconsider Plans
Most short city breaks to Bogota, Medellin or Cartagena can continue with extra caution if flights and accommodations are confirmed. However, travelers should reconsider plans that depend on land borders, river crossings, remote roads, late-night intercity drives or visits to areas already named in high-risk government advisories.
The State Department says Americans should not travel to Arauca, Cauca except Popayan, Valle del Cauca except Cali, and Norte de Santander because of crime and terrorism. It also says travelers should avoid the Colombia-Venezuela border region within 10 kilometers because of crime, kidnapping, armed conflict and risk of detention.
Travel advisors and tour operators selling Colombia this week should proactively contact clients with weekend itineraries, especially those arriving Friday through Monday, traveling onward by road, or planning nightlife-heavy city stays. Flexible pickup times, verified guides, trip-interruption coverage and clear emergency contacts are more valuable than usual during the election period.
The Bottom Line for U.S. Travelers
Colombia remains open to visitors, and the election restrictions are temporary. But the June 21 runoff creates a short-term planning issue for Americans: allow more time, avoid crowds, confirm transport, check flight status before leaving for the airport and do not rely on land or river borders during the closure window.
The best approach is conservative, not alarmist. Travelers who keep schedules flexible, stay in well-serviced areas, use trusted transportation and follow local instructions are better positioned to get through the weekend with fewer disruptions.